IXN vs. RTH

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IXN (iShares Global Tech ETF) and RTH (VanEck Vectors Retail ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXN is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index, while RTH is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Retail 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXN returned 25.03%/yr vs 14.35%/yr for RTH. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IXN charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for RTH.

Performance

IXN vs. RTH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) and VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXN achieves a 33.08% return, which is significantly higher than RTH's 4.33% return. Over the past 10 years, IXN has outperformed RTH with an annualized return of 25.03%, while RTH has yielded a comparatively lower 14.35% annualized return.

IXN

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 3.37%
• YTD: 33.08%
• 6M: 35.17%
• 1Y: 62.93%
• 3Y*: 32.38%
• 5Y*: 21.51%
• 10Y*: 25.03%

RTH

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: -1.59%
• YTD: 4.33%
• 6M: 2.84%
• 1Y: 12.87%
• 3Y*: 16.16%
• 5Y*: 9.69%
• 10Y*: 14.35%

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

IXN vs. RTH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF	33.08%	25.25%	24.84%	52.98%	-29.86%	29.58%	43.62%	47.88%	-5.44%	41.23%
RTH VanEck Vectors Retail ETF	4.33%	12.36%	20.02%	20.07%	-17.67%	24.94%	31.62%	29.06%	3.87%	22.45%

Correlation

The correlation between IXN and RTH is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 26, 2001	0.61

Over the past year, the correlation between IXN and RTH has dropped to 0.23 - well below their long-term average of 0.61, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IXN vs. RTH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXN	RTH
Technology	99.2%	-
Industrials	0.2%	2.6%
Energy	0.1%	-
Healthcare	0.1%	13.4%
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	57.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	26.8%
Financial Services	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IXN vs. RTH — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXN

IXN Risk / Return Rank: 84
IXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
IXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
IXN Omega Ratio Rank: 81
IXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
IXN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

RTH

RTH Risk / Return Rank: 32
RTH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
RTH Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
RTH Omega Ratio Rank: 29
RTH Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
RTH Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

IXN vs. RTH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) and VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH). 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.

	IXN	RTH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	0.97	+1.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	1.52	+1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.18	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	1.50	+2.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.35	4.99	+9.36

IXN vs. RTH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXN Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is higher than the RTH Sharpe Ratio of 0.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXN and RTH, 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

IXN vs. RTH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXN drawdown since its inception was -55.67%, which is greater than RTH's maximum drawdown of -42.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXN and RTH.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXN	RTH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.67%	-42.32%	-13.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.80%	-7.83%	-5.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.55%	-13.80%	-11.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.30%	-25.00%	-11.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.30%	-25.00%	-11.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.68%	-3.58%	-3.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.26%	-7.34%	-3.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.21%	2.35%	+1.86%

Volatility

IXN vs. RTH - Volatility Comparison

iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) has a higher volatility of 12.01% compared to VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH) at 3.85%. This indicates that IXN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RTH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXN	RTH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.01%	3.85%	+8.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.45%	9.28%	+11.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.03%	12.09%	+11.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.19%	16.81%	+8.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.58%	17.54%	+7.04%

IXN vs. RTH - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXN has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than RTH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXN vs. RTH - Dividend Comparison

IXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%, less than RTH's 0.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF	0.78%	1.04%	0.43%	0.55%	0.81%	0.58%	0.63%	1.06%	0.94%	0.93%	1.03%	1.12%
RTH VanEck Vectors Retail ETF	0.93%	0.97%	0.77%	1.07%	1.16%	0.78%	0.64%	0.91%	1.05%	1.56%	1.84%	2.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXN and RTH in my portfolio?

IXN and RTH have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXN or RTH?

IXN has higher volatility (12.01%) compared to RTH (3.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXN dropped -55.67% vs RTH's -42.32%.

Which ETF is better, IXN or RTH?

On 10-year performance, IXN leads with 25.03% vs 14.35% for RTH. On fees, RTH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, RTH has been the lower-risk option at 3.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXN or RTH?

Over the 10-year period, IXN has performed better with a 25.03% return vs 14.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXN or RTH?

RTH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for IXN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IXN or RTH?

RTH has the higher dividend yield at 0.93%, compared with 0.78% for IXN.

What is the main difference between IXN and RTH?

IXN is categorized as Technology Equities, while RTH is Consumer Discretionary Equities. IXN tracks S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index, while RTH tracks MVIS US Listed Retail 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for IXN and 0.35% for RTH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 0.97), 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.