FTHF vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTHF (First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTHF is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FTHF returned 109.33% vs 225.15% for FTXL. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTHF charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

FTHF vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) 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, FTHF achieves a 51.24% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 115.70% return.

FTHF

• 1D: -1.84%
• 1M: 15.16%
• YTD: 51.24%
• 6M: 61.52%
• 1Y: 109.33%
• 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)

FTHF vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	51.24%	65.30%	-8.14%	18.14%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	7.59%	30.32%

Correlation

The correlation between FTHF and FTXL is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2023	0.62

The correlation between FTHF and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTHF vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTHF	FTXL
Technology	40.7%	99.5%
Financial Services	27.7%	-
Basic Materials	10.3%	-
Energy	7.2%	-
Industrials	6.2%	0.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	-
Utilities	2.5%	-
Communication Services	1.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.6%	-
Healthcare	0.5%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

FTHF vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTHF

FTHF Risk / Return Rank: 90
FTHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
FTHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FTHF Omega Ratio Rank: 92
FTHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
FTHF Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

FTHF vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) 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.

	FTHF	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.36	6.33	-2.97
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.85	5.74	-1.89
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.62	1.78	-0.16
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.74	15.62	-8.88
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	18.95	58.28	-39.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTHF vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTHF Sharpe Ratio is 3.36, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTHF 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

	FTHF	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.36	6.33	-2.97
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.97	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.86	0.94	+0.93

Drawdowns

FTHF vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTHF drawdown since its inception was -17.36%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTHF and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTHF	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.36%	-43.87%	+26.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.31%	-14.51%	-1.80%
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	-1.84%	0.00%	-1.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.22%	-10.56%	+6.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.79%	3.88%	+1.91%

Volatility

FTHF vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF (FTHF) is 12.15%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 14.28%. This indicates that FTHF 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

	FTHF	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.15%	14.28%	-2.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.47%	28.98%	-4.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.76%	35.94%	-3.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.45%	36.02%	-10.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.45%	34.25%	-8.80%

FTHF vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTHF has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTHF vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

FTHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.98%, more than FTXL's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTHF First Trust Emerging Markets Human Flourishing ETF	2.98%	4.40%	3.34%	0.51%	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 FTHF and FTXL in my portfolio?

FTHF and FTXL have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTHF or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.28%) compared to FTHF (12.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTHF dropped -17.36% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, FTHF or FTXL?

On 1-year performance, FTXL leads with 225.15% vs 109.33% for FTHF. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FTHF has been the lower-risk option at 12.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTHF or FTXL?

Over the 1-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 225.15% return vs 109.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTHF or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTHF.

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

FTHF has the higher dividend yield at 2.98%, compared with 0.12% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between FTHF and FTXL?

FTHF is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while FTXL is Semiconductors. FTHF tracks Emerging Markets Human Flourishing Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for FTHF and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.33 vs 3.36), 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.