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First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF(FSGS)
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)
Advisory Performance History (Simulated)
Upturn Advisory & Investor View for FSGS
11/06/2026: FSGS (2-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
FSGS is an actively managed ETF that provides targeted exposure to US small- and mid-cap companies identified for their growth and financial health. Its primary strength lies in its factor-based selection, which aims to outperform broad market indices by avoiding lower-quality firms. However, investors must consider the higher expense ratio and potential for increased volatility characteristic of SMID-cap growth stocks. The fund is best suited for growth-oriented investors who are comfortable with higher risk and want to complement a core portfolio with active management. Key factors to monitor include the interest rate environment and the fund's ability to maintain liquidity as it scales.
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 | Strong fit | The fund specifically targets SMID-cap companies identified for their growth and fundamental strength. |
| Momentum investor | Strong fit while signal remains positive | Active growth strategies often capture momentum characteristics, making this a fit when the broader SMID-cap growth factor is trending. |
| Value investor | Weak fit | This fund prioritizes growth metrics over traditional valuation multiples. |
| Dividend/Income investor | Weak fit | The focus is on capital appreciation rather than generating consistent dividend income. |
| Low-risk investor | Weak fit | Small- and mid-cap growth stocks are inherently prone to high volatility and market risk. |
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
An investor seeking aggressive capital appreciation who has a high risk tolerance and a long-term time horizon.
Suitability
Best suited for long-term investors looking to add an actively managed growth tilt to their portfolio.
Risk Profile
| Risk factor | Level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | High | Small-cap growth stocks typically exhibit wider price swings than large-cap or value-oriented equities. |
| Market risk | High | The fund is susceptible to broad equity market downturns, particularly those affecting the SMID-cap sector. |
| Concentration | Medium | Active selection may lead to higher weights in specific growth-oriented industries. |
| Tracking/expense | Medium / high | The 0.85% expense ratio acts as a hurdle for returns compared to passive alternatives. |
| Liquidity | Medium | Lower trading volume can result in execution challenges during periods of market stress. |
| Business/sector quality | Medium | Performance relies on the quality of the active stock selection model. |
Risk Analysis
Volatility
The fund exhibits higher-than-market volatility, typical of the small-cap growth factor.
Market Risk
Risks include interest rate sensitivity and the inherent fragility of smaller businesses compared to larger counterparts.
What the ETF Owns
| Exposure Type | Exposure | Weight (%) | Retail Investor Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market capitalization | US Small and Mid-Cap Equities | 98 | This exposure captures the growth potential of smaller, high-upside companies in the US economy. |
| Cash/collateral | Cash and Cash Equivalents | 2 | A small portion of the portfolio is held in cash to manage daily inflows, outflows, and operational requirements. |
Price Behavior

Strong Uptrend
The stock has maintained a strong upward price trend across the last three quarters.

Very Smooth
The stock has followed a highly orderly price path with minimal short-term disruption.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 6.48% | Avg. Invested days 62 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Advisory Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | ETF Returns Performance |

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