First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund | research notes

Overview

Introducing First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund: An Innovative Investment Strategy for Alpha Seekers

Overview

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (NASDAQ: FCG) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) designed to provide investors with exposure to high-growth, small-cap companies using a proprietary AlphaDEX® stock selection process. The fund seeks to identify and invest in companies with the potential to generate superior returns.

Investment Strategy

FCG employs the AlphaDEX stock selection process, which combines quantitative and fundamental factors to identify companies with strong growth potential. This process analyzes over 200 data points, including revenue growth, earnings momentum, and financial health, to identify companies that are positioned for future success.

The AlphaDEX process is designed to focus on companies that exhibit the following characteristics:

  • High revenue and earnings growth potential
  • Strong financial performance and balance sheets
  • Competitive advantages in their markets
  • Experienced management teams

Portfolio Composition

FCG invests primarily in small-cap stocks, which are defined as companies with market capitalizations between $250 million and $2 billion. The portfolio is concentrated in the technology, healthcare, and consumer discretionary sectors, which are known for their high-growth potential.

The fund holds approximately 100-120 stocks, providing diversification while maintaining a focused strategy on high-growth companies. The portfolio is actively managed, and the fund manager continuously monitors the underlying holdings to ensure alignment with the investment objectives.

Benefits of Investing in FCG

  • Growth Potential: FCG provides investors with exposure to high-growth, small-cap companies that have the potential to generate superior returns over the long term.
  • Active Management: The fund is actively managed by a team of experienced investment professionals who leverage the AlphaDEX stock selection process to identify potential winners.
  • Diversification: The portfolio's concentration in multiple sectors and industries helps reduce risk by spreading investments across different areas of the economy.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: As an ETF, FCG offers investors cost-efficient access to a professionally managed portfolio.
  • Long-Term Performance: FCG has a track record of outperforming its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Growth Index, over multiple time horizons.

Who Should Consider FCG?

FCG is suitable for investors seeking long-term growth potential and diversification in their portfolios. It is particularly appropriate for investors who believe in the potential of small-cap companies and are willing to take on a higher degree of risk in pursuit of higher returns.

Disclaimer

Investing in securities involves risk. The value of investments may fluctuate, and investors may lose money. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Before investing, investors should carefully consider their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and consult with a qualified financial professional.

Business model

Business Model of First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund

Overview:

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (NYSE: FCG) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks to provide capital growth by investing primarily in small-cap growth stocks that demonstrate momentum characteristics.

Investment Strategy:

  • Invests in a portfolio of 75-125 small-cap companies with market capitalizations typically below $4 billion.
  • Utilizes the Dorsey Wright AlphaDEX Momentum Index to select stocks based on their price momentum and relative strength.
  • Rebalances its portfolio quarterly to maintain momentum characteristics.

Advantages to Competitors:

Alpha Generation:

  • By utilizing the AlphaDEX Momentum Index, which has historically outperformed traditional market indices, FCG aims to generate alpha (excess return) for investors.

Active Management:

  • Unlike passive ETFs that track an index, FCG is actively managed, allowing the portfolio manager to make strategic decisions based on market conditions.

Diversification:

  • With a portfolio of over 75 stocks, FCG provides diversification and reduces the risk of any one stock underperforming.

Tax Efficiency:

  • As an ETF, FCG offers tax efficiency compared to traditional mutual funds. Investors only pay capital gains taxes when they sell their shares, rather than periodically as with dividends or distributions.

Expense Ratio:

  • FCG has a competitive expense ratio of 0.65%, which is lower than many actively managed small-cap growth funds.

Accessibility and Liquidity:

  • ETFs like FCG trade on stock exchanges, providing investors with easy access to the fund and high liquidity.

Other Advantages:

  • Exposure to small-cap growth stocks that have historically provided strong returns.
  • Potential for enhanced risk-adjusted returns through momentum investing.
  • Provides a convenient and cost-effective way to access the small-cap growth segment.

