FTXL vs. CHPS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) and CHPS (Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF) are both Semiconductors funds - FTXL tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index while CHPS tracks the Solactive Semiconductor ESG Screened Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FTXL returned 225.15% vs 223.67% for CHPS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FTXL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for CHPS.

Performance

FTXL vs. CHPS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) and Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTXL achieves a 115.70% return, which is significantly higher than CHPS's 107.97% return.

FTXL

• 1D: 2.21%
• 1M: 30.59%
• YTD: 115.70%
• 6M: 113.17%
• 1Y: 225.15%
• 3Y*: 61.52%
• 5Y*: 34.63%
• 10Y*: —

CHPS

• 1D: 1.86%
• 1M: 32.32%
• YTD: 107.97%
• 6M: 109.04%
• 1Y: 223.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTXL vs. CHPS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	7.59%	12.22%
CHPS Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF	107.97%	58.47%	7.75%	10.88%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXL and CHPS is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2023	0.96

The correlation between FTXL and CHPS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTXL vs. CHPS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXL	CHPS
Technology	99.5%	98.8%
Industrials	0.5%	0.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	0.2%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FTXL vs. CHPS — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

CHPS

CHPS Risk / Return Rank: 97
CHPS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
CHPS Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
CHPS Omega Ratio Rank: 96
CHPS Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
CHPS Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

FTXL vs. CHPS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) and Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS). 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.

	FTXL	CHPS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	6.33	6.54	-0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.74	6.07	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.78	1.81	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	15.62	12.87	+2.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	58.28	49.99	+8.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTXL vs. CHPS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXL Sharpe Ratio is 6.33, which is comparable to the CHPS Sharpe Ratio of 6.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXL and CHPS, 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

	FTXL	CHPS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.33	6.54	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.94	1.81	-0.87

Drawdowns

FTXL vs. CHPS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXL drawdown since its inception was -43.87%, which is greater than CHPS's maximum drawdown of -39.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXL and CHPS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXL	CHPS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.87%	-39.44%	-4.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.51%	-17.50%	+2.99%
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	-10.56%	-9.16%	-1.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.88%	4.50%	-0.62%

Volatility

FTXL vs. CHPS - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) and Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS) have volatilities of 14.28% and 14.18%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTXL	CHPS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.28%	14.18%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.98%	28.19%	+0.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.94%	34.43%	+1.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.02%	33.78%	+2.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.25%	33.78%	+0.47%

FTXL vs. CHPS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than CHPS's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXL vs. CHPS - Dividend Comparison

FTXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, less than CHPS's 0.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
CHPS Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF	0.32%	0.68%	1.75%	0.36%	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 FTXL and CHPS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FTXL and CHPS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FTXL or CHPS?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.28%) compared to CHPS (14.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXL dropped -43.87% vs CHPS's -39.44%.

Which ETF is better, FTXL or CHPS?

On 1-year performance, FTXL leads with 225.15% vs 223.67% for CHPS. On fees, CHPS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, CHPS has been the lower-risk option at 14.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXL or CHPS?

Over the 1-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 225.15% return vs 223.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXL or CHPS?

CHPS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

CHPS has the higher dividend yield at 0.32%, compared with 0.12% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between FTXL and CHPS?

FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index, while CHPS tracks Solactive Semiconductor ESG Screened Index - Benchmark TR Gross. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXL and 0.15% for CHPS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CHPS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.54 vs 6.33), 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.