FXL vs. XNTK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FXL (First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund) and XNTK (State Street SPDR NYSE Technology ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - FXL tracks the StrataQuant Technology Index while XNTK tracks the NYSE Technology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FXL returned 20.80%/yr vs 25.67%/yr for XNTK. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FXL charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XNTK.

Performance

FXL vs. XNTK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) and State Street SPDR NYSE Technology ETF (XNTK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXL achieves a 23.89% return, which is significantly lower than XNTK's 32.72% return. Over the past 10 years, FXL has underperformed XNTK with an annualized return of 20.80%, while XNTK has yielded a comparatively higher 25.67% annualized return.

FXL

• 1D: -3.19%
• 1M: 3.12%
• YTD: 23.89%
• 6M: 21.72%
• 1Y: 37.39%
• 3Y*: 23.75%
• 5Y*: 11.32%
• 10Y*: 20.80%

XNTK

• 1D: -5.42%
• 1M: 5.72%
• YTD: 32.72%
• 6M: 30.83%
• 1Y: 62.72%
• 3Y*: 39.51%
• 5Y*: 19.21%
• 10Y*: 25.67%

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

FXL vs. XNTK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FXL First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund	23.89%	13.29%	16.13%	40.50%	-30.44%	18.20%	54.20%	38.66%	2.72%	35.82%
XNTK State Street SPDR NYSE Technology ETF	32.72%	38.06%	23.49%	70.13%	-41.07%	17.63%	73.91%	38.08%	-7.13%	40.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FXL and XNTK is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2007	0.89

The correlation between FXL and XNTK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

FXL vs. XNTK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXL	XNTK
Technology	88.5%	83.3%
Communication Services	4.8%	8.6%
Industrials	3.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.0%	8.0%
Financial Services	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FXL vs. XNTK — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXL

FXL Risk / Return Rank: 49
FXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
FXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
FXL Omega Ratio Rank: 42
FXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FXL Martin Ratio Rank: 54

XNTK

XNTK Risk / Return Rank: 71
XNTK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
XNTK Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
XNTK Omega Ratio Rank: 71
XNTK Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
XNTK Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. XNTK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) and State Street SPDR NYSE Technology ETF (XNTK). 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.

	FXL	XNTK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	2.36	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	2.84	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.40	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	3.71	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.79	12.03	-3.24

FXL vs. XNTK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXL Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is lower than the XNTK Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXL and XNTK, 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

FXL vs. XNTK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXL drawdown since its inception was -61.41%, smaller than the maximum XNTK drawdown of -72.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXL and XNTK.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXL	XNTK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.41%	-72.38%	+10.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.56%	-17.00%	+3.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.27%	-28.11%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.49%	-48.28%	+9.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.49%	-48.28%	+9.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.95%	-5.42%	-1.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.35%	-21.26%	+9.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.26%	5.23%	-0.97%

Volatility

FXL vs. XNTK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) is 12.05%, while State Street SPDR NYSE Technology ETF (XNTK) has a volatility of 14.84%. This indicates that FXL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XNTK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXL	XNTK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.05%	14.84%	-2.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.61%	22.07%	-2.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.24%	26.71%	-2.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.48%	28.52%	-3.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.43%	26.92%	-1.49%

FXL vs. XNTK - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXL has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than XNTK's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXL vs. XNTK - Dividend Comparison

FXL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XNTK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%.

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%
XNTK State Street SPDR NYSE Technology ETF	0.15%	0.23%	0.42%	0.34%	0.85%	0.34%	0.30%	0.61%	29.64%	1.29%	0.81%	0.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXL and XNTK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, FXL and XNTK 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, FXL or XNTK?

XNTK has higher volatility (14.84%) compared to FXL (12.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXL dropped -61.41% vs XNTK's -72.38%.

Which ETF is better, FXL or XNTK?

On 10-year performance, XNTK leads with 25.67% vs 20.80% for FXL. On fees, XNTK is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FXL has been the lower-risk option at 12.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXL or XNTK?

Over the 10-year period, XNTK has performed better with a 25.67% return vs 20.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXL or XNTK?

XNTK is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for FXL.

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

XNTK has the higher dividend yield at 0.15%, compared with 0.00% for FXL.

What is the main difference between FXL and XNTK?

FXL tracks StrataQuant Technology Index, while XNTK tracks NYSE Technology Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for FXL and 0.35% for XNTK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XNTK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.55), 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.