WTAI vs. NXTG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WTAI (WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund) and NXTG (First Trust IndXX NextG ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - WTAI tracks the WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Index while NXTG tracks the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, WTAI returned 37.21%/yr vs 35.56%/yr for NXTG. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WTAI charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NXTG.

Performance

WTAI vs. NXTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund (WTAI) 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, WTAI achieves a 59.81% return, which is significantly higher than NXTG's 54.54% return.

WTAI

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 26.62%
• YTD: 59.81%
• 6M: 58.39%
• 1Y: 109.20%
• 3Y*: 37.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

WTAI vs. NXTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
WTAI WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund	59.81%	34.83%	6.53%	46.32%	-42.27%	-0.83%
NXTG First Trust IndXX NextG ETF	54.54%	28.46%	12.85%	28.74%	-24.70%	3.05%

Correlation

The correlation between WTAI and NXTG is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2021	0.84

The correlation between WTAI and NXTG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

WTAI vs. NXTG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WTAI	NXTG
Technology	71.6%	66.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.3%	0.4%
Communication Services	7.2%	21.7%
Industrials	5.6%	4.3%
Financial Services	3.8%	-
Utilities	0.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	7.5%

Return for Risk

WTAI vs. NXTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

WTAI

WTAI Risk / Return Rank: 92
WTAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
WTAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
WTAI Omega Ratio Rank: 89
WTAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
WTAI Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

WTAI vs. NXTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund (WTAI) 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.

	WTAI	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.87	4.52	-0.65
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.29	5.69	-1.40
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.77	-0.20
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.12	8.10	-0.98
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	22.73	31.73	-9.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

WTAI vs. NXTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WTAI Sharpe Ratio is 3.87, which is comparable to the NXTG Sharpe Ratio of 4.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WTAI 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

	WTAI	NXTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87	4.52	-0.65
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.08	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.95	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	0.69	-0.18

Drawdowns

WTAI vs. NXTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WTAI drawdown since its inception was -45.92%, which is greater than NXTG's maximum drawdown of -33.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WTAI and NXTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	WTAI	NXTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.92%	-33.61%	-12.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.42%	-10.28%	-5.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.83%	-17.75%	-14.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.89%	-0.82%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.80%	-7.87%	-11.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.82%	2.62%	+2.20%

Volatility

WTAI vs. NXTG - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund (WTAI) has a higher volatility of 10.86% compared to First Trust IndXX NextG ETF (NXTG) at 8.27%. This indicates that WTAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NXTG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WTAI	NXTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.86%	8.27%	+2.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.71%	15.26%	+7.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.39%	18.44%	+9.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.99%	17.93%	+13.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.99%	18.88%	+12.11%

WTAI vs. NXTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

WTAI has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than NXTG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

WTAI vs. NXTG - Dividend Comparison

WTAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.13%, more 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%
WTAI WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund	1.13%	1.81%	0.19%	0.24%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WTAI and NXTG in my portfolio?

WTAI and NXTG have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WTAI or NXTG?

WTAI has higher volatility (10.86%) compared to NXTG (8.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WTAI dropped -45.92% vs NXTG's -33.61%.

Which ETF is better, WTAI or NXTG?

On 3-year performance, WTAI leads with 37.21% vs 35.56% for NXTG. On fees, WTAI is cheaper at 0.45% 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, WTAI or NXTG?

Over the 3-year period, WTAI has performed better with a 37.21% return vs 35.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WTAI or NXTG?

WTAI is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for NXTG.

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

WTAI has the higher dividend yield at 1.13%, compared with 1.11% for NXTG.

What is the main difference between WTAI and NXTG?

WTAI tracks WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Index, while NXTG tracks Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for WTAI and 0.70% for NXTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NXTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.52 vs 3.87), 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.