FTLS vs GAPR
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - April
Which is better, FTLS or GAPR?
FTLS has been ahead.
GAPR has a lower expense ratio. FTLS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
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 | FTLS | GAPR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.85%Best |
| AUM | $2.7B | $298M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 363 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +9.83%Best | +6.91% |
| 1Y Return | +13.43%Best | +9.03% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.42%Best | +11.25% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.59% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.9% | 4.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -11.7% | -9.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.5 years | $15,911Best | $14,418 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2014 | Apr 21, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 24, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.5 years).
FTLS vs GAPR 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 3.5 years both funds cover.
FTLS vs GAPR Performance
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - April (GAPR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% while GAPR returned +9.03%. Year to date, FTLS is up 9.83% versus a gain of 6.91% for GAPR.
Over three years, FTLS compounded at +14.42% per year against +11.25% for GAPR. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTLS has the edge at +14.19% annualized vs +11.02%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTLS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.9% compared with 4.8% for GAPR. 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 -11.7% for FTLS and -9.0% for GAPR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.62. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTLS charges 1.38% per year while GAPR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $85 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTLS currently yields 0.87% against 0.00% for GAPR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTLS and GAPR 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, FTLS or GAPR?
FTLS has an expense ratio of 1.38% while GAPR charges 0.85%. GAPR is the cheaper option, by $53 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTLS or GAPR?
Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% vs +9.03% for GAPR, so FTLS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTLS annualized +14.19% vs +11.02% for GAPR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTLS or GAPR?
FTLS has been the more volatile fund at 6.9% annualized versus 4.8% for GAPR. Worst drawdown: FTLS -11.7% vs GAPR -9.0%.
Should I hold both FTLS and GAPR?
FTLS and GAPR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTLS or GAPR?
FTLS yields 0.87% while GAPR yields 0.00%, so FTLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GAPR better than FTLS?
GAPR has a lower expense ratio. FTLS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.