SOXX vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds - SOXX tracks the NYSE Semiconductor Index while FTXL tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SOXX returned 33.93%/yr vs 34.02%/yr for FTXL. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SOXX charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

SOXX vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) 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, SOXX achieves a 100.26% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 110.86% return.

SOXX

• 1D: -2.10%
• 1M: 24.86%
• YTD: 100.26%
• 6M: 97.20%
• 1Y: 179.78%
• 3Y*: 57.09%
• 5Y*: 33.93%
• 10Y*: 35.54%

FTXL

• 1D: -2.24%
• 1M: 21.46%
• YTD: 110.86%
• 6M: 111.07%
• 1Y: 214.18%
• 3Y*: 61.46%
• 5Y*: 34.02%
• 10Y*: —

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

SOXX vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	100.26%	40.74%	12.92%	67.12%	-35.09%	44.09%	52.72%	62.42%	-6.49%	39.79%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	110.86%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%	32.19%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXX and FTXL is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2016	0.96

The correlation between SOXX and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOXX vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXX	FTXL
Technology	100.0%	99.5%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.5%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SOXX vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 96
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
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.

SOXX vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) 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.

	SOXX	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	5.29	6.00	-0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.16	5.56	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.71	1.75	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	11.48	14.86	-3.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	43.90	55.40	-11.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SOXX vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXX Sharpe Ratio is 5.29, which is comparable to the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SOXX	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.29	6.00	-0.71
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94	0.95	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.07	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.93	-0.48

Drawdowns

SOXX vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXX drawdown since its inception was -70.21%, which is greater than FTXL's maximum drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXX and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXX	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.21%	-43.87%	-26.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.77%	-14.51%	-1.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.36%	-41.57%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.75%	-43.87%	-1.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.75%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.10%	-2.24%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.97%	-10.55%	-9.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.11%	3.88%	+0.23%

Volatility

SOXX vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) have volatilities of 14.08% and 14.14%, 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

	SOXX	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.08%	14.14%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.45%	29.04%	-1.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.20%	35.94%	-1.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.11%	36.03%	+0.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.43%	34.25%	-0.82%

SOXX vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXX has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOXX vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

SOXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.28%, more 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%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.28%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXX and FTXL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, SOXX 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, SOXX or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (14.14%) compared to SOXX (14.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXX dropped -70.21% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, SOXX or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 34.02% vs 33.93% for SOXX. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXX or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 34.02% return vs 33.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXX or FTXL?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

SOXX has the higher dividend yield at 0.28%, compared with 0.13% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between SOXX and FTXL?

SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for SOXX and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.00 vs 5.29), 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.