First Trust Announces Implementation of Changes to Investment Strategy, Name and Ticker for Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF

Rhea-AI Summary

First Trust Advisors announced significant changes to the Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF, effective June 10, 2024. The ETF, known for tracking the Nasdaq Riskalyze US Mid Cap Index, will now target the SMID Capital Strength Index to provide exposure to well-capitalized small and mid-sized companies. Concurrently, the ETF will be renamed First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF with a new ticker symbol, FSCS. The fund's CUSIP remains unchanged, and it will continue trading on Nasdaq. First Trust Advisors, managing approximately $218 billion in assets, will continue as the fund’s investment advisor.

Positive

• Fund will track the SMID Capital Strength Index, focusing on strong, well-capitalized small and mid-sized companies.
• ETF's new name and ticker symbol (First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF, FSCS) may attract more investors.
• First Trust Advisors manages approximately $218 billion in assets, indicating strong firm credibility.

Negative

• Changing the fund's strategy may lead to short-term investor uncertainty.
• Transitioning to a new index could involve higher fees or expenses not yet clarified.

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”) previously announced that the Board of Trustees of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI (“Trust”) voted to approve a change to the investment strategy, name and ticker symbol for Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF (the “Fund”), an index-based exchange-traded fund and a series of the Trust. Beginning on June 10, 2024, the Fund will seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund’s fees and expenses) of an index called The SMID Capital Strength Index (the “New Index”). Currently, the Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund’s fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Nasdaq Riskalyze US Mid Cap Index. According to Nasdaq, Inc., the index provider of the New Index, the New Index seeks to provide exposure to well capitalized small and mid-sized companies with strong market positions. Additionally, beginning on June 10, 2024, the Fund’s name will change to First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF and its new ticker symbol will be FSCS. The Fund’s CUSIP is not expected to change. The Fund’s shares will continue to be listed for trading on Nasdaq, Inc.

FTA is a federally registered investment advisor and serves as the Fund’s investment advisor. FTA and its affiliate First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”), a FINRA registered broker-dealer, are privately-held companies that provide a variety of investment services. FTA has collective assets under management or supervision of approximately $218 billion as of April 30, 2024 through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and separate managed accounts. FTA is the supervisor of the First Trust unit investment trusts, while FTP is the sponsor. FTP is also a distributor of mutual fund shares and exchange-traded fund creation units. FTA and FTP are based in Wheaton, Illinois.

You should consider the Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. You can download a prospectus or contact FTA to request a prospectus, which contains other information about the Fund. Read it carefully before you invest. The risks of investing in the Fund are spelled out in its prospectus, shareholder reports and other regulatory filings.

The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. First Trust has no knowledge of and has not been provided any information regarding any investor. Financial advisors must determine whether particular investments are appropriate for their clients. First Trust believes the financial advisor is a fiduciary, is capable of evaluating investment risks independently and is responsible for exercising independent judgment with respect to its retirement plan clients.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240607145505/en/

Press Inquiries: Ryan Issakainen 630-765-8689

Analyst Inquiries: Stan Ueland 630-517-7633

Source: First Trust Advisors L.P.

FAQ

What changes are being made to the Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF?

The ETF is changing its investment strategy to track the SMID Capital Strength Index and will be renamed First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF with a new ticker symbol, FSCS, effective June 10, 2024.

When will the Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF changes take effect?

The changes will take effect on June 10, 2024.

What is the new ticker symbol for the Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF?

The new ticker symbol will be FSCS.

What index will the First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF track?

The ETF will track the SMID Capital Strength Index.

Will the CUSIP for the Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF change?

No, the CUSIP will remain the same.

Who is the investment advisor for the Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF?

First Trust Advisors will continue to serve as the investment advisor.