NBDS vs. FTXL

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

NBDS (Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NBDS is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Neuberger Berman, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. NBDS is actively managed, while FTXL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, NBDS returned 17.23%/yr vs 46.01%/yr for FTXL. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NBDS charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

NBDS vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF (NBDS) 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, NBDS achieves a 11.19% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 75.08% return.

NBDS

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -3.85%
• 6M: 9.85%
• YTD: 11.19%
• 1Y: 15.06%
• 3Y*: 17.23%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: -1.17%
• 1M: -16.26%
• 6M: 52.58%
• YTD: 75.08%
• 1Y: 129.26%
• 3Y*: 46.01%
• 5Y*: 29.70%
• 10Y*: —

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

NBDS vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
NBDS Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF	11.19%	19.58%	17.97%	38.55%	-24.78%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	75.08%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-17.49%

Correlation

The correlation between NBDS and FTXL is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2022	0.81

The correlation between NBDS and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

NBDS vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NBDS	FTXL
Technology	60.7%	99.7%
Healthcare	9.5%	-
Industrials	8.0%	0.3%
Financial Services	5.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.2%	-
Utilities	2.1%	-
Communication Services	1.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

NBDS vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBDS

NBDS Risk / Return Rank: 20
NBDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
NBDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
NBDS Omega Ratio Rank: 20
NBDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
NBDS Martin Ratio Rank: 20

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 91
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

NBDS vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF (NBDS) 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.

	NBDS	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.55	2.95	-2.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.92	3.12	-2.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.42	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.63	5.50	-4.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.63	22.57	-20.94

NBDS vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBDS Sharpe Ratio is 0.55, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBDS 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

NBDS vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBDS drawdown since its inception was -29.93%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBDS and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBDS	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.93%	-43.87%	+13.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.96%	-23.66%	-0.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.51%	-41.57%	+13.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.15%	-23.66%	+16.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.38%	-10.55%	+1.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.24%	5.75%	+3.49%

Volatility

NBDS vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF (NBDS) is 9.43%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 20.27%. This indicates that NBDS 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

	NBDS	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.43%	20.27%	-10.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.78%	37.95%	-15.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.44%	44.02%	-16.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.01%	37.76%	-9.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.01%	35.05%	-7.04%

NBDS vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBDS has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBDS vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

NBDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, 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%
NBDS Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF	0.34%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBDS and FTXL in my portfolio?

NBDS and FTXL have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NBDS or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (20.27%) compared to NBDS (9.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBDS dropped -29.93% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, NBDS or FTXL?

On 3-year performance, FTXL leads with 46.01% vs 17.23% for NBDS. On fees, NBDS is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, NBDS has been the lower-risk option at 9.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBDS or FTXL?

Over the 3-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 46.01% return vs 17.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBDS or FTXL?

NBDS is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

NBDS has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.11% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between NBDS and FTXL?

NBDS is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. They also come from different issuers: Neuberger Berman and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for NBDS and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 0.55), 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.