FXL vs. ROBT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FXL (First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund) and ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF) are both Technology Equities funds from First Trust - FXL tracks the StrataQuant Technology Index while ROBT tracks the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FXL returned 13.48%/yr vs 2.38%/yr for ROBT. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FXL charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for ROBT.

Performance

FXL vs. ROBT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXL achieves a 31.98% return, which is significantly higher than ROBT's 14.22% return.

FXL

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: 17.50%
• YTD: 31.98%
• 6M: 30.18%
• 1Y: 48.07%
• 3Y*: 26.93%
• 5Y*: 13.48%
• 10Y*: 21.15%

ROBT

• 1D: -1.73%
• 1M: 13.18%
• YTD: 14.22%
• 6M: 12.64%
• 1Y: 30.71%
• 3Y*: 10.10%
• 5Y*: 2.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

FXL vs. ROBT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FXL First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund	31.98%	13.29%	16.13%	40.50%	-30.44%	18.20%	54.20%	38.66%	-3.48%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	14.22%	15.16%	-0.41%	27.77%	-34.94%	9.91%	46.18%	34.28%	-13.98%

Correlation

The correlation between FXL and ROBT is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 23, 2018	0.89

The correlation between FXL and ROBT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

FXL vs. ROBT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXL	ROBT
Technology	88.1%	57.0%
Communication Services	5.9%	4.1%
Industrials	4.5%	20.4%
Consumer Cyclical	1.0%	6.6%
Financial Services	0.6%	1.6%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	1.4%
Energy	-	1.5%
Healthcare	-	7.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FXL vs. ROBT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXL

FXL Risk / Return Rank: 63
FXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FXL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
FXL Martin Ratio Rank: 65

ROBT

ROBT Risk / Return Rank: 32
ROBT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
ROBT Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
ROBT Omega Ratio Rank: 32
ROBT Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
ROBT Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

FXL vs. ROBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). 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.

	FXL	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	1.32	+0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	1.88	+0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.22	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.56	1.42	+2.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.95	4.09	+7.86
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FXL vs. ROBT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXL Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is higher than the ROBT Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXL and ROBT, 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

	FXL	ROBT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.16	1.32	+0.84
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54	0.09	+0.44
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.35	+0.21

Drawdowns

FXL vs. ROBT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXL drawdown since its inception was -61.41%, which is greater than ROBT's maximum drawdown of -44.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXL and ROBT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXL	ROBT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.41%	-44.47%	-16.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.56%	-21.66%	+8.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.27%	-27.68%	-0.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.49%	-43.26%	+4.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.49%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-1.73%	+0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.37%	-15.97%	+4.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.03%	7.53%	-3.50%

Volatility

FXL vs. ROBT - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) has a higher volatility of 7.61% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) at 6.46%. This indicates that FXL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ROBT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXL	ROBT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.61%	6.46%	+1.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.47%	17.51%	-0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.42%	23.32%	-0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.12%	25.18%	-0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.28%	25.48%	-0.20%

FXL vs. ROBT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXL has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is lower than ROBT's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXL vs. ROBT - Dividend Comparison

Neither FXL nor ROBT has paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXL First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund	0.00%	0.01%	0.11%	0.41%	0.34%	0.11%	0.04%	0.37%	0.32%	0.27%	1.12%	0.36%
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.68%	0.23%	0.35%	0.06%	0.17%	0.42%	0.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXL and ROBT in my portfolio?

FXL and ROBT have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FXL or ROBT?

FXL has higher volatility (7.61%) compared to ROBT (6.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXL dropped -61.41% vs ROBT's -44.47%.

Which ETF is better, FXL or ROBT?

On 5-year performance, FXL leads with 13.48% vs 2.38% for ROBT. On fees, FXL is cheaper at 0.61% per year. On volatility, ROBT has been the lower-risk option at 6.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXL or ROBT?

Over the 5-year period, FXL has performed better with a 13.48% return vs 2.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXL or ROBT?

FXL is cheaper with a 0.61% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for ROBT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FXL or ROBT?

FXL and ROBT have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between FXL and ROBT?

FXL tracks StrataQuant Technology Index, while ROBT tracks Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for FXL and 0.65% for ROBT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.32), 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.