MARS vs. NXTG

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

MARS (Roundhill Space & Technology ETF) and NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. MARS is actively managed, while NXTG is passively managed. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MARS charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NXTG.

Performance

MARS vs. NXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Roundhill Space & Technology ETF (MARS) and First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MARS

• 1D: -5.56%
• 1M: -26.71%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NXTG

• 1D: -1.97%
• 1M: -6.61%
• 6M: 31.00%
• YTD: 34.95%
• 1Y: 51.46%
• 3Y*: 27.76%
• 5Y*: 16.13%
• 10Y*: 15.88%

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

MARS vs. NXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MARS Roundhill Space & Technology ETF	-2.67%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	23.90%

Correlation

The correlation between MARS and NXTG is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 5, 2026	0.54

Return for Risk

MARS vs. NXTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

MARS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

NXTG

NXTG Risk / Return Rank: 85
NXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
NXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
NXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 86
NXTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
NXTG Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

MARS vs. NXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Roundhill Space & Technology ETF (MARS) 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.

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.

	MARS	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.36	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.00	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.41	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.86	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	12.81	—

Drawdowns

MARS vs. NXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MARS drawdown since its inception was -45.60%, which is greater than NXTG's maximum drawdown of -33.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MARS and NXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MARS	NXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.60%	-33.61%	-11.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.40%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.75%	—
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	-45.60%	-13.40%	-32.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.45%	-7.92%	-4.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.03%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MARS	NXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.57%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	19.46%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	67.55%	21.89%	+45.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	67.55%	18.70%	+48.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	67.55%	19.07%	+48.48%

MARS vs. NXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MARS has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than NXTG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

MARS vs. NXTG - Dividend Comparison

MARS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while NXTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MARS Roundhill Space & Technology ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	1.28%	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 MARS and NXTG in my portfolio?

MARS and NXTG have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MARS or NXTG?

On fees, NXTG is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MARS or NXTG?

NXTG is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for MARS.

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

NXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.28%, compared with 0.00% for MARS.

What is the main difference between MARS and NXTG?

They also come from different issuers: Roundhill and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for MARS and 0.70% for NXTG.