FTXL vs. DRAM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) and DRAM (Roundhill Memory ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index, while DRAM is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Roundhill. FTXL is passively managed, while DRAM is actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTXL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for DRAM.

Performance

FTXL vs. DRAM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

FTXL

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

DRAM

• 1D: -9.11%
• 1M: -11.86%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTXL vs. DRAM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	58.76%
DRAM Roundhill Memory ETF	112.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXL and DRAM is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 2026	0.77

FTXL vs. DRAM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXL	DRAM
Technology	99.7%	58.3%
Industrials	0.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-2.3%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FTXL vs. DRAM — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

DRAM

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. DRAM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) and Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM). 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.

	FTXL	DRAM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.32	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.38	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.74	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	28.09	—	—

Drawdowns

FTXL vs. DRAM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXL drawdown since its inception was -43.87%, which is greater than DRAM's maximum drawdown of -29.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXL and DRAM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXL	DRAM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.87%	-29.01%	-14.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.65%	—	—
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	-18.65%	-29.01%	+10.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.54%	-5.85%	-4.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.13%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTXL	DRAM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	22.60%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	37.47%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.61%	96.31%	-52.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.69%	96.31%	-58.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.02%	96.31%	-61.29%

FTXL vs. DRAM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than DRAM's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXL vs. DRAM - Dividend Comparison

FTXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, while DRAM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DRAM Roundhill Memory ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTXL and DRAM in my portfolio?

FTXL and DRAM have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FTXL or DRAM?

On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXL or DRAM?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for DRAM.

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

FTXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.10%, compared with 0.00% for DRAM.

What is the main difference between FTXL and DRAM?

FTXL is categorized as Semiconductors, while DRAM is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Roundhill. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXL and 0.65% for DRAM.