GENZ vs. NXTG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

GENZ (VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF) and NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - GENZ tracks the MarketVector Digital Native Economy Index while NXTG tracks the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GENZ returned 2.68%/yr vs 17.57%/yr for NXTG. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GENZ charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NXTG.

Performance

GENZ vs. NXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) 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, GENZ achieves a -13.07% return, which is significantly lower than NXTG's 51.79% return. Over the past 10 years, GENZ has underperformed NXTG with an annualized return of 2.68%, while NXTG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.57% annualized return.

GENZ

• 1D: 2.39%
• 1M: -1.11%
• YTD: -13.07%
• 6M: -12.16%
• 1Y: -6.52%
• 3Y*: -4.39%
• 5Y*: -6.69%
• 10Y*: 2.68%

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)

GENZ vs. NXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GENZ VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF	-13.07%	4.15%	-1.39%	11.52%	-12.83%	-4.30%	12.72%	30.17%	-26.79%	41.11%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	51.79%	28.46%	12.85%	28.74%	-24.70%	21.81%	27.58%	29.58%	-17.25%	28.02%

Correlation

The correlation between GENZ and NXTG is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2011	0.59

Over the past year, the correlation between GENZ and NXTG has dropped to 0.34 - well below their long-term average of 0.59, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

GENZ vs. NXTG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GENZ	NXTG
Financial Services	29.3%	-
Communication Services	29.1%	21.7%
Technology	20.6%	66.1%
Consumer Cyclical	20.2%	0.4%
Industrials	0.9%	4.3%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	7.5%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GENZ vs. NXTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GENZ

GENZ Risk / Return Rank: 6
GENZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
GENZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
GENZ Omega Ratio Rank: 6
GENZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
GENZ Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

GENZ vs. NXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) 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.

	GENZ	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.34	4.24	-4.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.37	5.38	-5.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	1.73	-0.77
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.25	7.64	-7.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.46	29.86	-30.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GENZ vs. NXTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GENZ Sharpe Ratio is -0.34, which is lower than the NXTG Sharpe Ratio of 4.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GENZ 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GENZ	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.34	4.24	-4.58
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.27	1.05	-1.32
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.11	0.93	-0.83
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.06	0.68	-0.62

Drawdowns

GENZ vs. NXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GENZ drawdown since its inception was -71.12%, which is greater than NXTG's maximum drawdown of -33.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GENZ and NXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GENZ	NXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.12%	-33.61%	-37.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.40%	-10.28%	-16.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.40%	-17.75%	-8.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.89%	-33.61%	-9.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-56.43%	-33.61%	-22.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.75%	-2.59%	-29.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.54%	-7.87%	-16.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.28%	2.62%	+11.66%

Volatility

GENZ vs. NXTG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) is 5.94%, while First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) has a volatility of 8.51%. This indicates that GENZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NXTG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GENZ	NXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.94%	8.51%	-2.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.21%	15.41%	-0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.16%	18.54%	+0.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.52%	17.94%	+6.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.11%	18.88%	+6.23%

GENZ vs. NXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GENZ has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than NXTG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

GENZ vs. NXTG - Dividend Comparison

GENZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.84%, more than NXTG's 1.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GENZ VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF	3.84%	3.34%	2.88%	1.68%	0.44%	0.79%	0.47%	2.95%	3.43%	2.31%	3.15%	4.09%
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 GENZ and NXTG in my portfolio?

GENZ and NXTG have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GENZ or NXTG?

NXTG has higher volatility (8.51%) compared to GENZ (5.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GENZ dropped -71.12% vs NXTG's -33.61%.

Which ETF is better, GENZ or NXTG?

On 10-year performance, NXTG leads with 17.57% vs 2.68% for GENZ. On fees, GENZ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, GENZ has been the lower-risk option at 5.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GENZ or NXTG?

Over the 10-year period, NXTG has performed better with a 17.57% return vs 2.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GENZ or NXTG?

GENZ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.

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

GENZ has the higher dividend yield at 3.84%, compared with 1.13% for NXTG.

What is the main difference between GENZ and NXTG?

GENZ tracks MarketVector Digital Native Economy Index, while NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for GENZ and 0.70% for NXTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.24 vs -0.34), 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.