NXTG vs. ROBT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) and ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) are both Technology Equities funds from First Trust - NXTG tracks the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index while ROBT tracks the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, NXTG returned 17.55%/yr vs -0.08%/yr for ROBT. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NXTG charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for ROBT.

Performance

NXTG vs. ROBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). 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 ROBT's 3.51% 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%

ROBT

• 1D: -2.40%
• 1M: -3.90%
• YTD: 3.51%
• 6M: 1.75%
• 1Y: 17.15%
• 3Y*: 6.95%
• 5Y*: -0.08%
• 10Y*: —

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

NXTG vs. ROBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	43.67%	28.46%	12.85%	28.74%	-24.70%	21.81%	27.58%	29.58%	-18.37%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	3.51%	15.16%	-0.41%	27.77%	-34.94%	9.91%	46.18%	34.28%	-14.66%

Correlation

The correlation between NXTG and ROBT is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2018	0.83

The correlation between NXTG and ROBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

NXTG vs. ROBT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NXTG	ROBT
Technology	71.2%	58.6%
Communication Services	18.1%	3.8%
Real Estate	6.2%	-
Industrials	4.2%	20.1%
Consumer Cyclical	0.4%	6.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	1.3%
Energy	-	1.3%
Financial Services	-	1.5%
Healthcare	-	6.9%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

NXTG vs. ROBT — 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

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 20
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 19
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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. ROBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). 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	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.10	0.70	+2.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.78	1.09	+2.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.13	+0.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.78	0.80	+4.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.26	2.22	+19.04

NXTG vs. ROBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NXTG Sharpe Ratio is 3.10, which is higher than the ROBT Sharpe Ratio of 0.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NXTG and ROBT, 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. ROBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXTG drawdown since its inception was -33.61%, smaller than the maximum ROBT drawdown of -44.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXTG and ROBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXTG	ROBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.61%	-44.47%	+10.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.45%	-21.66%	+10.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.75%	-27.68%	+9.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.61%	-43.26%	+9.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.80%	-10.93%	+3.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.91%	-15.91%	+8.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.11%	7.75%	-4.64%

Volatility

NXTG vs. ROBT - Volatility Comparison

First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) has a higher volatility of 12.89% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) at 10.81%. This indicates that NXTG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ROBT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NXTG	ROBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.89%	10.81%	+2.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.74%	19.33%	-0.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.37%	24.76%	-3.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.57%	25.49%	-6.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.11%	25.59%	-6.48%

NXTG vs. ROBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

NXTG has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than ROBT's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

NXTG vs. ROBT - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.68%	0.23%	0.35%	0.06%	0.17%	0.42%	0.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NXTG and ROBT in my portfolio?

NXTG and ROBT have a correlation of 0.79, 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 ROBT?

NXTG has higher volatility (12.89%) compared to ROBT (10.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NXTG dropped -33.61% vs ROBT's -44.47%.

Which ETF is better, NXTG or ROBT?

On 5-year performance, NXTG leads with 17.55% vs -0.08% for ROBT. On fees, ROBT is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, ROBT has been the lower-risk option at 10.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NXTG or ROBT?

Over the 5-year period, NXTG has performed better with a 17.55% return vs -0.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NXTG or ROBT?

ROBT is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.

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

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

What is the main difference between NXTG and ROBT?

NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index, while ROBT tracks Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for NXTG and 0.65% for ROBT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.10 vs 0.70), 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.