ISRA vs. GXTG

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

ISRA (VanEck Israel ETF) and GXTG (Global X Thematic Growth ETF) are both Global Equities funds - ISRA tracks the BlueStar Israel Global Index while GXTG tracks the Solactive Thematic Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ISRA returned 8.79%/yr vs -12.79%/yr for GXTG. Their 0.71 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. ISRA charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for GXTG.

Performance

ISRA vs. GXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) and Global X Thematic Growth ETF (GXTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISRA achieves a 13.95% return, which is significantly higher than GXTG's 1.80% return.

ISRA

• 1D: 2.91%
• 1M: 2.76%
• 6M: 5.19%
• YTD: 13.95%
• 1Y: 35.15%
• 3Y*: 25.31%
• 5Y*: 8.79%
• 10Y*: 10.54%
• ALL TIME*: 9.07%

GXTG

• 1D: 3.13%
• 1M: -3.78%
• 6M: -0.36%
• YTD: 1.80%
• 1Y: -4.66%
• 3Y*: -2.08%
• 5Y*: -12.79%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 0.19%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
GXTG Global X Thematic Growth ETF	$123.03K	$106.22K	$198.85K
ISRA VanEck Israel ETF	$185.25K	$264.84K	$402.02K

ISRA vs. GXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ISRA VanEck Israel ETF	13.95%	36.98%	26.03%	-0.08%	-25.76%	10.06%	28.21%	4.58%
GXTG Global X Thematic Growth ETF	1.80%	3.52%	-3.55%	10.26%	-48.08%	3.21%	61.07%	4.74%

Correlation

The correlation between ISRA and GXTG is 0.61, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2019	0.71

The correlation between ISRA and GXTG shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (3 years) to 0.71 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ISRA vs. GXTG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISRA	GXTG
Technology	34.8%	22.3%
Financial Services	27.9%	2.3%
Industrials	8.4%	8.0%
Healthcare	7.8%	10.5%
Basic Materials	5.4%	14.4%
Real Estate	5.3%	6.9%
Utilities	5.3%	12.4%
Energy	3.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.6%	11.5%
Communication Services	1.7%	11.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.7%	-

Return for Risk

ISRA vs. GXTG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

ISRA

ISRA Risk / Return Rank: 64
ISRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
ISRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
ISRA Omega Ratio Rank: 57
ISRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
ISRA Martin Ratio Rank: 64

GXTG

GXTG Risk / Return Rank: 8
GXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
GXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
GXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 9
GXTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
GXTG Martin Ratio Rank: 8

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

ISRA vs. GXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) and Global X Thematic Growth ETF (GXTG). 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.

	ISRA	GXTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	-0.15	+1.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	0.01	+2.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.00	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.95	-0.16	+3.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.55	-0.37	+8.92

ISRA vs. GXTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISRA Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is higher than the GXTG Sharpe Ratio of -0.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISRA and GXTG, 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

ISRA vs. GXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISRA drawdown since its inception was -45.02%, smaller than the maximum GXTG drawdown of -67.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISRA and GXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISRA	GXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.02%	-67.81%	+22.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.99%	-29.14%	+17.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.67%	-29.14%	+6.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.02%	-61.17%	+16.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.82%	-59.76%	+54.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.15%	-43.43%	+32.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.14%	12.71%	-8.57%

Volatility

ISRA vs. GXTG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) is 6.88%, while Global X Thematic Growth ETF (GXTG) has a volatility of 13.53%. This indicates that ISRA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GXTG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISRA	GXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.88%	13.53%	-6.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.13%	25.87%	-8.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.53%	31.66%	-10.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.26%	28.78%	-6.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.09%	30.15%	-9.06%

ISRA vs. GXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISRA has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than GXTG's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISRA vs. GXTG - Dividend Comparison

ISRA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.30%, less than GXTG's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GXTG Global X Thematic Growth ETF	1.47%	1.40%	1.08%	1.99%	1.48%	1.56%	0.48%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ISRA VanEck Israel ETF	1.30%	1.48%	1.21%	1.89%	1.36%	1.28%	0.17%	1.38%	0.76%	1.58%	1.62%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISRA and GXTG in my portfolio?

ISRA and GXTG have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISRA or GXTG?

GXTG has higher volatility (13.53%) compared to ISRA (6.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISRA dropped -45.02% vs GXTG's -67.81%.

Which ETF is better, ISRA or GXTG?

On 5-year performance, ISRA leads with 8.79% vs -12.79% for GXTG. On fees, GXTG is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, ISRA has been the lower-risk option at 6.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISRA or GXTG?

Over the 5-year period, ISRA has performed better with a 8.79% return vs -12.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISRA or GXTG?

GXTG is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for ISRA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ISRA or GXTG?

GXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 1.30% for ISRA.

What is the main difference between ISRA and GXTG?

ISRA tracks BlueStar Israel Global Index, while GXTG tracks Solactive Thematic Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for ISRA and 0.50% for GXTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISRA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 vs -0.15), 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.