VUSI vs. LALT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VUSI (Voya Ultra Short Income ETF) and LALT (First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUSI is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Voya, while LALT is a Global Allocation fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. VUSI charges 0.25%/yr vs 1.94%/yr for LALT.

Performance

VUSI vs. LALT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Voya Ultra Short Income ETF (VUSI) and First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (LALT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSI achieves a -0.09% return, which is significantly lower than LALT's 7.92% return.

VUSI

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: -0.09%
• 6M: 0.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

LALT

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: -2.82%
• YTD: 7.92%
• 6M: 7.36%
• 1Y: 18.12%
• 3Y*: 9.88%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VUSI vs. LALT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSI Voya Ultra Short Income ETF	-0.09%	0.66%
LALT First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF	7.92%	0.34%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSI and LALT is -0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2025	-0.07

Return for Risk

VUSI vs. LALT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUSI

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

LALT

LALT Risk / Return Rank: 88
LALT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
LALT Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
LALT Omega Ratio Rank: 86
LALT Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
LALT Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

VUSI vs. LALT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Voya Ultra Short Income ETF (VUSI) and First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (LALT). 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.

	VUSI	LALT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.58	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.56	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.49	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.53	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	20.49	—

Drawdowns

VUSI vs. LALT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSI drawdown since its inception was -0.86%, smaller than the maximum LALT drawdown of -6.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSI and LALT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSI	LALT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.86%	-6.97%	+6.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.29%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	-3.29%	+2.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.28%	-1.00%	+0.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.89%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSI	LALT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.07%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.68%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37%	7.08%	-5.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.37%	5.83%	-4.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.37%	5.83%	-4.46%

VUSI vs. LALT - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than LALT's 1.94% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSI vs. LALT - Dividend Comparison

VUSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.49%, less than LALT's 3.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
LALT First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF	3.78%	2.03%	2.06%	2.44%
VUSI Voya Ultra Short Income ETF	0.49%	0.49%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSI and LALT in my portfolio?

VUSI and LALT have a correlation of -0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VUSI or LALT?

On fees, VUSI is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSI or LALT?

VUSI is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 1.94% for LALT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VUSI or LALT?

LALT has the higher dividend yield at 3.78%, compared with 0.49% for VUSI.

What is the main difference between VUSI and LALT?

VUSI is categorized as Ultrashort Bond, while LALT is Global Allocation. They also come from different issuers: Voya and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VUSI and 1.94% for LALT.