FNX vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FNX (First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FNX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Mid Cap Core Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FNX returned 8.31%/yr vs 34.63%/yr for FTXL. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

FNX vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FNX) 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, FNX achieves a 11.81% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 115.70% return.

FNX

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 2.71%
• YTD: 11.81%
• 6M: 11.61%
• 1Y: 26.57%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: 11.90%

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)

FNX vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNX First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	11.81%	9.87%	12.21%	20.39%	-13.57%	25.05%	16.04%	26.97%	-11.23%	17.66%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%	32.19%

Correlation

The correlation between FNX and FTXL is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2016	0.67

The correlation between FNX and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNX vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNX	FTXL
Industrials	19.3%	0.5%
Financial Services	18.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	14.4%	-
Healthcare	10.4%	-
Technology	9.5%	99.5%
Real Estate	8.6%	-
Energy	6.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	-
Basic Materials	3.1%	-
Utilities	2.7%	-
Communication Services	2.2%	-

Return for Risk

FNX vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNX

FNX Risk / Return Rank: 52
FNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
FNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
FNX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
FNX Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

FNX vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FNX) 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.

	FNX	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	6.33	-4.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	5.74	-3.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.78	-0.49
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	15.62	-12.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.95	58.28	-48.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FNX vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNX 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

	FNX	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.66	6.33	-4.66
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.97	-0.56
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.94	-0.52

Drawdowns

FNX vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNX drawdown since its inception was -57.11%, which is greater than FTXL's maximum drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNX and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNX	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.11%	-43.87%	-13.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.24%	-14.51%	+5.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.97%	-41.57%	+16.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.97%	-43.87%	+18.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.95%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.77%	0.00%	-0.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.41%	-10.56%	+2.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	3.88%	-1.20%

Volatility

FNX vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FNX) is 4.63%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 14.28%. This indicates that FNX 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

	FNX	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.63%	14.28%	-9.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.43%	28.98%	-17.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.11%	35.94%	-19.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.49%	36.02%	-15.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.97%	34.25%	-12.28%

FNX vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FNX vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

FNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.83%, more than FTXL's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNX First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	0.83%	0.88%	1.26%	1.11%	1.19%	0.94%	1.04%	1.21%	1.01%	0.90%	1.07%	1.07%
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%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNX and FTXL in my portfolio?

FNX and FTXL have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FNX or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.28%) compared to FNX (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNX dropped -57.11% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, FNX or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 34.63% vs 8.31% for FNX. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, FNX has been the lower-risk option at 4.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNX or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 34.63% return vs 8.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNX or FTXL?

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

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

FNX has the higher dividend yield at 0.83%, compared with 0.12% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between FNX and FTXL?

FNX is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. FNX tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Mid Cap Core Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.33 vs 1.66), 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.