ETEC vs. NXTG

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

ETEC (iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF) and NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - ETEC tracks the Morningstar Global Emerging Green Technologies Select Index - Benchmark TR Net while NXTG tracks the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ETEC returned 4.97%/yr vs 30.86%/yr for NXTG. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ETEC charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NXTG.

Performance

ETEC vs. NXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF (ETEC) 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, ETEC achieves a 14.82% return, which is significantly lower than NXTG's 41.88% return.

ETEC

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -3.42%
• 6M: 10.61%
• YTD: 14.82%
• 1Y: 37.37%
• 3Y*: 4.97%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NXTG

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: -2.09%
• 6M: 38.90%
• YTD: 41.88%
• 1Y: 59.59%
• 3Y*: 30.86%
• 5Y*: 17.09%
• 10Y*: 16.70%

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

ETEC vs. NXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ETEC iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF	14.82%	31.89%	-18.16%	-6.50%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	41.88%	28.46%	12.85%	14.57%

Correlation

The correlation between ETEC and NXTG is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2023	0.73

The correlation between ETEC and NXTG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

ETEC vs. NXTG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ETEC	NXTG
Industrials	35.9%	4.2%
Consumer Cyclical	22.7%	0.4%
Technology	21.9%	71.2%
Energy	12.6%	-
Utilities	3.6%	-
Basic Materials	3.0%	-
Communication Services	-	18.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	6.2%

Return for Risk

ETEC vs. NXTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

ETEC

ETEC Risk / Return Rank: 60
ETEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
ETEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
ETEC Omega Ratio Rank: 54
ETEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
ETEC Martin Ratio Rank: 63

NXTG

NXTG Risk / Return Rank: 91
NXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
NXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
NXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 91
NXTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
NXTG Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

ETEC vs. NXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF (ETEC) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ETEC	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	2.70	-1.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.07	3.36	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.47	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	4.92	-1.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.96	15.57	-6.62

ETEC vs. NXTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETEC Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is lower than the NXTG Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETEC and NXTG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ETEC vs. NXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETEC drawdown since its inception was -39.71%, which is greater than NXTG's maximum drawdown of -33.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETEC and NXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETEC	NXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.71%	-33.61%	-6.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.60%	-11.91%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.71%	-17.75%	-21.96%
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	-11.00%	-8.95%	-2.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.75%	-7.92%	-6.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.17%	3.75%	+0.42%

Volatility

ETEC vs. NXTG - Volatility Comparison

iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF (ETEC) has a higher volatility of 11.55% compared to First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) at 9.43%. This indicates that ETEC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NXTG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETEC	NXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.55%	9.43%	+2.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.22%	19.20%	+1.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.30%	21.66%	+2.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.60%	18.65%	+5.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.60%	19.05%	+5.55%

ETEC vs. NXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETEC has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than NXTG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETEC vs. NXTG - Dividend Comparison

ETEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, less than NXTG's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ETEC iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF	0.46%	0.33%	1.24%	4.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	1.21%	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 ETEC and NXTG in my portfolio?

ETEC and NXTG have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ETEC or NXTG?

ETEC has higher volatility (11.55%) compared to NXTG (9.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETEC dropped -39.71% vs NXTG's -33.61%.

Which ETF is better, ETEC or NXTG?

On 3-year performance, NXTG leads with 30.86% vs 4.97% for ETEC. On fees, ETEC is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, NXTG has been the lower-risk option at 9.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETEC or NXTG?

Over the 3-year period, NXTG has performed better with a 30.86% return vs 4.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETEC or NXTG?

ETEC is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.

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

NXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.21%, compared with 0.46% for ETEC.

What is the main difference between ETEC and NXTG?

ETEC tracks Morningstar Global Emerging Green Technologies Select Index - Benchmark TR Net, while NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for ETEC and 0.70% for NXTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 1.54), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.