CRTC vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

CRTC (Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CRTC is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Solactive Whitney U.S. Critical Technologies Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, CRTC returned 14.85% vs 195.83% for FTXL. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CRTC charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

CRTC vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC) 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, CRTC achieves a 3.75% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 118.29% return.

CRTC

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: -2.79%
• YTD: 3.75%
• 6M: 2.51%
• 1Y: 14.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: 4.13%
• 1M: 7.53%
• YTD: 118.29%
• 6M: 114.62%
• 1Y: 195.83%
• 3Y*: 61.34%
• 5Y*: 34.30%
• 10Y*: —

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

CRTC vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CRTC Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF	3.75%	18.69%	18.05%	7.16%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	118.29%	48.94%	7.59%	13.19%

Correlation

The correlation between CRTC and FTXL is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2023	0.71

The correlation between CRTC and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

CRTC vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CRTC	FTXL
Technology	39.5%	99.7%
Communication Services	15.0%	-
Healthcare	12.7%	-
Industrials	12.6%	0.3%
Energy	6.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	-
Utilities	5.3%	-
Basic Materials	3.1%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

CRTC vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CRTC

CRTC Risk / Return Rank: 33
CRTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
CRTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
CRTC Omega Ratio Rank: 30
CRTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
CRTC Martin Ratio Rank: 39

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 95
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.

CRTC vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC) 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.

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.

	CRTC	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	4.81	-3.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.53	4.46	-2.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.62	-0.43
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.65	13.58	-11.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.63	46.50	-40.88

CRTC vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CRTC Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 4.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CRTC 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.

Drawdowns

CRTC vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CRTC drawdown since its inception was -19.07%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CRTC and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CRTC	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.07%	-43.87%	+24.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.05%	-14.51%	+5.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-41.57%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.67%	-4.82%	-0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.18%	-10.52%	+8.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	4.23%	-1.59%

Volatility

CRTC vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC) is 5.77%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 22.24%. This indicates that CRTC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CRTC	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.77%	22.24%	-16.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.60%	34.75%	-24.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.52%	40.99%	-27.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.87%	37.15%	-21.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.87%	34.78%	-18.91%

CRTC vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CRTC has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

CRTC vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

CRTC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, more than FTXL's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
CRTC Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF	0.91%	1.03%	1.13%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.14%	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 CRTC and FTXL in my portfolio?

CRTC and FTXL have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CRTC or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (22.24%) compared to CRTC (5.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CRTC dropped -19.07% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, CRTC or FTXL?

On 1-year performance, FTXL leads with 195.83% vs 14.85% for CRTC. On fees, CRTC is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, CRTC has been the lower-risk option at 5.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CRTC or FTXL?

Over the 1-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 195.83% return vs 14.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CRTC or FTXL?

CRTC is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

CRTC has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.14% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between CRTC and FTXL?

CRTC is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. CRTC tracks Solactive Whitney U.S. Critical Technologies Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for CRTC and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.81 vs 1.10), 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.