First Trust Announces Changes in Investment Strategies and Other Related Matters for First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX® ETF

Rhea-AI Summary

First Trust Advisors L.P. announced that the First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF (TUSA) will change its investment objective and name to First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) effective April 29, 2022. The fund will shift its focus to The Dividend Strength Index, targeting approximately 50 U.S. equities known for increasing dividends, compared to its previous benchmark, the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Total US Market Index. This change aims to enhance yield potential for investors.

Positive

• Investment focus shift to well-capitalized companies with increasing dividends.

Negative

• Change in investment strategy might impact existing investors' expectations.

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”) announced today that First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX^® ETF (Nasdaq: TUSA) (the “Fund”), a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund (the “Trust”), will change its investment objective, name and other related matters, effective April 29, 2022. The Fund will begin to seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund’s fees and expenses) of an index called The Dividend Strength Index (the “New Index”). The Fund expects to begin tracking the New Index on April 29, 2022. Currently, the Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund’s fees and expenses) of an index called the NASDAQ AlphaDEX^® Total US Market Index, which is designed to provide exposure to companies that exhibit growth and value factors and appear to have the greatest potential for capital appreciation. The New Index will be composed of approximately 50 U.S. equity securities and is designed to provide exposure to well-capitalized companies with a history of increasing their dividend. Concurrently, the Fund’s name will change to “First Trust Dividend Strength ETF” and its new ticker symbol will be “FTDS”. The Fund’s shares will continue to be listed for trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. Nasdaq, Inc. will serve as the Fund’s index provider. The Fund’s CUSIP is not expected to change.

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 $216 billion as of March 31, 2022 through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and SMAs. 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.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the goals, beliefs, plans or current expectations of FTA and its respective representatives, taking into account the information currently available to them. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to current or historical fact. For example, forward-looking statements include the use of words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “will” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of a Fund to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. When evaluating the information included in this press release, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the judgment of FTA and its respective representatives only as of the date hereof. No obligation will be undertaken to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events and circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

The Fund’s daily closing price and net asset value per share as well as other information can be found at www.ftportfolios.com.

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First Trust Advisors L.P.

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Source: First Trust Advisors L.P.

FAQ

What is the new investment objective of First Trust Total US Market AlphaDEX ETF (TUSA)?

The ETF will shift to track The Dividend Strength Index, focusing on U.S. equities with a history of increasing dividends.

When will the changes for TUSA take effect?

The changes will be effective on April 29, 2022.

What will the new ticker symbol for TUSA be after the name change?

The new ticker symbol will be FTDS.

Why is TUSA changing its investment strategy?

The change aims to provide enhanced yield potential by focusing on dividends from well-capitalized companies.