Outlook

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (Nasdaq: FTSM)

Company Overview

  • First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the NASDAQ US Small Cap 500 Growth Index.
  • The fund invests primarily in small-capitalization growth stocks listed on U.S. exchanges.
  • The fund's investment advisor is First Trust Advisors L.P. and its custodian is State Street Bank and Trust Company.

Investment Strategy

  • The fund uses an AlphaDEX methodology to select stocks for its portfolio.
  • AlphaDEX is a quantitative approach that seeks to identify companies with strong growth potential based on factors such as earnings momentum, sales growth, and profitability.
  • The portfolio is concentrated in a small number of stocks, typically around 75 to 100 holdings.

Index Methodology

  • The NASDAQ US Small Cap 500 Growth Index is a capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the 500 smallest companies in the NASDAQ US Small Cap 1000 Growth Index.
  • The index is composed of companies with market capitalizations below $2 billion and earnings per share growth expectations of at least 15% over the next three to five years.

Portfolio Characteristics

  • Sector Allocation: As of December 31, 2022, the fund had the following sector allocations:
    • Technology (35.7%)
    • Consumer Discretionary (20.1%)
    • Healthcare (13.6%)
    • Industrial (11.2%)
    • Financials (7.6%)
  • Market Capitalization: As of December 31, 2022, the fund's average market capitalization was $1.6 billion.
  • Earnings Expectations: The fund's portfolio companies had an average earnings per share (EPS) growth expectation of 19.1% over the next three to five years.

Performance History

  • Total Return: Since its inception in 2007, the fund has returned an average of 13.4% per year.
  • Risk: The fund has a high degree of volatility and is considered a relatively risky investment.

Fees and Expenses

  • The fund's annual expense ratio is 0.65%.
  • There are no sales charges or redemption fees associated with the fund.

Investment Considerations

  • The fund is suitable for investors with a high risk tolerance and a long-term investment horizon.
  • Investors should consider the fund's high degree of volatility and potential for losses before investing.
  • The fund's performance may not outperform the NASDAQ US Small Cap 500 Growth Index over the long term.
  • The fund's investment strategy may be subject to changes, which could affect its risk and return profile.

Customer May Also Like

Similar Companies to First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund:

Company: Invesco Small Cap Growth ETF (PSC) Homepage: https://www.invesco.com/us/financial-products/etfs/product-detail?audienceType=Investor&productId=5678 Reason Customers May Like It: Invests in small-cap companies with strong growth potential, providing exposure to a diversified portfolio of potentially high-growth stocks.

Company: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap Growth ETF (IJR) Homepage: https://www.ishares.com/us/products/239583/ishares-core-sp-smallcap-growth-etf Reason Customers May Like It: Tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index, offering broad exposure to the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. stock market.

Company: Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) Homepage: https://investor.vanguard.com/etf/profile/overview/vbkg Reason Customers May Like It: Low-cost ETF that tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index, providing broad diversification and minimizing expenses.

Company: SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) Homepage: https://www.ssga.com/us/en/intermediary/etfs/funds/spdr-sp-600-small-cap-growth-etf-slyg Reason Customers May Like It: Follows the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index, offering concentrated exposure to small-cap growth stocks with a high-quality bias.

Company: WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Growth Fund (EZSG) Homepage: https://www.wisdomtree.com/etfs/growth/ezsg Reason Customers May Like It: Focuses on small-cap companies with strong earnings growth and positive earnings revisions, providing exposure to potential future growth leaders.

History

Company History of First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund

Establishment and Inception

  • The First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (ticker: FCG) was launched on February 15, 2006.
  • It is a closed-end management investment company domiciled in the United States.

Investment Strategy

  • FCG seeks to provide investors with long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in small-cap growth stocks.
  • The fund tracks the AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index, which selects stocks based on factors such as growth potential, earnings momentum, and quality of earnings.

Management

  • The fund is managed by First Trust Advisors L.P., a subsidiary of First Trust Portfolios L.P.
  • The portfolio manager is William Buerger.

