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Upturn AI Summary
First Trust Active Factor International ETF(AFDM)
Advisory History & Simulated Performance *
*as per simulation (see disclosures)- ALL
- 1Y
- 1M
- 1W
- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- PASS (Skip)
Stock price based on last close Advisory Performance History (Simulated)
Upturn Advisory & Investor View for AFDM
10/28/2026: AFDM (2-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
AFDM provides active, factor-based exposure to international developed market equities, specifically targeting value, quality, and momentum traits to outperform traditional cap-weighted indices. Its strengths lie in the systematic investment discipline and the expertise of First Trust, though it carries a higher expense ratio and lower liquidity than passive market-cap peers. It is best used as a satellite or component of a broader portfolio for investors seeking a departure from standard indexing. The primary risks include global economic sensitivity, currency fluctuations, and the potential for active strategy underperformance. It is most suitable for long-term investors comfortable with the risks of international markets who prioritize factor-tilted alpha.
How to Read the Upturn Advisory
The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.
ETF holdings, costs, diversification, valuation, risks, and market conditions provide supporting context about the fund.
Investor Fit
| Investor style | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth investor | Mixed fit | The fund's focus on factor characteristics may not align perfectly with aggressive growth strategies. |
| Momentum investor | Strong fit while signal remains positive | The fund incorporates momentum as one of its core selection factors, aligning well with momentum-based strategies. |
| Value investor | Strong fit | Value is a core component of the fund's investment strategy, making it well-suited for value-oriented investors. |
| Dividend/Income investor | Mixed fit | While international equities often pay dividends, the fund prioritizes factor characteristics over pure yield generation. |
| Low-risk investor | Weak fit | International equity exposure involves inherent currency and market volatility that exceeds low-risk investment criteria. |
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
Investors seeking systematic, active management within international equity markets to potentially enhance returns over long-term holding periods.
Suitability
Best for long-term investors who believe in a factor-based approach and want to augment their international allocation beyond simple passive indexing.
Risk Profile
| Risk factor | Level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Medium / high | International equity markets can experience significant swings based on global economic data. |
| Market risk | High | The fund is fully exposed to equity market downturns in its underlying developed regions. |
| Concentration | Medium | Factor-based selection may lead to sector or country weights that deviate from the broad market. |
| Tracking/expense | Medium | The active management fee is higher than passive index alternatives. |
| Liquidity | Medium | Lower trading volume compared to major benchmarks can result in wider spreads during market stress. |
| Business/sector quality | Medium | The focus on quality factors aims to mitigate this risk by emphasizing financially robust companies. |
Risk Analysis
Volatility
AFDM's volatility is consistent with international equity market movements, amplified by the active selection process.
Market Risk
The fund faces significant market risk, including country-specific economic risks, regulatory changes, and currency volatility in developed markets.
What the ETF Owns
| Exposure Type | Exposure | Weight (%) | Retail Investor Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Developed International Markets (Ex-US/Canada) | 98.5 | This provides diversified exposure to established foreign economies, reducing dependency on the US domestic market. |
| Cash/collateral | Cash and Cash Equivalents | 1.5 | Small cash position held for liquidity and operational requirements. |
Price Behavior
Strong Uptrend
The stock has maintained a strong upward price trend across the last three quarters.
Smooth
The stock has moved along a generally orderly path with only modest fluctuations.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 18.23% | Avg. Invested days 76 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Advisory Rating  | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | ETF Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 10/28/2026 |
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