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First Trust Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/14/2025: RNSC (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 3.03% | Avg. Invested days 52 | 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 1.1 | 52 Weeks Range 24.39 - 32.96 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 24.39 - 32.96 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust Small Cap US Equity Select ETF
ETF Overview
Overview
First Trust Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (SKYY) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the AlphaDEXu00ae Small Cap US Equity Select Index. It focuses on small-cap U.S. equities, using a rules-based methodology to select stocks with strong growth characteristics. The ETF aims for capital appreciation through strategic stock selection.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established ETF provider with a strong reputation and a history of launching innovative investment products.
Management Expertise
First Trust has a seasoned team of investment professionals with expertise in quantitative analysis and ETF management.
Investment Objective
Goal
The primary investment goal of SKYY is to replicate the performance of the AlphaDEXu00ae Small Cap US Equity Select Index, thereby achieving capital appreciation.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: SKYY tracks the AlphaDEXu00ae Small Cap US Equity Select Index, which employs a quantitative methodology to select stocks based on growth factors.
Composition The ETF primarily holds a diversified portfolio of small-cap U.S. equities selected based on pre-defined criteria.
Market Position
Market Share: SKYY holds a moderate market share within the small-cap ETF segment.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 123.04
Competitors
Key Competitors
- IJR
- VIOO
- SPSM
Competitive Landscape
The small-cap ETF market is highly competitive, with several large players like IJR dominating. SKYY's AlphaDEX selection process offers a potentially differentiated approach compared to traditional market-cap weighted ETFs. However, SKYY faces the challenge of gaining greater market share against larger, more liquid competitors.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data can be found on financial websites, including total return over various periods (e.g., 1-year, 3-year, 5-year).
Benchmark Comparison: SKYY's performance is typically compared against the Russell 2000 or similar small-cap benchmarks to evaluate its effectiveness.
Expense Ratio: 0.6
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The average daily trading volume is moderate, typically ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 shares.
Bid-Ask Spread
The typical bid-ask spread is around 0.08%, which can vary with market conditions.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic growth, interest rate changes, and small-cap sector sentiment influence SKYY's performance.
Growth Trajectory
SKYY's growth trajectory is dependent on its ability to consistently deliver alpha through its stock selection methodology, as well as overall investor sentiment towards small-cap equities.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
SKYY's competitive advantage lies in its AlphaDEX methodology, which employs a rules-based, quantitative approach to selecting stocks with strong growth potential. This strategy can potentially outperform traditional market-cap weighted indexes. The ETF focuses on small-cap US equities. However, SKYY has a higher expense ratio compared to its competitors.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
SKYY's volatility is characteristic of small-cap equities, meaning it can be more volatile than the broader market.
Market Risk
SKYY faces market risk associated with small-cap stocks, including economic downturns, sector-specific headwinds, and company-specific risks.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor for SKYY is one seeking exposure to small-cap equities and is willing to accept the associated volatility for potential outperformance through active stock selection.
Market Risk
SKYY is suitable for long-term investors who believe in the potential of small-cap equities and who are comfortable with a moderate to high level of risk.
Summary
First Trust Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (SKYY) provides exposure to small-cap US equities using the AlphaDEX selection process which differentiates it from market cap weighted ETF. The ETF is designed for investors looking for capital appreciation and willing to accept greater volatility. It's a viable option for investors seeking potential outperformance, but they should consider the higher expense ratio. Market share is still low, but total net assets is decent.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
- Bloomberg
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market data and information are 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 Small Cap US Equity Select ETF
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website |
The fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in the securities that comprise the index. The index seeks to provide exposure to well capitalized small and mid-sized companies with strong market positions.

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