DLAG vs. FTXL

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

DLAG (FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DLAG is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. DLAG is actively managed, while FTXL is passively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLAG charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

DLAG vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August (DLAG) 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, DLAG achieves a 6.26% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 96.17% return.

DLAG

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 1.43%
• 6M: 5.38%
• YTD: 6.26%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: -3.77%
• 6M: 75.08%
• YTD: 96.17%
• 1Y: 156.03%
• 3Y*: 54.01%
• 5Y*: 31.55%
• 10Y*: —

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

DLAG vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DLAG FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August	6.26%	2.31%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	96.17%	18.76%

Correlation

The correlation between DLAG and FTXL is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2025	0.70

Return for Risk

DLAG vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLAG

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 95
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 92
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

DLAG vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August (DLAG) 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.

	DLAG	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	3.63	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.59	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.49	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	8.44	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	31.32	—

Drawdowns

DLAG vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLAG drawdown since its inception was -4.23%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLAG and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLAG	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.23%	-43.87%	+39.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-18.56%	—
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	0.00%	-14.46%	+14.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.53%	-10.53%	+10.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.99%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DLAG	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	22.30%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	37.15%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.31%	43.21%	-36.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.31%	37.61%	-31.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.31%	34.99%	-28.68%

DLAG vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLAG has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLAG vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

DLAG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FTXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DLAG FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August	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	0.10%	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 DLAG and FTXL in my portfolio?

DLAG and FTXL have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DLAG or FTXL?

On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLAG or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DLAG.

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

FTXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.10%, compared with 0.00% for DLAG.

What is the main difference between DLAG and FTXL?

DLAG is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FTXL is Semiconductors. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DLAG and 0.60% for FTXL.