FTXN vs. DVXE

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FTXN (First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF) and DVXE (WEBs Energy XLE Defined Volatility ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - FTXN tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Oil & Gas Index while DVXE tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility XLE Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FTXN charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for DVXE.

Performance

FTXN vs. DVXE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) and WEBs Energy XLE Defined Volatility ETF (DVXE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTXN achieves a 29.38% return, which is significantly lower than DVXE's 42.03% return.

FTXN

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 4.41%
• 6M: 23.48%
• YTD: 29.38%
• 1Y: 34.19%
• 3Y*: 13.28%
• 5Y*: 19.97%
• 10Y*: —

DVXE

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 5.23%
• 6M: 30.60%
• YTD: 42.03%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTXN vs. DVXE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTXN First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF	29.38%	3.48%
DVXE WEBs Energy XLE Defined Volatility ETF	42.03%	4.49%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXN and DVXE is 0.96 - 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2025	0.96

Return for Risk

FTXN vs. DVXE — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXN

FTXN Risk / Return Rank: 49
FTXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
FTXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
FTXN Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FTXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
FTXN Martin Ratio Rank: 42

DVXE

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.

FTXN vs. DVXE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) and WEBs Energy XLE Defined Volatility ETF (DVXE). 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.

	FTXN	DVXE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.36	—	—

Drawdowns

FTXN vs. DVXE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXN drawdown since its inception was -73.49%, which is greater than DVXE's maximum drawdown of -21.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXN and DVXE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXN	DVXE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.49%	-21.83%	-51.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.42%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.96%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.69%	-13.78%	+4.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.15%	-7.11%	-12.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.40%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FTXN	DVXE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.63%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.33%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.23%	30.89%	-7.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.54%	30.89%	-1.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.73%	30.89%	+0.84%

FTXN vs. DVXE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXN has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than DVXE's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXN vs. DVXE - Dividend Comparison

FTXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.81%, while DVXE has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DVXE WEBs Energy XLE Defined Volatility ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTXN First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF	1.81%	2.83%	2.51%	3.41%	2.26%	1.04%	1.76%	2.72%	2.16%	1.78%	0.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTXN and DVXE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, FTXN and DVXE 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 ETF is better, FTXN or DVXE?

On fees, FTXN 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, FTXN or DVXE?

FTXN is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVXE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTXN or DVXE?

FTXN has the higher dividend yield at 1.81%, compared with 0.00% for DVXE.

What is the main difference between FTXN and DVXE?

FTXN tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Oil & Gas Index, while DVXE tracks Syntax Defined Volatility XLE Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and WEBs. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXN and 0.89% for DVXE.