FTXG vs. FTEC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FTXG (First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF) and FTEC (Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTXG is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index, while FTEC is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTXG returned 1.16%/yr vs 18.86%/yr for FTEC. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTXG charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for FTEC.

Performance

FTXG vs. FTEC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) and Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTXG achieves a 11.71% return, which is significantly lower than FTEC's 21.67% return.

FTXG

• 1D: 2.66%
• 1M: 3.14%
• 6M: 6.61%
• YTD: 11.71%
• 1Y: 7.35%
• 3Y*: -0.70%
• 5Y*: 1.16%
• 10Y*: —

FTEC

• 1D: -1.93%
• 1M: -2.95%
• 6M: 20.75%
• YTD: 21.67%
• 1Y: 35.73%
• 3Y*: 27.36%
• 5Y*: 18.86%
• 10Y*: 24.23%

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

FTXG vs. FTEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	11.71%	-6.52%	-2.52%	-6.48%	6.15%	13.48%	6.63%	23.97%	-12.09%	5.64%
FTEC Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF	21.67%	22.11%	29.40%	53.30%	-29.59%	30.49%	45.83%	48.93%	-0.39%	36.83%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXG and FTEC is -0.30, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.10
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2016	0.16

The correlation between FTXG and FTEC shifts across timeframes, from -0.30 (1 year) to 0.16 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTXG vs. FTEC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXG	FTEC
Consumer Defensive	87.1%	-
Basic Materials	3.2%	0.0%
Industrials	3.2%	0.5%
Communication Services	-	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.0%
Energy	-	0.3%
Financial Services	-	0.4%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	98.6%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FTXG vs. FTEC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXG

FTXG Risk / Return Rank: 18
FTXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
FTXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
FTXG Omega Ratio Rank: 17
FTXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
FTXG Martin Ratio Rank: 17

FTEC

FTEC Risk / Return Rank: 51
FTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
FTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
FTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 50
FTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
FTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

FTXG vs. FTEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) and Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC). 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.

	FTXG	FTEC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.51	1.53	-1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.83	2.03	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.26	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.73	2.21	-1.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.30	6.36	-5.06

FTXG vs. FTEC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXG Sharpe Ratio is 0.51, which is lower than the FTEC Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXG and FTEC, 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

FTXG vs. FTEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXG drawdown since its inception was -31.52%, smaller than the maximum FTEC drawdown of -34.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXG and FTEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXG	FTEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.52%	-34.95%	+3.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-16.26%	+6.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.10%	-27.30%	+9.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.68%	-34.95%	+13.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.95%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.05%	-9.13%	-0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.70%	-5.58%	-2.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.68%	5.63%	+0.05%

Volatility

FTXG vs. FTEC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) is 5.90%, while Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC) has a volatility of 8.65%. This indicates that FTXG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTEC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTXG	FTEC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.90%	8.65%	-2.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.77%	19.55%	-8.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.41%	23.50%	-9.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.65%	25.75%	-11.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.65%	24.90%	-8.25%

FTXG vs. FTEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than FTEC's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXG vs. FTEC - Dividend Comparison

FTXG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, more than FTEC's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTEC Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF	0.37%	0.43%	0.49%	0.77%	0.93%	0.63%	0.83%	1.03%	1.20%	0.96%	1.25%	1.27%
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	2.49%	2.93%	2.75%	4.27%	1.50%	1.52%	1.35%	1.25%	1.37%	1.56%	0.30%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTXG and FTEC in my portfolio?

FTXG and FTEC have a correlation of -0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXG or FTEC?

FTEC has higher volatility (8.65%) compared to FTXG (5.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXG dropped -31.52% vs FTEC's -34.95%.

Which ETF is better, FTXG or FTEC?

On 5-year performance, FTEC leads with 18.86% vs 1.16% for FTXG. On fees, FTEC is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FTXG has been the lower-risk option at 5.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXG or FTEC?

Over the 5-year period, FTEC has performed better with a 18.86% return vs 1.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXG or FTEC?

FTEC is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTXG or FTEC?

FTXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 0.37% for FTEC.

What is the main difference between FTXG and FTEC?

FTXG is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while FTEC is Technology Equities. FTXG tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index, while FTEC tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXG and 0.08% for FTEC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 0.51), 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.