IGM vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IGM (iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IGM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P North American Technology Sector Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IGM returned 22.04%/yr vs 34.63%/yr for FTXL. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IGM charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

IGM vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) 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, IGM achieves a 31.32% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 115.70% return.

IGM

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 16.93%
• YTD: 31.32%
• 6M: 29.19%
• 1Y: 62.26%
• 3Y*: 39.18%
• 5Y*: 22.04%
• 10Y*: 25.19%

FTXL

• 1D: 2.21%
• 1M: 30.59%
• YTD: 115.70%
• 6M: 113.17%
• 1Y: 225.15%
• 3Y*: 61.52%
• 5Y*: 34.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

IGM vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	31.32%	26.76%	36.99%	60.68%	-35.83%	25.72%	45.11%	41.81%	2.26%	37.20%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%	32.19%

Correlation

The correlation between IGM and FTXL is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2016	0.81

The correlation between IGM and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

IGM vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGM	FTXL
Technology	82.8%	99.5%
Communication Services	16.8%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Industrials	0.2%	0.5%
Energy	0.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IGM vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGM

IGM Risk / Return Rank: 79
IGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
IGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
IGM Omega Ratio Rank: 81
IGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
IGM Martin Ratio Rank: 70

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

IGM vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) 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.

	IGM	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.07	6.33	-3.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.78	5.74	-1.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.78	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.81	15.62	-11.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.36	58.28	-44.93
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IGM vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGM Sharpe Ratio is 3.07, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGM 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IGM	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.07	6.33	-3.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86	0.97	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.03	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.94	-0.45

Drawdowns

IGM vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGM drawdown since its inception was -65.59%, which is greater than FTXL's maximum drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGM and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGM	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.59%	-43.87%	-21.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.44%	-14.51%	-1.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-41.57%	+15.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.68%	-43.87%	+3.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.68%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.84%	0.00%	-0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.23%	-10.56%	-4.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.67%	3.88%	+0.79%

Volatility

IGM vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) is 6.10%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 14.28%. This indicates that IGM 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

	IGM	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.10%	14.28%	-8.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.08%	28.98%	-12.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.43%	35.94%	-15.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.68%	36.02%	-10.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.54%	34.25%	-9.71%

IGM vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGM has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGM vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

IGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, which matches FTXL's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.12%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%	0.00%
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	0.12%	0.17%	0.22%	0.33%	0.66%	0.16%	0.32%	0.50%	0.57%	0.57%	0.90%	0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGM and FTXL in my portfolio?

IGM and FTXL have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGM or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.28%) compared to IGM (6.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGM dropped -65.59% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, IGM or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 34.63% vs 22.04% for IGM. On fees, IGM is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, IGM has been the lower-risk option at 6.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGM or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 34.63% return vs 22.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGM or FTXL?

IGM is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

IGM and FTXL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.12%.

What is the main difference between IGM and FTXL?

IGM is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. IGM tracks S&P North American Technology Sector Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for IGM and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.33 vs 3.07), 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.