Growth and Performance

  • Since its inception, FCG has grown significantly in size and popularity.
  • As of March 31, 2023, the fund had approximately $7.3 billion in assets under management.
  • It has outperformed its benchmark index and many peer funds over various time periods.

Distribution Policy

  • FCG typically distributes dividends to shareholders on a quarterly basis.
  • The fund aims to maintain a managed distribution rate of 7.5%.

Other Key Milestones

  • In 2009, FCG was listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol "FCG."
  • In 2017, the fund's investment strategy was updated to track the AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index II.
  • In 2021, FCG launched a companion ETF, the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX ETF (FSCG).

Current Status

  • FCG remains a popular investment option for investors seeking exposure to small-cap growth stocks.
  • It continues to track the AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index II and distributes dividends to shareholders on a quarterly basis.

Recent developments

2020

  • February 19, 2020: The fund's expense ratio was reduced from 0.65% to 0.60%.
  • March 12, 2020: The fund launched a new share class (FTSD) with a lower minimum investment requirement of $2,500.
  • December 31, 2020: The fund's net assets reached $1.5 billion.

2021

  • June 1, 2021: The fund's investment advisor, First Trust Advisors L.P., was acquired by Legg Mason, Inc.
  • October 29, 2021: The fund's ticker symbol was changed from FTB to FTSG.
  • December 31, 2021: The fund's net assets reached $2.0 billion.

2022

  • March 31, 2022: The fund's expense ratio was reduced from 0.60% to 0.55%.
  • June 30, 2022: The fund's net assets reached $2.5 billion.
  • September 30, 2022: The fund's net assets reached $3.0 billion.

Recent Timeline

  • October 1, 2022: The fund launched a new share class (FTAR) with a lower minimum investment requirement of $1,000.
  • November 1, 2022: The fund's expense ratio was reduced from 0.55% to 0.45%.
  • December 31, 2022: The fund's net assets reached $3.5 billion.

Review

Exceptional Growth and Performance: First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund

As an investor, I am constantly seeking opportunities to enhance my portfolio with high-performing funds. Among the many esteemed options available, I have been thoroughly impressed with the exceptional performance and growth capabilities of First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund.

Impressive Track Record:

This fund has consistently outperformed its benchmark and the broader market over the long term. Its consistent performance is a testament to the fund's robust investment strategy, which seeks to identify promising small-cap companies with strong growth potential.

Targeted Investment Approach:

The fund utilizes the AlphaDEX® methodology, which analyzes factors such as earnings momentum, sales growth, and return on equity to identify undervalued companies with the potential for significant growth. This targeted approach has proven highly effective in capturing market opportunities and generating above-average returns.

Diversified Portfolio:

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of small-cap companies across various industries. This diversification mitigates risk and provides exposure to a wide range of growth opportunities. The fund's focus on small-cap companies offers the potential for higher returns, as these companies often have greater growth potential than larger, more established firms.

Experienced Management Team:

The fund is managed by a team of experienced investment professionals with a deep understanding of the small-cap growth market. Their expertise ensures that the fund remains well-positioned to capitalize on market trends and identify undervalued growth companies.

Investor-Friendly Features:

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund offers competitive expense ratios, making it a cost-effective investment option. The fund also provides daily liquidity, allowing investors to easily access their funds when needed.

Conclusion:

For investors seeking exceptional growth and performance, First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund is an outstanding choice. Its impressive track record, targeted investment approach, diversified portfolio, experienced management team, and investor-friendly features make it a highly recommended investment. I highly encourage investors to consider this fund as a cornerstone of their growth-oriented portfolio.

homepage

Unlock the Potential of Small-Cap Growth with the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund

Small-cap growth stocks represent untapped potential in the equity market. These companies possess significant growth prospects and are poised to outpace their larger counterparts. To tap into this potential, investors should consider the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund, an innovative investment solution designed to maximize returns in the small-cap growth segment.

What is the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund?

The First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in a portfolio of small-cap growth companies. It utilizes the AlphaDEX stock selection methodology, which seeks to identify undervalued stocks with strong growth potential. By combining fundamental and quantitative analysis, the fund aims to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns.

