DVXK vs. FTXL

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

DVXK (WEBs Technology XLK Defined Volatility ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DVXK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Syntax Defined Volatility XLK Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, DVXK returned 48.91% vs 127.03% for FTXL. Their correlation of 0.81 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DVXK charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

DVXK vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WEBs Technology XLK Defined Volatility ETF (DVXK) 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, DVXK achieves a 25.56% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 67.20% return.

DVXK

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -2.72%
• 6M: 26.10%
• YTD: 25.56%
• 1Y: 48.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 44.89%

FTXL

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: -13.49%
• 6M: 42.44%
• YTD: 67.20%
• 1Y: 127.03%
• 3Y*: 42.82%
• 5Y*: 26.87%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 27.99%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DVXK WEBs Technology XLK Defined Volatility ETF	$166.11K	$93.54K	$249.13K
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	$143.42M	$100.61M	$86.48M

DVXK vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DVXK WEBs Technology XLK Defined Volatility ETF	25.56%	16.30%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	67.20%	32.35%

Correlation

The correlation between DVXK and FTXL is 0.81, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2025	0.81

The correlation between DVXK and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DVXK vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DVXK

DVXK Risk / Return Rank: 49
DVXK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DVXK Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DVXK Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DVXK Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DVXK Martin Ratio Rank: 43

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 91
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 87
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 93

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DVXK vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WEBs Technology XLK Defined Volatility ETF (DVXK) 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.

	DVXK	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.30	2.71	-1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.95	-1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.39	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.79	3.83	-2.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.71	16.62	-11.91

DVXK vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DVXK Sharpe Ratio is 1.30, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DVXK 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

DVXK vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVXK drawdown since its inception was -24.08%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVXK and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVXK	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.08%	-43.87%	+19.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.08%	-32.64%	+8.56%
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	-13.17%	-27.09%	+13.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.26%	-10.61%	+3.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.15%	7.51%	+1.64%

Volatility

DVXK vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WEBs Technology XLK Defined Volatility ETF (DVXK) is 8.64%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 18.94%. This indicates that DVXK 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

	DVXK	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.64%	18.94%	-10.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.83%	39.98%	-15.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.23%	46.28%	-13.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.88%	38.23%	-5.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.88%	35.28%	-2.40%

DVXK vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVXK has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVXK vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

DVXK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.64%, more than FTXL's 0.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DVXK WEBs Technology XLK Defined Volatility ETF	2.64%	3.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.11%	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 DVXK and FTXL in my portfolio?

DVXK and FTXL have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DVXK or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (18.94%) compared to DVXK (8.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DVXK dropped -24.08% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, DVXK or FTXL?

On 1-year performance, FTXL leads with 127.03% vs 48.91% for DVXK. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, DVXK has been the lower-risk option at 8.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DVXK or FTXL?

Over the 1-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 127.03% return vs 48.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVXK or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVXK.

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

DVXK has the higher dividend yield at 2.64%, compared with 0.11% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between DVXK and FTXL?

DVXK is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. DVXK tracks Syntax Defined Volatility XLK Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: WEBs and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for DVXK and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.30), 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.