LDSF vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

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 2.42%/yr vs 36.03%/yr for FTXL. At a 0.18 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LDSF charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

LDSF vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) 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, LDSF achieves a 0.82% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 129.34% return.

LDSF

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: 0.82%
• 6M: 0.92%
• 1Y: 4.54%
• 3Y*: 5.34%
• 5Y*: 2.42%
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: 2.71%
• 1M: 19.81%
• YTD: 129.34%
• 6M: 127.30%
• 1Y: 226.33%
• 3Y*: 64.47%
• 5Y*: 36.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

LDSF vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	0.82%	6.82%	4.20%	6.53%	-5.47%	-0.28%	2.48%	4.52%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	129.34%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	62.34%

Correlation

The correlation between LDSF and FTXL is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.21
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 7, 2019	0.18

Return for Risk

LDSF vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

LDSF

LDSF Risk / Return Rank: 70
LDSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
LDSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
LDSF Omega Ratio Rank: 80
LDSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
LDSF Martin Ratio Rank: 63

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 95
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.

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 ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	5.69	-3.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	5.06	-1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.71	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	15.70	-13.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.03	54.75	-43.71

LDSF vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LDSF Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 5.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LDSF 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

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.

Drawdown Indicators

	LDSF	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.56%	-43.87%	+35.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.74%	-14.51%	+12.77%
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 Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	0.00%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.45%	-10.53%	+9.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	4.15%	-3.74%

Volatility

LDSF vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) is 0.67%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 20.69%. 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.

Volatility by Period

	LDSF	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.67%	20.69%	-20.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.72%	33.51%	-31.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05%	40.09%	-38.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.09%	36.93%	-33.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.17%	34.67%	-31.50%

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 4.63%, 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%
LDSF First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF	4.63%	4.52%	4.53%	4.08%	2.61%	1.97%	2.65%	3.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LDSF and FTXL in my portfolio?

LDSF and FTXL have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LDSF or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (20.69%) compared to LDSF (0.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LDSF dropped -8.56% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, LDSF or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 36.03% vs 2.42% for LDSF. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, LDSF has been the lower-risk option at 0.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LDSF or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 36.03% return vs 2.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LDSF or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for LDSF.

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

LDSF has the higher dividend yield at 4.63%, compared with 0.12% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between LDSF and 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.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.69 vs 2.22), 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.