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Upturn AI SWOT - About
First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/14/2025: FSGS (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 5.61% | Avg. Invested days 52 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | ETF Returns Performance  2.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 08/14/2025 |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta - | 52 Weeks Range 24.39 - 32.55 | Updated Date 06/28/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 24.39 - 32.55 | Updated Date 06/28/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF
ETF Overview
Overview
The First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FTCS) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the AlphaDEXu00ae Small Mid Cap Growth Index. It focuses on small and mid-cap growth stocks, utilizing a quantitative methodology to identify and weight securities with strong growth characteristics.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established ETF issuer with a solid reputation for providing innovative and actively managed investment solutions.
Management Expertise
First Trust Advisors L.P. has extensive experience in managing ETFs and employs a team of experienced portfolio managers and analysts.
Investment Objective
Goal
To provide investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield of the AlphaDEXu00ae Small Mid Cap Growth Index.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The ETF employs a quantitative, rules-based methodology to select and weight securities based on growth factors.
Composition Primarily holds a diversified portfolio of small and mid-cap US growth stocks.
Market Position
Market Share: FTCS holds a moderate market share within the SMID growth ETF segment.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 121
Competitors
Key Competitors
- IWO
- VONG
- JHML
- XSMO
Competitive Landscape
The SMID growth ETF market is competitive, with several established players offering similar investment strategies. FTCS differentiates itself through its AlphaDEX methodology, which may provide an edge in selecting growth stocks. Competitors may offer lower expense ratios or different weighting schemes.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Past performance is not indicative of future results. FTCS has exhibited moderate growth aligned with the broader SMID growth market trends. Please consult performance charts for specific data.
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance should be compared to the AlphaDEXu00ae Small Mid Cap Growth Index to assess its tracking effectiveness.
Expense Ratio: 0.6
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
FTCS demonstrates average liquidity with moderate trading volume.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is generally competitive but may widen during periods of market volatility.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic growth, interest rate policies, and investor sentiment towards growth stocks significantly influence FTCS's performance.
Growth Trajectory
FTCS's growth trajectory is closely tied to the performance of the underlying small and mid-cap growth stocks. Strategy and holding changes are done to try and improve performance.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
FTCSu2019s competitive advantage lies in its proprietary AlphaDEXu00ae methodology, which aims to identify growth stocks with superior fundamentals. Its quantitative approach provides a structured and disciplined investment process. The ETF offers a distinct approach to SMID growth investing compared to market-cap weighted alternatives, which allows for potentially higher alpha generation. However, the higher expense ratio can be seen as a disadvantage.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
SMID-cap stocks are inherently more volatile, so FTCS will likely experience higher volatility than large-cap ETFs.
Market Risk
The ETF is subject to market risk, including fluctuations in stock prices and economic downturns. Specific risks include sector concentration and the performance of individual holdings.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
FTCS is suitable for investors seeking exposure to small and mid-cap growth stocks and who are comfortable with moderate levels of risk.
Market Risk
FTCS is best suited for long-term investors who understand the cyclical nature of growth stocks and are seeking diversification within their portfolio.
Summary
The First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF offers a targeted approach to investing in small and mid-cap growth stocks. Its AlphaDEXu00ae methodology provides a unique selection and weighting process. The ETF is suitable for investors with a moderate risk tolerance seeking growth potential. Its higher expense ratio should be considered in the context of its potential returns. Investors should carefully evaluate its strategy and holdings relative to other SMID-cap growth ETFs.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual circumstances and consultation with a financial advisor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Market share data can fluctuate and may not represent real-time values.
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 SMID Growth Strength ETF
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
The fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in the securities that comprise the index. The index seeks to provide exposure to well capitalized small and mid-sized companies with strong market positions.
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