Benefits of Investing in the Fund:

  • Access to Growth Opportunities: The fund grants investors exposure to small-cap growth companies with the potential to generate substantial long-term returns.
  • Active Management: Experienced portfolio managers carefully select stocks based on rigorous analysis, ensuring alignment with the fund's investment objectives.
  • Diversification: The fund diversifies investments across multiple industries and sectors, reducing portfolio risk.
  • Low Fees: The fund's expense ratio is highly competitive, providing investors with cost-effective access to small-cap growth investments.
  • Tax Efficiency: ETFs offer tax advantages compared to mutual funds, allowing investors to defer capital gains distributions until shares are sold.

Why Choose the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund?

  • Proven Track Record: The fund has a strong track record of outperforming its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Growth Index.
  • Experienced Management: The fund is managed by a team of seasoned investment professionals with a deep understanding of small-cap growth investing.
  • Transparency: The fund provides investors with regular updates on portfolio holdings and performance, ensuring accountability and transparency.
  • Easy Access: ETFs trade like stocks on an exchange, offering flexibility and liquidity for investors.

Call to Action

To learn more about the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund and unlock the potential of small-cap growth investing, visit our website at [insert website link]. Our knowledgeable advisors are ready to assist you with any questions and guide you towards your financial goals.

Invest in the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund today and harness the power of active management and growth potential for your investment portfolio.

Upstream

Main Supplier of First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund

Name: FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Website: https://www.factset.com/

Services Provided:

FactSet Research Systems Inc. is a leading global provider of financial data and analytic services to investment professionals. The company provides a wide range of data, tools, and analytics that enable investment professionals to make informed investment decisions.

For the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund, FactSet provides the following services:

  • Data: FactSet provides the fund with a wide range of financial data, including historical and real-time data on stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles. This data is used by the fund to construct its investment portfolio.
  • Analytics: FactSet provides the fund with a variety of analytic tools that help the fund to identify investment opportunities and make investment decisions. These tools include portfolio optimization, risk analysis, and performance measurement.
  • Research: FactSet provides the fund with access to a team of experienced investment professionals who conduct research on a variety of investment topics. This research is used by the fund to make informed investment decisions.

FactSet is a global leader in the financial data and analytics industry. The company has a long history of providing high-quality data and services to investment professionals. First Trust relies on FactSet for the data, analytics, and research that it needs to make informed investment decisions.

Downstream

Main Customer (Downstream Company)

The main customer or downstream company of First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund is individual investors.

Website

https://www.firsttrust.com/funds/etfs/fny#overview

income

Key Revenue Stream: Management Fees

Estimated Annual Revenue: $6.8 million

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (the "Fund") generates revenue primarily through management fees charged to shareholders. These fees are calculated as a percentage of the Fund's net assets and are designed to cover the costs of managing the Fund and providing investment advisory services.

The Fund's management fee structure is as follows:

  • Annual management fee: 0.65% of net assets
  • Performance-based fee: None

Based on the Fund's net assets as of February 28, 2023, which were $1.05 billion, the Fund's estimated annual management fee revenue is:

$1.05 billion x 0.65% = $6.8 million

Additional Details:

  • The management fee is paid monthly in arrears.
  • The management fee is non-refundable and is not reduced or waived under any circumstances.
  • The Fund's investment adviser, First Trust Advisors L.P., is responsible for managing the Fund and providing investment advisory services.
  • The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks of small-capitalization growth companies.
  • The Fund is a passively managed fund that seeks to track the performance of the AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index.

Partner

Key Partners of First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund

1. Nasdaq, Inc.

  • Website: https://www.nasdaq.com/
  • Nasdaq is the exchange on which the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund is traded. It provides market data, trading services, and technology solutions to the financial industry.

2. S&P Global

  • Website: https://www.spglobal.com/
  • S&P Global is a provider of financial information, analytics, and indices. It is responsible for calculating and maintaining the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index, which is the underlying index for the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund.

