FDN vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FDN (First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDN is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones Internet Index, while XLK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FDN returned 13.85%/yr vs 25.48%/yr for XLK. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDN charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

FDN vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index (FDN) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDN achieves a -3.99% return, which is significantly lower than XLK's 28.25% return. Over the past 10 years, FDN has underperformed XLK with an annualized return of 13.85%, while XLK has yielded a comparatively higher 25.48% annualized return.

FDN

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: -5.63%
• YTD: -3.99%
• 6M: -4.90%
• 1Y: 0.72%
• 3Y*: 17.44%
• 5Y*: 1.19%
• 10Y*: 13.85%

XLK

• 1D: -4.14%
• 1M: 2.23%
• YTD: 28.25%
• 6M: 26.51%
• 1Y: 52.47%
• 3Y*: 30.61%
• 5Y*: 21.34%
• 10Y*: 25.48%

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

FDN vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDN First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index	-3.99%	10.70%	30.35%	51.48%	-45.54%	6.55%	52.55%	19.25%	6.17%	37.64%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	28.25%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%

Correlation

The correlation between FDN and XLK is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2006	0.81

The correlation between FDN and XLK shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.82 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FDN vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDN	XLK
Technology	43.1%	99.7%
Communication Services	27.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	25.5%	-
Financial Services	2.0%	-
Industrials	1.3%	0.1%
Healthcare	1.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FDN vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDN

FDN Risk / Return Rank: 9
FDN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
FDN Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
FDN Omega Ratio Rank: 9
FDN Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
FDN Martin Ratio Rank: 9

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 66
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 64
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

FDN vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index (FDN) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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.

	FDN	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.04	2.25	-2.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.18	2.77	-2.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.38	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.03	3.31	-3.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.09	10.56	-10.48

FDN vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDN Sharpe Ratio is 0.04, which is lower than the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDN and XLK, 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

FDN vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDN drawdown since its inception was -61.55%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDN and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDN	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.55%	-82.05%	+20.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.31%	-15.92%	-5.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.98%	-25.66%	+0.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.97%	-33.56%	-20.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.97%	-33.56%	-20.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.81%	-6.96%	-3.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.81%	-34.90%	+23.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.54%	4.98%	+3.56%

Volatility

FDN vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index (FDN) is 7.48%, while State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has a volatility of 12.51%. This indicates that FDN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDN	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.48%	12.51%	-5.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.51%	19.70%	-4.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.77%	23.48%	-3.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.36%	25.37%	+1.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.63%	24.71%	+0.92%

FDN vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDN has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDN vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

FDN has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDN First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.43%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDN and XLK in my portfolio?

FDN and XLK have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDN or XLK?

XLK has higher volatility (12.51%) compared to FDN (7.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDN dropped -61.55% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, FDN or XLK?

On 10-year performance, XLK leads with 25.48% vs 13.85% for FDN. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FDN has been the lower-risk option at 7.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDN or XLK?

Over the 10-year period, XLK has performed better with a 25.48% return vs 13.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDN or XLK?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for FDN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FDN or XLK?

XLK has the higher dividend yield at 0.43%, compared with 0.00% for FDN.

What is the main difference between FDN and XLK?

FDN is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while XLK is Technology Equities. FDN tracks Dow Jones Internet Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for FDN and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 0.04), 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.