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First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM)

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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/31/2025: FTSM (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 2.62% | Avg. Invested days 138 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | ETF Returns Performance |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 0.04 | 52 Weeks Range 57.14 - 60.07 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 57.14 - 60.07 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF
ETF Overview
Overview
The First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) is an actively managed ETF focusing on high-quality, short-term fixed income securities. Its primary goal is to provide current income while preserving capital. The ETF invests primarily in investment-grade securities with maturities of one year or less.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established and reputable ETF issuer with a long track record in the financial industry.
Management Expertise
First Trust has a dedicated team of experienced investment professionals managing their fixed income ETFs.
Investment Objective
Goal
To provide current income while seeking to preserve capital.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: Actively managed, focusing on short-term, high-quality fixed income securities.
Composition Primarily invests in investment-grade corporate bonds, government securities, and other short-term debt instruments.
Market Position
Market Share: FTSM holds a moderate market share within the short-term bond ETF category.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 11100000000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- MINT
- NEAR
- GSYQ
- JPST
Competitive Landscape
The short-term bond ETF market is competitive, with several large players. FTSM differentiates itself through active management, aiming to enhance returns within its risk constraints. Compared to passively managed ETFs, FTSM's active management can lead to higher returns or greater losses. FTSM often has a slightly higher expense ratio.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance is available from the ETF's inception, showcasing its ability to generate income and preserve capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance can be compared to short-term bond indices like the ICE BofA 1-3 Year US Corporate Index.
Expense Ratio: 0.27
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The average trading volume is moderately high, indicating reasonable liquidity for most investors.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is typically tight, reflecting the ETF's underlying liquidity and investor interest.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Interest rate movements, credit spreads, and economic growth influence FTSM's performance. Changes in monetary policy implemented by the Federal Reserve also affect FTSM.
Growth Trajectory
The ETF's growth trajectory is dependent on investor demand for short-term fixed income, influenced by the interest rate environment and overall market sentiment. The strategy remains consistent.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
FTSM's competitive edge lies in its active management and focus on high-quality, short-term securities. The active approach aims to provide enhanced returns compared to passively managed short-term bond ETFs. Its experience and established team are a benefit. The fund also employs a disciplined investment process, prioritizing capital preservation.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
FTSM exhibits low volatility due to its short duration and focus on high-quality debt.
Market Risk
The ETF is subject to interest rate risk (rising rates can decrease NAV) and credit risk (possibility of issuer default), but these risks are mitigated by the short-term nature of the holdings and investment-grade focus.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
FTSM is suitable for risk-averse investors, those seeking current income, and those looking for a safe haven during periods of market uncertainty.
Market Risk
FTSM is best for investors seeking a conservative, income-generating investment as part of a broader portfolio. Suited for long-term investors.
Summary
The First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) is an actively managed ETF that seeks to provide current income while preserving capital. It primarily invests in investment-grade, short-term fixed-income securities. It is suitable for risk-averse investors looking for a low-volatility investment option. The fund's active management seeks to outperform passive short-term bond ETFs, although this comes with an elevated fee.
Similar ETFs
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
- Bloomberg
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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 Enhanced Short Maturity ETF
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
Under normal market conditions, the Advisor intends to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in a portfolio of U.S. dollar-denominated fixed- and variable-rate debt securities. Normally the fund's portfolio is expected to have an average duration of less than one year and an average maturity of less than three years.

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