DTEC vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DTEC (ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DTEC is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Disruptive Technologies Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DTEC returned 1.86%/yr vs 34.63%/yr for FTXL. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DTEC charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

DTEC vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (DTEC) 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, DTEC achieves a 3.04% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 115.70% return.

DTEC

• 1D: -2.82%
• 1M: 7.50%
• YTD: 3.04%
• 6M: 1.62%
• 1Y: 5.25%
• 3Y*: 9.62%
• 5Y*: 1.86%
• 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)

DTEC vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DTEC ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF	3.04%	7.21%	9.89%	25.03%	-31.29%	4.89%	44.12%	35.44%	-4.96%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%

Correlation

The correlation between DTEC and FTXL is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2018	0.72

Over the past year, the correlation between DTEC and FTXL has dropped to 0.42 - well below their long-term average of 0.72, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

DTEC vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DTEC	FTXL
Technology	60.0%	99.5%
Industrials	13.7%	0.5%
Healthcare	10.4%	-
Financial Services	8.5%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Utilities	3.1%	-
Communication Services	2.2%	-
Real Estate	1.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-

Return for Risk

DTEC vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DTEC

DTEC Risk / Return Rank: 12
DTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
DTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
DTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 12
DTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
DTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

DTEC vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (DTEC) 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.

	DTEC	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.29	6.33	-6.04
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.52	5.74	-5.23
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.78	-0.72
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.26	15.62	-15.36
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.60	58.28	-57.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DTEC vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DTEC Sharpe Ratio is 0.29, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DTEC 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

	DTEC	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29	6.33	-6.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08	0.97	-0.88
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.94	-0.55

Drawdowns

DTEC vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DTEC drawdown since its inception was -42.00%, roughly equal to the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DTEC and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DTEC	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.00%	-43.87%	+1.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.31%	-14.51%	-5.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.47%	-41.57%	+20.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.00%	-43.87%	+1.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.09%	0.00%	-5.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.31%	-10.56%	-2.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.71%	3.88%	+4.83%

Volatility

DTEC vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (DTEC) is 6.58%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 14.28%. This indicates that DTEC 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

	DTEC	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.58%	14.28%	-7.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.30%	28.98%	-14.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.33%	35.94%	-17.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.07%	36.02%	-13.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.89%	34.25%	-11.36%

DTEC vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DTEC vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

DTEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.04%, less than FTXL's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DTEC ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF	0.04%	0.04%	0.45%	0.27%	0.02%	0.26%	0.37%	0.43%	0.33%	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 DTEC and FTXL in my portfolio?

DTEC and FTXL have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DTEC or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.28%) compared to DTEC (6.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DTEC dropped -42.00% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, DTEC or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 34.63% vs 1.86% for DTEC. On fees, DTEC is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, DTEC has been the lower-risk option at 6.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DTEC or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 34.63% return vs 1.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DTEC or FTXL?

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

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

FTXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.12%, compared with 0.04% for DTEC.

What is the main difference between DTEC and FTXL?

DTEC is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. DTEC tracks Indxx Disruptive Technologies Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for DTEC and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.33 vs 0.29), 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.