NXTG vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NXTG is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, NXTG returned 17.48%/yr vs 37.49%/yr for SMH. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NXTG charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

NXTG vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). 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 SMH's 72.15% return. Over the past 10 years, NXTG has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 17.48%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 37.49% annualized 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%

SMH

• 1D: 1.72%
• 1M: 8.30%
• YTD: 72.15%
• 6M: 75.62%
• 1Y: 136.32%
• 3Y*: 60.05%
• 5Y*: 38.42%
• 10Y*: 37.49%

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

NXTG vs. SMH - 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%	28.02%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	72.15%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between NXTG and SMH is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 18, 2011	0.73

The correlation between NXTG and SMH shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (all time) to 0.85 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

NXTG vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NXTG	SMH
Technology	66.1%	100.0%
Communication Services	21.7%	-
Real Estate	7.5%	-
Industrials	4.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

NXTG vs. SMH — 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

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). 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	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.28	4.13	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.02	4.26	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.60	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.91	9.18	-3.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.94	33.74	-10.80

NXTG vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NXTG Sharpe Ratio is 3.28, which is comparable to the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NXTG and SMH, 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. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXTG drawdown since its inception was -33.61%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXTG and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXTG	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.61%	-84.96%	+51.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.45%	-14.93%	+3.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.75%	-35.74%	+17.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.61%	-45.30%	+11.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.61%	-45.30%	+11.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.01%	-2.81%	-4.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.91%	-41.04%	+33.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	4.06%	-1.11%

Volatility

NXTG vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) is 11.94%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 16.25%. This indicates that NXTG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NXTG	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.94%	16.25%	-4.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.01%	27.73%	-9.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.65%	33.20%	-12.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.38%	35.47%	-17.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.08%	32.82%	-13.74%

NXTG vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

NXTG has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

NXTG vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

NXTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, more than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.18%	0.31%	0.44%	0.60%	1.18%	0.51%	0.69%	1.50%	1.88%	1.43%	0.80%	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NXTG and SMH in my portfolio?

NXTG and SMH have a correlation of 0.85, 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 SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (16.25%) compared to NXTG (11.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NXTG dropped -33.61% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, NXTG or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 37.49% vs 17.48% for NXTG. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% 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 SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 37.49% return vs 17.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NXTG or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.

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

NXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.18%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between NXTG and SMH?

NXTG is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for NXTG and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.13 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.