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First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX® Fund (FDTS)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
04/01/2025: FDTS (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit -2.66% | Avg. Invested days 52 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | ETF Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) 140 | Beta 1.08 | 52 Weeks Range 37.64 - 43.40 | Updated Date 04/2/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 37.64 - 43.40 | Updated Date 04/2/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX® Fund
ETF Overview
Overview
The First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEXu00ae Fund (FDT) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the NASDAQ AlphaDEXu00ae Developed Markets Ex-US Small Cap Index. It employs an AlphaDEXu00ae stock selection methodology to select small-cap stocks from developed markets excluding the U.S.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established ETF provider known for its innovative and factor-based investment strategies.
Management Expertise
First Trust has a dedicated team of investment professionals with experience in managing ETFs and utilizing the AlphaDEXu00ae methodology.
Investment Objective
Goal
To provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the NASDAQ AlphaDEXu00ae Developed Markets Ex-US Small Cap Index.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The fund uses an AlphaDEXu00ae methodology, which ranks stocks based on growth factors (e.g., sales growth, price appreciation) and value factors (e.g., book value to price, cash flow to price).
Composition The fund primarily holds small-cap stocks from developed markets excluding the United States.
Market Position
Market Share: FDT holds a moderate market share within the developed markets ex-US small-cap ETF category.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 342230000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- SPDRu00ae S&Pu00ae International Small Cap ETF (GWX)
- Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS)
- iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA)
Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape consists of several ETFs tracking developed markets ex-US small-cap stocks. FDT's AlphaDEXu00ae methodology differentiates it by actively selecting stocks based on growth and value factors, potentially leading to outperformance compared to passively managed ETFs. However, this active approach may also result in higher fees.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data should be sourced from financial websites (e.g., Morningstar, Yahoo Finance).
Benchmark Comparison: The fund's performance should be compared to the NASDAQ AlphaDEXu00ae Developed Markets Ex-US Small Cap Index.
Expense Ratio: 0.58
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
The average trading volume is moderate, indicating reasonable liquidity for most investors.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is typically competitive, reflecting efficient trading conditions.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic growth in developed markets ex-US, interest rate policies, and global trade conditions impact FDT. Currency fluctuations also play a significant role.
Growth Trajectory
Growth trends are tied to the performance of small-cap companies in developed economies and the effectiveness of the AlphaDEXu00ae methodology.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
FDT's competitive edge lies in its proprietary AlphaDEXu00ae methodology, which aims to identify undervalued stocks with strong growth potential. This active selection process differentiates it from passive index-tracking ETFs. The fund's focus on small-cap stocks in developed markets ex-US also offers diversification benefits. However, the effectiveness of the AlphaDEXu00ae strategy depends on market conditions, and its higher expense ratio may be a disadvantage in some market environments.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
Small-cap stocks generally exhibit higher volatility than large-cap stocks, which means FDT carries a relatively high volatility profile.
Market Risk
Market risk is inherent in equity investments, particularly in small-cap stocks, which are susceptible to economic downturns and market sentiment.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is one seeking exposure to developed markets ex-US small-cap stocks with a growth-oriented approach and a tolerance for higher volatility.
Market Risk
FDT is suitable for long-term investors seeking diversification and potential outperformance through active stock selection. Active traders may also find it appealing, but its inherent volatility should be considered.
Summary
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEXu00ae Fund (FDT) offers exposure to small-cap stocks in developed markets excluding the U.S., utilizing a proprietary AlphaDEXu00ae methodology. Its active approach aims to outperform passive benchmarks but comes with a higher expense ratio. The fund is suitable for long-term investors seeking diversification and growth potential, but its volatility should be carefully considered. Investors should evaluate the fund's performance relative to its benchmark and peers to assess its effectiveness.
Similar Companies
EFAS

Global X MSCI SuperDividend® EAFE ETF


EFAS

Global X MSCI SuperDividend® EAFE ETF
GWX

SPDR® S&P International Small Cap ETF


GWX

SPDR® S&P International Small Cap ETF
SCZ

iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF


SCZ

iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
VSS

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund ETF Shares


VSS

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund ETF Shares
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust Website
- Morningstar
- Yahoo Finance
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investors should consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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 Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX® Fund
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website |
The fund will normally invest at least 90% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in the securities that comprise the index. The index is designed to select stocks from the NASDAQ Developed Markets Ex-US Index that may generate positive alpha, or risk-adjusted returns, relative to traditional indices through the use of the AlphaDEX® selection methodology.
Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.