FTSM vs. FFUT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FTSM (First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF) and FFUT (Fidelity Managed Futures ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTSM is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by First Trust, while FFUT is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by Fidelity. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FTSM returned 4.09% vs 18.91% for FFUT. At a correlation of -0.25, they often move in opposite directions. FTSM charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FFUT.

Performance

FTSM vs. FFUT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) and Fidelity Managed Futures ETF (FFUT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTSM achieves a 1.59% return, which is significantly lower than FFUT's 9.23% return.

FTSM

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 1.59%
• 6M: 1.73%
• 1Y: 4.09%
• 3Y*: 4.83%
• 5Y*: 3.49%
• 10Y*: 2.57%

FFUT

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -2.34%
• YTD: 9.23%
• 6M: 9.36%
• 1Y: 18.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FTSM vs. FFUT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTSM First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF	1.59%	2.63%
FFUT Fidelity Managed Futures ETF	9.23%	8.58%

Correlation

The correlation between FTSM and FFUT is -0.24, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2025	-0.25

Return for Risk

FTSM vs. FFUT — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTSM

FTSM Risk / Return Rank: 99
FTSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
FTSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
FTSM Omega Ratio Rank: 99
FTSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
FTSM Martin Ratio Rank: 99

FFUT

FFUT Risk / Return Rank: 64
FFUT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
FFUT Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
FFUT Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FFUT Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FFUT Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

FTSM vs. FFUT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) and Fidelity Managed Futures ETF (FFUT). 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.

	FTSM	FFUT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	8.47	1.69	+6.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	19.49	2.42	+17.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	4.15	1.33	+2.82
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	35.13	4.77	+30.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	172.78	15.04	+157.74

FTSM vs. FFUT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTSM Sharpe Ratio is 8.47, which is higher than the FFUT Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTSM and FFUT, 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

FTSM vs. FFUT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTSM drawdown since its inception was -4.12%, roughly equal to the maximum FFUT drawdown of -3.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTSM and FFUT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTSM	FFUT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.12%	-3.98%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.12%	-3.98%	+3.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-0.65%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-4.12%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-3.98%	+3.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.22%	-0.94%	+0.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.02%	1.26%	-1.24%

Volatility

FTSM vs. FFUT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) is 0.17%, while Fidelity Managed Futures ETF (FFUT) has a volatility of 2.92%. This indicates that FTSM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FFUT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTSM	FFUT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.17%	2.92%	-2.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.37%	8.96%	-8.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49%	11.23%	-10.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.50%	11.03%	-10.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.88%	11.03%	-10.15%

FTSM vs. FFUT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTSM has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is lower than FFUT's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTSM vs. FFUT - Dividend Comparison

FTSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, more than FFUT's 1.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FFUT Fidelity Managed Futures ETF	1.91%	2.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTSM First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF	4.15%	4.28%	4.91%	4.62%	1.62%	0.39%	1.20%	2.38%	2.14%	1.49%	1.03%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTSM and FFUT in my portfolio?

FTSM and FFUT have a correlation of -0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTSM or FFUT?

FFUT has higher volatility (2.92%) compared to FTSM (0.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTSM dropped -4.12% vs FFUT's -3.98%.

Which ETF is better, FTSM or FFUT?

On 1-year performance, FFUT leads with 18.91% vs 4.09% for FTSM. On fees, FTSM is cheaper at 0.44% per year. On volatility, FTSM has been the lower-risk option at 0.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTSM or FFUT?

Over the 1-year period, FFUT has performed better with a 18.91% return vs 4.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTSM or FFUT?

FTSM is cheaper with a 0.44% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FFUT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTSM or FFUT?

FTSM has the higher dividend yield at 4.15%, compared with 1.91% for FFUT.

What is the main difference between FTSM and FFUT?

FTSM is categorized as Ultrashort Bond, while FFUT is Systematic Trend. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.44% for FTSM and 0.80% for FFUT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.47 vs 1.69), 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.