FTXL vs. SHOC

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) and SHOC (Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds - FTXL tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index while SHOC tracks the Bloomberg US Listed Semiconductors Select Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FTXL returned 48.06%/yr vs 45.21%/yr for SHOC. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. FTXL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for SHOC.

Performance

FTXL vs. SHOC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTXL achieves a 78.28% return, which is significantly higher than SHOC's 55.06% return.

FTXL

• 1D: -1.76%
• 1M: -9.62%
• 6M: 57.32%
• YTD: 78.28%
• 1Y: 140.44%
• 3Y*: 48.06%
• 5Y*: 27.69%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 28.78%

SHOC

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: -4.39%
• 6M: 47.93%
• YTD: 55.06%
• 1Y: 92.77%
• 3Y*: 45.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 46.50%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	$138.68M	$95.49M	$85.62M
SHOC Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF	$1.26M	$1.67M	$2.49M

FTXL vs. SHOC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	78.28%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	0.49%
SHOC Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF	55.06%	49.91%	16.74%	61.97%	-1.79%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXL and SHOC is 0.96 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 6, 2022	0.96

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

FTXL vs. SHOC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXL	SHOC
Technology	99.6%	100.0%
Industrials	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FTXL vs. SHOC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 90
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 87
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 92

SHOC

SHOC Risk / Return Rank: 82
SHOC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
SHOC Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
SHOC Omega Ratio Rank: 76
SHOC Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SHOC Martin Ratio Rank: 88

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FTXL vs. SHOC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) and Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF (SHOC). 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	SHOC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.03	2.31	+0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.18	2.71	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.36	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.33	3.70	+0.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.79	14.66	+3.13

FTXL vs. SHOC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXL Sharpe Ratio is 3.03, which is higher than the SHOC Sharpe Ratio of 2.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXL and SHOC, 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

FTXL vs. SHOC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXL drawdown since its inception was -43.87%, which is greater than SHOC's maximum drawdown of -37.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXL and SHOC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXL	SHOC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.87%	-37.54%	-6.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-32.64%	-25.20%	-7.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.57%	-37.54%	-4.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.87%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.26%	-14.66%	-7.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.62%	-7.61%	-3.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.93%	6.35%	+1.58%

Volatility

FTXL vs. SHOC - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a higher volatility of 18.99% compared to Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF (SHOC) at 16.30%. This indicates that FTXL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SHOC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTXL	SHOC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.99%	16.30%	+2.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.24%	34.29%	+5.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	46.69%	40.35%	+6.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.39%	36.94%	+1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.35%	36.94%	-1.59%

FTXL vs. SHOC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than SHOC's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXL vs. SHOC - Dividend Comparison

FTXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than SHOC's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.11%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%
SHOC Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	0.23%	0.35%	0.65%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTXL and SHOC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, FTXL and SHOC 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 SHOC?

FTXL has higher volatility (18.99%) compared to SHOC (16.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXL dropped -43.87% vs SHOC's -37.54%.

Which ETF is better, FTXL or SHOC?

On 3-year performance, FTXL leads with 48.06% vs 45.21% for SHOC. On fees, SHOC is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, SHOC has been the lower-risk option at 16.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXL or SHOC?

Over the 3-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 48.06% return vs 45.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXL or SHOC?

SHOC is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

SHOC has the higher dividend yield at 0.13%, compared with 0.11% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between FTXL and SHOC?

FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index, while SHOC tracks Bloomberg US Listed Semiconductors Select Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Strive. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXL and 0.40% for SHOC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.03 vs 2.31), 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.