FAARvsFTLSETF Comparison
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First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) and First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) belong to the same industry segment: Alternatives. FAAR is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.97%, versus 1.38% for FTLS. FAAR is up 21.9% year-to-date (YTD) with +$102M in YTD flows. FTLS performs worse with 8.97% YTD performance, and +$312M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of FAAR and FTLS below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
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FAAR vs FTLS performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 10/29/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | FAAR FTLS | +2.23%+0.39% | +4.85%+3.68% | +21.90%+8.97% | +20.16%+9.13% | +34.93%+52.19% | +38.39%+62.80% |
| Flows | FAAR FTLS | +$18M+$85M | +$51M+$123M | +$102M+$312M | +$126M+$397M | +$63M+$1.35B | +$129M+$1.62B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | FAAR FTLS | +9.86%+6.14% | +12.16%+7.13% | +10.87%+8.67% | +10.94%+9.40% |
| Max drawdown | FAAR FTLS | -2.30%-1.81% | -10.76%-3.80% | -11.20%-11.43% | -19.53%-11.43% |
| Max drawdown duration | FAAR FTLS | 11d16d | 164d65d | 111d214d | 1323d214d |
Trading data
FAAR | FTLS | |
Last sale 10/30/2026 at 1:30 PM | $32.54 | $76.42 |
| Previous close 10/29/2026 | $32.61 | $76.89 |
| Consolidated volume 10/29/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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Main metrics
Last update 10/30/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
FAAR | FTLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $32.54 | $76.42 |
| 1D performance | -0.23% | -0.61% |
| AuM | $252.85 M | $2.66 B |
| E/R | 0.97% | 1.38% |
Characteristics
FAAR | FTLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Active | Active |
| Provider | First Trust | First Trust |
| Benchmark | - | - |
| N° of holdings | - | - |
| Asset class | - | - |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | May 18, 2016 | September 8, 2014 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
FAAR
Data will be available soon
FTLS
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Sectors
FAAR
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FTLS
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Diversification
FAAR
Data will be available soon
FTLS
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Top 15 holdings
Data as of January 1, 1970
FAAR
Data will be available soon
FTLS
Data will be available soon
Frequently asked questions about FAAR and FTLS
How have the FAAR and FTLS ETFs performed in 2026?
As of October 29, 2026, FAAR is up 21.9% year-to-date (YTD), while FTLS has returned 8.97%. That puts FAAR better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: FAAR or FTLS?
Year-to-date, the FAAR ETF saw +$102M in flows, compared to +$312M for FTLS.
Which ETF is more volatile: FAAR or FTLS?
Over the past year, FAAR had a volatility of 12.16%, while FTLS experienced 7.13%.
Which ETF is bigger: FAAR or FTLS?
As of October 29, 2026, FAAR holds $252.85 M in assets under management (AUM), while FTLS manages $2.66 B.
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