PSWD vs. FTXL

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PSWD (Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSWD is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PSWD returned 20.08%/yr vs 50.43%/yr for FTXL. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PSWD charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

PSWD vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) 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, PSWD achieves a 29.56% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 86.56% return.

PSWD

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 12.87%
• 6M: 25.45%
• YTD: 29.56%
• 1Y: 21.93%
• 3Y*: 20.08%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: -4.90%
• 1M: -10.51%
• 6M: 67.03%
• YTD: 86.56%
• 1Y: 143.49%
• 3Y*: 50.43%
• 5Y*: 30.21%
• 10Y*: —

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

PSWD vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	29.56%	1.69%	9.46%	18.58%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	86.56%	48.94%	7.59%	14.13%

Correlation

The correlation between PSWD and FTXL is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2023	0.48

The correlation between PSWD and FTXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.32 (1 year) to 0.48 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PSWD vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSWD	FTXL
Technology	97.8%	99.7%
Industrials	1.2%	0.3%
Real Estate	0.5%	-
Communication Services	0.1%	-
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Healthcare	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

PSWD vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSWD

PSWD Risk / Return Rank: 26
PSWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
PSWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
PSWD Omega Ratio Rank: 28
PSWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
PSWD Martin Ratio Rank: 22

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 94
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

PSWD vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) 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.

	PSWD	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	3.32	-2.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.25	3.38	-2.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.46	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.93	7.74	-6.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.09	28.09	-26.00

PSWD vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSWD Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 3.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSWD 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

PSWD vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSWD drawdown since its inception was -23.70%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSWD and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSWD	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.70%	-43.87%	+20.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.70%	-18.65%	-5.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.70%	-41.57%	+17.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.68%	-18.65%	+15.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.44%	-10.54%	+4.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.51%	5.13%	+5.38%

Volatility

PSWD vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) is 8.09%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 22.60%. This indicates that PSWD 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

	PSWD	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.09%	22.60%	-14.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.60%	37.47%	-14.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.55%	43.61%	-17.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.92%	37.69%	-13.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.92%	35.02%	-11.10%

PSWD vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSWD has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSWD vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

PSWD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%, more than FTXL's 0.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.10%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	0.60%	0.88%	1.49%	0.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSWD and FTXL in my portfolio?

PSWD and FTXL have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSWD or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (22.60%) compared to PSWD (8.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSWD dropped -23.70% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, PSWD or FTXL?

On 3-year performance, FTXL leads with 50.43% vs 20.08% for PSWD. On fees, PSWD is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, PSWD has been the lower-risk option at 8.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSWD or FTXL?

Over the 3-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 50.43% return vs 20.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSWD or FTXL?

PSWD is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

PSWD has the higher dividend yield at 0.60%, compared with 0.10% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between PSWD and FTXL?

PSWD is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. PSWD tracks Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for PSWD and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.32 vs 0.83), 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.