ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
First Trust operates a broad multi-strategy ETF platform with 50 funds spanning allocation, income, alternatives, and thematic investing. The issuer focuses heavily on specialized income strategies, including dividend funds, covered call strategies (Buffer series), and sector-specific income plays, alongside factor-based and alternative investments. Notable tickers like FDN (tech), FAN (clean energy), and the Buffer series (BUFD, BUFQ, BUFR) reflect the issuer's emphasis on income generation and downside protection strategies across diverse market segments.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on FTXL.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
iShares is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for offering a broad, diversified lineup of exchange-traded funds across multiple asset classes and investment strategies. The company operates 215 funds spanning 15 distinct families, including popular offerings in dividend income, covered call strategies, bonds, equities, ESG-focused investments, and factor-based approaches, with widely-held tickers like AGG (bond), ACWI (global equity), and AOA (allocation). iShares is characterized by its comprehensive fund ecosystem that serves both core portfolio holdings and specialized investment strategies, making it a prominent player for investors seeking both traditional and alternative income-generating ETF solutions.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SOXX.
Tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index of US-listed semiconductor companies.
Asset class
Equity
Equity
Inception date
09/20/2016
07/10/2001
Beta
2.3
2.24
Last dividend
$0.0360
$0.2830
Ex-dividend date
06/25/2026
06/15/2026
Bottom lineFTXL and SOXX are nearly interchangeable — both offer very similar technology exposure with very similar cost and risk. The clearest tie-breaker is cost: SOXX is cheaper at 0.35% vs 0.60%.
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Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
FTXL has outpaced SOXX over the trailing twelve months, posting a 145.37% total return against 127.40%. The picture flips over 10 years, though — SOXX has compounded at 33.61% a year, ahead of FTXL at 29.41%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of July 23, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since Sep 2016” measures every fund from September 21, 2016 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the trailing 3 years. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the trailing 3 years) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Quick verdict
FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both quarterly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
SOXX offers the higher yield at 0.21% vs 0.06% for FTXL. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
SOXX is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.35% compared to 0.60%.
SOXX is the larger fund by assets ($45.1B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
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On a $10,000 investment, FTXL would generate roughly $0.50/month, while SOXX would produce $1.75/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
FTXL yield0.06%
SOXX yield0.21%
Monthly diff on $10K$1.25
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, FTXL would cost approximately $600 in fees vs $350 for SOXX (simplified, not compounded). The $250.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
FTXL ER0.60%
SOXX ER0.35%
Strategy & risk
FTXL is an ETF, while SOXX tracks ICE Semiconductor Index. Beta is 2.3 for FTXL and 2.24 for SOXX, indicating SOXX is less volatile relative to the market.
FTXL beta2.3
SOXX beta2.24
Fund details
FTXL is managed by First Trust (launched 09/20/2016) with $2.20B in assets. SOXX is managed by iShares (launched 07/10/2001) with $45.1B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is FTXL or SOXX better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. SOXX currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between FTXL and SOXX?
FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) is an ETF, while SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) tracks ICE Semiconductor Index. They are issued by First Trust and iShares respectively.
Can I hold both FTXL and SOXX?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Which has lower fees, FTXL or SOXX?
FTXL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SOXX charges 0.35%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in FTXL vs SOXX generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in FTXL would generate roughly $0.50 per month ($6.00 annually). The same in SOXX would produce about $1.75 per month ($21.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, FTXL or SOXX?
FTXL has outpaced SOXX over the trailing twelve months, posting a 145.37% total return against 127.40%. The picture flips over 10 years, though — SOXX has compounded at 33.61% a year, ahead of FTXL at 29.41%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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