DALI vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DALI (First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DALI is a Tactical Allocation fund tracking the Dorsey Wright DALI 1 Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DALI returned 5.36%/yr vs 34.02%/yr for FTXL. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DALI charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

DALI vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI) 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, DALI achieves a 7.49% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 110.86% return.

DALI

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 7.88%
• 1Y: 21.24%
• 3Y*: 7.69%
• 5Y*: 5.36%
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: -2.24%
• 1M: 21.46%
• YTD: 110.86%
• 6M: 111.07%
• 1Y: 214.18%
• 3Y*: 61.46%
• 5Y*: 34.02%
• 10Y*: —

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

DALI vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DALI First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF	7.49%	11.89%	19.93%	-8.48%	-8.10%	22.28%	4.51%	25.39%	-14.81%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	110.86%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-21.92%

Correlation

The correlation between DALI and FTXL is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 16, 2018	0.62

The correlation between DALI and FTXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (5 years) to 0.72 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DALI vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DALI	FTXL
Industrials	29.9%	0.5%
Financial Services	10.5%	-
Technology	10.5%	99.5%
Basic Materials	9.9%	-
Energy	9.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	-
Utilities	5.5%	-
Real Estate	5.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.5%	-
Healthcare	3.3%	-
Communication Services	3.0%	-

Return for Risk

DALI vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DALI

DALI Risk / Return Rank: 36
DALI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
DALI Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
DALI Omega Ratio Rank: 35
DALI Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
DALI Martin Ratio Rank: 40

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
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.

DALI vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI) 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.

	DALI	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	6.00	-4.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	5.56	-3.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.75	-0.52
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.70	14.86	-13.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.30	55.40	-49.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DALI vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DALI Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DALI 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

	DALI	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.23	6.00	-4.77
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	0.95	-0.68
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	0.93	-0.62

Drawdowns

DALI vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DALI drawdown since its inception was -36.06%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DALI and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DALI	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.06%	-43.87%	+7.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.54%	-14.51%	+1.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.30%	-41.57%	+18.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.26%	-43.87%	+17.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.62%	-2.24%	+0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.14%	-10.55%	+0.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	3.88%	-0.50%

Volatility

DALI vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI) is 6.23%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 14.14%. This indicates that DALI 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

	DALI	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.23%	14.14%	-7.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.36%	29.04%	-14.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.30%	35.94%	-18.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.65%	36.03%	-16.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	34.25%	-13.34%

DALI vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DALI has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

DALI vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

DALI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, more than FTXL's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DALI First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF	0.38%	0.38%	0.18%	3.42%	0.50%	0.11%	1.25%	0.45%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	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 DALI and FTXL in my portfolio?

DALI and FTXL have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DALI or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.14%) compared to DALI (6.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DALI dropped -36.06% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, DALI or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 34.02% vs 5.36% for DALI. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, DALI has been the lower-risk option at 6.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DALI or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 34.02% return vs 5.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DALI or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for DALI.

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

DALI has the higher dividend yield at 0.38%, compared with 0.13% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between DALI and FTXL?

DALI is categorized as Tactical Allocation, while FTXL is Semiconductors. DALI tracks Dorsey Wright DALI 1 Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for DALI and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.00 vs 1.23), 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.