FTRI vs. IGE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FTRI (First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF) and IGE (iShares North American Natural Resources ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTRI is a Natural Resources fund tracking the Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index, while IGE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTRI returned 9.97%/yr vs 9.09%/yr for IGE. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTRI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for IGE.

Performance

FTRI vs. IGE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) and iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTRI achieves a 3.36% return, which is significantly lower than IGE's 15.54% return. Over the past 10 years, FTRI has outperformed IGE with an annualized return of 9.97%, while IGE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.09% annualized return.

FTRI

• 1D: -1.95%
• 1M: -5.47%
• YTD: 3.36%
• 6M: 2.05%
• 1Y: 14.91%
• 3Y*: 12.98%
• 5Y*: 7.56%
• 10Y*: 9.97%

IGE

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: -6.23%
• YTD: 15.54%
• 6M: 14.58%
• 1Y: 31.93%
• 3Y*: 18.55%
• 5Y*: 16.34%
• 10Y*: 9.09%

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

FTRI vs. IGE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	3.36%	33.62%	-3.93%	1.53%	7.49%	25.29%	-0.79%	21.97%	-8.34%	11.77%
IGE iShares North American Natural Resources ETF	15.54%	20.41%	7.55%	3.12%	33.24%	39.42%	-19.58%	17.16%	-21.59%	0.82%

Correlation

The correlation between FTRI and IGE is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 21, 2015	0.72

The correlation between FTRI and IGE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTRI vs. IGE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTRI	IGE
Basic Materials	56.6%	26.1%
Energy	15.7%	70.1%
Utilities	15.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	3.5%
Real Estate	3.6%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.2%
Industrials	-	0.1%
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

FTRI vs. IGE — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTRI

FTRI Risk / Return Rank: 23
FTRI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
FTRI Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
FTRI Omega Ratio Rank: 23
FTRI Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
FTRI Martin Ratio Rank: 24

IGE

IGE Risk / Return Rank: 64
IGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
IGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IGE Omega Ratio Rank: 56
IGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
IGE 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.

FTRI vs. IGE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) and iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE). 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.

	FTRI	IGE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	1.95	-1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	2.63	-1.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.33	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.98	3.65	-2.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.00	11.94	-8.94

FTRI vs. IGE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTRI Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is lower than the IGE Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTRI and IGE, 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

FTRI vs. IGE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTRI drawdown since its inception was -43.82%, smaller than the maximum IGE drawdown of -67.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTRI and IGE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTRI	IGE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.82%	-67.55%	+23.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.26%	-8.80%	-6.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.26%	-19.49%	+4.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.51%	-25.72%	-1.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.82%	-60.57%	+16.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.26%	-8.73%	-6.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.48%	-18.87%	+10.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.98%	2.68%	+2.30%

Volatility

FTRI vs. IGE - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) has a higher volatility of 6.05% compared to iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE) at 5.32%. This indicates that FTRI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IGE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTRI	IGE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.05%	5.32%	+0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.92%	12.96%	+1.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.08%	16.51%	+1.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.77%	22.41%	-1.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.94%	24.93%	-2.99%

FTRI vs. IGE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTRI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than IGE's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTRI vs. IGE - Dividend Comparison

FTRI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, more than IGE's 2.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	2.51%	2.35%	4.29%	6.56%	8.37%	6.58%	3.64%	6.25%	4.24%	3.60%	2.96%	0.89%
IGE iShares North American Natural Resources ETF	2.07%	2.32%	2.54%	2.85%	2.96%	2.92%	3.34%	5.55%	2.68%	2.11%	1.66%	3.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTRI and IGE in my portfolio?

FTRI and IGE have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTRI or IGE?

FTRI has higher volatility (6.05%) compared to IGE (5.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTRI dropped -43.82% vs IGE's -67.55%.

Which ETF is better, FTRI or IGE?

On 10-year performance, FTRI leads with 9.97% vs 9.09% for IGE. On fees, IGE is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, IGE has been the lower-risk option at 5.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTRI or IGE?

Over the 10-year period, FTRI has performed better with a 9.97% return vs 9.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTRI or IGE?

IGE is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTRI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTRI or IGE?

FTRI has the higher dividend yield at 2.51%, compared with 2.07% for IGE.

What is the main difference between FTRI and IGE?

FTRI is categorized as Natural Resources, while IGE is Energy Equities. FTRI tracks Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index, while IGE tracks S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FTRI and 0.39% for IGE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IGE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 0.83), 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.