XDAT vs. FXU

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

XDAT (Franklin Exponential Data ETF) and FXU (First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - XDAT is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while FXU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Utilities Index. XDAT is actively managed, while FXU is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XDAT returned -0.62%/yr vs 12.82%/yr for FXU. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XDAT charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for FXU.

Performance

XDAT vs. FXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XDAT achieves a -0.59% return, which is significantly lower than FXU's 12.10% return.

XDAT

• 1D: 2.00%
• 1M: 5.77%
• 6M: 0.15%
• YTD: -0.59%
• 1Y: -3.13%
• 3Y*: 9.78%
• 5Y*: -0.62%
• 10Y*: —

FXU

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 3.61%
• 6M: 11.16%
• YTD: 12.10%
• 1Y: 19.63%
• 3Y*: 18.38%
• 5Y*: 12.82%
• 10Y*: 9.09%

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

XDAT vs. FXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
XDAT Franklin Exponential Data ETF	-0.59%	1.87%	16.54%	45.77%	-45.71%	9.61%
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	12.10%	21.86%	22.50%	-2.12%	3.68%	18.05%

Correlation

The correlation between XDAT and FXU is -0.17, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.06
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2021	0.17

The correlation between XDAT and FXU shifts across timeframes, from -0.17 (1 year) to 0.18 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XDAT vs. FXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XDAT	FXU
Technology	59.4%	-
Communication Services	32.0%	-
Real Estate	4.7%	-
Healthcare	2.6%	-
Financial Services	2.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.2%	-
Industrials	0.2%	4.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	3.6%
Utilities	-	92.4%

Return for Risk

XDAT vs. FXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

XDAT

XDAT Risk / Return Rank: 8
XDAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
XDAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
XDAT Omega Ratio Rank: 8
XDAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
XDAT Martin Ratio Rank: 8

FXU

FXU Risk / Return Rank: 50
FXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
FXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
FXU Omega Ratio Rank: 47
FXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FXU Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

XDAT vs. FXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). 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.

	XDAT	FXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.13	1.45	-1.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.01	2.01	-2.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.24	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.11	2.28	-2.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.22	5.81	-6.03

XDAT vs. FXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XDAT Sharpe Ratio is -0.13, which is lower than the FXU Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XDAT and FXU, 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

XDAT vs. FXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDAT drawdown since its inception was -54.87%, which is greater than FXU's maximum drawdown of -49.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDAT and FXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDAT	FXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.87%	-49.00%	-5.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.56%	-8.63%	-20.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.56%	-17.46%	-12.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.87%	-21.87%	-33.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.83%	-2.16%	-14.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.78%	-7.62%	-18.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.51%	3.39%	+11.12%

Volatility

XDAT vs. FXU - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) has a higher volatility of 7.31% compared to First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) at 4.42%. This indicates that XDAT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XDAT	FXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.31%	4.42%	+2.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.64%	10.71%	+9.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.63%	13.56%	+11.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.64%	16.61%	+13.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.39%	18.37%	+11.02%

XDAT vs. FXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

XDAT has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FXU's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

XDAT vs. FXU - Dividend Comparison

XDAT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FXU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.13%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	2.13%	2.29%	2.41%	2.52%	2.03%	2.00%	3.97%	2.34%	2.40%	3.81%	2.62%	3.90%
XDAT Franklin Exponential Data ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XDAT and FXU in my portfolio?

XDAT and FXU have a correlation of -0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XDAT or FXU?

XDAT has higher volatility (7.31%) compared to FXU (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XDAT dropped -54.87% vs FXU's -49.00%.

Which ETF is better, XDAT or FXU?

On 5-year performance, FXU leads with 12.82% vs -0.62% for XDAT. On fees, XDAT is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FXU has been the lower-risk option at 4.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XDAT or FXU?

Over the 5-year period, FXU has performed better with a 12.82% return vs -0.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XDAT or FXU?

XDAT is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for FXU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XDAT or FXU?

FXU has the higher dividend yield at 2.13%, compared with 0.00% for XDAT.

What is the main difference between XDAT and FXU?

XDAT is categorized as Technology Equities, while FXU is Utilities Equities. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for XDAT and 0.62% for FXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 vs -0.13), 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.