IFRA vs. NFRA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IFRA (iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF) and NFRA (FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - IFRA is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the NYSE FactSet U.S. Infrastructure Index (TR), while NFRA is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IFRA returned 14.59%/yr vs 5.77%/yr for NFRA. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IFRA charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for NFRA.

Performance

IFRA vs. NFRA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) and FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IFRA achieves a 20.29% return, which is significantly higher than NFRA's 7.65% return.

IFRA

• 1D: 1.32%
• 1M: 3.37%
• YTD: 20.29%
• 6M: 19.25%
• 1Y: 34.14%
• 3Y*: 20.96%
• 5Y*: 14.59%
• 10Y*: —

NFRA

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -2.02%
• YTD: 7.65%
• 6M: 8.49%
• 1Y: 13.52%
• 3Y*: 12.38%
• 5Y*: 5.77%
• 10Y*: 7.32%

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

IFRA vs. NFRA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IFRA iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF	20.29%	15.90%	17.02%	13.42%	-3.32%	29.81%	7.37%	27.00%	-7.97%
NFRA FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund	7.65%	18.42%	4.76%	8.96%	-10.11%	9.61%	2.24%	26.27%	-2.64%

Correlation

The correlation between IFRA and NFRA is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 5, 2018	0.75

The correlation between IFRA and NFRA shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (1 year) to 0.77 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IFRA vs. NFRA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IFRA	NFRA
Industrials	39.4%	26.8%
Utilities	37.7%	24.7%
Basic Materials	14.7%	-
Energy	7.9%	11.7%
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	0.3%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	0.1%
Communication Services	-	20.5%
Financial Services	-	0.7%
Healthcare	-	4.1%
Real Estate	-	4.7%
Technology	-	1.6%

Return for Risk

IFRA vs. NFRA — Risk / Return Rank

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

IFRA

IFRA Risk / Return Rank: 75
IFRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
IFRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
IFRA Omega Ratio Rank: 65
IFRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
IFRA Martin Ratio Rank: 79

NFRA

NFRA Risk / Return Rank: 37
NFRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
NFRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
NFRA Omega Ratio Rank: 36
NFRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
NFRA Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

IFRA vs. NFRA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) and FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA). 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.

	IFRA	NFRA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	1.29	+0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	1.86	+1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.23	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.08	1.86	+2.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.93	5.79	+9.13

IFRA vs. NFRA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IFRA Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is higher than the NFRA Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IFRA and NFRA, 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

IFRA vs. NFRA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IFRA drawdown since its inception was -41.06%, which is greater than NFRA's maximum drawdown of -32.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IFRA and NFRA.

Drawdown Indicators

	IFRA	NFRA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.06%	-32.49%	-8.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.40%	-7.28%	-1.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.93%	-11.15%	-8.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.93%	-22.75%	+2.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.49%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.30%	+3.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.12%	-4.52%	-0.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.29%	2.34%	-0.05%

Volatility

IFRA vs. NFRA - Volatility Comparison

iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) has a higher volatility of 5.08% compared to FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA) at 3.13%. This indicates that IFRA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NFRA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IFRA	NFRA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.08%	3.13%	+1.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.73%	8.47%	+3.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.21%	10.51%	+4.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.91%	12.98%	+4.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.36%	14.97%	+6.39%

IFRA vs. NFRA - Expense Ratio Comparison

IFRA has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than NFRA's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

IFRA vs. NFRA - Dividend Comparison

IFRA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.55%, less than NFRA's 5.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IFRA iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF	1.55%	1.84%	1.75%	1.98%	1.98%	1.63%	2.08%	1.68%	2.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NFRA FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund	5.75%	6.00%	3.33%	2.57%	2.28%	2.71%	2.22%	2.27%	3.06%	2.81%	2.98%	2.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IFRA and NFRA in my portfolio?

IFRA and NFRA have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IFRA or NFRA?

IFRA has higher volatility (5.08%) compared to NFRA (3.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IFRA dropped -41.06% vs NFRA's -32.49%.

Which ETF is better, IFRA or NFRA?

On 5-year performance, IFRA leads with 14.59% vs 5.77% for NFRA. On fees, IFRA is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, NFRA has been the lower-risk option at 3.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IFRA or NFRA?

Over the 5-year period, IFRA has performed better with a 14.59% return vs 5.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IFRA or NFRA?

IFRA is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for NFRA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IFRA or NFRA?

NFRA has the higher dividend yield at 5.75%, compared with 1.55% for IFRA.

What is the main difference between IFRA and NFRA?

IFRA is categorized as Industrials Equities, while NFRA is Utilities Equities. IFRA tracks NYSE FactSet U.S. Infrastructure Index (TR), while NFRA tracks STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and FlexShares. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for IFRA and 0.47% for NFRA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IFRA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.29), 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.