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

Rhea-AI Summary

First Trust announces strategic changes for its Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (NASDAQ: RNSC), effective December 4, 2024. The fund will adopt a new investment strategy tracking the SMID Growth Strength Index, focusing on well-capitalized small and mid-sized companies with strong market positions, balance sheets, liquidity, and earnings growth. The fund will be renamed to First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF with the new ticker symbol FSGS. First Trust Advisors, managing approximately $245 billion as of October 31, 2024, will continue serving as the fund's investment advisor.

Positive

• Assets under management of approximately $245 billion demonstrates significant scale
• Fund will maintain its listing on Nasdaq, ensuring continued market accessibility

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial ETF Analyst

The strategic shift from small-cap to SMID (small and mid-cap) growth focus represents a significant expansion of the fund's investment universe and potential opportunities. The new SMID Growth Strength Index's focus on well-capitalized companies with strong balance sheets and earnings growth potential indicates a more quality-oriented approach compared to the current broad small-cap exposure.

With $245 billion in assets under management, First Trust's decision to reposition this ETF suggests they're responding to market demand for quality growth exposure in the SMID space. The implementation timeline of December 2024 gives investors ample notice to evaluate if the new strategy aligns with their investment goals. Key screening criteria for strong market positions and financial strength could potentially reduce volatility compared to traditional small-cap exposure.

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”) previously announced that the Board of Trustees of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI (the “Trust”) voted to approve a change to the investment strategy, name and ticker symbol for Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (NASDAQ: RNSC) (the “Fund”), an index-based exchange-traded fund and a series of the Trust. Beginning on December 4, 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 Growth 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 Small 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. The companies are screened for strong balance sheets, a high degree of liquidity, the ability to generate earnings growth and a record of financial strength and profit growth. Additionally, beginning on December 4, 2024, the Fund’s name will change to First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF and its new ticker symbol will be FSGS. The Fund’s CUSIP, 33738R746, 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 $245 billion as of October 31, 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/20241203718283/en/

Press Inquiries: Ryan Issakainen 630-765-8689

Analyst Inquiries: Stan Ueland 630-517-7633

Source: First Trust Advisors L.P.

FAQ

When will First Trust Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC) change its investment strategy?

The fund will implement its new investment strategy on December 4, 2024, when it begins tracking the SMID Growth Strength Index.

What will be the new ticker symbol for RNSC after December 4, 2024?

The fund's new ticker symbol will be FSGS, trading as First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF.

What is the new investment focus of the RNSC fund?

The fund will focus on well-capitalized small and mid-sized companies with strong market positions, balance sheets, liquidity, and proven earnings growth.

Will RNSC's CUSIP number change after the strategy modification?

No, the fund's CUSIP number (33738R746) is not expected to change despite the strategy and name modifications.