FTLS vs HTUS
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF vs Hull Tactical US ETF
Which is better, FTLS or HTUS?
Each has led over a different period.
HTUS has a lower expense ratio. FTLS led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, HTUS over 3Y.
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 | HTUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.96%Best |
| AUM | $2.7B | $174M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 1.19% |
| Holdings | 363 | 27 |
| YTD Return | +9.83% | +15.69%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.43%Best | +8.15% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.42% | +19.36%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.59%Best | +6.41% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8%Best | 16.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5%Best | -50.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,542Best | $13,643 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Hull Tactical Asset Allocation, LLC |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2014 | Jun 24, 2015 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 25, 2015 to Oct 14, 2026 (11.3 years).
FTLS vs HTUS 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 11.3 years both funds cover.
FTLS vs HTUS Performance
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Hull Tactical US ETF (HTUS) is an ETF from Hull Tactical Asset Allocation, LLC. Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% while HTUS returned +8.15%. Year to date, FTLS is up 9.83% versus a gain of 15.69% for HTUS.
Over three years, FTLS compounded at +14.42% per year against +19.36% for HTUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.59% and +6.41% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, FTLS has the edge at +8.48% annualized vs +5.54%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HTUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 8.8% for FTLS. 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 -20.5% for FTLS and -50.7% for HTUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTLS charges 1.38% per year while HTUS charges 0.96%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $96 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTLS currently yields 0.87% against 1.19% for HTUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 507 holdings in FTLS and 1 in HTUS, totalling 94.2% and 68.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 507 positions we hold weights for in FTLS and 1 in HTUS, against full books of 363 and 27.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTLS and HTUS 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 HTUS?
FTLS has an expense ratio of 1.38% while HTUS charges 0.96%. HTUS is the cheaper option, by $42 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTLS or HTUS?
Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% vs +8.15% for HTUS, so FTLS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), FTLS annualized +8.48% vs +5.54% for HTUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTLS or HTUS?
HTUS has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 8.8% for FTLS. Worst drawdown: FTLS -20.5% vs HTUS -50.7%.
Should I hold both FTLS and HTUS?
FTLS and HTUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, 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 HTUS?
FTLS yields 0.87% while HTUS yields 1.19%, so HTUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is HTUS better than FTLS?
HTUS has a lower expense ratio. FTLS led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, HTUS over 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.