IYJ vs. FTXR

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

IYJ (iShares U.S. Industrials ETF) and FTXR (First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF) are both Industrials Equities funds - IYJ tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Industrials Index while FTXR tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IYJ returned 8.97%/yr vs 9.17%/yr for FTXR. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IYJ charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXR.

Performance

IYJ vs. FTXR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Industrials ETF (IYJ) and First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IYJ achieves a 10.25% return, which is significantly lower than FTXR's 16.85% return.

IYJ

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 0.75%
• 6M: 4.46%
• YTD: 10.25%
• 1Y: 13.02%
• 3Y*: 15.35%
• 5Y*: 8.97%
• 10Y*: 12.29%

FTXR

• 1D: -1.19%
• 1M: 3.08%
• 6M: 12.44%
• YTD: 16.85%
• 1Y: 38.23%
• 3Y*: 15.02%
• 5Y*: 9.17%
• 10Y*: —

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

IYJ vs. FTXR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IYJ iShares U.S. Industrials ETF	10.25%	11.94%	17.82%	19.94%	-13.53%	17.02%	17.37%	32.27%	-11.69%	23.98%
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	16.85%	14.70%	17.09%	20.93%	-25.38%	24.02%	15.03%	14.82%	-15.27%	15.82%

Correlation

The correlation between IYJ and FTXR is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2016	0.74

The correlation between IYJ and FTXR shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (all time) to 0.84 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IYJ vs. FTXR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IYJ	FTXR
Industrials	69.0%	64.7%
Financial Services	17.0%	-
Technology	7.8%	-
Basic Materials	4.1%	-
Utilities	3.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.6%	34.8%
Healthcare	0.4%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

IYJ vs. FTXR — Risk / Return Rank

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

IYJ

IYJ Risk / Return Rank: 29
IYJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IYJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
IYJ Omega Ratio Rank: 26
IYJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
IYJ Martin Ratio Rank: 34

FTXR

FTXR Risk / Return Rank: 67
FTXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
FTXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
FTXR Omega Ratio Rank: 63
FTXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FTXR Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

IYJ vs. FTXR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Industrials ETF (IYJ) and First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR). 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.

	IYJ	FTXR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	1.78	-0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.27	2.53	-1.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.30	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.15	2.65	-1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.08	8.99	-4.90

IYJ vs. FTXR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IYJ Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is lower than the FTXR Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IYJ and FTXR, 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

IYJ vs. FTXR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IYJ drawdown since its inception was -61.97%, which is greater than FTXR's maximum drawdown of -52.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYJ and FTXR.

Drawdown Indicators

	IYJ	FTXR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.97%	-52.06%	-9.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-14.49%	+3.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.67%	-29.71%	+10.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.24%	-33.96%	+7.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.79%	-1.19%	-1.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.17%	-10.93%	-0.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	4.26%	-1.06%

Volatility

IYJ vs. FTXR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares U.S. Industrials ETF (IYJ) is 4.48%, while First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) has a volatility of 5.60%. This indicates that IYJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTXR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IYJ	FTXR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	5.60%	-1.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.68%	17.29%	-4.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.85%	21.63%	-5.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.18%	23.96%	-5.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.87%	24.71%	-4.84%

IYJ vs. FTXR - Expense Ratio Comparison

IYJ has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

IYJ vs. FTXR - Dividend Comparison

IYJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.72%, less than FTXR's 0.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	0.97%	1.52%	2.13%	1.50%	2.38%	0.67%	0.33%	1.34%	1.74%	1.18%	0.24%	0.00%
IYJ iShares U.S. Industrials ETF	0.72%	0.83%	0.88%	1.05%	1.05%	0.76%	1.01%	1.32%	1.43%	1.29%	1.38%	1.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IYJ and FTXR in my portfolio?

IYJ and FTXR have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IYJ or FTXR?

FTXR has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to IYJ (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYJ dropped -61.97% vs FTXR's -52.06%.

Which ETF is better, IYJ or FTXR?

On 5-year performance, FTXR leads with 9.17% vs 8.97% for IYJ. On fees, IYJ is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, IYJ has been the lower-risk option at 4.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IYJ or FTXR?

Over the 5-year period, FTXR has performed better with a 9.17% return vs 8.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IYJ or FTXR?

IYJ is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IYJ or FTXR?

FTXR has the higher dividend yield at 0.97%, compared with 0.72% for IYJ.

What is the main difference between IYJ and FTXR?

IYJ tracks Dow Jones U.S. Industrials Index, while FTXR tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IYJ and 0.60% for FTXR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 0.83), 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.