$FTXL vs $SOXX: Weighing Factor-Based and Cap-Weighted Semiconductor Strategies First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) employs a factor-based smart beta approach that selects and weights semiconductor stocks using liquidity, value, volatility, and growth metrics, resulting in approximately 35 holdings and an expense ratio of 0.60%. iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) follows a market-capitalization-weighted methodology with concentration caps, tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index with 30 holdings and a lower expense ratio of 0.35%.