EXI vs. FTXR

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

EXI (iShares Global Industrials ETF) and FTXR (First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF) are both Industrials Equities funds - EXI tracks the S&P Global 1200 / Industrials -SEC while FTXR tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EXI returned 12.11%/yr vs 9.44%/yr for FTXR. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EXI charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXR.

Performance

EXI vs. FTXR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI) and First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EXI achieves a 12.24% return, which is significantly lower than FTXR's 18.26% return.

EXI

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: -0.57%
• 6M: 5.39%
• YTD: 12.24%
• 1Y: 19.38%
• 3Y*: 18.69%
• 5Y*: 12.11%
• 10Y*: 12.27%

FTXR

• 1D: 1.78%
• 1M: 1.36%
• 6M: 12.83%
• YTD: 18.26%
• 1Y: 41.03%
• 3Y*: 16.12%
• 5Y*: 9.44%
• 10Y*: —

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

EXI vs. FTXR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EXI iShares Global Industrials ETF	12.24%	25.88%	12.47%	22.04%	-12.36%	17.37%	11.33%	27.13%	-14.41%	25.16%
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	18.26%	14.70%	17.09%	20.93%	-25.38%	24.02%	15.03%	14.82%	-15.27%	15.82%

Correlation

The correlation between EXI and FTXR is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2016	0.72

The correlation between EXI and FTXR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

EXI vs. FTXR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EXI	FTXR
Industrials	94.4%	64.7%
Technology	4.0%	-
Utilities	2.6%	-
Communication Services	1.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	34.8%
Basic Materials	0.2%	-
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.1%	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

EXI vs. FTXR — Risk / Return Rank

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

EXI

EXI Risk / Return Rank: 40
EXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
EXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
EXI Omega Ratio Rank: 38
EXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EXI Martin Ratio Rank: 47

FTXR

FTXR Risk / Return Rank: 71
FTXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
FTXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FTXR Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FTXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FTXR Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

EXI vs. FTXR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI) and First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR). 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.

	EXI	FTXR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	1.91	-0.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	2.68	-0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.32	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	2.84	-1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.16	9.65	-3.49

EXI vs. FTXR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EXI Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is lower than the FTXR Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EXI and FTXR, 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

EXI vs. FTXR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EXI drawdown since its inception was -62.60%, which is greater than FTXR's maximum drawdown of -52.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EXI and FTXR.

Drawdown Indicators

	EXI	FTXR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.60%	-52.06%	-10.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.35%	-14.49%	+2.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.38%	-29.71%	+15.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.23%	-33.96%	+6.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.64%	0.00%	-3.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.92%	-10.94%	+1.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	4.26%	-1.10%

Volatility

EXI vs. FTXR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI) is 5.05%, while First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) has a volatility of 5.51%. This indicates that EXI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTXR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EXI	FTXR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.05%	5.51%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.46%	17.27%	-2.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.93%	21.59%	-4.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.17%	23.97%	-6.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.33%	24.71%	-6.38%

EXI vs. FTXR - Expense Ratio Comparison

EXI has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

EXI vs. FTXR - Dividend Comparison

EXI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, more than FTXR's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EXI iShares Global Industrials ETF	1.08%	1.32%	1.47%	1.84%	1.63%	1.42%	1.26%	1.72%	2.21%	1.48%	1.75%	1.95%
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	0.95%	1.52%	2.13%	1.50%	2.38%	0.67%	0.33%	1.34%	1.74%	1.18%	0.24%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EXI and FTXR in my portfolio?

EXI and FTXR have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EXI or FTXR?

FTXR has higher volatility (5.51%) compared to EXI (5.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EXI dropped -62.60% vs FTXR's -52.06%.

Which ETF is better, EXI or FTXR?

On 5-year performance, EXI leads with 12.11% vs 9.44% for FTXR. On fees, EXI is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, EXI has been the lower-risk option at 5.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EXI or FTXR?

Over the 5-year period, EXI has performed better with a 12.11% return vs 9.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EXI or FTXR?

EXI is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EXI or FTXR?

EXI has the higher dividend yield at 1.08%, compared with 0.95% for FTXR.

What is the main difference between EXI and FTXR?

EXI tracks S&P Global 1200 / Industrials -SEC, while FTXR tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for EXI and 0.60% for FTXR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.15), 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.