HAIL vs. FTXR

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

HAIL (SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF) and FTXR (First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HAIL is a Global Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Smart Transportation Index, while FTXR is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HAIL returned -4.71%/yr vs 6.59%/yr for FTXR. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HAIL charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXR.

Performance

HAIL vs. FTXR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) 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, HAIL achieves a 34.24% return, which is significantly higher than FTXR's 14.61% return.

HAIL

• 1D: 3.04%
• 1M: 18.49%
• YTD: 34.24%
• 6M: 34.66%
• 1Y: 65.65%
• 3Y*: 16.30%
• 5Y*: -4.71%
• 10Y*: —

FTXR

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 7.95%
• YTD: 14.61%
• 6M: 20.73%
• 1Y: 44.82%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 6.59%
• 10Y*: —

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

HAIL vs. FTXR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HAIL SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF	34.24%	19.62%	-6.98%	9.65%	-45.72%	1.95%	84.33%	30.63%	-19.96%	-0.65%
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	14.61%	14.70%	17.09%	20.93%	-25.38%	24.02%	15.03%	14.82%	-15.27%	-0.10%

Correlation

The correlation between HAIL and FTXR is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 28, 2017	0.75

The correlation between HAIL and FTXR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

HAIL vs. FTXR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HAIL	FTXR
Consumer Cyclical	34.2%	32.4%
Technology	33.1%	-
Industrials	20.2%	67.1%
Communication Services	4.9%	-
Energy	4.4%	0.6%
Financial Services	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

HAIL vs. FTXR — Risk / Return Rank

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

HAIL

HAIL Risk / Return Rank: 62
HAIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
HAIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
HAIL Omega Ratio Rank: 56
HAIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
HAIL Martin Ratio Rank: 58

FTXR

FTXR Risk / Return Rank: 58
FTXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
FTXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
FTXR Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FTXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
FTXR Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

HAIL vs. FTXR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) 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.

	HAIL	FTXR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.07	+0.19
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	2.88	+0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.34	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.44	2.98	+0.46
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.42	10.06	+0.37
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HAIL vs. FTXR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HAIL Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the FTXR Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HAIL 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HAIL	FTXR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26	2.07	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.15	0.28	-0.43
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.21	0.40	-0.19

Drawdowns

HAIL vs. FTXR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HAIL drawdown since its inception was -65.98%, which is greater than FTXR's maximum drawdown of -52.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HAIL and FTXR.

Drawdown Indicators

	HAIL	FTXR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.98%	-52.06%	-13.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.64%	-14.49%	-4.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-40.96%	-29.71%	-11.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.12%	-33.96%	-29.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-29.19%	-1.06%	-28.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.60%	-11.06%	-20.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.15%	4.29%	+1.86%

Volatility

HAIL vs. FTXR - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) has a higher volatility of 10.46% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) at 7.60%. This indicates that HAIL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTXR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HAIL	FTXR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.46%	7.60%	+2.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.18%	16.49%	+5.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.23%	21.83%	+7.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.79%	23.85%	+7.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.73%	24.75%	+6.98%

HAIL vs. FTXR - Expense Ratio Comparison

HAIL has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

HAIL vs. FTXR - Dividend Comparison

HAIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.41%, more than FTXR's 1.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
HAIL SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF	1.41%	2.00%	2.98%	2.62%	2.09%	1.36%	0.52%	1.17%	2.54%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HAIL and FTXR in my portfolio?

HAIL and FTXR have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HAIL or FTXR?

HAIL has higher volatility (10.46%) compared to FTXR (7.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HAIL dropped -65.98% vs FTXR's -52.06%.

Which ETF is better, HAIL or FTXR?

On 5-year performance, FTXR leads with 6.59% vs -4.71% for HAIL. On fees, HAIL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FTXR has been the lower-risk option at 7.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HAIL or FTXR?

Over the 5-year period, FTXR has performed better with a 6.59% return vs -4.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HAIL or FTXR?

HAIL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXR.

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

HAIL has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 1.14% for FTXR.

What is the main difference between HAIL and FTXR?

HAIL is categorized as Global Equities, while FTXR is Industrials Equities. HAIL tracks S&P Kensho Smart Transportation Index, while FTXR tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for HAIL and 0.60% for FTXR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HAIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 2.07), 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.