IHAK vs. NXTG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

IHAK (iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF) and NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - IHAK tracks the NYSE FactSet Global Cyber Security Index while NXTG tracks the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IHAK returned 7.79%/yr vs 18.74%/yr for NXTG. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IHAK charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NXTG.

Performance

IHAK vs. NXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) 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, IHAK achieves a 22.96% return, which is significantly lower than NXTG's 51.79% return.

IHAK

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 19.29%
• YTD: 22.96%
• 6M: 19.22%
• 1Y: 14.94%
• 3Y*: 17.49%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 10Y*: —

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)

IHAK vs. NXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IHAK iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF	22.96%	-1.29%	7.60%	37.77%	-25.81%	11.13%	51.22%	6.66%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	51.79%	28.46%	12.85%	28.74%	-24.70%	21.81%	27.58%	15.01%

Correlation

The correlation between IHAK and NXTG is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2019	0.67

The correlation between IHAK and NXTG shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IHAK vs. NXTG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IHAK	NXTG
Technology	95.8%	66.1%
Industrials	3.3%	4.3%
Communication Services	0.4%	21.7%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	7.5%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IHAK vs. NXTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IHAK

IHAK Risk / Return Rank: 19
IHAK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
IHAK Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
IHAK Omega Ratio Rank: 20
IHAK Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
IHAK Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

IHAK vs. NXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) 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.

	IHAK	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	4.24	-3.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.98	5.38	-4.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.73	-0.60
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	7.64	-7.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.50	29.86	-28.36
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IHAK vs. NXTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IHAK Sharpe Ratio is 0.62, which is lower than the NXTG Sharpe Ratio of 4.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IHAK 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

	IHAK	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62	4.24	-3.61
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	1.05	-0.72
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.93	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.68	-0.13

Drawdowns

IHAK vs. NXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IHAK drawdown since its inception was -34.42%, roughly equal to the maximum NXTG drawdown of -33.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IHAK and NXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IHAK	NXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.42%	-33.61%	-0.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.48%	-10.28%	-13.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.48%	-17.75%	-5.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.42%	-33.61%	-0.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.03%	-2.59%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.76%	-7.87%	-2.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.98%	2.62%	+7.36%

Volatility

IHAK vs. NXTG - Volatility Comparison

iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) has a higher volatility of 9.43% compared to First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) at 8.51%. This indicates that IHAK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NXTG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IHAK	NXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.43%	8.51%	+0.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.92%	15.41%	+4.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.03%	18.54%	+5.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.57%	17.94%	+5.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.41%	18.88%	+5.53%

IHAK vs. NXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IHAK has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than NXTG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

IHAK vs. NXTG - Dividend Comparison

IHAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.07%, less than NXTG's 1.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IHAK iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF	0.07%	0.08%	0.20%	0.13%	0.25%	0.50%	0.40%	0.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 IHAK and NXTG in my portfolio?

IHAK and NXTG have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IHAK or NXTG?

IHAK has higher volatility (9.43%) compared to NXTG (8.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IHAK dropped -34.42% vs NXTG's -33.61%.

Which ETF is better, IHAK or NXTG?

On 5-year performance, NXTG leads with 18.74% vs 7.79% for IHAK. On fees, IHAK is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, NXTG has been the lower-risk option at 8.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IHAK or NXTG?

Over the 5-year period, NXTG has performed better with a 18.74% return vs 7.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IHAK or NXTG?

IHAK is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.

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

NXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.13%, compared with 0.07% for IHAK.

What is the main difference between IHAK and NXTG?

IHAK tracks NYSE FactSet Global Cyber Security Index, while NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IHAK and 0.70% for NXTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.24 vs 0.62), 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.