NXTG vs. FLKR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) and FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NXTG is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index, while FLKR is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, NXTG returned 17.46%/yr vs 17.78%/yr for FLKR. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NXTG charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for FLKR.

Performance

NXTG vs. FLKR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NXTG achieves a 44.90% return, which is significantly lower than FLKR's 98.10% return.

NXTG

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 7.00%
• YTD: 44.90%
• 6M: 46.42%
• 1Y: 67.34%
• 3Y*: 31.56%
• 5Y*: 17.46%
• 10Y*: 17.48%

FLKR

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 3.81%
• YTD: 98.10%
• 6M: 113.45%
• 1Y: 185.66%
• 3Y*: 45.52%
• 5Y*: 17.78%
• 10Y*: —

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

NXTG vs. FLKR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	44.90%	28.46%	12.85%	28.74%	-24.70%	21.81%	27.58%	29.58%	-17.25%	1.56%
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	98.10%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	-27.50%	-7.54%	42.64%	8.88%	-21.30%	3.00%

Correlation

The correlation between NXTG and FLKR is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.70

The correlation between NXTG and FLKR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

NXTG vs. FLKR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NXTG	FLKR
Technology	66.1%	64.3%
Communication Services	21.7%	1.6%
Real Estate	7.5%	-
Industrials	4.3%	12.8%
Consumer Cyclical	0.4%	6.0%
Basic Materials	-	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Energy	-	0.4%
Financial Services	-	7.6%
Healthcare	-	2.5%
Utilities	-	0.3%

Return for Risk

NXTG vs. FLKR — Risk / Return Rank

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

NXTG

NXTG Risk / Return Rank: 93
NXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
NXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
NXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 93
NXTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
NXTG Martin Ratio Rank: 94

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 95
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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. FLKR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR). 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	FLKR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.28	4.08	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.02	3.94	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.58	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.91	8.11	-2.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.94	28.21	-5.27

NXTG vs. FLKR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NXTG Sharpe Ratio is 3.28, which is comparable to the FLKR Sharpe Ratio of 4.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NXTG and FLKR, 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. FLKR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXTG drawdown since its inception was -33.61%, smaller than the maximum FLKR drawdown of -50.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXTG and FLKR.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXTG	FLKR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.61%	-50.06%	+16.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.45%	-23.03%	+11.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.75%	-26.39%	+8.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.61%	-49.51%	+15.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.01%	-9.25%	+2.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.91%	-22.03%	+14.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	6.61%	-3.66%

Volatility

NXTG vs. FLKR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) is 11.94%, while Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a volatility of 25.85%. This indicates that NXTG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FLKR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NXTG	FLKR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.94%	25.85%	-13.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.01%	42.11%	-24.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.65%	45.82%	-25.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.38%	29.58%	-11.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.08%	28.37%	-9.29%

NXTG vs. FLKR - Expense Ratio Comparison

NXTG has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than FLKR's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

NXTG vs. FLKR - Dividend Comparison

NXTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, less than FLKR's 1.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	1.95%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%	0.00%	0.00%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	1.18%	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 FLKR in my portfolio?

NXTG and FLKR have a correlation of 0.75, 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 FLKR?

FLKR has higher volatility (25.85%) compared to NXTG (11.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NXTG dropped -33.61% vs FLKR's -50.06%.

Which ETF is better, NXTG or FLKR?

On 5-year performance, FLKR leads with 17.78% vs 17.46% for NXTG. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, NXTG has been the lower-risk option at 11.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NXTG or FLKR?

Over the 5-year period, FLKR has performed better with a 17.78% return vs 17.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NXTG or FLKR?

FLKR is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.

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

FLKR has the higher dividend yield at 1.95%, compared with 1.18% for NXTG.

What is the main difference between NXTG and FLKR?

NXTG is categorized as Technology Equities, while FLKR is Asia Pacific Equities. NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index, while FLKR tracks FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for NXTG and 0.09% for FLKR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.08 vs 3.28), 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.