EQLS vs. FTLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EQLS (Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF) and FTLS (First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF) are both Long-Short funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EQLS charges 1.00%/yr vs 1.60%/yr for FTLS.

Performance

EQLS vs. FTLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF (EQLS) and First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

EQLS

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTLS

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 2.01%
• YTD: 5.34%
• 6M: 5.22%
• 1Y: 14.27%
• 3Y*: 14.31%
• 5Y*: 10.27%
• 10Y*: 9.83%

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

EQLS vs. FTLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EQLS Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF	0.00%	6.82%	-4.82%	-3.63%
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF	5.34%	9.09%	18.80%	9.91%

Correlation

The correlation between EQLS and FTLS is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2023	0.09

Return for Risk

EQLS vs. FTLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTLS

FTLS Risk / Return Rank: 58
FTLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FTLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
FTLS Omega Ratio Rank: 50
FTLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FTLS Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

EQLS vs. FTLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF (EQLS) and First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS). 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

	EQLS	FTLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.75	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.98	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.81	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	EQLS	FTLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-20.54%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.79%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.69%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-11.69%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-20.54%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-0.03%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-2.69%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.21%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	EQLS	FTLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.81%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.65%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	8.18%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	10.55%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	11.30%	—

EQLS vs. FTLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQLS has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is lower than FTLS's 1.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

EQLS vs. FTLS - Dividend Comparison

EQLS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FTLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EQLS Simplify Market Neutral Equity Long/Short ETF	0.00%	0.45%	0.95%	8.50%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF	0.90%	1.07%	1.50%	1.49%	0.81%	0.01%	0.44%	0.83%	0.87%	0.43%	1.04%	0.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQLS and FTLS in my portfolio?

EQLS and FTLS have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, EQLS or FTLS?

On fees, EQLS is cheaper at 1.00% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQLS or FTLS?

EQLS is cheaper with a 1.00% expense ratio, compared with 1.60% for FTLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EQLS or FTLS?

FTLS has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.00% for EQLS.

What is the main difference between EQLS and FTLS?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for EQLS and 1.60% for FTLS.