EMOT vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EMOT (First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EMOT is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Economic Moat Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, EMOT returned 18.68% vs 226.33% for FTXL. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

EMOT vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF (EMOT) 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, EMOT achieves a 9.61% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 129.34% return.

EMOT

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 9.61%
• 6M: 8.78%
• 1Y: 18.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: 2.71%
• 1M: 19.81%
• YTD: 129.34%
• 6M: 127.30%
• 1Y: 226.33%
• 3Y*: 64.47%
• 5Y*: 36.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

EMOT vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
EMOT First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF	9.61%	14.17%	5.53%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	129.34%	48.94%	-11.48%

Correlation

The correlation between EMOT and FTXL is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2024	0.68

The correlation between EMOT and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMOT vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMOT	FTXL
Technology	41.6%	99.7%
Consumer Cyclical	18.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	15.9%	-
Healthcare	9.4%	-
Financial Services	5.1%	-
Communication Services	3.9%	-
Industrials	3.6%	0.3%
Energy	2.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

EMOT vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMOT

EMOT Risk / Return Rank: 46
EMOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
EMOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
EMOT Omega Ratio Rank: 45
EMOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
EMOT Martin Ratio Rank: 49

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
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.

EMOT vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF (EMOT) 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.

	EMOT	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	5.69	-4.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	5.06	-2.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.71	-0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	15.70	-13.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.00	54.75	-46.74

EMOT vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMOT Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 5.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMOT 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

EMOT vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMOT drawdown since its inception was -16.41%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMOT and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMOT	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.41%	-43.87%	+27.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.19%	-14.51%	+5.32%
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	-2.28%	0.00%	-2.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.06%	-10.53%	+8.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	4.15%	-1.81%

Volatility

EMOT vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF (EMOT) is 4.01%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 20.69%. This indicates that EMOT 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

	EMOT	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	20.69%	-16.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.00%	33.51%	-24.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.73%	40.09%	-28.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.95%	36.93%	-21.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.95%	34.67%	-19.72%

EMOT vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both EMOT and FTXL have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

EMOT vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

EMOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, more than FTXL's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
EMOT First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF	1.08%	0.84%	0.37%	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 EMOT and FTXL in my portfolio?

EMOT and FTXL have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMOT or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (20.69%) compared to EMOT (4.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMOT dropped -16.41% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, EMOT or FTXL?

On 1-year performance, FTXL leads with 226.33% vs 18.68% for EMOT. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, EMOT has been the lower-risk option at 4.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMOT or FTXL?

Over the 1-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 226.33% return vs 18.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMOT or FTXL?

EMOT and FTXL have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

EMOT has the higher dividend yield at 1.08%, compared with 0.12% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between EMOT and FTXL?

EMOT is categorized as S&P 500, while FTXL is Semiconductors. EMOT tracks S&P 500 Economic Moat Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.69 vs 1.60), 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.