FTLS vs GMAR
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, FTLS or GMAR?
FTLS has been ahead.
GMAR 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 | GMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.85%Best |
| AUM | $2.7B | $428M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 363 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +9.83% | +10.92%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.43%Best | +13.38% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.42%Best | +12.33% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.59% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.8% | 4.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -11.7% | -9.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.6 years | $16,425Best | $15,276 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2014 | Mar 17, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 20, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.6 years).
FTLS vs GMAR 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 3.6 years both funds cover.
FTLS vs GMAR Performance
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (GMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% while GMAR returned +13.38%. Year to date, FTLS is up 9.83% versus a gain of 10.92% for GMAR.
Over three years, FTLS compounded at +14.42% per year against +12.33% for GMAR. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTLS has the edge at +14.78% annualized vs +12.49%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTLS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.8% compared with 4.8% for GMAR. 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 -9.1% for GMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTLS charges 1.38% per year while GMAR 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 GMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTLS and GMAR 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 GMAR?
FTLS has an expense ratio of 1.38% while GMAR charges 0.85%. GMAR is the cheaper option, by $53 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTLS or GMAR?
Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% vs +13.38% for GMAR, so FTLS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTLS annualized +14.78% vs +12.49% for GMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTLS or GMAR?
FTLS has been the more volatile fund at 6.8% annualized versus 4.8% for GMAR. Worst drawdown: FTLS -11.7% vs GMAR -9.1%.
Should I hold both FTLS and GMAR?
FTLS and GMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, 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 GMAR?
FTLS yields 0.87% while GMAR yields 0.00%, so FTLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GMAR better than FTLS?
GMAR 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.