First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) Short Interest Update

First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:FTLS) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 64,382 shares, an increase of 117.2% from the February 12th total of 29,648 shares. Currently, 0.2% of the company’s shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 78,888 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 78,888 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days. Currently, 0.2% of the company’s shares are sold short.

First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF Stock Performance

FTLS opened at $70.55 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.16 billion, a PE ratio of 21.59 and a beta of 0.48. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $71.20 and its 200-day moving average price is $70.47. First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF has a 52-week low of $58.90 and a 52-week high of $72.39.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF in the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF by 87.3% during the 3rd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 399 shares of the company’s stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. Burkett Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF during the third quarter valued at about $28,000. Tidemark LLC purchased a new position in shares of First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF during the fourth quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF by 1,462.5% in the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 500 shares of the company’s stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 468 shares in the last quarter.

First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF Company Profile

The First Trust Long\u002FShort Equity ETF (FTLS) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in long\u002Fshort alternatives. The fund takes both long and short position in US-listed equity with US and foreign exposure. The actively managed funds will typically be 90-100% long and 0-50% short. FTLS was launched on Sep 9, 2014 and is managed by First Trust.