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First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
11/05/2025: FTSL (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Below Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 20.15% | Avg. Invested days 139 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  5.0 | ETF Returns Performance  4.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 11/05/2025 |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 0.24 | 52 Weeks Range 42.39 - 45.92 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 42.39 - 45.92 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust Senior Loan Fund
ETF Overview
Overview
The First Trust Senior Loan Fund is an actively managed ETF that seeks to generate a high level of current income by investing primarily in senior loans. It targets the floating-rate loan market and is actively managed by a team of investment professionals. The fund aims to provide a hedge against rising interest rates.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust Portfolios L.P. is a well-established issuer with a strong reputation for providing innovative investment solutions and actively managed ETFs.
Management Expertise
The management team has extensive experience in credit analysis, portfolio management, and trading senior loans, offering expertise in navigating the complexities of the leveraged loan market.
Investment Objective
Goal
To seek a high level of current income.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: Actively managed portfolio of senior loans, focusing on credit selection and risk management.
Composition Primarily invests in senior, secured floating-rate loans.
Market Position
Market Share: Insufficient data to provide an accurate market share percentage.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 113661851
Competitors
Key Competitors
- Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN)
- SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (SRLN)
- Janus Henderson B-BBB CLO ETF (JBBB)
Competitive Landscape
The senior loan ETF market is competitive, with various ETFs offering exposure to different segments of the loan market. FTSL distinguishes itself through its active management and focus on credit selection. However, it may face challenges from larger, passively managed ETFs with lower expense ratios.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data is not available for a specific time period. Please refer to official fund documents.
Benchmark Comparison: Benchmark comparison requires access to specific performance data and benchmarks not currently available.
Expense Ratio: 1.05
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The average trading volume of FTSL varies; please consult real-time data for the most accurate number.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread for FTSL fluctuates depending on market conditions; real-time data provides the most accurate information.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic indicators, interest rate trends, and credit market conditions significantly impact the performance of senior loan funds like FTSL. Rising interest rates generally benefit floating-rate loans, while economic downturns can increase credit risk.
Growth Trajectory
FTSL's growth trajectory is influenced by investor demand for floating-rate investments and the fund's ability to generate attractive returns relative to its risk profile. Changes to strategy and holdings depend on the fund's active management decisions.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
First Trust Senior Loan Fund's competitive advantage lies in its active management approach, which allows the portfolio managers to dynamically adjust the portfolio based on market conditions and credit analysis. This active approach potentially enhances returns by avoiding distressed loans and identifying attractive opportunities. The fund's focus on senior, secured loans provides a degree of downside protection compared to unsecured debt. The expertise of the management team in credit selection is a key differentiator.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
FTSL's volatility is influenced by credit market conditions and interest rate fluctuations.
Market Risk
The underlying assets of FTSL, senior loans, are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk. Economic downturns can increase the risk of borrowers defaulting on their loan obligations.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor for FTSL is someone seeking current income, exposure to floating-rate investments, and a hedge against rising interest rates.
Market Risk
FTSL is suitable for investors with a moderate risk tolerance who are seeking current income. The fund's active management and exposure to senior loans may appeal to both long-term investors and active traders.
Summary
The First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL) is an actively managed ETF designed to generate a high level of current income through investments in senior loans. Its active management approach offers the potential for enhanced returns and risk management compared to passively managed alternatives. However, investors should be aware of the credit risk and interest rate sensitivity associated with senior loans. Overall, FTSL caters to investors seeking income and a hedge against rising interest rates, with a moderate risk profile.
Similar ETFs
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- ETF.com
- Bloomberg
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investors should consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Data is based on available information and may be subject to change.
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 Senior Loan Fund
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in first lien senior floating rate bank loans ("Senior Loans"). The fund invests in Senior Loans made predominantly to businesses operating in North America, but may also invest in Senior Loans made to businesses operating outside of North America.
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