FTXR vs. RBLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTXR (First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF) and RBLD (First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF) are both Industrials Equities funds from First Trust - FTXR tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index while RBLD tracks the Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTXR returned 6.66%/yr vs 10.76%/yr for RBLD. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTXR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for RBLD.

Performance

FTXR vs. RBLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) and First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTXR achieves a 14.58% return, which is significantly lower than RBLD's 19.89% return.

FTXR

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 11.32%
• YTD: 14.58%
• 6M: 18.08%
• 1Y: 43.09%
• 3Y*: 19.84%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: —

RBLD

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 19.89%
• 6M: 18.51%
• 1Y: 28.68%
• 3Y*: 22.72%
• 5Y*: 10.76%
• 10Y*: 8.40%

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

FTXR vs. RBLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	14.58%	14.70%	17.09%	20.93%	-25.38%	24.02%	15.03%	14.82%	-15.27%	15.82%
RBLD First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF	19.89%	13.99%	17.94%	19.36%	-9.87%	12.98%	0.51%	12.81%	-21.72%	22.95%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXR and RBLD is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2016	0.67

The correlation between FTXR and RBLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (all time) to 0.77 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTXR vs. RBLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXR	RBLD
Industrials	67.1%	41.6%
Consumer Cyclical	32.4%	-
Energy	0.6%	9.3%
Basic Materials	-	6.2%
Communication Services	-	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	5.0%
Technology	-	9.2%
Utilities	-	28.6%

Return for Risk

FTXR vs. RBLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXR

FTXR Risk / Return Rank: 57
FTXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
FTXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
FTXR Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FTXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FTXR Martin Ratio Rank: 57

RBLD

RBLD Risk / Return Rank: 68
RBLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
RBLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
RBLD Omega Ratio Rank: 61
RBLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
RBLD Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

FTXR vs. RBLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) and First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD). 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.

	FTXR	RBLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	2.15	-0.16
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	2.93	-0.13
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.37	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	4.01	-1.02
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.08	13.80	-3.72
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTXR vs. RBLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXR Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the RBLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXR and RBLD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTXR	RBLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.99	2.15	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.64	-0.36
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.38	+0.02

Drawdowns

FTXR vs. RBLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXR drawdown since its inception was -52.06%, roughly equal to the maximum RBLD drawdown of -50.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXR and RBLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXR	RBLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.06%	-50.07%	-1.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.49%	-7.19%	-7.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.71%	-19.14%	-10.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.96%	-23.71%	-10.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.09%	-0.71%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.06%	-10.84%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.29%	2.08%	+2.21%

Volatility

FTXR vs. RBLD - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) has a higher volatility of 6.70% compared to First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD) at 4.27%. This indicates that FTXR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RBLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTXR	RBLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.70%	4.27%	+2.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.48%	10.39%	+6.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.79%	13.45%	+8.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.85%	16.82%	+7.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.75%	18.73%	+6.02%

FTXR vs. RBLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than RBLD's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXR vs. RBLD - Dividend Comparison

FTXR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.14%, more than RBLD's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	1.14%	1.52%	2.13%	1.50%	2.38%	0.67%	0.33%	1.34%	1.74%	1.18%	0.24%	0.00%
RBLD First Trust Alerian U.S. NextGen Infrastructure ETF	1.01%	1.19%	1.31%	1.16%	2.10%	1.45%	2.88%	1.84%	1.74%	1.49%	2.01%	1.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTXR and RBLD in my portfolio?

FTXR and RBLD have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXR or RBLD?

FTXR has higher volatility (6.70%) compared to RBLD (4.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXR dropped -52.06% vs RBLD's -50.07%.

Which ETF is better, FTXR or RBLD?

On 5-year performance, RBLD leads with 10.76% vs 6.66% for FTXR. On fees, FTXR is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, RBLD has been the lower-risk option at 4.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXR or RBLD?

Over the 5-year period, RBLD has performed better with a 10.76% return vs 6.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXR or RBLD?

FTXR is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for RBLD.

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

FTXR has the higher dividend yield at 1.14%, compared with 1.01% for RBLD.

What is the main difference between FTXR and RBLD?

FTXR tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index, while RBLD tracks Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure Index - Benchmark TR Net. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXR and 0.65% for RBLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RBLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.99), 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.