IHAK vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

IHAK (iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IHAK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the NYSE FactSet Global Cyber Security Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IHAK returned 7.79%/yr vs 34.02%/yr for FTXL. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IHAK charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

IHAK vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) 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, IHAK achieves a 22.96% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 110.86% return.

IHAK

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 19.29%
• YTD: 22.96%
• 6M: 19.22%
• 1Y: 14.94%
• 3Y*: 17.49%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: -2.24%
• 1M: 21.46%
• YTD: 110.86%
• 6M: 111.07%
• 1Y: 214.18%
• 3Y*: 61.46%
• 5Y*: 34.02%
• 10Y*: —

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

IHAK vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IHAK iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF	22.96%	-1.29%	7.60%	37.77%	-25.81%	11.13%	51.22%	6.66%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	110.86%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	32.53%

Correlation

The correlation between IHAK and FTXL is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2019	0.60

Over the past year, the correlation between IHAK and FTXL has dropped to 0.28 - well below their long-term average of 0.60, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IHAK vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IHAK	FTXL
Technology	95.8%	99.5%
Industrials	3.3%	0.5%
Communication Services	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IHAK vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

IHAK

IHAK Risk / Return Rank: 19
IHAK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
IHAK Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
IHAK Omega Ratio Rank: 20
IHAK Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
IHAK Martin Ratio Rank: 16

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 95
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.

IHAK vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) 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.

	IHAK	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	6.00	-5.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.98	5.56	-4.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.75	-0.62
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	14.86	-14.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.50	55.40	-53.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IHAK vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IHAK Sharpe Ratio is 0.62, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IHAK 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

	IHAK	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62	6.00	-5.38
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	0.95	-0.62
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.93	-0.38

Drawdowns

IHAK vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IHAK drawdown since its inception was -34.42%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IHAK and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IHAK	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.42%	-43.87%	+9.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.48%	-14.51%	-8.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.48%	-41.57%	+18.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.42%	-43.87%	+9.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.03%	-2.24%	-0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.76%	-10.55%	-0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.98%	3.88%	+6.10%

Volatility

IHAK vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF (IHAK) is 9.43%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 14.14%. This indicates that IHAK 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

	IHAK	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.43%	14.14%	-4.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.92%	29.04%	-9.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.03%	35.94%	-11.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.57%	36.03%	-12.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.41%	34.25%	-9.84%

IHAK vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IHAK has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

IHAK vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

IHAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.07%, less than FTXL's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%
IHAK iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF	0.07%	0.08%	0.20%	0.13%	0.25%	0.50%	0.40%	0.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IHAK and FTXL in my portfolio?

IHAK and FTXL have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IHAK or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.14%) compared to IHAK (9.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IHAK dropped -34.42% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, IHAK or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 34.02% vs 7.79% for IHAK. On fees, IHAK is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, IHAK has been the lower-risk option at 9.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IHAK or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 34.02% return vs 7.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IHAK or FTXL?

IHAK is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

FTXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.13%, compared with 0.07% for IHAK.

What is the main difference between IHAK and FTXL?

IHAK is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. IHAK tracks NYSE FactSet Global Cyber Security Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IHAK and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.00 vs 0.62), 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.