NXTI vs. FTAG

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

NXTI (Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF) and FTAG (First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - NXTI tracks the NEXT Intangible Core Index while FTAG tracks the Indxx Global Agriculture Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NXTI returned 13.20% vs 12.73% for FTAG. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NXTI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTAG.

Performance

NXTI vs. FTAG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF (NXTI) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NXTI achieves a 5.58% return, which is significantly lower than FTAG's 12.01% return.

NXTI

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -1.19%
• 6M: 5.80%
• YTD: 5.58%
• 1Y: 13.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTAG

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 2.95%
• 6M: 5.52%
• YTD: 12.01%
• 1Y: 12.73%
• 3Y*: 3.88%
• 5Y*: 2.21%
• 10Y*: 5.70%

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

NXTI vs. FTAG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NXTI Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF	5.58%	16.73%	16.21%
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	12.01%	14.82%	-4.42%

Correlation

The correlation between NXTI and FTAG is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 16, 2024	0.39

The correlation between NXTI and FTAG shifts across timeframes, from 0.28 (1 year) to 0.39 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

NXTI vs. FTAG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NXTI	FTAG
Technology	46.1%	-
Financial Services	10.8%	-
Industrials	9.7%	24.0%
Healthcare	9.4%	7.7%
Consumer Defensive	7.9%	8.5%
Consumer Cyclical	5.2%	4.2%
Communication Services	4.3%	-
Energy	3.4%	-
Real Estate	1.4%	-
Utilities	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.9%	55.6%

Return for Risk

NXTI vs. FTAG — Risk / Return Rank

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

NXTI

NXTI Risk / Return Rank: 27
NXTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
NXTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
NXTI Omega Ratio Rank: 27
NXTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
NXTI Martin Ratio Rank: 26

FTAG

FTAG Risk / Return Rank: 29
FTAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
FTAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
FTAG Omega Ratio Rank: 28
FTAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
FTAG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

NXTI vs. FTAG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF (NXTI) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). 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.

	NXTI	FTAG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.88	0.90	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.29	1.38	-0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.16	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.02	1.34	-0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.71	2.94	-0.24

NXTI vs. FTAG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NXTI Sharpe Ratio is 0.88, which is comparable to the FTAG Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NXTI and FTAG, 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

NXTI vs. FTAG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NXTI drawdown since its inception was -19.65%, smaller than the maximum FTAG drawdown of -90.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NXTI and FTAG.

Drawdown Indicators

	NXTI	FTAG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.65%	-90.89%	+71.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-9.56%	-3.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.87%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.77%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.20%	-78.34%	+75.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.18%	-71.28%	+68.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.89%	4.34%	+0.55%

Volatility

NXTI vs. FTAG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF (NXTI) is 3.03%, while First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) has a volatility of 4.11%. This indicates that NXTI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTAG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NXTI	FTAG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.03%	4.11%	-1.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.05%	11.33%	+0.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.01%	14.27%	+0.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.00%	17.43%	-0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.00%	19.47%	-2.47%

NXTI vs. FTAG - Expense Ratio Comparison

NXTI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than FTAG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

NXTI vs. FTAG - Dividend Comparison

NXTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, less than FTAG's 1.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	1.30%	1.39%	2.89%	3.68%	1.77%	1.58%	1.72%	2.33%	2.16%	1.26%	0.61%	1.35%
NXTI Simplify NEXT Intangible Core Index ETF	0.56%	0.62%	3.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NXTI and FTAG in my portfolio?

NXTI and FTAG have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NXTI or FTAG?

FTAG has higher volatility (4.11%) compared to NXTI (3.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NXTI dropped -19.65% vs FTAG's -90.89%.

Which ETF is better, NXTI or FTAG?

On 1-year performance, NXTI leads with 13.20% vs 12.73% for FTAG. On fees, NXTI is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, NXTI has been the lower-risk option at 3.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NXTI or FTAG?

Over the 1-year period, NXTI has performed better with a 13.20% return vs 12.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NXTI or FTAG?

NXTI is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTAG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NXTI or FTAG?

FTAG has the higher dividend yield at 1.30%, compared with 0.56% for NXTI.

What is the main difference between NXTI and FTAG?

NXTI tracks NEXT Intangible Core Index, while FTAG tracks Indxx Global Agriculture Index. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for NXTI and 0.70% for FTAG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTAG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.90 vs 0.88), 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.