ILDR vs. SOXX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ILDR (First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ILDR is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index. ILDR is actively managed, while SOXX is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ILDR returned 11.51%/yr vs 33.69%/yr for SOXX. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ILDR charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

ILDR vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF (ILDR) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ILDR achieves a 14.03% return, which is significantly lower than SOXX's 100.58% return.

ILDR

• 1D: -2.72%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 14.03%
• 6M: 12.50%
• 1Y: 34.64%
• 3Y*: 28.32%
• 5Y*: 11.51%
• 10Y*: —

SOXX

• 1D: -7.88%
• 1M: 12.35%
• YTD: 100.58%
• 6M: 98.07%
• 1Y: 167.63%
• 3Y*: 56.18%
• 5Y*: 33.69%
• 10Y*: 36.08%

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

ILDR vs. SOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ILDR First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF	14.03%	29.22%	29.31%	39.34%	-34.95%	7.57%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	100.58%	40.74%	12.92%	67.12%	-35.09%	28.08%

Correlation

The correlation between ILDR and SOXX is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 26, 2021	0.80

The correlation between ILDR and SOXX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

ILDR vs. SOXX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ILDR	SOXX
Technology	49.8%	100.0%
Healthcare	13.4%	-
Industrials	12.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	-
Communication Services	9.1%	-
Financial Services	2.9%	-
Energy	1.6%	-
Utilities	1.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ILDR vs. SOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ILDR

ILDR Risk / Return Rank: 43
ILDR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
ILDR Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
ILDR Omega Ratio Rank: 42
ILDR Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
ILDR Martin Ratio Rank: 42

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 95
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

ILDR vs. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF (ILDR) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). 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.

	ILDR	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	4.28	-2.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	4.15	-2.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.60	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	10.70	-8.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.37	38.46	-32.09

ILDR vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ILDR Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is lower than the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 4.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ILDR and SOXX, 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

ILDR vs. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ILDR drawdown since its inception was -44.61%, smaller than the maximum SOXX drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ILDR and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ILDR	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.61%	-70.21%	+25.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.70%	-15.77%	-1.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.43%	-41.36%	+14.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.61%	-45.75%	+1.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.20%	-7.88%	+0.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.87%	-19.94%	+5.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.46%	4.38%	+1.08%

Volatility

ILDR vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF (ILDR) is 10.87%, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a volatility of 22.75%. This indicates that ILDR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ILDR	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.87%	22.75%	-11.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.42%	33.44%	-15.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.16%	39.42%	-16.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.41%	37.21%	-10.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.24%	34.00%	-7.76%

ILDR vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ILDR has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

ILDR vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

ILDR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SOXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ILDR First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.24%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ILDR and SOXX in my portfolio?

ILDR and SOXX have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ILDR or SOXX?

SOXX has higher volatility (22.75%) compared to ILDR (10.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ILDR dropped -44.61% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, ILDR or SOXX?

On 5-year performance, SOXX leads with 33.69% vs 11.51% for ILDR. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, ILDR has been the lower-risk option at 10.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ILDR or SOXX?

Over the 5-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 33.69% return vs 11.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ILDR or SOXX?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ILDR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ILDR or SOXX?

SOXX has the higher dividend yield at 0.24%, compared with 0.00% for ILDR.

What is the main difference between ILDR and SOXX?

ILDR is categorized as Technology Equities, while SOXX is Semiconductors. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ILDR and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.28 vs 1.50), 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.