JETS vs. FTXR

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

JETS (U.S. Global Jets ETF) and FTXR (First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF) are both Industrials Equities funds - JETS tracks the U.S. Global Jets Index while FTXR tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JETS returned 7.18%/yr vs 9.44%/yr for FTXR. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

JETS vs. FTXR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) 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, JETS achieves a 11.33% return, which is significantly lower than FTXR's 18.26% return.

JETS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 2.02%
• 6M: 7.57%
• YTD: 11.33%
• 1Y: 26.48%
• 3Y*: 13.74%
• 5Y*: 7.18%
• 10Y*: 3.49%

FTXR

• 1D: 1.78%
• 1M: 1.36%
• 6M: 12.83%
• YTD: 18.26%
• 1Y: 41.03%
• 3Y*: 16.12%
• 5Y*: 9.44%
• 10Y*: —

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

JETS vs. FTXR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JETS U.S. Global Jets ETF	11.33%	11.64%	33.21%	11.42%	-19.01%	-5.13%	-28.93%	14.38%	-14.30%	18.66%
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	18.26%	14.70%	17.09%	20.93%	-25.38%	24.02%	15.03%	14.82%	-15.27%	15.82%

Correlation

The correlation between JETS and FTXR is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2016	0.69

The correlation between JETS and FTXR shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (all time) to 0.81 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

JETS vs. FTXR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JETS	FTXR
Industrials	88.3%	64.7%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	34.8%
Communication Services	2.0%	-
Technology	0.9%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

JETS vs. FTXR — Risk / Return Rank

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

JETS

JETS Risk / Return Rank: 28
JETS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
JETS Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
JETS Omega Ratio Rank: 27
JETS Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
JETS Martin Ratio Rank: 26

FTXR

FTXR Risk / Return Rank: 71
FTXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
FTXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FTXR Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FTXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FTXR Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

JETS vs. FTXR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) 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.

	JETS	FTXR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.82	1.91	-1.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.42	2.68	-1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.32	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.10	2.84	-1.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.80	9.65	-6.85

JETS vs. FTXR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JETS Sharpe Ratio is 0.82, which is lower than the FTXR Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JETS 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

JETS vs. FTXR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JETS drawdown since its inception was -64.92%, which is greater than FTXR's maximum drawdown of -52.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JETS and FTXR.

Drawdown Indicators

	JETS	FTXR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.92%	-52.06%	-12.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.13%	-14.49%	-9.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.21%	-29.71%	-5.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.38%	-33.96%	-6.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.25%	0.00%	-7.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.00%	-10.94%	-14.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.49%	4.26%	+5.23%

Volatility

JETS vs. FTXR - Volatility Comparison

U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) has a higher volatility of 7.62% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) at 5.51%. This indicates that JETS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTXR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JETS	FTXR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.62%	5.51%	+2.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.19%	17.27%	+8.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.52%	21.59%	+10.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.55%	23.97%	+8.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.17%	24.71%	+9.46%

JETS vs. FTXR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both JETS and FTXR have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

JETS vs. FTXR - Dividend Comparison

JETS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than FTXR's 0.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	0.95%	1.52%	2.13%	1.50%	2.38%	0.67%	0.33%	1.34%	1.74%	1.18%	0.24%	0.00%
JETS U.S. Global Jets ETF	0.75%	0.83%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.67%	0.04%	1.24%	0.09%	1.57%	0.58%	0.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JETS and FTXR in my portfolio?

JETS and FTXR have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JETS or FTXR?

JETS has higher volatility (7.62%) compared to FTXR (5.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JETS dropped -64.92% vs FTXR's -52.06%.

Which ETF is better, JETS or FTXR?

On 5-year performance, FTXR leads with 9.44% vs 7.18% for JETS. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, FTXR has been the lower-risk option at 5.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JETS or FTXR?

Over the 5-year period, FTXR has performed better with a 9.44% return vs 7.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JETS or FTXR?

JETS and FTXR have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

FTXR has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.75% for JETS.

What is the main difference between JETS and FTXR?

JETS tracks U.S. Global Jets Index, while FTXR tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. They also come from different issuers: US Global and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 0.82), 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.