FTCE vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FTCE (First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTCE is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FTCE returned 37.80% vs 225.15% for FTXL. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

FTCE vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) 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, FTCE achieves a 14.69% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 115.70% return.

FTCE

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 10.79%
• YTD: 14.69%
• 6M: 15.43%
• 1Y: 37.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

FTCE vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FTCE First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF	14.69%	26.14%	-0.04%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	-4.65%

Correlation

The correlation between FTCE and FTXL is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 4, 2024	0.67

The correlation between FTCE and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTCE vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTCE	FTXL
Technology	21.8%	99.5%
Industrials	15.8%	0.5%
Financial Services	14.9%	-
Healthcare	10.9%	-
Utilities	7.9%	-
Real Estate	6.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.9%	-
Energy	5.0%	-
Basic Materials	4.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	-
Communication Services	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

FTCE vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTCE

FTCE Risk / Return Rank: 81
FTCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FTCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FTCE Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FTCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FTCE Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

FTCE vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) 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.

	FTCE	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.91	6.33	-3.41
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.94	5.74	-1.80
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.78	-0.27
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.77	15.62	-11.85
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	14.49	58.28	-43.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTCE vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTCE Sharpe Ratio is 2.91, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTCE 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

	FTCE	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.91	6.33	-3.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.97	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.50	0.94	+0.56

Drawdowns

FTCE vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTCE drawdown since its inception was -18.11%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTCE and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTCE	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.11%	-43.87%	+25.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.16%	-14.51%	+4.35%
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	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.50%	-10.56%	+8.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	3.88%	-1.24%

Volatility

FTCE vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) is 3.33%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 14.28%. This indicates that FTCE 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

	FTCE	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.33%	14.28%	-10.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.16%	28.98%	-18.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.03%	35.94%	-22.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.76%	36.02%	-19.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.76%	34.25%	-17.49%

FTCE vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FTCE vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

FTCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, more than FTXL's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTCE First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF	0.79%	0.96%	0.28%	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 FTCE and FTXL in my portfolio?

FTCE and FTXL have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTCE or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.28%) compared to FTCE (3.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTCE dropped -18.11% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, FTCE or FTXL?

On 1-year performance, FTXL leads with 225.15% vs 37.80% for FTCE. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, FTCE has been the lower-risk option at 3.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTCE or FTXL?

Over the 1-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 225.15% return vs 37.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTCE or FTXL?

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

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

FTCE has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.12% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between FTCE and FTXL?

FTCE is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. FTCE tracks Bloomberg New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders 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 2.91), 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.