SEMI vs. FTXL

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

SEMI (Columbia Select Technology ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds. SEMI is actively managed, while FTXL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SEMI returned 22.20%/yr vs 42.82%/yr for FTXL. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. SEMI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

SEMI vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) 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, SEMI achieves a 20.82% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 67.20% return.

SEMI

• 1D: 1.20%
• 1M: -2.42%
• 6M: 17.71%
• YTD: 20.82%
• 1Y: 36.55%
• 3Y*: 22.20%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.42%

FTXL

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: -13.49%
• 6M: 42.44%
• YTD: 67.20%
• 1Y: 127.03%
• 3Y*: 42.82%
• 5Y*: 26.87%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 27.99%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	$143.42M	$100.61M	$86.48M
SEMI Columbia Select Technology ETF	$400.16K	$369.67K	$553.99K

SEMI vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SEMI Columbia Select Technology ETF	20.82%	24.91%	15.87%	45.37%	-23.94%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	67.20%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-27.36%

Correlation

The correlation between SEMI and FTXL is 0.83, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2022	0.91

The correlation between SEMI and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

SEMI vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SEMI	FTXL
Technology	86.3%	99.6%
Communication Services	7.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.3%	-
Financial Services	3.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SEMI vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

SEMI

SEMI Risk / Return Rank: 54
SEMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SEMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SEMI Omega Ratio Rank: 48
SEMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
SEMI Martin Ratio Rank: 60

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 91
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 87
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 93

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

SEMI vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) 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.

	SEMI	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	2.71	-1.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.73	2.95	-1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.39	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.21	3.83	-1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.18	16.62	-9.44

SEMI vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEMI Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEMI 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

SEMI vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEMI drawdown since its inception was -33.46%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEMI and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEMI	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.46%	-43.87%	+10.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.42%	-32.64%	+17.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.93%	-41.57%	+8.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.11%	-27.09%	+17.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.79%	-10.61%	+0.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.73%	7.51%	-2.78%

Volatility

SEMI vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) is 11.21%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 18.94%. This indicates that SEMI 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

	SEMI	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.21%	18.94%	-7.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.51%	39.98%	-16.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.60%	46.28%	-18.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.11%	38.23%	-6.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.11%	35.28%	-3.17%

SEMI vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEMI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEMI vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

SEMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.71%, 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%
SEMI Columbia Select Technology ETF	3.71%	4.48%	0.96%	0.87%	0.67%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEMI and FTXL in my portfolio?

SEMI and FTXL have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEMI or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (18.94%) compared to SEMI (11.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEMI dropped -33.46% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, SEMI or FTXL?

On 3-year performance, FTXL leads with 42.82% vs 22.20% for SEMI. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, SEMI has been the lower-risk option at 11.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEMI or FTXL?

Over the 3-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 42.82% return vs 22.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEMI or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for SEMI.

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

SEMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.71%, compared with 0.11% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between SEMI and FTXL?

They also come from different issuers: Columbia and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for SEMI and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.23), 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.