FTLS vs. ROBT
Compare and contrast key facts about First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT).
FTLS and ROBT are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. FTLS is an actively managed fund by First Trust. It was launched on Sep 9, 2014. ROBT is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. It was launched on Feb 21, 2018.
Performance
FTLS vs. ROBT - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
FTLS vs. ROBT - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF | -0.80% | 9.09% | 18.80% | 16.94% | -5.56% | 19.65% | 2.56% | 16.16% | -5.37% |
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF | -11.00% | 15.16% | -0.41% | 27.77% | -34.94% | 9.91% | 46.18% | 34.28% | -13.98% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FTLS achieves a -0.80% return, which is significantly higher than ROBT's -11.00% return.
FTLS
- 1D
- 1.32%
- 1M
- -1.17%
- YTD
- -0.80%
- 6M
- 0.98%
- 1Y
- 10.88%
- 3Y*
- 12.98%
- 5Y*
- 9.94%
- 10Y*
- 9.10%
ROBT
- 1D
- 4.15%
- 1M
- -9.19%
- YTD
- -11.00%
- 6M
- -12.72%
- 1Y
- 13.50%
- 3Y*
- 2.99%
- 5Y*
- -2.47%
- 10Y*
- —
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
FTLS vs. ROBT - Expense Ratio Comparison
FTLS has a 1.60% expense ratio, which is higher than ROBT's 0.65% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
FTLS vs. ROBT — Risk / Return Rank
FTLS
ROBT
FTLS vs. ROBT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT). 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.
| FTLS | ROBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.04 | 0.49 | +0.55 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.56 | 0.89 | +0.67 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.21 | 1.11 | +0.10 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.90 | 0.55 | +1.35 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.02 | 1.78 | +6.24 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| FTLS | ROBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.04 | 0.49 | +0.55 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.94 | -0.10 | +1.04 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.81 | — | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.77 | 0.23 | +0.54 |
Correlation
The correlation between FTLS and ROBT is 0.68, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
FTLS vs. ROBT - Dividend Comparison
FTLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, while ROBT has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF | 0.95% | 1.07% | 1.50% | 1.49% | 0.81% | 0.01% | 0.44% | 0.83% | 0.87% | 0.43% | 1.04% | 0.49% |
ROBT First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.68% | 0.23% | 0.35% | 0.06% | 0.17% | 0.42% | 0.44% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Drawdowns
FTLS vs. ROBT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FTLS drawdown since its inception was -20.54%, smaller than the maximum ROBT drawdown of -44.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTLS and ROBT.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| FTLS | ROBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -20.54% | -44.47% | +23.93% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -6.17% | -21.66% | +15.49% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -11.69% | -43.26% | +31.57% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -20.54% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.34% | -21.09% | +18.75% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.73% | -16.09% | +13.36% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.49% | 6.73% | -5.24% |
Volatility
FTLS vs. ROBT - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is 2.93%, while First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT) has a volatility of 8.78%. This indicates that FTLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ROBT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| FTLS | ROBT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.93% | 8.78% | -5.85% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 6.53% | 18.22% | -11.69% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 10.50% | 27.73% | -17.23% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 10.65% | 25.00% | -14.35% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 11.31% | 25.50% | -14.19% |