FLRT vs FTSL
Pacer Aristotle Pacific Floating Rate High Income ETF vs First Trust Senior Loan Fund ETF
Which is better, FLRT or FTSL?
FLRT has been ahead.
FLRT has a lower expense ratio. FLRT led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLRT | FTSL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60%Best | 0.86% |
| AUM | $1.0B | $2.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.71% | 6.32% |
| Holdings | 315 | 714 |
| YTD Return | +3.02%Best | +1.67% |
| 1Y Return | +4.69%Best | +3.15% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.53%Best | +6.00% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.01%Best | +4.92% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 5.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -25.8% | -25.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,389Best | $12,714 |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Bank Loan | Bank Loan |
| Inception | Feb 18, 2015 | May 1, 2013 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 19, 2015 to Oct 14, 2026 (11.6 years).
FLRT vs FTSL growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.6 years both funds cover.
FLRT vs FTSL Performance
Pacer Aristotle Pacific Floating Rate High Income ETF (FLRT) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs and First Trust Senior Loan Fund ETF (FTSL) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FLRT returned +4.69% while FTSL returned +3.15%. Year to date, FLRT is up 3.02% versus a gain of 1.67% for FTSL.
Over three years, FLRT compounded at +7.53% per year against +6.00% for FTSL; over five years the annualized figures are +6.01% and +4.92% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, FLRT has the edge at +2.54% annualized vs +2.05%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLRT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.3% compared with 5.1% for FTSL. 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 -25.8% for FLRT and -25.4% for FTSL. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLRT charges 0.60% per year while FTSL charges 0.86%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $86 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLRT currently yields 6.71% against 6.32% for FTSL.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FLRT and FTSL you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLRT or FTSL?
FLRT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while FTSL charges 0.86%. FLRT is the cheaper option, by $26 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FLRT or FTSL?
Over the past year FLRT returned +4.69% vs +3.15% for FTSL, so FLRT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FLRT annualized +2.54% vs +2.05% for FTSL. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FLRT or FTSL?
FLRT has been the more volatile fund at 5.3% annualized versus 5.1% for FTSL. Worst drawdown: FLRT -25.8% vs FTSL -25.4%.
Should I hold both FLRT and FTSL?
FLRT and FTSL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLRT or FTSL?
FLRT yields 6.71% while FTSL yields 6.32%, so FLRT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FTSL better than FLRT?
FLRT has a lower expense ratio. FLRT led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.