THNQ vs. NXTG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

THNQ (ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF) and NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - THNQ tracks the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index while NXTG tracks the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, THNQ returned 17.90%/yr vs 19.17%/yr for NXTG. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. THNQ charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NXTG.

Performance

THNQ vs. NXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) and First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, THNQ achieves a 44.05% return, which is significantly lower than NXTG's 54.54% return.

THNQ

• 1D: -2.20%
• 1M: 22.90%
• YTD: 44.05%
• 6M: 40.99%
• 1Y: 79.25%
• 3Y*: 37.91%
• 5Y*: 17.90%
• 10Y*: —

NXTG

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 22.84%
• YTD: 54.54%
• 6M: 55.39%
• 1Y: 82.82%
• 3Y*: 35.56%
• 5Y*: 19.17%
• 10Y*: 17.94%

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

THNQ vs. NXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
THNQ ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF	44.05%	29.83%	18.82%	56.81%	-39.84%	9.10%	58.41%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	54.54%	28.46%	12.85%	28.74%	-24.70%	21.81%	35.04%

Correlation

The correlation between THNQ and NXTG 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	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 12, 2020	0.79

The correlation between THNQ and NXTG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

THNQ vs. NXTG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	THNQ	NXTG
Technology	71.6%	66.1%
Communication Services	10.3%	21.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	0.4%
Healthcare	5.6%	-
Financial Services	1.3%	-
Industrials	1.1%	4.3%
Real Estate	0.9%	7.5%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

THNQ vs. NXTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

THNQ

THNQ Risk / Return Rank: 80
THNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
THNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
THNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 76
THNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
THNQ Martin Ratio Rank: 74

NXTG

NXTG Risk / Return Rank: 96
NXTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
NXTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
NXTG Omega Ratio Rank: 96
NXTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
NXTG 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.

THNQ vs. NXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) and First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG). 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.

	THNQ	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.01	4.52	-1.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.58	5.69	-2.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.77	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.33	8.10	-3.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.31	31.73	-17.43
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

THNQ vs. NXTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current THNQ Sharpe Ratio is 3.01, which is lower than the NXTG Sharpe Ratio of 4.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of THNQ and NXTG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	THNQ	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.01	4.52	-1.51
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62	1.08	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.95	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	0.69	+0.14

Drawdowns

THNQ vs. NXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum THNQ drawdown since its inception was -50.56%, which is greater than NXTG's maximum drawdown of -33.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for THNQ and NXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	THNQ	NXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.56%	-33.61%	-16.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.39%	-10.28%	-8.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.88%	-17.75%	-12.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.56%	-33.61%	-16.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.20%	-0.82%	-1.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.07%	-7.87%	-7.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.56%	2.62%	+2.94%

Volatility

THNQ vs. NXTG - Volatility Comparison

ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) and First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) have volatilities of 8.50% and 8.27%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	THNQ	NXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.50%	8.27%	+0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.69%	15.26%	+5.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.47%	18.44%	+8.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.09%	17.93%	+11.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.66%	18.88%	+9.78%

THNQ vs. NXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

THNQ has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is lower than NXTG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

THNQ vs. NXTG - Dividend Comparison

THNQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than NXTG's 1.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	1.11%	1.56%	1.51%	2.15%	2.04%	1.97%	1.04%	0.77%	1.27%	1.65%	1.23%	1.11%
THNQ ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.14%	0.20%	0.00%	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 THNQ and NXTG in my portfolio?

THNQ and NXTG 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, THNQ or NXTG?

THNQ has higher volatility (8.50%) compared to NXTG (8.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, THNQ dropped -50.56% vs NXTG's -33.61%.

Which ETF is better, THNQ or NXTG?

On 5-year performance, NXTG leads with 19.17% vs 17.90% for THNQ. On fees, THNQ is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, NXTG has been the lower-risk option at 8.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, THNQ or NXTG?

Over the 5-year period, NXTG has performed better with a 19.17% return vs 17.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, THNQ or NXTG?

THNQ is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.

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

NXTG has the higher dividend yield at 1.11%, compared with 0.14% for THNQ.

What is the main difference between THNQ and NXTG?

THNQ tracks ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index, while NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for THNQ and 0.70% for NXTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.52 vs 3.01), 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.