TRFK vs. FTXL

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

TRFK (Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TRFK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TRFK returned 45.65%/yr vs 51.84%/yr for FTXL. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

TRFK vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) 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, TRFK achieves a 53.11% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 91.84% return.

TRFK

• 1D: 2.71%
• 1M: -3.00%
• 6M: 48.83%
• YTD: 53.11%
• 1Y: 65.34%
• 3Y*: 45.65%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: 2.83%
• 1M: -7.98%
• 6M: 70.48%
• YTD: 91.84%
• 1Y: 153.01%
• 3Y*: 51.84%
• 5Y*: 31.41%
• 10Y*: —

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

TRFK vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	53.11%	26.81%	38.30%	66.63%	-10.61%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	91.84%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-13.71%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFK and FTXL is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 9, 2022	0.85

The correlation between TRFK and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

TRFK vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TRFK	FTXL
Technology	79.6%	99.7%
Industrials	11.2%	0.3%
Basic Materials	0.9%	-
Communication Services	0.7%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TRFK vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRFK

TRFK Risk / Return Rank: 68
TRFK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
TRFK Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
TRFK Omega Ratio Rank: 65
TRFK Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
TRFK Martin Ratio Rank: 55

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 95
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 92
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
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.

TRFK vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) 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.

	TRFK	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	3.53	-1.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	3.51	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.48	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.36	8.25	-4.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.58	29.37	-21.79

TRFK vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFK Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 3.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFK 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

TRFK vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFK drawdown since its inception was -29.06%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFK and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFK	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.06%	-43.87%	+14.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.56%	-18.65%	-0.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.06%	-41.57%	+12.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.77%	-16.35%	+4.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.09%	-10.54%	+4.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.65%	5.23%	+3.42%

Volatility

TRFK vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) is 17.46%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 21.31%. This indicates that TRFK 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

	TRFK	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.46%	21.31%	-3.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.48%	37.40%	-7.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.39%	43.59%	-9.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.37%	37.71%	-7.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.37%	35.02%	-4.65%

TRFK vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both TRFK and FTXL have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

TRFK vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

TRFK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less 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%
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.40%	0.20%	0.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFK and FTXL in my portfolio?

TRFK and FTXL have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TRFK or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (21.31%) compared to TRFK (17.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFK dropped -29.06% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, TRFK or FTXL?

On 3-year performance, FTXL leads with 51.84% vs 45.65% for TRFK. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, TRFK has been the lower-risk option at 17.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFK or FTXL?

Over the 3-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 51.84% return vs 45.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFK or FTXL?

TRFK and FTXL have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

FTXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.10%, compared with 0.01% for TRFK.

What is the main difference between TRFK and FTXL?

TRFK is categorized as Technology Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. TRFK tracks Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.53 vs 1.91), 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.