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First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX® Fund (FXU)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
11/13/2025: FXU (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 18.52% | Avg. Invested days 52 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  4.0 | ETF Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 11/13/2025 |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 0.83 | 52 Weeks Range 31.98 - 43.23 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 31.98 - 43.23 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX® Fund
ETF Overview
Overview
The First Trust Utilities AlphaDEXu00ae Fund (FXU) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of an equity index called the StrataQuantu00ae Utilities Index. It aims to provide exposure to the utilities sector using an enhanced indexing methodology.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established issuer known for its AlphaDEXu00ae methodology and a range of sector-specific ETFs.
Management Expertise
First Trust has a dedicated team focused on ETF management, leveraging quantitative strategies for stock selection.
Investment Objective
Goal
To seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the StrataQuantu00ae Utilities Index.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The fund employs an 'enhanced indexing' strategy, selecting utilities stocks based on fundamental growth and value factors rather than market capitalization.
Composition The ETF primarily holds stocks of U.S. utilities companies across various sub-sectors such as electric, gas, and water.
Market Position
Market Share: FXU's market share within the utilities ETF sector is moderate compared to larger, more passively managed funds.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 141450000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- XLU
- VPU
- IDU
Competitive Landscape
The utilities ETF sector is dominated by large, passively managed funds like XLU and VPU. FXU differentiates itself with its AlphaDEXu00ae methodology, potentially offering higher returns but also introducing greater risk. Compared to its competitors, FXU has a smaller market share and less AUM. The advantage of FXU is its selection process, and the disadvantages are lower AUM and possibly higher volatility.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data is available from the fund's factsheet and financial websites. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance should be compared to the StrataQuantu00ae Utilities Index to assess its tracking effectiveness.
Expense Ratio: 0.62
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The average trading volume for FXU indicates reasonable liquidity, allowing for relatively easy buying and selling of shares.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread for FXU is typically reasonable, reflecting the fund's liquidity.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Interest rate changes, regulatory developments, and infrastructure spending can significantly impact the utilities sector and, therefore, FXU's performance.
Growth Trajectory
FXU's growth is tied to the overall performance of the utilities sector and the effectiveness of its AlphaDEXu00ae strategy. Changes to holdings and strategy are detailed in fund prospectuses.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
FXU's AlphaDEXu00ae methodology is its primary differentiator, providing a systematic approach to selecting utilities stocks based on growth and value factors. This can potentially lead to outperformance compared to market-cap-weighted indexes. However, this active management strategy also introduces more risk. The factor based investment process is the key competitive advantage. The fund aims to achieve higher alpha relative to the benchmark.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
FXU may exhibit higher volatility than broader market utilities ETFs due to its active management and focused stock selection.
Market Risk
The ETF is exposed to sector-specific risks, including regulatory changes, interest rate sensitivity, and commodity price fluctuations.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
Investors seeking targeted exposure to the utilities sector with a potential for outperformance through active management may find FXU appealing.
Market Risk
FXU is best suited for investors with a moderate to high risk tolerance and a longer-term investment horizon.
Summary
The First Trust Utilities AlphaDEXu00ae Fund (FXU) offers exposure to the utilities sector using a unique AlphaDEXu00ae methodology. While it aims for outperformance, it may also carry higher volatility. The ETF targets long-term growth but is sensitive to the utilities industry. Investors should weigh FXU's potential benefits with its risks and compare it against other similar ETFs.
Similar ETFs
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
- YCharts
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. 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 Utilities AlphaDEX® Fund
Exchange NYSE ARCA | 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 a modified equal-dollar weighted index to objectively identify and select stocks from the Russell 1000® Index in the utilities sector that may generate positive alpha relative to traditional passive-style indices through the use of the AlphaDEX® selection methodology.
Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.