XTN vs. FTXR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XTN (SPDR S&P Transportation ETF) and FTXR (First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XTN is a Transportation Equities fund tracking the S&P Transportation Select Industry Index, while FTXR is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XTN returned 6.59%/yr vs 7.52%/yr for FTXR. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XTN charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXR.

Performance

XTN vs. FTXR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) and First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XTN achieves a 25.03% return, which is significantly higher than FTXR's 15.67% return.

XTN

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 7.26%
• YTD: 25.03%
• 6M: 21.61%
• 1Y: 49.87%
• 3Y*: 14.20%
• 5Y*: 6.59%
• 10Y*: 11.40%

FTXR

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 15.67%
• 6M: 12.33%
• 1Y: 47.36%
• 3Y*: 18.31%
• 5Y*: 7.52%
• 10Y*: —

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

XTN vs. FTXR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XTN SPDR S&P Transportation ETF	25.03%	6.33%	4.86%	25.22%	-28.10%	33.68%	12.11%	21.85%	-17.26%	21.55%
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	15.67%	14.70%	17.09%	20.93%	-25.38%	24.02%	15.03%	14.82%	-15.27%	15.82%

Correlation

The correlation between XTN and FTXR is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2016	0.79

The correlation between XTN and FTXR shifts across timeframes, from 0.79 (all time) to 0.89 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XTN vs. FTXR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XTN	FTXR
Industrials	95.7%	64.7%
Technology	4.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	34.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XTN vs. FTXR — Risk / Return Rank

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

XTN

XTN Risk / Return Rank: 52
XTN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
XTN Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
XTN Omega Ratio Rank: 48
XTN Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
XTN Martin Ratio Rank: 49

FTXR

FTXR Risk / Return Rank: 65
FTXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
FTXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
FTXR Omega Ratio Rank: 60
FTXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FTXR Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

XTN vs. FTXR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) and First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR). 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.

	XTN	FTXR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	2.16	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.96	-0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.35	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	3.28	-0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.99	11.13	-3.14

XTN vs. FTXR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XTN Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the FTXR Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XTN and FTXR, 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

XTN vs. FTXR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XTN drawdown since its inception was -43.77%, smaller than the maximum FTXR drawdown of -52.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XTN and FTXR.

Drawdown Indicators

	XTN	FTXR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.77%	-52.06%	+8.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.28%	-14.49%	-2.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.69%	-29.71%	-3.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.05%	-33.96%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.77%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.07%	-1.56%	-1.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.91%	-11.01%	+0.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.26%	4.27%	+1.99%

Volatility

XTN vs. FTXR - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) and First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) have volatilities of 7.63% and 7.37%, 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

	XTN	FTXR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.63%	7.37%	+0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.65%	17.11%	+5.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.40%	22.07%	+6.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.94%	23.97%	+2.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.25%	24.76%	+1.49%

XTN vs. FTXR - Expense Ratio Comparison

XTN has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

XTN vs. FTXR - Dividend Comparison

XTN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, less than FTXR's 1.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	1.13%	1.52%	2.13%	1.50%	2.38%	0.67%	0.33%	1.34%	1.74%	1.18%	0.24%	0.00%
XTN SPDR S&P Transportation ETF	0.77%	0.78%	0.93%	0.73%	1.04%	1.02%	0.75%	1.17%	0.98%	0.63%	0.66%	1.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XTN and FTXR in my portfolio?

XTN and FTXR have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XTN or FTXR?

XTN has higher volatility (7.63%) compared to FTXR (7.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XTN dropped -43.77% vs FTXR's -52.06%.

Which ETF is better, XTN or FTXR?

On 5-year performance, FTXR leads with 7.52% vs 6.59% for XTN. On fees, XTN is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FTXR has been the lower-risk option at 7.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XTN or FTXR?

Over the 5-year period, FTXR has performed better with a 7.52% return vs 6.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XTN or FTXR?

XTN is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XTN or FTXR?

FTXR has the higher dividend yield at 1.13%, compared with 0.77% for XTN.

What is the main difference between XTN and FTXR?

XTN is categorized as Transportation Equities, while FTXR is Industrials Equities. XTN tracks S&P Transportation Select Industry Index, while FTXR tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XTN and 0.60% for FTXR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.77), 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.