NSI vs. FOTO

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

NSI (National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF) and FOTO (Tuttle Capital Pure Play Photonics ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NSI is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Alerian National Security Emerging Markets Index, while FOTO is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Tuttle. NSI is passively managed, while FOTO is actively managed. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NSI charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FOTO.

Performance

NSI vs. FOTO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) and Tuttle Capital Pure Play Photonics ETF (FOTO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NSI

• 1D: -0.97%
• 1M: -3.65%
• 6M: 4.35%
• YTD: 10.48%
• 1Y: 23.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FOTO

• 1D: 1.47%
• 1M: -17.64%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NSI vs. FOTO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	-4.19%
FOTO Tuttle Capital Pure Play Photonics ETF	-22.58%

Correlation

The correlation between NSI and FOTO is 0.71, 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 29, 2026	0.71

Return for Risk

NSI vs. FOTO — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSI

NSI Risk / Return Rank: 42
NSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
NSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
NSI Omega Ratio Rank: 40
NSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
NSI Martin Ratio Rank: 46

FOTO

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

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.

NSI vs. FOTO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) and Tuttle Capital Pure Play Photonics ETF (FOTO). 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.

	NSI	FOTO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.76	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.89	—	—

Drawdowns

NSI vs. FOTO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSI drawdown since its inception was -18.77%, smaller than the maximum FOTO drawdown of -30.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSI and FOTO.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSI	FOTO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.77%	-30.43%	+11.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.66%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.43%	-29.41%	+21.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.70%	-16.02%	+12.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.07%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NSI	FOTO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.42%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.15%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.72%	75.82%	-55.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.88%	75.82%	-56.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.88%	75.82%	-56.94%

NSI vs. FOTO - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSI has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than FOTO's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSI vs. FOTO - Dividend Comparison

NSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.25%, while FOTO has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FOTO Tuttle Capital Pure Play Photonics ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	1.25%	1.69%	3.39%	0.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSI and FOTO in my portfolio?

NSI and FOTO have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NSI or FOTO?

On fees, FOTO is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NSI or FOTO?

FOTO is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for NSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NSI or FOTO?

NSI has the higher dividend yield at 1.25%, compared with 0.00% for FOTO.

What is the main difference between NSI and FOTO?

NSI is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while FOTO is Technology Equities. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for NSI and 0.75% for FOTO.