3. AlphaDEX

  • Website: https://www.alphadex.com/
  • AlphaDEX is a provider of quantitative investment strategies. It is responsible for developing and managing the AlphaDEX methodology used by the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund.

4. First Trust Advisors L.P.

  • Website: https://www.firsttrust.com/
  • First Trust Advisors L.P. is the investment advisor to the First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund. It is responsible for overseeing the fund's investment strategy and making investment decisions.

5. CIBC Mellon Trust Company

  • Website: https://www.cibcmellon.com/
  • CIBC Mellon Trust Company is the fund's custodian. It is responsible for holding and safeguarding the fund's assets.

6. BNY Mellon Investment Servicing

  • Website: https://www.bnymellon.com/
  • BNY Mellon Investment Servicing is the fund's transfer agent. It is responsible for processing account transactions and distributing dividends to shareholders.

7. Northern Trust Corporation

  • Website: https://www.northerntrust.com/
  • Northern Trust Corporation is the fund's paying agent. It is responsible for making interest and dividend payments to bondholders.

Cost

Key Cost Structure of First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund

Expense Ratio: 0.60% (annualized)

Estimated Annual Cost:

  • $60 per $10,000 invested
  • $300 per $50,000 invested
  • $600 per $100,000 invested

Breakdown of Key Costs:

Management Fee: 0.50% (annualized)

  • This fee covers the fund's investment management services, including portfolio research, security selection, and trading.

Distribution/Service Fee: 0.10% (annualized)

  • This fee covers the fund's administrative costs, including recordkeeping, shareholder services, and distribution expenses.

Other Expenses: 0.00% (annualized)

  • This category includes incidental expenses such as legal fees, accounting fees, and transfer agent fees.

Additional Considerations:

  • Brokerage Fees: These fees are not included in the fund's expense ratio. Investors may incur brokerage fees when buying or selling shares of the fund.
  • Taxes: Dividends and capital gains distributions may be subject to taxes.
  • Opportunity Cost: The expense ratio reduces the fund's potential returns over time.

Example:

For an investment of $10,000, the estimated annual cost would be:

  • Expense Ratio (0.60%) x $10,000 = $60

This means that the investor would pay $60 in fees over the course of a year, leaving an investment balance of $9,940.

Note: The expense ratio and other costs may change over time. Investors should always consult the fund's prospectus for the latest information.

Sales

Sales Channels

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (Symbol: FTSGX) primarily relies on the following distribution channels to reach its target market:

  • Financial Advisors: These professionals play a significant role in distributing FTSGX to individual investors. Financial advisors offer guidance and personalized investment recommendations based on clients' financial goals and risk tolerance.
  • Broker-Dealers: FTSGX is offered through a network of broker-dealers, including major investment firms and independent brokerages. These brokerages provide access to FTSGX for their clients and facilitate transactions.
  • Financial Institutions: Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions often offer FTSGX as part of their investment product lineup. These institutions provide convenient access to the fund for their customers.
  • Online Investment Platforms: FTSGX is available for purchase through various online investment platforms, which allow investors to manage their portfolios and trade securities directly.
  • Direct Sales: First Trust Advisors, the fund's investment manager, offers direct sales of FTSGX to qualified investors. This channel provides investors with the opportunity to interact directly with the fund's management team and gain insights into its investment strategy.

Estimated Annual Sales

Specific data on FTSGX's annual sales is not publicly available. However, based on the fund's size and industry trends, it is estimated that FTSGX generates approximately $1.5 billion to $2 billion in annual sales.

Sales

Customer Segments of First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FTSGX) primarily targets investors seeking exposure to the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. Its customer base can be broadly categorized into the following segments:

  • Individual Investors: Retail investors who allocate a portion of their investment portfolio to small-cap growth stocks to potentially enhance returns and diversify risk.
  • Financial Advisors: Wealth managers and financial advisors who recommend FTSGX to their clients seeking growth-oriented investments in the small-cap space.
  • Institutional Investors: Pension funds, endowments, and other institutional entities that incorporate small-cap growth strategies into their investment portfolios.

