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First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF (MMSC)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/10/2025: MMSC (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 38.36% | Avg. Invested days 78 | 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 1.11 | 52 Weeks Range 15.78 - 22.80 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 15.78 - 22.80 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF
ETF Overview
Overview
The First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF (FTSM) is an actively managed fund focusing on small-cap companies with growth potential. It employs a multi-manager approach, allocating assets among several sub-advisors with distinct investment styles.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established ETF provider known for its diverse range of investment products and consistent performance.
Management Expertise
The ETF utilizes a team of experienced portfolio managers and sub-advisors specializing in small-cap equity investing.
Investment Objective
Goal
To provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in small-cap companies.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The ETF does not track a specific index but actively selects investments based on the sub-advisors' individual strategies. These strategies may include growth, value, or blend approaches.
Composition The ETF primarily holds common stocks of small-cap companies located in the United States.
Market Position
Market Share: FTSMu2019s market share within the broader small-cap ETF universe is relatively small.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 123300000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- IWM
- IJR
- VBR
Competitive Landscape
The small-cap ETF market is highly competitive, dominated by index-tracking funds like IWM and IJR. FTSM differentiates itself through its active, multi-manager approach, which aims to outperform passive benchmarks. However, active management comes with higher expense ratios and the risk of underperformance. Competing funds offer lower fees and potentially greater diversification but lack the potential for manager-driven alpha.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data needs to be retrieved from financial data providers.
Benchmark Comparison: Benchmark Comparison data needs to be retrieved from financial data providers.
Expense Ratio: 0.94
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The ETF exhibits moderate liquidity, but may be less liquid than more popular small-cap ETFs.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread can vary but is typically moderate for an actively managed small-cap ETF.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic growth, interest rates, and investor sentiment towards small-cap stocks all influence FTSM's performance. Sector-specific trends and company-specific news within the small-cap universe also play a role.
Growth Trajectory
The ETF's growth trajectory depends on the ability of its sub-advisors to generate alpha through stock selection and market conditions favorable to small-cap companies. Any strategic changes to sub-advisors or their investment mandates can also impact the ETF's performance.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
FTSM's competitive edge lies in its multi-manager approach, which diversifies investment styles and potentially reduces the risk associated with relying on a single manager's expertise. This structure allows the ETF to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on different investment strategies. The selection of sub-advisors is actively managed by First Trust, offering an additional layer of oversight. The active management may also lead to higher returns during specific market cycles or sectors.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
As a small-cap fund, FTSM is expected to exhibit higher volatility than broader market ETFs. Historical volatility should be evaluated using specific performance metrics.
Market Risk
The ETF is subject to the risks associated with small-cap investing, including lower liquidity, greater price fluctuations, and increased sensitivity to economic downturns.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor for FTSM is one seeking long-term capital appreciation, is comfortable with higher volatility, and believes in the potential of active management in the small-cap space.
Market Risk
FTSM is best suited for long-term investors with a higher risk tolerance who are willing to pay a premium for active management.
Summary
The First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF is an actively managed small-cap fund utilizing a multi-manager approach. This differentiates it from passively managed index funds, but comes at a higher cost and potentially lower diversification. Its performance is dependent on the stock selection abilities of its sub-advisors and the overall health of the small-cap market. This fund would be best suited for long-term investors with a higher risk tolerance seeking active management in this sector.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
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 Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF
Exchange NYSE ARCA | 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 in equity securities issued by small capitalization companies. The fund's adviser considers small capitalization companies to be those companies with market capitalizations, at the time of investment, within the market capitalization range of the companies comprising the Russell 2000® Growth Index. SIMG recommends securities to First Trust with respect to its allocated portion of the fund"s assets pursuant to its foundational belief that earnings growth drives stock performance. The fund is non-diversified.

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