HEFT vs. FTLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HEFT (Hedgeye Fourth Turning ETF) and FTLS (First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF) are both Long-Short funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HEFT charges 0.70%/yr vs 1.60%/yr for FTLS.

Performance

HEFT vs. FTLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hedgeye Fourth Turning ETF (HEFT) 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, HEFT achieves a 7.91% return, which is significantly higher than FTLS's 5.34% return.

HEFT

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 4.12%
• YTD: 7.91%
• 6M: 7.32%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

HEFT vs. FTLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HEFT Hedgeye Fourth Turning ETF	7.91%	0.98%
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF	5.34%	1.40%

Correlation

The correlation between HEFT and FTLS is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 24, 2025	0.26

Return for Risk

HEFT vs. FTLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

HEFT vs. FTLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hedgeye Fourth Turning ETF (HEFT) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HEFT	FTLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.75	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.98	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.44	0.81	+0.63

Drawdowns

HEFT vs. FTLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEFT drawdown since its inception was -9.17%, smaller than the maximum FTLS drawdown of -20.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEFT and FTLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEFT	FTLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.17%	-20.54%	+11.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.79%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.69%	—
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	-2.64%	-0.03%	-2.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.13%	-2.69%	-0.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.21%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	HEFT	FTLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.81%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.65%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.53%	8.18%	+4.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.53%	10.55%	+1.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.53%	11.30%	+1.23%

HEFT vs. FTLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEFT has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than FTLS's 1.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEFT vs. FTLS - Dividend Comparison

HEFT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, less than FTLS's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
HEFT Hedgeye Fourth Turning ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEFT and FTLS in my portfolio?

HEFT and FTLS have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, HEFT or FTLS?

On fees, HEFT is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEFT or FTLS?

HEFT is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 1.60% for FTLS.

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

FTLS has the higher dividend yield at 0.90%, compared with 0.02% for HEFT.

What is the main difference between HEFT and FTLS?

They also come from different issuers: Hedgeye and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for HEFT and 1.60% for FTLS.