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Upturn AI SWOT - About
First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
04/01/2025: FTSL (2-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Upturn Star Rating
Below Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.
AI Based Fundamental Rating
Moderate Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, typically align with the market average, offering steady but unremarkable returns.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 16.93% | Avg. Invested days 147 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | ETF Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 04/01/2025 |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) 286542 | Beta 0.22 | 52 Weeks Range 42.75 - 45.88 | Updated Date 04/2/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 42.75 - 45.88 | Updated Date 04/2/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
First Trust Senior Loan Fund
ETF Overview
Overview
The First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL) is an actively managed ETF that invests primarily in senior loans. It focuses on generating income through a portfolio of floating-rate loans, typically below investment grade, offering potential downside protection and inflation hedging.
Reputation and Reliability
First Trust is a well-established ETF issuer with a strong reputation for innovation and specialized investment products.
Management Expertise
First Trust has a dedicated team of experienced portfolio managers specializing in credit markets and senior loan investments.
Investment Objective
Goal
The primary investment objective of FTSL is to seek a high level of current income.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: FTSL is actively managed and does not track a specific index. It aims to identify and invest in a diversified portfolio of senior loans.
Composition The ETF primarily holds senior loans, with smaller allocations to cash and other short-term investments.
Market Position
Market Share: FTSL holds a smaller market share compared to larger peers in the senior loan ETF market.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 724700000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN)
- SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (SRLN)
- Janus Henderson B-BBB CLO ETF (JBBB)
Competitive Landscape
The senior loan ETF market is competitive, with a few large ETFs dominating market share. FTSL's active management strategy differentiates it from passive index-tracking competitors but its expense ratio is comparatively higher.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data should be retrieved from financial data providers. The ETF's performance fluctuates with credit market conditions and interest rate changes.
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance should be compared to the S&P/LSTA U.S. Leveraged Loan 100 Index to assess its active management effectiveness.
Expense Ratio: 0.85
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
FTSL's average trading volume is moderate, indicating reasonable liquidity for most investors.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is typically small, reflecting relatively efficient trading costs.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic growth, interest rate policy, credit spreads, and default rates in the leveraged loan market are key drivers influencing FTSL's performance.
Growth Trajectory
Growth is dependent on the ability of active management to outperform, with recent trends showing an increase in Senior Loan demand
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
FTSL's active management allows for strategic portfolio adjustments based on market conditions and credit analysis. The fund's focus on floating-rate loans offers potential inflation protection, and the experienced management team provides a competitive advantage in credit selection. The ETF also aims to deliver enhanced returns through security selection and sector allocation. These factors can lead to improved risk-adjusted returns compared to passively managed senior loan ETFs.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
Senior loan investments carry credit risk and are subject to market volatility, particularly during economic downturns.
Market Risk
The primary market risks include credit spread widening, increased default rates, and potential interest rate sensitivity.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
FTSL is suitable for investors seeking current income and potential inflation protection. It can be appropriate for those willing to accept credit risk in exchange for potentially higher yields.
Market Risk
FTSL is most suitable for long-term investors looking for income-generating assets within a diversified portfolio.
Summary
The First Trust Senior Loan Fund offers a strategy for income through senior secured floating-rate bank loans. Actively managed to select loans and optimize portfolio return, FTSL is best suited to an investor seeking protection against rising rates and an alternative to fixed income. While it carries higher risks associated with below-investment grade loan qualities, FTSL offers potential benefits to certain diversified portfolios. Potential investors should carefully weigh fees, liquidity, and risk before allocating their investments to FTSL.
Similar Companies
ANGL
VanEck Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF
ANGL
VanEck Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF
BKLN
Invesco Senior Loan ETF
BKLN
Invesco Senior Loan ETF
HYLS
First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF
HYLS
First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF
SRLN
SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF
SRLN
SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- First Trust website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
- Bloomberg
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Market data is subject to change.
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 Senior Loan Fund
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in first lien senior floating rate bank loans ("Senior Loans"). The fund invests in Senior Loans made predominantly to businesses operating in North America, but may also invest in Senior Loans made to businesses operating outside of North America.
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