IDUB vs. FTLS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IDUB (Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF) and FTLS (First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF) are both Long-Short funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, IDUB returned 18.57%/yr vs 14.35%/yr for FTLS. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IDUB charges 0.45%/yr vs 1.60%/yr for FTLS.

Performance

IDUB vs. FTLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF (IDUB) 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, IDUB achieves a 17.51% return, which is significantly higher than FTLS's 5.55% return.

IDUB

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 3.26%
• YTD: 17.51%
• 6M: 17.95%
• 1Y: 36.34%
• 3Y*: 18.57%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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%

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

IDUB vs. FTLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IDUB Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF	17.51%	27.53%	6.12%	9.07%	-19.79%	-1.16%
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF	5.55%	9.09%	18.80%	16.94%	-5.56%	7.04%

Correlation

The correlation between IDUB and FTLS is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2021	0.59

The correlation between IDUB and FTLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IDUB vs. FTLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDUB

IDUB Risk / Return Rank: 70
IDUB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
IDUB Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
IDUB Omega Ratio Rank: 73
IDUB Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
IDUB Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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

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.

IDUB vs. FTLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF (IDUB) 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.

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.

	IDUB	FTLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	1.99	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	2.86	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.36	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	4.39	-1.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.50	13.59	-1.09

IDUB vs. FTLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDUB Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is comparable to the FTLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDUB and FTLS, 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

IDUB vs. FTLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDUB drawdown since its inception was -29.20%, which is greater than FTLS's maximum drawdown of -20.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDUB and FTLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDUB	FTLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.20%	-20.54%	-8.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.46%	-3.79%	-7.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.88%	-11.69%	-1.19%
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	0.00%	-0.02%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.07%	-2.69%	-8.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.91%	1.22%	+1.69%

Volatility

IDUB vs. FTLS - Volatility Comparison

Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF (IDUB) has a higher volatility of 5.89% compared to First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) at 2.41%. This indicates that IDUB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDUB	FTLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.89%	2.41%	+3.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.94%	5.91%	+8.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.23%	8.37%	+7.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.76%	10.57%	+4.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.76%	11.30%	+3.46%

IDUB vs. FTLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDUB has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FTLS's 1.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDUB vs. FTLS - Dividend Comparison

IDUB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.92%, more 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%
IDUB Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF	4.92%	4.90%	5.64%	3.71%	2.62%	1.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDUB and FTLS in my portfolio?

IDUB and FTLS have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDUB or FTLS?

IDUB has higher volatility (5.89%) compared to FTLS (2.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDUB dropped -29.20% vs FTLS's -20.54%.

Which ETF is better, IDUB or FTLS?

On 3-year performance, IDUB leads with 18.57% vs 14.35% for FTLS. On fees, IDUB is cheaper at 0.45% 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, IDUB or FTLS?

Over the 3-year period, IDUB has performed better with a 18.57% return vs 14.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDUB or FTLS?

IDUB is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 1.60% for FTLS.

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

IDUB has the higher dividend yield at 4.92%, compared with 0.90% for FTLS.

What is the main difference between IDUB and FTLS?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for IDUB and 1.60% for FTLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDUB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 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.