DAT vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DAT (ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DAT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the FactSet Big Data Refiners Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DAT returned 16.04%/yr vs 61.52%/yr for FTXL. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DAT charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

DAT vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF (DAT) 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, DAT achieves a -3.11% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 115.70% return.

DAT

• 1D: -4.79%
• 1M: 16.04%
• YTD: -3.11%
• 6M: -3.15%
• 1Y: -3.73%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

DAT vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DAT ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF	-3.11%	3.49%	33.22%	51.76%	-44.33%	-3.78%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	19.71%

Correlation

The correlation between DAT and FTXL is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2021	0.59

Over the past year, the correlation between DAT and FTXL has dropped to 0.29 - well below their long-term average of 0.59, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

DAT vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DAT	FTXL
Technology	97.1%	99.5%
Communication Services	2.2%	-
Utilities	1.2%	-
Healthcare	0.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	0.5%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

DAT vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DAT

DAT Risk / Return Rank: 8
DAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
DAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
DAT Omega Ratio Rank: 8
DAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
DAT Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

DAT vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF (DAT) 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.

	DAT	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.13	6.33	-6.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.03	5.74	-5.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.78	-0.78
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.11	15.62	-15.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.25	58.28	-58.53
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DAT vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DAT Sharpe Ratio is -0.13, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DAT 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

	DAT	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.13	6.33	-6.45
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.97	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.05	0.94	-0.88

Drawdowns

DAT vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DAT drawdown since its inception was -56.22%, which is greater than FTXL's maximum drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAT and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DAT	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.22%	-43.87%	-12.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.70%	-14.51%	-20.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.73%	-41.57%	+6.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.08%	0.00%	-10.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-26.23%	-10.56%	-15.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.10%	3.88%	+11.22%

Volatility

DAT vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF (DAT) is 13.55%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 14.28%. This indicates that DAT 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

	DAT	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.55%	14.28%	-0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.18%	28.98%	-3.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.78%	35.94%	-6.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.02%	36.02%	-2.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.02%	34.25%	-0.23%

DAT vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DAT has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

DAT vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

DAT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FTXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DAT ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 DAT and FTXL in my portfolio?

DAT and FTXL have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DAT or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.28%) compared to DAT (13.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DAT dropped -56.22% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, DAT or FTXL?

On 3-year performance, FTXL leads with 61.52% vs 16.04% for DAT. On fees, DAT is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, DAT has been the lower-risk option at 13.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DAT or FTXL?

Over the 3-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 61.52% return vs 16.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DAT or FTXL?

DAT is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

FTXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.12%, compared with 0.00% for DAT.

What is the main difference between DAT and FTXL?

DAT is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. DAT tracks FactSet Big Data Refiners Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DAT and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.33 vs -0.13), 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.