PSI vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSI (Invesco Semiconductors ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds - PSI tracks the Dynamic Semiconductors Intellidex Index while FTXL tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSI returned 32.86%/yr vs 33.38%/yr for FTXL. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PSI charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

PSI vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Semiconductors ETF (PSI) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with PSI having a 116.16% return and FTXL slightly lower at 111.02%.

PSI

• 1D: -7.60%
• 1M: 10.87%
• YTD: 116.16%
• 6M: 110.97%
• 1Y: 200.81%
• 3Y*: 58.76%
• 5Y*: 32.86%
• 10Y*: 35.27%

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)

PSI vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSI Invesco Semiconductors ETF	116.16%	36.32%	17.17%	49.06%	-34.43%	46.55%	56.75%	52.49%	-11.55%	40.16%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	111.02%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%	32.19%

Correlation

The correlation between PSI and FTXL is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2016	0.95

The correlation between PSI and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

PSI vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSI	FTXL
Technology	98.4%	99.7%
Industrials	1.6%	0.3%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PSI vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSI

PSI Risk / Return Rank: 96
PSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
PSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
PSI Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
PSI Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

PSI vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Semiconductors ETF (PSI) 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.

	PSI	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.79	4.89	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.40	4.49	-0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.63	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	13.06	13.78	-0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	45.36	47.69	-2.33

PSI vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSI Sharpe Ratio is 4.79, which is comparable to the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 4.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSI 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

PSI vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSI drawdown since its inception was -62.96%, which is greater than FTXL's maximum drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSI and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSI	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.96%	-43.87%	-19.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.48%	-14.51%	-0.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.07%	-41.57%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.85%	-43.87%	-0.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.60%	-7.99%	+0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.90%	-10.53%	-5.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.45%	4.18%	+0.27%

Volatility

PSI vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Semiconductors ETF (PSI) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) have volatilities of 21.88% and 22.71%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSI	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.88%	22.71%	-0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	35.15%	34.66%	+0.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.19%	40.91%	+1.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.84%	37.11%	+1.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.61%	34.77%	+0.84%

PSI vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSI has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSI vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

PSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, less than FTXL's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%
PSI Invesco Semiconductors ETF	0.03%	0.10%	0.15%	0.40%	0.61%	0.14%	0.21%	0.52%	0.83%	0.21%	0.68%	0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSI and FTXL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, PSI and FTXL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PSI or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (22.71%) compared to PSI (21.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSI dropped -62.96% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, PSI or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 33.38% vs 32.86% for PSI. On fees, PSI is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, PSI has been the lower-risk option at 21.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSI or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 33.38% return vs 32.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSI or FTXL?

PSI is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

FTXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.13%, compared with 0.03% for PSI.

What is the main difference between PSI and FTXL?

PSI tracks Dynamic Semiconductors Intellidex Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for PSI and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.89 vs 4.79), 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.