FDLO vs. FTLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FDLO (Fidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF) and FTLS (First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDLO is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the Fidelity U.S. Low Volatility Factor Index, while FTLS is a Long-Short fund actively managed by First Trust. FDLO is passively managed, while FTLS is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FDLO returned 10.12%/yr vs 10.27%/yr for FTLS. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FDLO charges 0.29%/yr vs 1.60%/yr for FTLS.

Performance

FDLO vs. FTLS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDLO achieves a 5.00% return, which is significantly lower than FTLS's 5.34% return.

FDLO

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: 1.29%
• YTD: 5.00%
• 6M: 4.24%
• 1Y: 15.16%
• 3Y*: 14.30%
• 5Y*: 10.12%
• 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)

FDLO vs. FTLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDLO Fidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF	5.00%	11.77%	16.06%	16.38%	-10.38%	24.00%	12.19%	31.10%	-0.26%	20.44%
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF	5.34%	9.09%	18.80%	16.94%	-5.56%	19.65%	2.56%	16.16%	-4.81%	14.41%

Correlation

The correlation between FDLO and FTLS is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2016	0.76

The correlation between FDLO and FTLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDLO vs. FTLS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDLO	FTLS
Technology	33.1%	26.9%
Financial Services	12.5%	19.9%
Communication Services	10.8%	6.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	9.5%
Healthcare	9.5%	8.4%
Industrials	9.1%	7.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	6.5%
Energy	3.4%	7.3%
Utilities	2.3%	0.9%
Real Estate	2.3%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.7%	5.1%

Return for Risk

FDLO vs. FTLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDLO

FDLO Risk / Return Rank: 49
FDLO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FDLO Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
FDLO Omega Ratio Rank: 48
FDLO Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
FDLO Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

FDLO vs. FTLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF (FDLO) 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.

	FDLO	FTLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	1.75	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.56	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.13	3.79	-1.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.30	11.78	-2.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FDLO vs. FTLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDLO Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the FTLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDLO and FTLS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FDLO	FTLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.74	1.75	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.98	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	0.81	+0.02

Drawdowns

FDLO vs. FTLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDLO drawdown since its inception was -34.35%, which is greater than FTLS's maximum drawdown of -20.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDLO and FTLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDLO	FTLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.35%	-20.54%	-13.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.13%	-3.79%	-3.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.68%	-11.69%	-1.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.23%	-11.69%	-7.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-20.54%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-0.03%	-0.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.38%	-2.69%	-0.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.63%	1.21%	+0.42%

Volatility

FDLO vs. FTLS - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF (FDLO) has a higher volatility of 1.91% compared to First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) at 1.81%. This indicates that FDLO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDLO	FTLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.91%	1.81%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.41%	5.65%	+0.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.75%	8.18%	+0.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.07%	10.55%	+2.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.50%	11.30%	+4.20%

FDLO vs. FTLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDLO has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than FTLS's 1.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDLO vs. FTLS - Dividend Comparison

FDLO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, more than FTLS's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDLO Fidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF	1.36%	1.37%	1.40%	1.35%	1.49%	1.11%	1.38%	1.55%	1.76%	1.61%	0.55%	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 FDLO and FTLS in my portfolio?

FDLO and FTLS have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDLO or FTLS?

FDLO has higher volatility (1.91%) compared to FTLS (1.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDLO dropped -34.35% vs FTLS's -20.54%.

Which ETF is better, FDLO or FTLS?

On 5-year performance, FTLS leads with 10.27% vs 10.12% for FDLO. On fees, FDLO is cheaper at 0.29% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDLO or FTLS?

Over the 5-year period, FTLS has performed better with a 10.27% return vs 10.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDLO or FTLS?

FDLO is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 1.60% for FTLS.

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

FDLO has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.90% for FTLS.

What is the main difference between FDLO and FTLS?

FDLO is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while FTLS is Long-Short. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for FDLO and 1.60% for FTLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.74), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.