FPA vs. FTXL

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FPA (First Trust Asia Pacific ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FPA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Asia Pacific Ex-Japan Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FPA returned 9.93%/yr vs 30.21%/yr for FTXL. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FPA charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

FPA vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Asia Pacific ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) 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, FPA achieves a 26.33% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 86.56% return.

FPA

• 1D: -5.43%
• 1M: -14.07%
• 6M: 18.65%
• YTD: 26.33%
• 1Y: 35.45%
• 3Y*: 22.92%
• 5Y*: 9.93%
• 10Y*: 8.60%

FTXL

• 1D: -4.90%
• 1M: -10.51%
• 6M: 67.03%
• YTD: 86.56%
• 1Y: 143.49%
• 3Y*: 50.43%
• 5Y*: 30.21%
• 10Y*: —

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

FPA vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FPA First Trust Asia Pacific ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund	26.33%	43.16%	3.95%	9.97%	-14.55%	2.98%	13.43%	8.91%	-21.91%	35.81%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	86.56%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%	32.19%

Correlation

The correlation between FPA and FTXL is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2016	0.48

The correlation between FPA and FTXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (5 years) to 0.57 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FPA vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FPA	FTXL
Industrials	32.7%	0.3%
Technology	25.2%	99.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.3%	-
Financial Services	8.6%	-
Real Estate	6.2%	-
Energy	5.4%	-
Utilities	5.1%	-
Basic Materials	4.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	-
Communication Services	2.6%	-
Healthcare	0.8%	-

Return for Risk

FPA vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FPA

FPA Risk / Return Rank: 45
FPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
FPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
FPA Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
FPA Martin Ratio Rank: 49

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 94
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

FPA vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Asia Pacific ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) 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.

	FPA	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	3.32	-2.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	3.38	-1.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.46	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	7.74	-5.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.60	28.09	-21.49

FPA vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FPA Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 3.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FPA 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

FPA vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FPA drawdown since its inception was -52.91%, which is greater than FTXL's maximum drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FPA and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FPA	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.91%	-43.87%	-9.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.03%	-18.65%	-1.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.66%	-41.57%	+20.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.59%	-43.87%	+11.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.91%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.03%	-18.65%	-1.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.46%	-10.54%	-2.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.39%	5.13%	+0.26%

Volatility

FPA vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Asia Pacific ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) is 13.83%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 22.60%. This indicates that FPA 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

	FPA	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.83%	22.60%	-8.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.20%	37.47%	-10.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.33%	43.61%	-14.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.01%	37.69%	-12.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.83%	35.02%	-12.19%

FPA vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FPA has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FPA vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

FPA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.84%, more than FTXL's 0.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FPA First Trust Asia Pacific ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund	3.84%	4.71%	3.40%	3.02%	4.22%	5.12%	1.59%	3.90%	2.81%	3.15%	2.42%	1.74%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.10%	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 FPA and FTXL in my portfolio?

FPA and FTXL have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FPA or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (22.60%) compared to FPA (13.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FPA dropped -52.91% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, FPA or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 30.21% vs 9.93% for FPA. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FPA has been the lower-risk option at 13.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FPA or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 30.21% return vs 9.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FPA or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FPA.

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

FPA has the higher dividend yield at 3.84%, compared with 0.10% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between FPA and FTXL?

FPA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. FPA tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Asia Pacific Ex-Japan Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FPA and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.32 vs 1.22), 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.