XTL vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XTL is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XTL returned 18.76%/yr vs 33.62%/yr for FTXL. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XTL charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

XTL vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) 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, XTL achieves a 51.28% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 108.47% return.

XTL

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 1.76%
• YTD: 51.28%
• 6M: 51.62%
• 1Y: 116.17%
• 3Y*: 46.01%
• 5Y*: 18.76%
• 10Y*: 16.27%

FTXL

• 1D: 2.27%
• 1M: 10.09%
• YTD: 108.47%
• 6M: 110.95%
• 1Y: 197.22%
• 3Y*: 57.13%
• 5Y*: 33.62%
• 10Y*: —

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

XTL vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	51.28%	44.95%	34.89%	-1.17%	-19.18%	21.58%	22.46%	12.51%	-6.60%	0.56%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	108.47%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%	32.19%

Correlation

The correlation between XTL and FTXL is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2016	0.65

The correlation between XTL and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

XTL vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XTL	FTXL
Technology	61.4%	99.5%
Communication Services	36.1%	-
Real Estate	2.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.5%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XTL vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

XTL

XTL Risk / Return Rank: 95
XTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
XTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
XTL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
XTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XTL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

XTL vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) 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.

	XTL	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.88	5.10	-1.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.26	4.76	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.66	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.95	13.68	-5.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	33.56	47.98	-14.43

XTL vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XTL Sharpe Ratio is 3.88, which is comparable to the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 5.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XTL 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

XTL vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XTL drawdown since its inception was -37.01%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XTL and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	XTL	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.01%	-43.87%	+6.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.70%	-14.51%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.79%	-41.57%	+18.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.01%	-43.87%	+6.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.01%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.72%	-3.35%	-3.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.76%	-10.54%	+0.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	4.13%	-0.65%

Volatility

XTL vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) is 11.43%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 19.23%. This indicates that XTL 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

	XTL	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.43%	19.23%	-7.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.28%	32.79%	-8.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.13%	38.90%	-8.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.34%	36.63%	-11.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.66%	34.55%	-10.89%

XTL vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

XTL has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

XTL vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

XTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.86%, 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%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	0.86%	1.05%	0.62%	0.80%	0.74%	1.25%	0.88%	0.92%	1.90%	2.08%	1.11%	1.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XTL and FTXL in my portfolio?

XTL and FTXL have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XTL or FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (19.23%) compared to XTL (11.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XTL dropped -37.01% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, XTL or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 33.62% vs 18.76% for XTL. On fees, XTL is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XTL has been the lower-risk option at 11.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XTL or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 33.62% return vs 18.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XTL or FTXL?

XTL is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

XTL has the higher dividend yield at 0.86%, compared with 0.13% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between XTL and FTXL?

XTL is categorized as Communications Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. XTL tracks S&P Telecom Select Industry Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XTL and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.10 vs 3.88), 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.