FLRT vs. EMLP

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FLRT (Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF) and EMLP (First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FLRT is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Pacific Life, while EMLP is a MLPs fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, FLRT returned 4.82%/yr vs 10.37%/yr for EMLP. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLRT charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for EMLP.

Performance

FLRT vs. EMLP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF (FLRT) and First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLRT achieves a 1.83% return, which is significantly lower than EMLP's 15.76% return. Over the past 10 years, FLRT has underperformed EMLP with an annualized return of 4.82%, while EMLP has yielded a comparatively higher 10.37% annualized return.

FLRT

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 1.83%
• 6M: 2.22%
• 1Y: 5.74%
• 3Y*: 8.69%
• 5Y*: 5.97%
• 10Y*: 4.82%

EMLP

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: -1.31%
• YTD: 15.76%
• 6M: 15.73%
• 1Y: 19.70%
• 3Y*: 21.55%
• 5Y*: 15.13%
• 10Y*: 10.37%

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

FLRT vs. EMLP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLRT Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF	1.83%	6.24%	9.18%	14.59%	-2.72%	3.18%	2.78%	9.44%	-1.14%	1.72%
EMLP First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund	15.76%	9.67%	33.39%	8.05%	10.39%	23.20%	-13.36%	23.40%	-8.70%	1.07%

Correlation

The correlation between FLRT and EMLP is 0.01, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.02
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.17
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.16
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2015	0.14

The correlation between FLRT and EMLP shifts across timeframes, from 0.01 (1 year) to 0.21 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FLRT vs. EMLP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLRT	EMLP
Financial Services	99.2%	-
Communication Services	0.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	48.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	3.9%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	47.4%

Return for Risk

FLRT vs. EMLP — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLRT

FLRT Risk / Return Rank: 87
FLRT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
FLRT Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
FLRT Omega Ratio Rank: 97
FLRT Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FLRT Martin Ratio Rank: 73

EMLP

EMLP Risk / Return Rank: 74
EMLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
EMLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
EMLP Omega Ratio Rank: 66
EMLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
EMLP Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

FLRT vs. EMLP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF (FLRT) and First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FLRT	EMLP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.67	2.02	+1.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.67	2.92	+2.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.87	1.34	+0.53
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.29	4.03	-0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.05	12.36	-0.31

FLRT vs. EMLP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLRT Sharpe Ratio is 3.67, which is higher than the EMLP Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLRT and EMLP, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FLRT vs. EMLP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLRT drawdown since its inception was -20.96%, smaller than the maximum EMLP drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLRT and EMLP.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLRT	EMLP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.96%	-43.61%	+22.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.78%	-4.94%	+3.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.87%	-11.47%	+8.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.60%	-14.59%	+6.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.96%	-43.61%	+22.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-2.66%	+2.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.41%	-5.75%	+4.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.48%	1.61%	-1.13%

Volatility

FLRT vs. EMLP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF (FLRT) is 0.45%, while First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) has a volatility of 3.79%. This indicates that FLRT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMLP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLRT	EMLP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.45%	3.79%	-3.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.22%	7.86%	-6.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.60%	9.87%	-8.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.30%	14.53%	-12.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.14%	17.69%	-11.55%

FLRT vs. EMLP - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLRT has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is lower than EMLP's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLRT vs. EMLP - Dividend Comparison

FLRT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.81%, more than EMLP's 2.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMLP First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund	2.76%	3.18%	3.19%	3.92%	3.15%	3.29%	4.70%	3.71%	4.71%	3.80%	3.62%	4.63%
FLRT Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF	6.81%	6.93%	7.93%	8.40%	5.81%	3.16%	3.52%	4.30%	3.95%	3.20%	3.38%	3.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLRT and EMLP in my portfolio?

FLRT and EMLP have a correlation of 0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLRT or EMLP?

EMLP has higher volatility (3.79%) compared to FLRT (0.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLRT dropped -20.96% vs EMLP's -43.61%.

Which ETF is better, FLRT or EMLP?

On 10-year performance, EMLP leads with 10.37% vs 4.82% for FLRT. On fees, FLRT is cheaper at 0.69% per year. On volatility, FLRT has been the lower-risk option at 0.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLRT or EMLP?

Over the 10-year period, EMLP has performed better with a 10.37% return vs 4.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLRT or EMLP?

FLRT is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for EMLP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLRT or EMLP?

FLRT has the higher dividend yield at 6.81%, compared with 2.76% for EMLP.

What is the main difference between FLRT and EMLP?

FLRT is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while EMLP is MLPs. They also come from different issuers: Pacific Life and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for FLRT and 0.96% for EMLP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLRT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.67 vs 2.02), 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.