BUG vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUG (Global X Cybersecurity ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUG is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Cybersecurity Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BUG returned 6.86%/yr vs 34.63%/yr for FTXL. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

BUG vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUG achieves a 20.72% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 115.70% return.

BUG

• 1D: -4.04%
• 1M: 33.08%
• YTD: 20.72%
• 6M: 15.17%
• 1Y: 2.89%
• 3Y*: 15.82%
• 5Y*: 6.86%
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: 2.21%
• 1M: 30.59%
• YTD: 115.70%
• 6M: 113.17%
• 1Y: 225.15%
• 3Y*: 61.52%
• 5Y*: 34.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUG vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BUG Global X Cybersecurity ETF	20.72%	-5.04%	9.59%	41.40%	-33.63%	13.24%	70.83%	6.55%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	11.55%

Correlation

The correlation between BUG and FTXL is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2019	0.56

Over the past year, the correlation between BUG and FTXL has dropped to 0.24 - well below their long-term average of 0.56, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

BUG vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUG	FTXL
Technology	99.9%	99.5%
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	0.5%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

BUG vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUG

BUG Risk / Return Rank: 10
BUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
BUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
BUG Omega Ratio Rank: 10
BUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
BUG Martin Ratio Rank: 9

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

BUG vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). 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.

	BUG	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.09	6.33	-6.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.34	5.74	-5.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.78	-0.74
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.08	15.62	-15.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.16	58.28	-58.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BUG vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUG Sharpe Ratio is 0.09, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUG and FTXL, 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

	BUG	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09	6.33	-6.23
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.97	-0.73
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.94	-0.44

Drawdowns

BUG vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUG drawdown since its inception was -41.66%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUG and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUG	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.66%	-43.87%	+2.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-37.69%	-14.51%	-23.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.69%	-41.57%	+3.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.66%	-43.87%	+2.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.62%	0.00%	-4.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.42%	-10.56%	-3.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.36%	3.88%	+14.48%

Volatility

BUG vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) have volatilities of 14.07% and 14.28%, 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

	BUG	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.07%	14.28%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.81%	28.98%	-3.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.78%	35.94%	-5.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.47%	36.02%	-7.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.33%	34.25%	-4.92%

BUG vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUG vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

BUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, less than FTXL's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BUG Global X Cybersecurity ETF	0.03%	0.04%	0.09%	0.10%	1.56%	0.66%	0.46%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.12%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUG and FTXL in my portfolio?

BUG and FTXL have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUG or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.28%) compared to BUG (14.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUG dropped -41.66% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, BUG or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 34.63% vs 6.86% for BUG. On fees, BUG is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, BUG has been the lower-risk option at 14.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUG or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 34.63% return vs 6.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUG or FTXL?

BUG is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUG or FTXL?

FTXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.12%, compared with 0.03% for BUG.

What is the main difference between BUG and FTXL?

BUG is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. BUG tracks Indxx Cybersecurity Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for BUG and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.33 vs 0.09), 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.