FXG vs. FTXL

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

FXG (First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FXG is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FXG returned 5.20%/yr vs 27.69%/yr for FTXL. Their 0.25 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. FXG charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

FXG vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXG achieves a 8.56% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 78.28% return.

FXG

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 2.45%
• 6M: -1.21%
• YTD: 8.56%
• 1Y: 5.04%
• 3Y*: 2.63%
• 5Y*: 5.20%
• 10Y*: 4.76%
• ALL TIME*: 8.12%

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%

*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
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	$695.75K	$660.92K	$780.49K

FXG vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	8.56%	-2.66%	3.21%	1.97%	3.28%	21.73%	4.85%	20.65%	-11.49%	7.87%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	78.28%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%	32.19%

Correlation

The correlation between FXG and FTXL is -0.19, meaning they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. This relationship can weaken or reverse as market conditions change.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	-0.19
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.01
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2016	0.25

The correlation between FXG and FTXL shifts across timeframes, from -0.19 (1 year) to 0.25 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FXG vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXG	FTXL
Consumer Defensive	79.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	-
Healthcare	8.5%	-
Industrials	3.4%	0.4%
Basic Materials	2.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	99.6%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FXG vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXG

FXG Risk / Return Rank: 16
FXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
FXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
FXG Omega Ratio Rank: 16
FXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
FXG Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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

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.

FXG vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). 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.

	FXG	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.36	3.03	-2.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.62	3.18	-2.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.42	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.40	4.33	-3.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.80	17.79	-16.99

FXG vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXG Sharpe Ratio is 0.36, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 3.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXG and FTXL, 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

FXG vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXG drawdown since its inception was -38.69%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXG and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXG	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.69%	-43.87%	+5.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.75%	-32.64%	+19.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.75%	-41.57%	+28.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.70%	-43.87%	+28.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.54%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.05%	-22.26%	+17.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.04%	-10.62%	+4.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.30%	7.93%	-1.63%

Volatility

FXG vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) is 5.00%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 18.99%. This indicates that FXG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXG	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.00%	18.99%	-13.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.69%	40.24%	-29.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.90%	46.69%	-32.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.75%	38.39%	-24.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.02%	35.35%	-20.33%

FXG vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXG has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXG vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

FXG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%, more than FTXL's 0.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	2.35%	2.83%	1.70%	1.41%	1.83%	1.38%	1.41%	1.63%	2.31%	1.34%	1.72%	1.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXG and FTXL in my portfolio?

FXG and FTXL have a correlation of -0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FXG or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (18.99%) compared to FXG (5.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXG dropped -38.69% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, FXG or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 27.69% vs 5.20% for FXG. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FXG has been the lower-risk option at 5.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXG or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 27.69% return vs 5.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXG or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FXG.

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

FXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.35%, compared with 0.11% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between FXG and FTXL?

FXG is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. FXG tracks StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for FXG and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.03 vs 0.36), 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.