FTLS vs METD
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF vs Direxion Daily META Bear 1X ETF
Which is better, FTLS or METD?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
METD has a lower expense ratio. FTLS led over 1Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.51, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
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 | METD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 1.02%Best |
| AUM | $2.6B | $16M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 363 | 16 |
| YTD Return | +10.53%Best | -21.18% |
| 1Y Return | +14.30%Best | -14.05% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.09% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.09% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1%Best | 32.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -11.7%Best | -50.6% |
| $10,000 over 2.4 years | $13,131Best | $5,500 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2014 | Jun 5, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 5, 2024 to Oct 12, 2026 (2.4 years).
FTLS vs METD 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 2.4 years both funds cover.
FTLS vs METD Performance
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Direxion Daily META Bear 1X ETF (METD) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year FTLS returned +14.30% while METD returned -14.05%. Year to date, FTLS is up 10.53% versus a loss of 21.18% for METD.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
METD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.0% compared with 6.1% 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 -11.7% for FTLS and -50.6% for METD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.51. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTLS charges 1.38% per year while METD charges 1.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $102 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTLS currently yields 0.86% against 2.59% for METD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 500 holdings in FTLS and 3 in METD, totalling 94.5% and 81.9% 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 500 positions we hold weights for in FTLS and 3 in METD, against full books of 363 and 16.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTLS and METD 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 METD?
FTLS has an expense ratio of 1.38% while METD charges 1.02%. METD is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTLS or METD?
Over the past year FTLS returned +14.30% vs -14.05% for METD, so FTLS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTLS annualized +12.02% vs -22.05% for METD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTLS or METD?
METD has been the more volatile fund at 32.0% annualized versus 6.1% for FTLS. Worst drawdown: FTLS -11.7% vs METD -50.6%.
Should I hold both FTLS and METD?
FTLS and METD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.51, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTLS or METD?
FTLS yields 0.86% while METD yields 2.59%, so METD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is METD better than FTLS?
METD has a lower expense ratio. FTLS led over 1Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.51, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.