QAI vs. FTLS
QAI (NYLI Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF) and FTLS (First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF) are both Long-Short funds. QAI is passively managed, while FTLS is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, QAI returned 3.74%/yr vs 9.59%/yr for FTLS. Their 0.64 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. QAI charges 0.79%/yr vs 1.38%/yr for FTLS.
Performance
QAI vs. FTLS - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, QAI achieves a 7.67% return, which is significantly higher than FTLS's 6.03% return. Over the past 10 years, QAI has underperformed FTLS with an annualized return of 3.74%, while FTLS has yielded a comparatively higher 9.59% annualized return.
QAI
- 1D
- 0.25%
- 1M
- -0.72%
- 6M
- 5.22%
- YTD
- 7.67%
- 1Y
- 12.58%
- 3Y*
- 8.67%
- 5Y*
- 4.39%
- 10Y*
- 3.74%
- ALL TIME*
- 3.49%
FTLS
- 1D
- -0.31%
- 1M
- 1.47%
- 6M
- 4.95%
- YTD
- 6.03%
- 1Y
- 14.40%
- 3Y*
- 13.13%
- 5Y*
- 10.06%
- 10Y*
- 9.59%
- ALL TIME*
- 9.00%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $8.26M | $8.04M | $8.94M | |
| $2.04M | $2.05M | $2.17M |
QAI vs. FTLS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QAI NYLI Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF | 7.67% | 8.29% | 6.67% | 10.07% | -8.68% | -0.16% | 5.73% | 8.68% | -3.32% | 6.17% |
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF | 6.03% | 9.09% | 18.80% | 16.94% | -5.56% | 19.65% | 2.56% | 16.16% | -4.81% | 14.41% |
Correlation
The correlation between QAI and FTLS is 0.64, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.64 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.62 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.61 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.64 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2014 | 0.64 |
The correlation between QAI and FTLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
QAI vs. FTLS — Risk / Return Rank
QAI
FTLS
QAI vs. FTLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NYLI Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI) 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.
| QAI | FTLS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.26 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.28 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.35 | 1.28 | +0.07 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.39 | 3.55 | -0.16 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.62 | 10.80 | +0.82 |
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Drawdowns
QAI vs. FTLS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum QAI drawdown since its inception was -14.95%, smaller than the maximum FTLS drawdown of -20.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QAI and FTLS.
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Drawdown Indicators
| QAI | FTLS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -14.95% | -20.54% | +5.59% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.71% | -3.79% | +0.08% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -7.78% | -11.69% | +3.91% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -14.32% | -11.69% | -2.63% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -14.95% | -20.54% | +5.59% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.90% | -0.42% | -1.48% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.56% | -2.67% | +0.11% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.08% | 1.24% | -0.16% |
Volatility
QAI vs. FTLS - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for NYLI Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI) is 1.82%, while First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) has a volatility of 2.15%. This indicates that QAI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| QAI | FTLS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.82% | 2.15% | -0.33% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 5.78% | 5.86% | -0.08% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 6.85% | 8.54% | -1.69% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.71% | 10.53% | -3.82% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 6.24% | 11.23% | -4.99% |
QAI vs. FTLS - Expense Ratio Comparison
QAI has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than FTLS's 1.38% expense ratio.
Dividends
QAI vs. FTLS - Dividend Comparison
QAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.40%, more than FTLS's 0.88% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FTLS First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF | 0.88% | 1.07% | 1.50% | 1.49% | 0.81% | 0.01% | 0.44% | 0.83% | 0.87% | 0.43% | 1.04% | 0.49% |
QAI NYLI Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF | 1.40% | 1.50% | 2.22% | 4.08% | 2.00% | 0.28% | 1.98% | 1.91% | 1.90% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.48% |
Frequently Asked Questions
QAI and FTLS have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
FTLS has higher volatility (2.15%) compared to QAI (1.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QAI dropped -14.95% vs FTLS's -20.54%.
On 10-year performance, FTLS leads with 9.59% vs 3.74% for QAI. On fees, QAI is cheaper at 0.79% per year. On volatility, QAI has been the lower-risk option at 1.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, FTLS has performed better with a 9.59% return vs 3.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
QAI is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 1.38% for FTLS.
QAI has the higher dividend yield at 1.40%, compared with 0.88% for FTLS.
They also come from different issuers: New York Life and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for QAI and 1.38% for FTLS.
QAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.57), 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.
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