XFEB vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XFEB (FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XFEB is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. XFEB is actively managed, while FTXL is passively managed. Over the past year, XFEB returned 11.85% vs 226.33% for FTXL. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XFEB charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

XFEB vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February (XFEB) 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, XFEB achieves a 4.40% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 129.34% return.

XFEB

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 4.40%
• 6M: 4.56%
• 1Y: 11.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: 2.71%
• 1M: 19.81%
• YTD: 129.34%
• 6M: 127.30%
• 1Y: 226.33%
• 3Y*: 64.47%
• 5Y*: 36.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

XFEB vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XFEB FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February	4.40%	9.12%	9.14%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	129.34%	48.94%	3.56%

Correlation

The correlation between XFEB and FTXL is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2024	0.65

The correlation between XFEB and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

XFEB vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

XFEB

XFEB Risk / Return Rank: 83
XFEB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
XFEB Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
XFEB Omega Ratio Rank: 93
XFEB Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
XFEB Martin Ratio Rank: 84

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
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.

XFEB vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February (XFEB) 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.

	XFEB	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	5.69	-3.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.03	5.06	-1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.62	1.71	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	15.70	-12.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.75	54.75	-37.99

XFEB vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XFEB Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 5.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XFEB 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

XFEB vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XFEB drawdown since its inception was -9.07%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XFEB and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	XFEB	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.07%	-43.87%	+34.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.12%	-14.51%	+10.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-41.57%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	0.00%	-0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.54%	-10.53%	+9.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.71%	4.15%	-3.44%

Volatility

XFEB vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February (XFEB) is 1.31%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 20.69%. This indicates that XFEB 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

	XFEB	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.31%	20.69%	-19.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.91%	33.51%	-29.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.50%	40.09%	-35.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.07%	36.93%	-29.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.07%	34.67%	-27.60%

XFEB vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

XFEB has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

XFEB vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

XFEB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FTXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.12%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%
XFEB FT Vest U.S. Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February	0.00%	0.00%	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 XFEB and FTXL in my portfolio?

XFEB and FTXL have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XFEB or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (20.69%) compared to XFEB (1.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XFEB dropped -9.07% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, XFEB or FTXL?

On 1-year performance, FTXL leads with 226.33% vs 11.85% for XFEB. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, XFEB has been the lower-risk option at 1.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XFEB or FTXL?

Over the 1-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 226.33% return vs 11.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XFEB or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for XFEB.

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

FTXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.12%, compared with 0.00% for XFEB.

What is the main difference between XFEB and FTXL?

XFEB is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FTXL is Semiconductors. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for XFEB and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.69 vs 2.65), 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.