DADS vs. FTSL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DADS (Digital Asset Debt Strategy ETF) and FTSL (First Trust Senior Loan Fund) are both High Yield Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DADS charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for FTSL.

Performance

DADS vs. FTSL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Digital Asset Debt Strategy ETF (DADS) and First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DADS achieves a 14.37% return, which is significantly higher than FTSL's 0.62% return.

DADS

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 4.49%
• YTD: 14.37%
• 6M: 9.44%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTSL

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 0.62%
• 6M: 0.99%
• 1Y: 4.53%
• 3Y*: 7.34%
• 5Y*: 5.02%
• 10Y*: 4.45%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DADS vs. FTSL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DADS Digital Asset Debt Strategy ETF	14.37%	-3.41%
FTSL First Trust Senior Loan Fund	0.62%	2.50%

Correlation

The correlation between DADS and FTSL is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2025	0.47

Return for Risk

DADS vs. FTSL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FTSL

FTSL Risk / Return Rank: 60
FTSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
FTSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
FTSL Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FTSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
FTSL Martin Ratio Rank: 44

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DADS vs. FTSL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Digital Asset Debt Strategy ETF (DADS) and First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DADS	FTSL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.15	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.86	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.73	0.85	-0.12

Drawdowns

DADS vs. FTSL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DADS drawdown since its inception was -17.07%, smaller than the maximum FTSL drawdown of -22.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DADS and FTSL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DADS	FTSL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.07%	-22.67%	+5.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.33%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-2.66%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-6.96%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.67%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.77%	-0.03%	-2.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.63%	-0.76%	-6.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.63%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DADS	FTSL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.95%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.58%	2.11%	+15.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.58%	3.35%	+14.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.58%	5.19%	+12.39%

DADS vs. FTSL - Expense Ratio Comparison

DADS has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than FTSL's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

DADS vs. FTSL - Dividend Comparison

DADS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.76%, less than FTSL's 6.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DADS Digital Asset Debt Strategy ETF	2.76%	1.83%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTSL First Trust Senior Loan Fund	6.46%	6.59%	7.56%	7.59%	4.77%	3.17%	3.48%	4.44%	4.29%	3.64%	3.70%	3.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DADS and FTSL in my portfolio?

DADS and FTSL have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DADS or FTSL?

On fees, FTSL is cheaper at 0.86% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DADS or FTSL?

FTSL is cheaper with a 0.86% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for DADS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DADS or FTSL?

FTSL has the higher dividend yield at 6.46%, compared with 2.76% for DADS.

What is the main difference between DADS and FTSL?

They also come from different issuers: Alphabit and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.04% for DADS and 0.86% for FTSL.