NICO vs. IYK
NICO (Hexis Active Nicotine Engagement ETF) and IYK (iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF) are both Consumer Staples Equities funds. NICO is actively managed, while IYK is passively managed. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NICO charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for IYK.
Performance
NICO vs. IYK - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
NICO
- 1D
- 0.73%
- 1M
- 2.38%
- 6M
- —
- YTD
- —
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IYK
- 1D
- 1.24%
- 1M
- 5.00%
- 6M
- 15.15%
- YTD
- 13.32%
- 1Y
- 8.36%
- 3Y*
- 7.03%
- 5Y*
- 6.96%
- 10Y*
- 9.21%
NICO vs. IYK - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | |
|---|---|
NICO Hexis Active Nicotine Engagement ETF | 3.40% |
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF | 5.69% |
Correlation
The correlation between NICO and IYK is 0.74, 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 May 6, 2026 | 0.74 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
NICO vs. IYK — Risk / Return Rank
NICO
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
IYK
NICO vs. IYK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hexis Active Nicotine Engagement ETF (NICO) and iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK). 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.
| NICO | IYK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.12 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 0.79 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 1.60 | — |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
NICO vs. IYK - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NICO drawdown since its inception was -8.00%, smaller than the maximum IYK drawdown of -42.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NICO and IYK.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| NICO | IYK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -8.00% | -42.64% | +34.64% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -10.68% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -12.14% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -15.05% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -33.19% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.58% | -2.32% | -1.26% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.86% | -5.07% | +1.21% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 5.27% | — |
Volatility
NICO vs. IYK - Volatility Comparison
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| NICO | IYK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 5.36% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 10.47% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 20.02% | 13.04% | +6.98% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.02% | 13.14% | +6.88% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.02% | 15.52% | +4.50% |
NICO vs. IYK - Expense Ratio Comparison
NICO has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than IYK's 0.38% expense ratio.
Dividends
NICO vs. IYK - Dividend Comparison
NICO has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IYK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.53%.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF | 2.53% | 2.75% | 2.63% | 2.74% | 2.16% | 1.49% | 1.42% | 2.21% | 2.81% | 1.74% | 2.63% | 2.11% |
NICO Hexis Active Nicotine Engagement 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% |
Frequently Asked Questions
NICO and IYK have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, IYK is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
IYK is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NICO.
IYK has the higher dividend yield at 2.53%, compared with 0.00% for NICO.
They also come from different issuers: Hexis and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for NICO and 0.38% for IYK.
Find the right allocation for NICO and IYK
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer