FTLS vs. CLSE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FTLS (First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF) and CLSE (Convergence Long/Short Equity ETF) are both Long-Short funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FTLS returned 14.35%/yr vs 31.74%/yr for CLSE. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTLS charges 1.60%/yr vs 1.52%/yr for CLSE.

Performance

FTLS vs. CLSE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTLS achieves a 5.55% return, which is significantly lower than CLSE's 26.05% return.

FTLS

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 5.55%
• 6M: 5.16%
• 1Y: 16.53%
• 3Y*: 14.35%
• 5Y*: 10.26%
• 10Y*: 10.02%

CLSE

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 4.52%
• YTD: 26.05%
• 6M: 25.23%
• 1Y: 51.69%
• 3Y*: 31.74%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTLS vs. CLSE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF	5.55%	9.09%	18.80%	16.94%	-1.09%
CLSE Convergence Long/Short Equity ETF	26.05%	20.44%	35.54%	17.54%	-4.38%

Correlation

The correlation between FTLS and CLSE is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2022	0.67

The correlation between FTLS and CLSE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FTLS vs. CLSE — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTLS

FTLS Risk / Return Rank: 69
FTLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
FTLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
FTLS Omega Ratio Rank: 61
FTLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FTLS Martin Ratio Rank: 75

CLSE

CLSE Risk / Return Rank: 96
CLSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
CLSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
CLSE Omega Ratio Rank: 94
CLSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
CLSE Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

FTLS vs. CLSE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FTLS	CLSE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	3.82	-1.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	5.11	-2.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.67	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	10.71	-6.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.59	38.98	-25.39

FTLS vs. CLSE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is lower than the CLSE Sharpe Ratio of 3.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTLS and CLSE, 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

FTLS vs. CLSE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTLS drawdown since its inception was -20.54%, which is greater than CLSE's maximum drawdown of -16.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTLS and CLSE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTLS	CLSE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.54%	-16.45%	-4.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.79%	-4.85%	+1.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.69%	-16.45%	+4.76%
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	-0.02%	-0.00%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.69%	-3.57%	+0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.22%	1.33%	-0.11%

Volatility

FTLS vs. CLSE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is 2.41%, while Convergence Long/Short Equity ETF (CLSE) has a volatility of 4.03%. This indicates that FTLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CLSE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTLS	CLSE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.41%	4.03%	-1.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.91%	10.52%	-4.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.37%	13.63%	-5.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.57%	13.91%	-3.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.30%	13.91%	-2.61%

FTLS vs. CLSE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTLS has a 1.60% expense ratio, which is higher than CLSE's 1.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTLS vs. CLSE - Dividend Comparison

FTLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, more than CLSE's 0.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CLSE Convergence Long/Short Equity ETF	0.76%	0.95%	0.93%	1.21%	0.85%	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 FTLS and CLSE in my portfolio?

FTLS and CLSE have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTLS or CLSE?

CLSE has higher volatility (4.03%) compared to FTLS (2.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTLS dropped -20.54% vs CLSE's -16.45%.

Which ETF is better, FTLS or CLSE?

On 3-year performance, CLSE leads with 31.74% vs 14.35% for FTLS. On fees, CLSE is cheaper at 1.52% per year. On volatility, FTLS has been the lower-risk option at 2.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTLS or CLSE?

Over the 3-year period, CLSE has performed better with a 31.74% return vs 14.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTLS or CLSE?

CLSE is cheaper with a 1.52% expense ratio, compared with 1.60% for FTLS.

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

FTLS has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.76% for CLSE.

What is the main difference between FTLS and CLSE?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Convergence Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 1.60% for FTLS and 1.52% for CLSE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CLSE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.82 vs 1.99), 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.