FTXL vs SPY
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FTXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +66.35% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +133.73% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.37% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +28.20% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTXL vs SPY Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FTXL returned +133.73% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, FTXL is up 66.35% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, FTXL compounded at +49.37% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +28.20% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXL has the edge at +27.98% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.3% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -43.9% for FTXL and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXL charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTXL currently yields 0.11% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTXL and SPY share 19 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXL or SPY?
FTXL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTXL or SPY?
Over the past year FTXL returned +133.73% vs +21.82% for SPY, so FTXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXL annualized +27.98% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXL or SPY?
FTXL has been the more volatile fund at 31.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FTXL -43.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTXL and SPY?
FTXL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXL and SPY?
FTXL and SPY share 19 common holdings with a 16.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXL or SPY?
FTXL yields 0.11% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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