DRGN vs. NXTG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DRGN (Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF) and NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - DRGN tracks the BITA China Generative AI Select Index while NXTG tracks the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DRGN charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NXTG.

Performance

DRGN vs. NXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (DRGN) and First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRGN achieves a 15.39% return, which is significantly lower than NXTG's 51.79% return.

DRGN

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: 4.18%
• YTD: 15.39%
• 6M: 15.70%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NXTG

• 1D: -1.78%
• 1M: 17.41%
• YTD: 51.79%
• 6M: 52.46%
• 1Y: 78.10%
• 3Y*: 35.00%
• 5Y*: 18.74%
• 10Y*: 17.57%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DRGN vs. NXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DRGN Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	15.39%	26.41%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	51.79%	12.71%

Correlation

The correlation between DRGN and NXTG is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 16, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

DRGN vs. NXTG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

NXTG

NXTG Risk / Return Rank: 95
NXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
NXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
NXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 95
NXTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
NXTG Martin Ratio Rank: 95

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DRGN vs. NXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (DRGN) and First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DRGN	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.93	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.52	0.68	+0.84

Drawdowns

DRGN vs. NXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRGN drawdown since its inception was -20.86%, smaller than the maximum NXTG drawdown of -33.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRGN and NXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRGN	NXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.86%	-33.61%	+12.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.28%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.75%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.97%	-2.59%	-5.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.93%	-7.87%	-0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.62%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DRGN	NXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.51%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	15.41%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.79%	18.54%	+16.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.79%	17.94%	+16.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.79%	18.88%	+15.91%

DRGN vs. NXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRGN has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than NXTG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRGN vs. NXTG - Dividend Comparison

DRGN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, less than NXTG's 1.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DRGN Themes China Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	1.05%	1.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	1.13%	1.56%	1.51%	2.15%	2.04%	1.97%	1.04%	0.77%	1.27%	1.65%	1.23%	1.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRGN and NXTG in my portfolio?

DRGN and NXTG have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DRGN or NXTG?

On fees, DRGN is cheaper at 0.39% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRGN or NXTG?

DRGN is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DRGN or NXTG?

NXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.13%, compared with 1.05% for DRGN.

What is the main difference between DRGN and NXTG?

DRGN tracks BITA China Generative AI Select Index, while NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. They also come from different issuers: Themes and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DRGN and 0.70% for NXTG.