FTKI vs SOXL
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
SOXL has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTKI offers more diversification with 150 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTKI | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.86% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $26M | $24.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.39% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 150 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +13.41% | +158.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.70% | +373.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +78.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 87.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2025 | Mar 11, 2010 |
FTKI vs SOXL Performance
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) 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 FTKI returned +19.70% while SOXL returned +373.68%. Year to date, FTKI is up 13.41% versus a gain of 158.70% for SOXL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.7% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -15.2% for FTKI 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTKI charges 0.86% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $86 vs $75 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTKI currently yields 12.39% against 0.01% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
FTKI and SOXL share 0 holdings out of 179 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, FTKI or SOXL?
FTKI has an expense ratio of 0.86% while SOXL charges 0.75%. SOXL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTKI or SOXL?
Over the past year FTKI returned +19.70% vs +373.68% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTKI annualized +12.64% vs +37.54% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTKI or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.7% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: FTKI -15.2% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both FTKI and SOXL?
FTKI and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTKI and SOXL?
FTKI and SOXL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 179 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTKI or SOXL?
FTKI yields 12.39% while SOXL yields 0.01%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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