FTLS vs PSFD
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF vs Pacer Swan SOS Flex (January) ETF
Which is better, FTLS or PSFD?
PSFD has been ahead.
PSFD has a lower expense ratio. PSFD led over 1Y, 3Y, 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 | PSFD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.49%Best |
| AUM | $2.7B | $61M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 363 | 14 |
| YTD Return | +9.83% | +9.85%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.43% | +13.53%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.42% | +15.14%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.59% | +11.69%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.2%Best | 9.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -11.7%Best | -14.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,542 | $17,381Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Pacer ETFs |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2014 | Dec 22, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 23, 2020 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.8 years).
FTLS vs PSFD 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 5.8 years both funds cover.
FTLS vs PSFD Performance
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Pacer Swan SOS Flex (January) ETF (PSFD) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% while PSFD returned +13.53%. Year to date, FTLS is up 9.83% versus a gain of 9.85% for PSFD.
Over three years, FTLS compounded at +14.42% per year against +15.14% for PSFD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.59% and +11.69% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, PSFD has the edge at +12.66% annualized vs +11.29%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSFD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.2% compared with 8.2% 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 -14.9% for PSFD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTLS charges 1.38% per year while PSFD 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 PSFD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTLS and PSFD 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 PSFD?
FTLS has an expense ratio of 1.38% while PSFD charges 0.49%. PSFD is the cheaper option, by $89 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTLS or PSFD?
Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% vs +13.53% for PSFD, so PSFD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FTLS annualized +11.29% vs +12.66% for PSFD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTLS or PSFD?
PSFD has been the more volatile fund at 9.2% annualized versus 8.2% for FTLS. Worst drawdown: FTLS -11.7% vs PSFD -14.9%.
Should I hold both FTLS and PSFD?
FTLS and PSFD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, 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 PSFD?
FTLS yields 0.87% while PSFD yields 0.00%, so FTLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PSFD better than FTLS?
PSFD has a lower expense ratio. PSFD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.