ISHP vs. FTXL

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ISHP (First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISHP is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund tracking the S-Network Global E-Commerce Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ISHP returned 1.58%/yr vs 30.21%/yr for FTXL. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

ISHP vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) 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, ISHP achieves a -11.94% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 86.56% return.

ISHP

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 2.21%
• 6M: -15.90%
• YTD: -11.94%
• 1Y: -11.94%
• 3Y*: 8.13%
• 5Y*: 1.58%
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: -4.90%
• 1M: -10.51%
• 6M: 67.03%
• YTD: 86.56%
• 1Y: 143.49%
• 3Y*: 50.43%
• 5Y*: 30.21%
• 10Y*: —

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

ISHP vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISHP First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF	-11.94%	12.27%	24.17%	22.24%	-33.79%	30.09%	15.33%	19.74%	-2.04%	7.66%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	86.56%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%	32.19%

Correlation

The correlation between ISHP and FTXL is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 11, 2016	0.47

The correlation between ISHP and FTXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.36 (1 year) to 0.52 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ISHP vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISHP	FTXL
Consumer Cyclical	41.1%	-
Communication Services	24.8%	-
Industrials	13.3%	0.3%
Technology	10.3%	99.7%
Real Estate	4.9%	-
Healthcare	2.5%	-
Financial Services	1.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ISHP vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISHP

ISHP Risk / Return Rank: 4
ISHP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
ISHP Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
ISHP Omega Ratio Rank: 4
ISHP Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ISHP Martin Ratio Rank: 5

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 94
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

ISHP vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) 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.

	ISHP	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.68	3.32	-3.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.84	3.38	-4.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.46	-0.56
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.48	7.74	-8.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.90	28.09	-28.99

ISHP vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISHP Sharpe Ratio is -0.68, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 3.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISHP 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

ISHP vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISHP drawdown since its inception was -47.57%, which is greater than FTXL's maximum drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISHP and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISHP	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.57%	-43.87%	-3.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.75%	-18.65%	-6.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.75%	-41.57%	+16.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.57%	-43.87%	-3.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.10%	-18.65%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.74%	-10.54%	-2.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.26%	5.13%	+8.13%

Volatility

ISHP vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) is 5.21%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 22.60%. This indicates that ISHP 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

	ISHP	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.21%	22.60%	-17.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.24%	37.47%	-23.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.76%	43.61%	-25.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.27%	37.69%	-10.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.04%	35.02%	-10.98%

ISHP vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ISHP and FTXL have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

ISHP vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

ISHP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, more than FTXL's 0.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.10%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%
ISHP First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF	1.18%	1.34%	1.02%	1.58%	0.76%	0.53%	0.82%	1.16%	0.89%	1.65%	0.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISHP and FTXL in my portfolio?

ISHP and FTXL have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISHP or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (22.60%) compared to ISHP (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISHP dropped -47.57% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, ISHP or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 30.21% vs 1.58% for ISHP. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, ISHP has been the lower-risk option at 5.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISHP or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 30.21% return vs 1.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISHP or FTXL?

ISHP and FTXL have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

ISHP has the higher dividend yield at 1.18%, compared with 0.10% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between ISHP and FTXL?

ISHP is categorized as Consumer Discretionary Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. ISHP tracks S-Network Global E-Commerce Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.32 vs -0.68), 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.