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First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF

FTLS

Market cap $2.53B

76.56 USD

+0.31

0.41%

At close Updated Sep 11, 4:00 PM EDT

1 day

0.41%

5 days

-0.51%

1 month

1.32%

3 months

3.87%

6 months

8.52%

Year to date

7.82%

1 year

11.3%

5 years

55.17%

10 years

133.63%

News

Positive

Neutral

Negative

Sentiment 3-Months

Positive 100%

Neutral 0%

Negative 0%

FTLS: Credible As A Standalone Alpha Generator Or An Index Buffer

First Trust Long/Short Eqty ETF has delivered repeatable alpha over a prolonged period, mostly achieved via variance reduction more than correlation drift. The fund uses non-proprietary forensic accounting and market-based variables to select assets, which shapes a good combination – I don't believe in a siloed approach to long/short investing. I deem its fees reasonable with management fees clocking in at 0.95% and total expense ratios not being materially higher. In addition, distributions are low-to-moderate.

FTLS: Credible As A Standalone Alpha Generator Or An Index Buffer

FTLS: Strong Long/Short EQ Strategy, But In My Opinion Not Well Suited For What's Coming

FTLS delivers lower volatility than the S&P 500, with 8.46% annualized volatility versus nearly 13%, but this comes at the cost of upside participation. The long book tilts toward Tech while the short book skews toward smaller, less liquid, lower quality names, creating a structural drag versus momentum-driven markets. Since March 2026, the gap between FTLS and the S&P 500 has widened as momentum and multiple expansion favored lower quality, tech-heavy stocks.

FTLS: Strong Long/Short EQ Strategy, But In My Opinion Not Well Suited For What's Coming

First Trust Advisors L.P. Announces Distributions for Exchange-Traded Funds

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Trust Advisors L.P. ("FTA") announces the declaration of distributions for 142 exchange-traded fund(s) (each a “Fund,” collectively, the “Funds”) advised by FTA. The following dates apply to today's distribution declarations: Expected Ex-Dividend Date: March 26, 2026 Record Date: March 26, 2026 Payable Date: March 31, 2026 Ticker Exchange Fund Name Frequency Ordinary Income Per Share Amount ACTIVELY MANAGED EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS First Trust Exchange-T.

First Trust Advisors L.P. Announces Distributions for Exchange-Traded Funds

FTLS Increased Its Net Long Exposure, Especially In Technology

First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF is an active ETF with 76% net long exposure. FTLS underperforms SPY on total and risk-adjusted returns but offers lower volatility and shallower drawdowns. Compared to peers, FTLS offers excellent downside protection but trails CLSE in risk-adjusted performance since March 2022.

FTLS Increased Its Net Long Exposure, Especially In Technology

First Trust Advisors L.P. Announces Distributions for Exchange-Traded Funds

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Trust Advisors L.P. ("FTA") announces the declaration of distributions for 156 exchange-traded fund(s) (each a “Fund,” collectively, the “Funds”) advised by FTA. The following dates apply to today's distribution declarations: Expected Ex-Dividend Date: December 12, 2025 Record Date: December 12, 2025 Payable Date: December 31, 2025 Ticker Exchange Fund Name Frequency Ordinary Income Per Share Amount Short-Term Capital Gain Per Share Amount Long-Term Capit.

First Trust Advisors L.P. Announces Distributions for Exchange-Traded Funds

FTLS: Reaffirming My Buy Recommendation

First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF remains a Buy for conservative and balanced investors seeking downside protection amid frothy market valuations. FTLS offers competitive returns with significantly lower volatility and superior downside protection compared to the S&P 500, making it ideal for risk-averse portfolios. While FTLS lags in up markets and has a high expense ratio (1.38%), its low beta and consistent risk-adjusted returns justify its inclusion for diversification.

FTLS: Reaffirming My Buy Recommendation

First Trust Advisors L.P. Announces Distributions for Exchange-Traded Funds

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Trust Advisors L.P. ("FTA") announces the declaration of distributions for 146 exchange-traded fund(s) (each a “Fund,” collectively, the “Funds”) advised by FTA. The following dates apply to today's distribution declarations: Expected Ex-Dividend Date: September 25, 2025 Record Date: September 25, 2025 Payable Date: September 30, 2025 Ticker Exchange Fund Name Frequency Ordinary Income Per Share Amount Long-Term Capital Gain Per Share Amount ACTIVELY MANA.

First Trust Advisors L.P. Announces Distributions for Exchange-Traded Funds

FTLS: Active Long-Short ETF With Good Downside Protection

First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is an active equity ETF whose long and short exposures may vary with market conditions. FTLS currently has a 66% net long exposure with a focus on consumer discretionary and technology, and solid fundamental metrics. Compared to competitors, FTLS shows compelling downside protection, although investors prioritizing risk-adjusted return may prefer CLS.

FTLS: Active Long-Short ETF With Good Downside Protection

FTLS: This Long-Short ETF Is Still A Buy

FTLS is a long/short ETF with a strong performance history, offering low volatility and shallow drawdowns, making it a robust alternative to SPY. The fund's active management and sectoral positioning allow it to capture upside while minimizing downside, outperforming in down markets. With the current high P/E ratios, switching from SPY to FTLS can help manage risk and limit potential losses during market corrections.

FTLS: This Long-Short ETF Is Still A Buy

First Trust Advisors L.P. Announces Distributions for Exchange-Traded Funds

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Trust Advisors L.P. ("FTA") announces the declaration of distributions for 159 exchange-traded fund(s) (each a “Fund,” collectively, the “Funds”) advised by FTA. The following dates apply to today's distribution declarations: Expected Ex-Dividend Date: December 13, 2024 Record Date: December 13, 2024 Payable Date: December 31, 2024 Ticker Exchange Fund Name Frequency Ordinary Income Per Share Amount Short-Term Capital Gain Per Share Amount Long-Term C.

First Trust Advisors L.P. Announces Distributions for Exchange-Traded Funds

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