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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
29
Avg. Expense Ratio
1.71%
Avg. Dividend Yield
2.08%
Avg. 1 Year Return
14.79%
Median Risk/Return Score
60 / 100
The Best Long-Short ETFs

29 results

SymbolFull NameCategoryInceptionExpense RatioYTD Return10Y Return (Annualized)Dividend Yield

Risk / Return Rank

Max. DrawdownSharpe RatioSortino RatioOmega RatioMartin RatioCalmar RatioUlcer Index
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETFLong-ShortNov 16, 20201.09%
6.83%
3.79%
17
Harbor Long-Short Equity ETFLong-ShortDec 4, 20231.70%
29.74%
1.70%
79
First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETFLong-ShortFeb 4, 20202.30%
1.43%
2.97%
59
Federated Hermes MDT Market Neutral ETFLong-ShortSep 25, 2025
0.34%
0.51%
Neos Long/Short Equity Income ETFLong-ShortDec 9, 20252.89%
1.12%
2.56%
Militia Long/Short Equity ETFLong-ShortJan 14, 202514.19%
5.06%
0.00%
57
IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETFLong-ShortMar 25, 20090.79%
8.50%
3.92%
1.39%
85
Rareview Systematic Equity ETFLong-ShortJan 20, 20221.27%
13.91%
0.21%
59
WisdomTree Inflation Plus FundLong-ShortJun 18, 20250.65%
10.69%
2.90%

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Best Long-Short ETFs by Risk/Return Score

The top Long-Short ETFs by PortfoliosLab Risk/Return Score are CLSE (96) and QAI (85). 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
96
447.61MFeb 2022
IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF
85
762.37MMar 2009
Harbor Long-Short Equity ETF
79
16.32MDec 2023
Hull Tactical US ETF
78
137.43MJun 2015
ProShares Hedge Replication
78
21.32MJul 2011

Best-Performing Long-Short ETFs Over 5 Years

The top Long-Short ETFs is HTUS (14.85%). Across the lineup, Long-Short ETFs show an average 1-year return of 14.79% and an average 5-year return of 4.78%, providing a clearer view of performance across different investment horizons.

SymbolNameReturn 5YAUMInception
Hull Tactical US ETF
14.85%
137.43MJun 2015
Proshares Large Cap Core Plus
12.98%
509.61MJul 2009
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF
9.95%
2.34BSep 2014
Franklin Liberty Systematic Style Premia ETF
8.32%
927.85MDec 2019
Changebridge Capital Long/Short Equity ETF
4.72%
63.38MNov 2020

Lowest-Cost Long-Short ETFs

The top Long-Short ETFs is CSM (0.45%). With an average expense ratio of 1.71%, Long-Short ETFs remain a low-cost option for investors seeking broad market exposure, sector allocations, and diversified portfolio building blocks.

SymbolNameExpense RatioAUMInception
Proshares Large Cap Core Plus0.45%509.61MJul 2009
Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF0.45%372.15MJul 2021
Arin Tactical Tail Risk ETF0.63%Oct 2025
ProShares Long Online/Short Stores ETF0.65%6.97MNov 2017
WisdomTree Inflation Plus Fund0.65%23.76MJun 2025

Highest-Yield Long-Short ETFs

The top Long-Short ETFs is HTUS (10.83%). Across the lineup, Long-Short ETFs show an average dividend yield of 2.08%, offering investors a steady stream of income through regular dividend payments, making them attractive for income-seeking portfolios.

SymbolNameDividend YieldAUMInception
Hull Tactical US ETF10.83%137.43MJun 2015
The Future Fund Long/Short ETF6.79%42.88MJun 2023
Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF5.01%372.15MJul 2021
AltShares Event-Driven ETF4.58%8.62MDec 2014
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF3.79%20.35MNov 2020

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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