BITC vs FTLS
Bitwise Trendwise Bitcoin and Treasuries Rotation Strategy ETF vs First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF
Which is better, BITC or FTLS?
Each has led over a different period.
BITC has a lower expense ratio. BITC led over 3Y and the full window, FTLS over 1Y.
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 | BITC | FTLS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88%Best | 1.38% |
| AUM | $14M | $2.7B |
| Dividend Yield | 77.90% | 0.87% |
| Holdings | 3 | 363 |
| YTD Return | +3.13% | +9.83%Best |
| 1Y Return | -7.62% | +13.43%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.02%Best | +14.42% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.59% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.6% | 6.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -33.2% | -11.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.6 years | $23,183Best | $16,425 |
| Fund Family | Bitwise | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Mar 20, 2023 | Sep 8, 2014 |
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 21, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.6 years).
BITC vs FTLS 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.
BITC vs FTLS Performance
Bitwise Trendwise Bitcoin and Treasuries Rotation Strategy ETF (BITC) is an ETF from Bitwise and First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year BITC returned -7.62% while FTLS returned +13.43%. Year to date, BITC is up 3.13% versus a gain of 9.83% for FTLS.
Over three years, BITC compounded at +34.02% per year against +14.42% for FTLS. Across the full 4-year window we track, BITC has the edge at +26.31% annualized vs +14.78%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BITC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.6% compared with 6.8% 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 -33.2% for BITC and -11.7% for FTLS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.45. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BITC charges 0.88% per year while FTLS charges 1.38%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $138 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BITC currently yields 77.90% against 0.87% for FTLS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in BITC and 507 in FTLS, totalling 13.5% and 94.2% 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 1 positions we hold weights for in BITC and 507 in FTLS, against full books of 3 and 363.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BITC and FTLS 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, BITC or FTLS?
BITC has an expense ratio of 0.88% while FTLS charges 1.38%. BITC is the cheaper option, by $50 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BITC or FTLS?
Over the past year BITC returned -7.62% vs +13.43% for FTLS, so FTLS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BITC annualized +26.31% vs +14.78% for FTLS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BITC or FTLS?
BITC has been the more volatile fund at 43.6% annualized versus 6.8% for FTLS. Worst drawdown: BITC -33.2% vs FTLS -11.7%.
Should I hold both BITC and FTLS?
BITC and FTLS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, 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, BITC or FTLS?
BITC yields 77.90% while FTLS yields 0.87%, so BITC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FTLS better than BITC?
BITC has a lower expense ratio. BITC led over 3Y and the full window, FTLS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.