Core Insights - The First Trust Financials AlphaDEX ETF (FXO) is a smart beta ETF launched on 05/08/2007, providing broad exposure to the Financials sector [1] - FXO aims to outperform traditional passive indices by utilizing the AlphaDEX screening methodology to select stocks from the Russell 1000 Index [6] Fund Overview - Managed by First Trust Advisors, FXO has accumulated over $2.25 billion in assets, positioning it among the larger ETFs in the Financials category [5] - The fund's annual operating expenses are 0.61%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.87% [7] Sector Exposure and Holdings - FXO has a significant allocation in the Financials sector, comprising approximately 99.7% of its portfolio [8] - The top holdings include Bank Ozk (1.68% of total assets), Invesco Ltd., and Interactive Brokers Group, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 16.07% of total assets [9] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, FXO has returned approximately 10.08%, and it has increased by about 21.33% over the last 12 months as of 08/25/2025 [11] - The fund has a beta of 1.02 and a standard deviation of 22.53% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [11] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the Financials space include Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) and Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF), with VFH having $12.88 billion in assets and XLF at $52.3 billion [13] - VFH and XLF have lower expense ratios of 0.09% and 0.08% respectively, making them attractive alternatives for cost-conscious investors [13]

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Financials AlphaDEX ETF (FXO) is a passively managed ETF that provides broad exposure to the Financials sector, appealing to both institutional and retail investors due to its low costs and tax efficiency [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - Launched on May 8, 2007, FXO has accumulated over $2.17 billion in assets, positioning it among the larger ETFs in the Financials sector [3]. - FXO aims to match the performance of the StrataQuant Financials Index, which utilizes a modified equal-dollar weighted methodology to select stocks from the Russell 1000 Index [4]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.61% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.95% [5]. - FXO has increased approximately 5.81% year-to-date and 23.62% over the past year, with a trading range between $45.9 and $59 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - FXO has a significant allocation in the Financials sector, comprising about 99.7% of its portfolio [6]. - The top holdings include Bank Ozk (1.68% of total assets), Invesco Ltd., and Interactive Brokers Group, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 16.07% of total assets [7]. Group 4: Alternatives and Market Position - FXO carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Financials sector [9]. - Other alternatives include the Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) and the Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF), which have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [10].