LDSF vs. FTXL
LDSF (First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LDSF is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by First Trust, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. LDSF is actively managed, while FTXL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LDSF returned 2.43%/yr vs 26.40%/yr for FTXL. Their 0.18 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. LDSF charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.
Performance
LDSF vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, LDSF achieves a 1.02% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 68.79% return.
LDSF
- 1D
- 0.13%
- 1M
- 0.07%
- 6M
- 0.58%
- YTD
- 1.02%
- 1Y
- 3.76%
- 3Y*
- 5.29%
- 5Y*
- 2.43%
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 2.54%
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%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $142.99M | $99.08M | $87.36M | |
| $473.02K | $368.98K | $444.23K |
LDSF vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF | 1.02% | 6.82% | 4.20% | 6.53% | -5.47% | -0.28% | 2.48% | 4.52% |
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF | 68.79% | 48.94% | 7.59% | 54.41% | -33.88% | 36.04% | 46.08% | 62.34% |
Correlation
The correlation between LDSF and FTXL is 0.28, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.28 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.20 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.21 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 7, 2019 | 0.18 |
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Return for Risk
LDSF vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank
LDSF
FTXL
LDSF vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) 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.
| LDSF | FTXL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.99 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.31 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.36 | 1.40 | -0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.17 | 3.98 | -1.81 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.07 | 16.86 | -7.79 |
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Drawdowns
LDSF vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum LDSF drawdown since its inception was -8.56%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LDSF and FTXL.
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Drawdown Indicators
| LDSF | FTXL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -8.56% | -43.87% | +35.31% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -1.74% | -32.64% | +30.90% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -1.74% | -41.57% | +39.83% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -7.83% | -43.87% | +36.04% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.09% | -26.40% | +26.31% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.43% | -10.61% | +9.18% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.42% | 7.69% | -7.27% |
Volatility
LDSF vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) is 0.62%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 18.15%. This indicates that LDSF 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.
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Volatility by Period
| LDSF | FTXL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.62% | 18.15% | -17.53% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.78% | 39.70% | -37.92% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.07% | 46.19% | -44.12% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 3.09% | 38.25% | -35.16% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 3.16% | 35.28% | -32.12% |
LDSF vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison
LDSF has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.
Dividends
LDSF vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison
LDSF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.67%, more than FTXL's 0.11% yield.
| 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% |
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF | 4.67% | 4.52% | 4.53% | 4.08% | 2.61% | 1.97% | 2.65% | 3.06% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
LDSF and FTXL have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
FTXL has higher volatility (18.15%) compared to LDSF (0.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LDSF dropped -8.56% vs FTXL's -43.87%.
On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 26.40% vs 2.43% for LDSF. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, LDSF has been the lower-risk option at 0.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 26.40% return vs 2.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for LDSF.
LDSF has the higher dividend yield at 4.67%, compared with 0.11% for FTXL.
LDSF is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while FTXL is Semiconductors. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for LDSF and 0.60% for FTXL.
FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.82 vs 1.83), 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.
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