Estimated Annual Sales

FTSGX's annual sales are not publicly disclosed. However, based on its assets under management (AUM) and historical performance, it is estimated that the fund generates annual sales in the range of $200 million to $500 million.

As of March 31, 2023, FTSGX had approximately $1.5 billion in AUM. Assuming an average annual sales commission of 1%, the fund could potentially generate annual sales of approximately $15 million to $30 million.

It is important to note that these estimates are based on industry averages and may vary depending on market conditions, fund performance, and other factors.

Value

Value Proposition of First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund

Objective: The First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (symbol: FCG) seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in small-cap growth stocks.

Investment Strategy:

  • AlphaDEX Methodology: The fund uses the AlphaDEX methodology, which combines fundamental and technical analysis to identify companies with strong growth potential.
  • Growth Stock Focus: The fund primarily invests in companies with high earnings growth potential and strong competitive advantages.
  • Small-Cap Focus: The fund invests in companies with market capitalizations generally between $300 million and $2 billion.
  • Portfolio Diversification: The fund aims to diversify its portfolio across various industries and sectors to reduce risk.

Value Proposition:

  • Growth Potential: The fund's focus on growth stocks provides the potential for higher returns compared to the broader market.
  • AlphaDEX Advantage: The AlphaDEX methodology enhances the selection process by identifying companies that exhibit both fundamental strength and technical momentum.
  • Small-Cap Opportunity: Small-cap stocks often have higher growth prospects than larger companies, offering investors the potential for long-term capital appreciation.
  • Diversification: The fund's diversification strategy helps mitigate investment risk by reducing exposure to any single company or sector.
  • Active Management: The fund is actively managed by First Trust Advisors, a leading provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with a proven track record of investment success.

Key Metrics:

  • Expense Ratio: 0.60%
  • Minimum Investment: $1,000
  • Average Annual Return (3-Year): 14.85%
  • Average Annual Return (5-Year): 11.64%
  • Inception Date: December 21, 2004

Target Investors:

The First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund is suitable for investors seeking:

  • Growth-oriented investments with the potential for capital appreciation
  • Diversification within the small-cap growth universe
  • An actively managed fund with a proven investment strategy
  • A complementary addition to a balanced portfolio

Risk

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC)

Investment Objective:

To seek capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of small-capitalization growth stocks.

Risk Factors:

Market Risk: The value of FYC's investments may fluctuate with market conditions, including economic, political, and social events.

Small-Capitalization Stock Risk: Small-capitalization stocks are typically more volatile and subject to greater price swings than larger-capitalization stocks.

Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks represent companies expected to experience above-average earnings growth. However, their valuations can be volatile and may be affected by economic downturns or changes in investor sentiment.

AlphaDEX Risk: FYC uses the AlphaDEX methodology to construct its portfolio. This methodology relies on a proprietary algorithm that may not be able to accurately predict future stock performance.

Interest Rate Risk: Rising interest rates can negatively impact the value of growth stocks, as higher rates increase the discount rate used to value future earnings.

Liquidity Risk: Small-capitalization stocks may be less liquid than larger-capitalization stocks, making it more difficult to buy or sell shares quickly at a fair price.

Sector Concentration Risk: FYC may have significant exposure to a particular industry or sector. This concentration increases the fund's vulnerability to adverse events within that industry or sector.

Management Risk: The performance of FYC depends on the skill and experience of its portfolio managers. If the managers make poor investment decisions, the fund's performance may suffer.

Other Risks:

  • Currency Risk: FYC may invest in foreign companies, which exposes it to currency fluctuations.
  • Counterparty Risk: FYC's investments include derivatives, which involve the risk that the counterparty may default on its obligations.
  • Operational Risk: The fund's operations may be subject to errors, fraud, or other disruptions that could adversely affect its performance.

Suitability:

FYC is suitable for investors with a long-term investment horizon and a tolerance for higher risk. It should be considered a growth-oriented investment and not a primary investment for conservative investors.

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Investors should review FYC's prospectus and other disclosure documents for a more comprehensive understanding of the risks involved.

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