NXTG vs. VOX
NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) and VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NXTG is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index, while VOX is a Communications Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Communication Services 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, NXTG returned 15.78%/yr vs 7.92%/yr for VOX. Their 0.57 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. NXTG charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VOX.
Performance
NXTG vs. VOX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, NXTG achieves a 35.27% return, which is significantly higher than VOX's -5.67% return. Over the past 10 years, NXTG has outperformed VOX with an annualized return of 15.78%, while VOX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.92% annualized return.
NXTG
- 1D
- -0.65%
- 1M
- -2.13%
- 6M
- 28.42%
- YTD
- 35.27%
- 1Y
- 53.55%
- 3Y*
- 28.09%
- 5Y*
- 15.88%
- 10Y*
- 15.78%
- ALL TIME*
- 12.21%
VOX
- 1D
- 1.12%
- 1M
- -3.23%
- 6M
- -8.42%
- YTD
- -5.67%
- 1Y
- 7.12%
- 3Y*
- 18.73%
- 5Y*
- 5.77%
- 10Y*
- 7.92%
- ALL TIME*
- 8.60%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1.58M | $1.75M | $2.16M | |
| $67.26M | $68.61M | $55.07M |
NXTG vs. VOX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF | 35.27% | 28.46% | 12.85% | 28.74% | -24.70% | 21.81% | 27.58% | 29.58% | -17.25% | 28.02% |
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF | -5.67% | 26.27% | 33.12% | 44.81% | -38.85% | 13.83% | 29.12% | 28.03% | -16.75% | -5.50% |
Correlation
The correlation between NXTG and VOX is 0.39, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.39 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.53 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.64 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.61 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 18, 2011 | 0.57 |
The correlation between NXTG and VOX shifts across timeframes, from 0.39 (1 year) to 0.64 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
NXTG vs. VOX — Risk / Return Rank
NXTG
VOX
NXTG vs. VOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). 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 | VOX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +2.07 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +2.48 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.41 | 1.06 | +0.34 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.44 | 0.37 | +3.07 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 10.87 | 1.13 | +9.74 |
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Drawdowns
NXTG vs. VOX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NXTG drawdown since its inception was -33.61%, smaller than the maximum VOX drawdown of -57.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXTG and VOX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| NXTG | VOX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -33.61% | -57.18% | +23.57% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -15.41% | -13.56% | -1.85% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -17.75% | -21.15% | +3.40% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -33.61% | -46.76% | +13.15% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -33.61% | -46.76% | +13.15% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -13.19% | -8.83% | -4.36% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.93% | -11.87% | +3.94% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.87% | 4.45% | +0.42% |
Volatility
NXTG vs. VOX - Volatility Comparison
First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) have volatilities of 6.84% and 6.69%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| NXTG | VOX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.84% | 6.69% | +0.15% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 19.89% | 13.38% | +6.51% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.42% | 17.14% | +5.28% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.80% | 21.39% | -2.59% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.12% | 21.00% | -1.88% |
NXTG vs. VOX - Expense Ratio Comparison
NXTG has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VOX's 0.09% expense ratio.
Dividends
NXTG vs. VOX - Dividend Comparison
NXTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.27%, more than VOX's 1.08% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF | 1.27% | 1.56% | 1.51% | 2.15% | 2.04% | 1.97% | 1.04% | 0.77% | 1.27% | 1.65% | 1.23% | 1.11% |
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF | 1.08% | 0.95% | 1.05% | 1.03% | 0.88% | 0.93% | 0.73% | 0.90% | 2.77% | 3.83% | 2.67% | 3.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
NXTG and VOX have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
NXTG has higher volatility (6.84%) compared to VOX (6.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NXTG dropped -33.61% vs VOX's -57.18%.
On 10-year performance, NXTG leads with 15.78% vs 7.92% for VOX. On fees, VOX is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VOX has been the lower-risk option at 6.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, NXTG has performed better with a 15.78% return vs 7.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VOX is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.
NXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.27%, compared with 1.08% for VOX.
NXTG is categorized as Technology Equities, while VOX is Communications Equities. NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index, while VOX tracks MSCI US Investable Market Communication Services 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for NXTG and 0.09% for VOX.
NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 0.30), 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.
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