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The Best Long-Short ETFs

The table below compares the performance and other essential indicators like dividend yield and expense ratio of Long-Short ETFs.

Long-short ETFs are exchange-traded funds that employ a long-short investment strategy, which aims to profit from both rising and falling market conditions. This type of ETF invests in both long positions, where the fund buys securities that it believes will increase in value. Short positions, where the fund sells securities that it believes will decrease in value and aims to profit from the difference.

Long-short ETFs can use different methods to select the securities they invest in, such as fundamental analysis, quantitative analysis, or a combination of both. These ETFs can be more complex than traditional ETFs, and their performance can be more volatile as they are exposed to market risk as well as the risk of using leverage.

They are typically more suitable for experienced investors with a high-risk tolerance and looking for a more active investment strategy. It is important to note that, as these ETFs might use leverage to generate returns, they are considered riskier than traditional ETFs. Therefore, investors should carefully consider the risks before investing.

Number of ETFs
30
Avg. Expense Ratio
1.70%
Avg. Dividend Yield
2.35%
Avg. 1 Year Return
13.80%
Median Risk/Return Score
54 / 100
The Best Long-Short ETFs

4 results

SymbolFull NameCategoryInceptionExpense RatioYTD Return10Y Return (Annualized)Dividend Yield

Risk / Return Rank

Max. DrawdownSharpe RatioSortino RatioOmega RatioMartin RatioCalmar RatioUlcer Index
Accelerate Arbitrage FundLong-Short1.38%
1.09%
3.75%
27
PICTON Market Neutral Equity Alternative FundLong-ShortSep 21, 20184.27%
1.68%
0.78%
29
Purpose Multi-Strategy Market Neutral FundLong-ShortOct 14, 2014
5.84%
3.52%
0.00%
68
BMO Long Short Canadian Equity ETFLong-ShortSep 27, 20230.73%
9.76%
1.18%
92

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Best Long-Short ETFs by Risk/Return Score

The top Long-Short ETFs by PortfoliosLab Risk/Return Score are CLSE (95) and HTUS (76). The score measures risk-adjusted performance over the past year, accounting for volatility, drawdown, and return consistency.

SymbolNameRisk / Return RankAUMInception
Convergence Long/Short Equity ETF
95
447.61MFeb 2022
Hull Tactical US ETF
76
137.43MJun 2015
IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF
75
762.37MMar 2009
Proshares Large Cap Core Plus
68
524.02MJul 2009
ProShares Hedge Replication
66
21.57MJul 2011

Best-Performing Long-Short ETFs Over 5 Years

The top Long-Short ETFs is HTUS (14.94%). Across the lineup, Long-Short ETFs show an average 1-year return of 13.80% and an average 5-year return of 4.09%, providing a clearer view of performance across different investment horizons.

SymbolNameReturn 5YAUMInception
Hull Tactical US ETF
14.94%
137.43MJun 2015
Proshares Large Cap Core Plus
13.00%
524.02MJul 2009
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF
10.05%
2.35BSep 2014
Franklin Liberty Systematic Style Premia ETF
7.92%
908.01MDec 2019
Changebridge Capital Long/Short Equity ETF
4.67%
55.44MNov 2020

Lowest-Cost Long-Short ETFs

The top Long-Short ETFs is CSM (0.45%). With an average expense ratio of 1.70%, Long-Short ETFs remain a low-cost option for investors seeking broad market exposure, sector allocations, and diversified portfolio building blocks.

Highest-Yield Long-Short ETFs

The top Long-Short ETFs is HTUS (10.87%). Across the lineup, Long-Short ETFs show an average dividend yield of 2.35%, offering investors a steady stream of income through regular dividend payments, making them attractive for income-seeking portfolios.

SymbolNameDividend YieldAUMInception
Hull Tactical US ETF10.87%137.43MJun 2015
Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF9.59%24.78MJul 2025
The Future Fund Long/Short ETF6.71%42.60MJun 2023
Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF5.17%372.15MJul 2021
AltShares Event-Driven ETF4.63%8.62MDec 2014

Top ETFs Categories


Top ETFs Comparisons

Compare the top ETFs symbols based on PortfoliosLab usage data.

Risk vs. Return Scatterplot

The Risk vs. Return Scatterplot allows you to quickly compare funds, stocks, and ETFs in one view. It displays the yearly return of an instrument on one axis and the risk (volatility) on the other.

0%Annualized Volatility0%Annualized Return

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