NXTG vs. AIFD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) and AIFD (TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. NXTG is passively managed, while AIFD is actively managed. Over the past year, NXTG returned 65.86% vs 79.52% for AIFD. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NXTG charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for AIFD.

Performance

NXTG vs. AIFD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIFD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NXTG achieves a 43.67% return, which is significantly higher than AIFD's 39.56% return.

NXTG

• 1D: -3.56%
• 1M: 3.06%
• YTD: 43.67%
• 6M: 43.68%
• 1Y: 65.86%
• 3Y*: 32.64%
• 5Y*: 17.55%
• 10Y*: 17.41%

AIFD

• 1D: -4.95%
• 1M: 2.31%
• YTD: 39.56%
• 6M: 37.82%
• 1Y: 79.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NXTG vs. AIFD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	43.67%	28.46%	12.98%
AIFD TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF	39.56%	28.30%	15.22%

Correlation

The correlation between NXTG and AIFD is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2024	0.77

The correlation between NXTG and AIFD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

NXTG vs. AIFD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NXTG	AIFD
Technology	71.2%	73.2%
Communication Services	18.1%	11.0%
Real Estate	6.2%	-
Industrials	4.2%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	0.4%	6.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

NXTG vs. AIFD — Risk / Return Rank

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

NXTG

NXTG Risk / Return Rank: 91
NXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
NXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
NXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 90
NXTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
NXTG Martin Ratio Rank: 92

AIFD

AIFD Risk / Return Rank: 88
AIFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
AIFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
AIFD Omega Ratio Rank: 82
AIFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
AIFD Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

NXTG vs. AIFD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIFD). 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.

	NXTG	AIFD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.10	2.88	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.78	3.31	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.45	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.78	6.80	-1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.26	25.05	-3.78

NXTG vs. AIFD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NXTG Sharpe Ratio is 3.10, which is comparable to the AIFD Sharpe Ratio of 2.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NXTG and AIFD, 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

NXTG vs. AIFD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXTG drawdown since its inception was -33.61%, roughly equal to the maximum AIFD drawdown of -33.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXTG and AIFD.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXTG	AIFD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.61%	-33.20%	-0.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.45%	-11.75%	+0.30%
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	-7.80%	-8.46%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.91%	-5.73%	-2.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.11%	3.19%	-0.08%

Volatility

NXTG vs. AIFD - Volatility Comparison

First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and TCW Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIFD) have volatilities of 12.89% and 13.42%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NXTG	AIFD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.89%	13.42%	-0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.74%	22.17%	-3.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.37%	27.76%	-6.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.57%	29.99%	-11.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.11%	29.99%	-10.88%

NXTG vs. AIFD - Expense Ratio Comparison

NXTG has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than AIFD's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

NXTG vs. AIFD - Dividend Comparison

NXTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, while AIFD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIFD TCW Artificial Intelligence 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	1.19%	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 NXTG and AIFD in my portfolio?

NXTG and AIFD have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NXTG or AIFD?

AIFD has higher volatility (13.42%) compared to NXTG (12.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NXTG dropped -33.61% vs AIFD's -33.20%.

Which ETF is better, NXTG or AIFD?

On 1-year performance, AIFD leads with 79.52% vs 65.86% for NXTG. On fees, NXTG is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, NXTG has been the lower-risk option at 12.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NXTG or AIFD?

Over the 1-year period, AIFD has performed better with a 79.52% return vs 65.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NXTG or AIFD?

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

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

NXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.00% for AIFD.

What is the main difference between NXTG and AIFD?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.10 vs 2.88), 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.