IQM vs. FTXL

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

IQM (Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQM is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. IQM is actively managed, while FTXL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IQM returned 15.99%/yr vs 26.40%/yr for FTXL. Their correlation of 0.85 means they have usually moved in the same direction. IQM charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

IQM vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) 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, IQM achieves a 19.53% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 68.79% return.

IQM

• 1D: 1.95%
• 1M: -6.41%
• 6M: 13.56%
• YTD: 19.53%
• 1Y: 34.87%
• 3Y*: 30.20%
• 5Y*: 15.99%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 25.29%

FTXL

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: -12.68%
• 6M: 40.05%
• YTD: 68.79%
• 1Y: 129.18%
• 3Y*: 45.38%
• 5Y*: 26.40%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 28.08%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	$142.99M	$99.08M	$87.36M
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	$905.23K	$711.02K	$931.48K

IQM vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	19.53%	30.76%	31.03%	41.06%	-33.36%	25.18%	76.92%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	68.79%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	56.94%

Correlation

The correlation between IQM and FTXL is 0.84, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2020	0.85

The correlation between IQM and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

IQM vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQM	FTXL
Technology	70.5%	99.6%
Industrials	14.8%	0.4%
Utilities	3.5%	-
Energy	3.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.7%	-
Communication Services	1.1%	-
Healthcare	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

IQM vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

IQM

IQM Risk / Return Rank: 39
IQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
IQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
IQM Omega Ratio Rank: 38
IQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
IQM Martin Ratio Rank: 45

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 91
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 88
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 93

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

IQM vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) 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.

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.

	IQM	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	2.82	-1.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.42	3.02	-1.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.40	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.39	3.98	-2.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.25	16.86	-11.62

IQM vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQM Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 2.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQM 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.

Drawdowns

IQM vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQM drawdown since its inception was -44.91%, roughly equal to the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQM and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQM	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.91%	-43.87%	-1.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.28%	-32.64%	+7.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.42%	-41.57%	+11.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.91%	-43.87%	-1.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.03%	-26.40%	+9.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.20%	-10.61%	-1.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.66%	7.69%	-1.03%

Volatility

IQM vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) is 15.54%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 18.15%. This indicates that IQM 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

	IQM	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.54%	18.15%	-2.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.13%	39.70%	-8.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.17%	46.19%	-10.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.64%	38.25%	-7.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.69%	35.28%	-3.59%

IQM vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQM has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQM vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

IQM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FTXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.11%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQM and FTXL in my portfolio?

IQM and FTXL have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IQM or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (18.15%) compared to IQM (15.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQM dropped -44.91% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, IQM or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 26.40% vs 15.99% for IQM. On fees, IQM is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, IQM has been the lower-risk option at 15.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQM or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 26.40% return vs 15.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQM or FTXL?

IQM is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

FTXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.11%, compared with 0.00% for IQM.

What is the main difference between IQM and FTXL?

IQM is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IQM and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.82 vs 0.97), 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.