FTCB vs SOXL
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
FTCB has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $18.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +0.17% | +207.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.33% | +396.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +85.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +27.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 87.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Mar 11, 2010 |
FTCB vs SOXL Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year FTCB returned +2.33% while SOXL returned +396.62%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.17% versus a gain of 207.71% for SOXL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.9% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.0% for FTCB and -90.5% for SOXL. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $75 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 0.00% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and SOXL share 0 holdings out of 363 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCB or SOXL?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SOXL charges 0.75%. FTCB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or SOXL?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.33% vs +396.62% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.76% vs +39.06% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.9% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both FTCB and SOXL?
FTCB and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and SOXL?
FTCB and SOXL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 363 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or SOXL?
FTCB yields 5.24% while SOXL yields 0.00%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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