FTLS vs PSFO
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF vs Pacer Swan SOS Flex October ETF
Which is better, FTLS or PSFO?
Each has led over a different period.
PSFO has a lower expense ratio. FTLS led over 3Y, PSFO over 1Y, 5Y 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 | PSFO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.49%Best |
| AUM | $2.7B | $46M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 363 | 13 |
| YTD Return | +9.83% | +11.43%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.43% | +14.38%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.42%Best | +13.95% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.59% | +11.56%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.4%Tie | 8.4%Tie |
| Max Drawdown | -11.7%Best | -12.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,542 | $17,280Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Pacer ETFs |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2014 | Sep 30, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 1, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5 years).
FTLS vs PSFO 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 5 years both funds cover.
FTLS vs PSFO Performance
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Pacer Swan SOS Flex October ETF (PSFO) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% while PSFO returned +14.38%. Year to date, FTLS is up 9.83% versus a gain of 11.43% for PSFO.
Over three years, FTLS compounded at +14.42% per year against +13.95% for PSFO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.59% and +11.56% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTLS and PSFO have been equally volatile, both at 8.4% annualized.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -11.7% for FTLS and -12.1% for PSFO. 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 PSFO charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $49 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTLS currently yields 0.87% against 0.00% for PSFO.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 507 holdings in FTLS and 4 in PSFO, totalling 94.2% and 99.6% 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 4 in PSFO, against full books of 363 and 13.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTLS and PSFO 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 PSFO?
FTLS has an expense ratio of 1.38% while PSFO charges 0.49%. PSFO is the cheaper option, by $89 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTLS or PSFO?
Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% vs +14.38% for PSFO, so PSFO leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTLS or PSFO?
FTLS and PSFO have been equally volatile, both at 8.4% annualized. Worst drawdown: FTLS -11.7% vs PSFO -12.1%.
Should I hold both FTLS and PSFO?
FTLS and PSFO 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 PSFO?
FTLS yields 0.87% while PSFO yields 0.00%, so FTLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PSFO better than FTLS?
PSFO has a lower expense ratio. FTLS led over 3Y, PSFO over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.