IZRL vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IZRL (ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IZRL is a Technology Equities fund tracking the ARK Israeli Innovation Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IZRL returned 0.63%/yr vs 34.63%/yr for FTXL. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IZRL charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

IZRL vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF (IZRL) 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, IZRL achieves a 4.08% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 115.70% return.

IZRL

• 1D: -2.54%
• 1M: 1.92%
• YTD: 4.08%
• 6M: 7.41%
• 1Y: 29.75%
• 3Y*: 20.69%
• 5Y*: 0.63%
• 10Y*: —

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)

IZRL vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IZRL ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF	4.08%	36.94%	15.28%	11.39%	-38.61%	-3.55%	34.12%	21.75%	-6.17%	1.69%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between IZRL and FTXL is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2017	0.62

The correlation between IZRL and FTXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.43 (1 year) to 0.62 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IZRL vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IZRL	FTXL
Technology	49.8%	99.5%
Healthcare	18.8%	-
Communication Services	13.9%	-
Industrials	7.7%	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	-
Financial Services	1.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IZRL vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

IZRL

IZRL Risk / Return Rank: 36
IZRL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
IZRL Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
IZRL Omega Ratio Rank: 35
IZRL Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
IZRL Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

IZRL vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF (IZRL) 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.

	IZRL	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	6.33	-4.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	5.74	-3.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.78	-0.55
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	15.62	-13.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.81	58.28	-53.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IZRL vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IZRL Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IZRL 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

	IZRL	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.39	6.33	-4.94
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.03	0.97	-0.94
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	0.94	-0.68

Drawdowns

IZRL vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IZRL drawdown since its inception was -59.98%, which is greater than FTXL's maximum drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IZRL and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IZRL	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.98%	-43.87%	-16.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.27%	-14.51%	-3.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.60%	-41.57%	+16.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.21%	-43.87%	-9.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.42%	0.00%	-15.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.77%	-10.56%	-15.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.20%	3.88%	+2.32%

Volatility

IZRL vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF (IZRL) is 6.12%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 14.28%. This indicates that IZRL 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

	IZRL	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.12%	14.28%	-8.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.26%	28.98%	-12.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.57%	35.94%	-14.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.27%	36.02%	-11.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.84%	34.25%	-9.41%

IZRL vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IZRL has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

IZRL vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

IZRL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, more than FTXL's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
IZRL ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF	2.49%	2.59%	0.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.34%	0.00%	2.15%	3.08%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IZRL and FTXL in my portfolio?

IZRL and FTXL have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IZRL or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.28%) compared to IZRL (6.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IZRL dropped -59.98% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, IZRL or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 34.63% vs 0.63% for IZRL. On fees, IZRL is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, IZRL has been the lower-risk option at 6.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IZRL or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 34.63% return vs 0.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IZRL or FTXL?

IZRL is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

IZRL has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 0.12% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between IZRL and FTXL?

IZRL is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. IZRL tracks ARK Israeli Innovation Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: ARK and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for IZRL and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.33 vs 1.39), 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.