First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS)
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: 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.
Assetmark Inc. Raises Position in First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF $FTLS
Assetmark Inc. raised its holdings in First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) by 728.0% in the undefined quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 507,915 shares of the company's stock after buying an additional 446,569 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc. owned
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) Sets New 1-Year High – Time to Buy?
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS - Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday. The stock traded as high as $72.67 and last traded at $72.53, with a volume of 127175 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $72.53. First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF Stock Performance
Center For Asset Management LLC Invests $2.97 Million in First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF $FTLS
Center For Asset Management LLC bought a new position in First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) in the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 41,761 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $2,965,000. First Trust Long/Short Equity
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF $FTLS Shares Sold by Compound Planning Inc.
Compound Planning Inc. cut its holdings in shares of First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) by 14.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 142,519 shares of the company's stock after selling 24,840 shares during the period.
Envestnet Asset Management Inc. Purchases 8,523 Shares of First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF $FTLS
Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its position in First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) by 1.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 588,279 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an additional 8,523 shares during the quarter. Envestnet
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.
Commonwealth Equity Services LLC Raises Position in First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF $FTLS
Commonwealth Equity Services LLC lifted its stake in shares of First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) by 22.2% during the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 114,314 shares of the company's stock after buying an additional 20,793 shares during the
Cwm LLC Sells 12,326 Shares of First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF $FTLS
Cwm LLC cut its stake in First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) by 6.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 173,970 shares of the company's stock after selling 12,326 shares during the quarter. Cwm
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: 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: 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 Is The Best ETF For Hedging
I am exploring ETFs for a balanced portfolio and found First Trust Long/Short Equity (FTLS) as a promising hedging strategy. Hedging can limit returns but improves risk profiles, making it suitable for risk-averse investors like me. FTLS excels in risk management, outperforming the Credit Suisse Hedge Index in all risk metrics, despite lower overall returns compared to SPY.
FTLS: An Alternative Strategy That's Worked
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF offers a long/short strategy to lower long exposure and playoff long/short spreads. The FTLS ETF blends quantitative and fundamental analysis to determine net exposure, with a focus on risk management and the Earnings Quality Rank model. FTLS has a Tech-heavy long position, minimal Tech exposure in a short book, and outperforms peer alternative strategies like IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF.
FTLS: Reiterate Buy Recommendation On Excellent Results
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF uses earnings quality to pick stocks to go long and short. FTLS has delivered hedge fund-like performance at mutual fund-like fees. In a market defined by higher interest rates, companies with good earnings momentum are vastly outperforming those without, which benefits FTLS.
FTLS: Long-Short ETF With Good Fundamentals And Low Volatility
FTLS: Long-Short ETF With Good Fundamentals And Low Volatility
FTLS: Hedge Fund Strategies In An ETF Format
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF is a unique investment vehicle that aims to provide long-term total returns with less volatility than the S&P 500 index. FTLS has historically outperformed during bear markets and has a low standard deviation compared to the S&P 500 and a higher Sharpe ratio. The fund has delivered an 11.5% return this year and has shown the ability to mitigate drawdowns while capturing upside potential.
FTLS: Better Returns Than Expensive Hedge Funds
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF uses earnings quality to pick stocks to go long and short. FTLS has delivered a solid historical performance that is commensurate with its mandate of reduced volatility and drawdowns. Compared to expense long/short equity hedge funds, the FTLS appears to be a good option as it has better performance and lower fees.
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) Position Reduced by CX Institutional
CX Institutional reduced its stake in shares of First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) by 24.1% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 12,896 shares of the company’s stock after selling 4,100 shares during the quarter. CX Institutional’s holdings in First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF were worth $483,000 as of its most […]