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First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX® Fund (FXU)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/29/2025: FXU (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 15.94% | Avg. Invested days 54 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | ETF Returns Performance ![]() |
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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 employs the AlphaDEXu00ae methodology, aiming for potentially higher alpha within the utilities sector through quantitative stock selection.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established ETF issuer with a strong reputation for innovative and quantitatively driven investment strategies.
Management Expertise
First Trust has a dedicated team of investment professionals with experience in quantitative analysis and ETF management.
Investment Objective
Goal
To provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the StrataQuantu00ae Utilities Index.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The fund utilizes the AlphaDEXu00ae methodology, which ranks stocks based on growth and value factors to identify potentially outperforming utilities companies.
Composition The ETF holds a diversified portfolio of stocks within the utilities sector, including electric, gas, and water utilities companies.
Market Position
Market Share: FXU's market share in the utilities ETF sector is moderate, reflecting the presence of several larger, more established competitors.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 105.92
Competitors
Key Competitors
- XLU
- VPU
- IDU
Competitive Landscape
The utilities ETF industry is dominated by a few large, passively managed funds like XLU and VPU. FXU competes by offering an actively managed, quantitatively driven approach that seeks to outperform traditional market-cap weighted indices. FXU may offer potential for higher returns, but it may also come with higher volatility and fees compared to passive strategies.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data needs to be updated from a reliable financial data source.
Benchmark Comparison: Benchmark comparison needs to be updated from a reliable financial data source.
Expense Ratio: 0.63
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
FXU's average trading volume is moderate, suggesting sufficient liquidity for most investors.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread for FXU is typically reasonable, reflecting adequate trading activity.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Factors influencing FXU's performance include interest rate changes, regulatory developments in the utilities sector, and overall economic conditions affecting demand for utility services.
Growth Trajectory
FXU's growth depends on its ability to consistently outperform its benchmark through its AlphaDEXu00ae methodology and attract investors seeking active management in the utilities sector.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
FXU's competitive advantage lies in its proprietary AlphaDEXu00ae methodology, which aims to identify undervalued utilities stocks with strong growth potential. This quantitative approach differentiates it from passively managed utilities ETFs. The active management style may also appeal to investors seeking higher potential returns than traditional index funds. However, the higher expense ratio may be a disadvantage if the methodology doesn't consistently deliver outperformance.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
FXU's volatility may be higher than passively managed utilities ETFs due to its active stock selection and AlphaDEXu00ae methodology.
Market Risk
FXU is subject to market risk, as the value of its holdings can fluctuate based on changes in the utilities sector and overall market conditions.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
FXU is suitable for investors seeking exposure to the utilities sector with the potential for higher returns through active management. Investors with a moderate risk tolerance who understand the nuances of quantitative investing may find FXU appealing.
Market Risk
FXU may be suitable for both long-term investors and active traders seeking to capitalize on potential outperformance in the utilities sector.
Summary
The First Trust Utilities AlphaDEXu00ae Fund (FXU) offers exposure to the utilities sector through a quantitatively driven active management strategy. It aims to outperform traditional market-cap weighted indices using the AlphaDEXu00ae methodology. While it offers the potential for higher returns, investors should be aware of the higher expense ratio and potential for increased volatility compared to passive utilities ETFs. FXU is best suited for investors with a moderate risk tolerance and a desire for active management in the utilities sector.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- ETF.com
- Yahoo Finance
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. 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 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.

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