LALT vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

LALT (First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LALT is a Global Allocation fund actively managed by First Trust, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. LALT is actively managed, while FTXL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, LALT returned 9.88%/yr vs 59.97%/yr for FTXL. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LALT charges 1.94%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

LALT vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (LALT) 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, LALT achieves a 7.92% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 111.02% return.

LALT

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: -2.82%
• YTD: 7.92%
• 6M: 7.36%
• 1Y: 18.12%
• 3Y*: 9.88%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: -7.99%
• 1M: 10.24%
• YTD: 111.02%
• 6M: 108.37%
• 1Y: 198.66%
• 3Y*: 59.97%
• 5Y*: 33.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

LALT vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
LALT First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF	7.92%	10.79%	8.77%	0.88%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	111.02%	48.94%	7.59%	36.54%

Correlation

The correlation between LALT and FTXL is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2023	0.29

The correlation between LALT and FTXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.19 (1 year) to 0.30 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

LALT vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

LALT

LALT Risk / Return Rank: 88
LALT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
LALT Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
LALT Omega Ratio Rank: 86
LALT Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
LALT Martin Ratio Rank: 91

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 96
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
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.

LALT vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (LALT) 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.

	LALT	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.58	4.89	-2.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.56	4.49	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.63	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.53	13.78	-8.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.49	47.69	-27.20

LALT vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LALT Sharpe Ratio is 2.58, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 4.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LALT 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

LALT vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LALT drawdown since its inception was -6.97%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LALT and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	LALT	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.97%	-43.87%	+36.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.29%	-14.51%	+11.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.97%	-41.57%	+34.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.29%	-7.99%	+4.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.00%	-10.53%	+9.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.89%	4.18%	-3.29%

Volatility

LALT vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (LALT) is 2.07%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 22.71%. This indicates that LALT 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

	LALT	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.07%	22.71%	-20.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.68%	34.66%	-28.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.08%	40.91%	-33.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.83%	37.11%	-31.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.83%	34.77%	-28.94%

LALT vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

LALT has a 1.94% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

LALT vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

LALT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.78%, more 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%
LALT First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF	3.78%	2.03%	2.06%	2.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LALT and FTXL in my portfolio?

LALT and FTXL have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LALT or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (22.71%) compared to LALT (2.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LALT dropped -6.97% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, LALT or FTXL?

On 3-year performance, FTXL leads with 59.97% vs 9.88% for LALT. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, LALT has been the lower-risk option at 2.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LALT or FTXL?

Over the 3-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 59.97% return vs 9.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LALT or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.94% for LALT.

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

LALT has the higher dividend yield at 3.78%, compared with 0.13% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between LALT and FTXL?

LALT is categorized as Global Allocation, while FTXL is Semiconductors. Their fees differ too: 1.94% for LALT and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.89 vs 2.58), 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.