IVRS vs. NXTG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IVRS (iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF) and NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - IVRS tracks the Morningstar Global Metaverse & Virtual Interaction Select Index - Benchmark TR Net while NXTG tracks the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IVRS returned 9.46%/yr vs 35.56%/yr for NXTG. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IVRS charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NXTG.

Performance

IVRS vs. NXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF (IVRS) 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, IVRS achieves a -5.51% return, which is significantly lower than NXTG's 54.54% return.

IVRS

• 1D: -2.21%
• 1M: 1.13%
• YTD: -5.51%
• 6M: -8.57%
• 1Y: -1.11%
• 3Y*: 9.46%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NXTG

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 22.84%
• YTD: 54.54%
• 6M: 55.39%
• 1Y: 82.82%
• 3Y*: 35.56%
• 5Y*: 19.17%
• 10Y*: 17.94%

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

IVRS vs. NXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IVRS iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF	-5.51%	12.75%	7.40%	28.15%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	54.54%	28.46%	12.85%	16.23%

Correlation

The correlation between IVRS and NXTG 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	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 17, 2023	0.75

The correlation between IVRS and NXTG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

IVRS vs. NXTG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVRS	NXTG
Technology	38.4%	66.1%
Communication Services	37.3%	21.7%
Financial Services	19.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.6%	0.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	4.3%
Real Estate	-	7.5%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IVRS vs. NXTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVRS

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

NXTG

NXTG Risk / Return Rank: 96
NXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
NXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
NXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 96
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.

IVRS vs. NXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF (IVRS) 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.

	IVRS	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.05	4.52	-4.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	5.69	-5.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.77	-0.76
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.04	8.10	-8.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.08	31.73	-31.81
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IVRS vs. NXTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVRS Sharpe Ratio is -0.05, which is lower than the NXTG Sharpe Ratio of 4.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVRS 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

	IVRS	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.05	4.52	-4.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.08	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.95	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.69	-0.08

Drawdowns

IVRS vs. NXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVRS drawdown since its inception was -31.43%, smaller than the maximum NXTG drawdown of -33.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVRS and NXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVRS	NXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.43%	-33.61%	+2.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-31.43%	-10.28%	-21.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.43%	-17.75%	-13.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.72%	-0.82%	-17.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.81%	-7.87%	+2.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.55%	2.62%	+11.93%

Volatility

IVRS vs. NXTG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF (IVRS) is 5.53%, while First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) has a volatility of 8.27%. This indicates that IVRS 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

	IVRS	NXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.53%	8.27%	-2.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.59%	15.26%	+3.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.85%	18.44%	+3.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.49%	17.93%	+2.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.49%	18.88%	+1.61%

IVRS vs. NXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

IVRS vs. NXTG - Dividend Comparison

IVRS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.34%, more than NXTG's 1.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IVRS iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF	8.34%	7.88%	6.65%	0.48%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	1.11%	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 IVRS and NXTG in my portfolio?

IVRS and NXTG 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, IVRS or NXTG?

NXTG has higher volatility (8.27%) compared to IVRS (5.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVRS dropped -31.43% vs NXTG's -33.61%.

Which ETF is better, IVRS or NXTG?

On 3-year performance, NXTG leads with 35.56% vs 9.46% for IVRS. On fees, IVRS is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, IVRS has been the lower-risk option at 5.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVRS or NXTG?

Over the 3-year period, NXTG has performed better with a 35.56% return vs 9.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVRS or NXTG?

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

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

IVRS has the higher dividend yield at 8.34%, compared with 1.11% for NXTG.

What is the main difference between IVRS and NXTG?

IVRS tracks Morningstar Global Metaverse & Virtual Interaction Select Index - Benchmark TR Net, 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 IVRS and 0.70% for NXTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.52 vs -0.05), 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.