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First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX® Fund (FEX)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/14/2025: FEX (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 23.2% | Avg. Invested days 56 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | ETF Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 1.04 | 52 Weeks Range 87.84 - 112.13 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 87.84 - 112.13 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX® Fund
ETF Overview
Overview
The First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEXu00ae Fund (FEX) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the NASDAQ AlphaDEXu00ae Large Cap Core Index. The fund focuses on large-cap U.S. stocks selected and weighted based on growth factors including sales growth, price appreciation, and momentum, as well as value factors including price to book value, price to cash flow, and return on assets. This fund offers a smart beta approach to core large-cap equity exposure.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established ETF issuer with a strong reputation for innovation and thematic investing.
Management Expertise
First Trust Advisors L.P. has a team of experienced portfolio managers and analysts focused on developing and managing innovative investment solutions.
Investment Objective
Goal
To seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the NASDAQ AlphaDEXu00ae Large Cap Core Index.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The fund aims to track the NASDAQ AlphaDEXu00ae Large Cap Core Index.
Composition The ETF holds a diversified portfolio of large-cap U.S. equities selected using the AlphaDEXu00ae methodology, which combines growth and value factors.
Market Position
Market Share: The ETF holds a moderate market share within the large-cap core ETF segment.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 2210000000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
- Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
- SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY)
Competitive Landscape
The large-cap core ETF market is dominated by a few very large, low-cost index funds. FEX's AlphaDEXu00ae methodology offers a different, potentially higher-return approach compared to passive indexing, but comes with a higher expense ratio. FEX can outperform during certain market conditions due to its unique weighting strategy but can also underperform. FEX has the advantage of potentially capturing more upside than market-cap weighted indexes, but carries the risk of greater volatility and tracking error.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data is not provided in this response.
Benchmark Comparison: Benchmark comparison is not provided in this response.
Expense Ratio: 0.06
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The average trading volume indicates moderate liquidity, making it relatively easy for investors to buy and sell shares.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is generally tight, reflecting good liquidity and minimizing trading costs.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic indicators, interest rate changes, and market sentiment can affect FEX's performance since it invests in large cap companies. Sector-specific growth prospects, such as technology or consumer discretionary, also influence the fund's holdings and overall performance.
Growth Trajectory
The fund's growth trajectory depends on the continued effectiveness of its AlphaDEXu00ae methodology and investor demand for smart beta strategies. Changes in the index methodology and sector allocation can also affect its growth.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
FEX's competitive edge lies in its AlphaDEXu00ae methodology, which uses a quantitative, rules-based approach to select and weight stocks based on growth and value factors. This strategy aims to outperform traditional market-cap weighted indexes by identifying companies with strong fundamentals and momentum. The ETF's distinctive selection process and weighting scheme provide a unique approach compared to passive ETFs. This smart beta approach can attract investors seeking higher returns than standard market-cap weighted funds.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
Volatility is comparable to other large cap ETFs, but can be slightly higher due to the active stock selection process.
Market Risk
The fund is exposed to market risk, which includes general economic conditions, interest rate changes, and investor sentiment impacting stock prices. The underlying assets carry the risk that their growth and value factors may not perform as expected.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is seeking enhanced returns compared to traditional market-cap weighted indexes and is comfortable with a slightly higher expense ratio for an actively managed approach.
Market Risk
FEX is suitable for long-term investors seeking to outperform the broader market and are comfortable with moderate risk.
Summary
The First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEXu00ae Fund (FEX) offers a smart beta approach to large-cap investing, aiming to outperform traditional market-cap weighted indexes through its unique AlphaDEXu00ae methodology. While it carries a slightly higher expense ratio than passive index funds, it offers the potential for enhanced returns. Investors should be aware of the market risk and volatility associated with equity investments. The fund is suitable for long-term investors seeking exposure to large-cap stocks with a focus on growth and value factors.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
Disclaimers:
The data and analysis provided are for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment decisions should be made based on your own research and risk tolerance.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX® Fund
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website |
The fund will normally invest at least 90% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in the securities that comprise the index. The index is designed to select stocks from the NASDAQ US 500 Large Cap Index TM (the base index) that may generate positive alpha, or risk-adjusted returns, relative to traditional indices through the use of the AlphaDEX® selection methodology.

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