Should First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX ETF (FNX) Be on Your Investing Radar?

Core Insights - The First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX ETF (FNX) is a passively managed ETF launched on May 8, 2007, with assets exceeding $1.15 billion, targeting the Mid Cap Blend segment of the US equity market [1] - Mid cap companies, with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, offer a balance of growth potential and stability compared to large and small cap companies [2] - FNX has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.58% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.22%, making it one of the more expensive ETFs in its category [3] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising approximately 20.2% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Consumer Discretionary [4] - Riot Platforms, Inc. (RIOT) represents about 0.58% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for roughly 4.95% of total assets under management [5] Performance Metrics - FNX aims to match the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Mid Cap Core Index, with a year-to-date return of approximately 4.33% and an increase of about 8% over the past year as of August 19, 2025 [6] - The ETF has a beta of 1.10 and a standard deviation of 20.64% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [7] Alternatives - FNX holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Mid Cap Blend market segment [8] - Other comparable ETFs include the Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) with $86.31 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, and the iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) with $97.54 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.05% [9] Conclusion - Passively managed ETFs like FNX are increasingly popular among retail and institutional investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [10]