Is First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX ETF (FAD) a Strong ETF Right Now?

Core Insights - The First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX ETF (FAD) aims to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Growth category and utilizes a smart beta strategy [1][5] - FAD is managed by First Trust Advisors and has accumulated over $365.95 million in assets, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [5] - The ETF seeks to match the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Multi Cap Growth Index, which employs a stock selection methodology based on fundamental characteristics [6] Fund Characteristics - FAD has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.62%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.27% [7] - The ETF's largest sector allocation is in Industrials at approximately 24.1%, followed by Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary [8] - The top three individual holdings include Rocket Lab Corporation (0.64% of total assets), Vertiv Holdings Co, and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., with the top 10 holdings comprising about 5.04% of total assets [9] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, FAD has increased by roughly 20.33% and is up about 23.59% over the last 12 months as of October 28, 2025 [10] - The ETF has a beta of 1.15 and a standard deviation of 18.57% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [10] - FAD holds approximately 677 stocks, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) with $3.14 billion in assets and iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) with $26.1 billion, both having an expense ratio of 0.04% [12] - Investors may consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs for potentially lower-risk options that aim to match returns in the Style Box - All Cap Growth segment [12]