First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat Aydin, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) with AI Score 47/100 (Weak). First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) is an exchange-traded fund that aims to replicate the price and yield of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index. Market cap: 0, Sector: Financial services.
Last analyzed: Mar 16, 2026First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) Financial Services Profile
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC), with a market cap of $0.88 billion, is an ETF designed to mirror the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index. It offers investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of small-cap growth stocks selected through a proprietary AlphaDEX methodology, operating within the competitive asset management landscape.
Investment Thesis
FYC presents an investment opportunity for those seeking exposure to small-cap growth stocks through a rules-based, potentially outperforming strategy. With a beta of 1.40, the fund exhibits higher volatility compared to the broader market, which may appeal to investors with a higher risk tolerance seeking potentially higher returns. The fund's investment thesis hinges on the continued growth and innovation within the small-cap sector. The fund's performance is directly linked to the efficacy of the AlphaDEX methodology in identifying and weighting stocks with superior growth characteristics. Key value drivers include the fund's ability to attract and retain assets under management (AUM) and its expense ratio relative to competing ETFs. Upcoming catalysts include potential changes to the index methodology or increased investor interest in small-cap growth strategies.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
Key Highlights
- FYC's objective is to replicate the price and yield of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index.
- The fund offers exposure to a diversified portfolio of small-cap growth stocks.
- The fund employs a rules-based methodology to select and weight its holdings.
- FYC's beta of 1.40 indicates higher volatility compared to the broader market.
- The fund's performance is closely tied to the performance of its underlying index.
Competitors & Peers
Strengths
- Rules-based AlphaDEX methodology.
- Exposure to the high-growth small-cap sector.
- Established brand name of First Trust.
- Diversified portfolio of holdings.
Weaknesses
- Higher volatility compared to the broader market (beta of 1.40).
- Dependence on the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index.
- Potential for underperformance relative to active managers in certain market conditions.
- No dividend yield.
Catalysts
- Upcoming: Potential changes to the index methodology to enhance performance.
- Ongoing: Increased investor interest in small-cap growth strategies.
- Ongoing: Growing adoption of rules-based investing.
- Ongoing: Expansion of the small-cap growth market.
Risks
- Potential: Economic downturn or market volatility impacting small-cap stocks.
- Potential: Rising interest rates impacting growth stock valuations.
- Ongoing: Increased competition from other ETFs and investment products.
- Potential: Changes to the regulatory environment impacting ETFs.
- Ongoing: Dependence on the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index.
Growth Opportunities
- Increased adoption of rules-based investing: The growing popularity of smart beta and rules-based investment strategies presents a significant growth opportunity for FYC. As investors seek alternatives to traditional market-cap-weighted indexes, FYC's AlphaDEX methodology may attract greater interest. The market for smart beta ETFs is projected to continue expanding, offering FYC the potential to increase its assets under management (AUM) and market share. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Expansion of the small-cap growth market: The small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market offers significant growth potential. As innovative and disruptive companies emerge within this sector, FYC stands to benefit from their growth. The fund's exposure to a diversified portfolio of small-cap growth stocks positions it to capitalize on the overall expansion of this market segment. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Strategic partnerships and distribution agreements: Forming strategic partnerships with financial advisors, brokerage firms, and other distribution channels can enhance FYC's reach and visibility. By expanding its distribution network, FYC can attract new investors and increase its AUM. These partnerships can provide access to a wider audience of potential investors and facilitate the fund's growth. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Product innovation and diversification: Expanding the fund's product offerings to include variations of the AlphaDEX methodology or other targeted investment strategies can attract a broader range of investors. By diversifying its product line, FYC can cater to different risk profiles and investment objectives. This can involve launching new ETFs focused on specific sectors or themes within the small-cap growth market. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Enhanced marketing and investor education: Implementing a comprehensive marketing and investor education campaign can raise awareness of FYC's unique investment approach and benefits. By educating investors about the AlphaDEX methodology and its potential for outperformance, FYC can attract new investors and increase its AUM. This can involve creating educational materials, hosting webinars, and participating in industry conferences. Timeline: Ongoing.
Opportunities
- Growing demand for smart beta and rules-based investment strategies.
- Expansion of the small-cap growth market.
- Strategic partnerships and distribution agreements.
- Product innovation and diversification.
Threats
- Increased competition from other ETFs and investment products.
- Economic downturn or market volatility impacting small-cap stocks.
- Changes to the index methodology or regulatory environment.
- Rising interest rates impacting growth stock valuations.
Competitive Advantages
- Proprietary AlphaDEX methodology for stock selection and weighting.
- Established track record of tracking the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index.
- Brand recognition and distribution network of First Trust.
About FYC
The First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks to track the investment results of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index. The fund employs a rules-based methodology to select and weight small-cap growth stocks, aiming to outperform traditional market-cap-weighted indexes. FYC was created to provide investors with a targeted approach to accessing the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. The Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index uses growth factors including 3, 6, and 12-month price appreciation, sales to price ratio, and momentum, and separate value factors including book value to price, cash flow to price, and return on assets, to identify stocks with the potential for growth. The fund's holdings are rebalanced and reconstituted periodically to maintain alignment with the index. FYC operates within the asset management industry, offering a specific investment strategy focused on small-cap growth stocks. The fund's performance is closely tied to the performance of its underlying index and the overall health of the small-cap growth market. As an ETF, FYC offers investors liquidity and transparency, trading on major exchanges and providing daily disclosure of its portfolio holdings.
What They Do
- Tracks the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index.
- Invests in a diversified portfolio of small-cap growth stocks.
- Employs a rules-based methodology to select and weight its holdings.
- Provides investors with exposure to the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market.
- Offers a potentially outperforming strategy compared to traditional market-cap-weighted indexes.
- Trades on major exchanges, providing liquidity and transparency.
Business Model
- Generates revenue through management fees charged on assets under management (AUM).
- Aims to attract and retain AUM by delivering competitive investment performance.
- Manages expenses to maintain profitability and offer a cost-effective investment vehicle.
Industry Context
The asset management industry is characterized by intense competition and evolving investor preferences. ETFs like FYC compete with other passive and active investment strategies targeting the small-cap growth segment. The industry is influenced by macroeconomic factors, market volatility, and regulatory changes. The growth of the ETF market has been driven by increasing demand for low-cost, transparent investment vehicles. FYC operates within this landscape by offering a specific, rules-based approach to small-cap growth investing. Competitors include other ETFs and mutual funds with similar investment objectives.
Key Customers
- Individual investors seeking exposure to small-cap growth stocks.
- Financial advisors looking for diversified investment solutions for their clients.
- Institutional investors seeking to allocate capital to the small-cap growth segment.
Financials
Chart & Info
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) stock price: Price data unavailable
Latest News
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First Trust Launches Another Dorsey Wright ETF
· May 16, 2018
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for FYC.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for FYC.
MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates FYC's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
FYC Financial Services Stock FAQ
What does First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund do?
The First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) is an exchange-traded fund designed to track the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index. It invests in a diversified portfolio of small-cap growth stocks selected and weighted based on a proprietary AlphaDEX methodology. This methodology uses both growth and value factors to identify companies with the potential for above-average returns. FYC provides investors with a convenient and transparent way to access the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market, offering a rules-based alternative to traditional market-cap-weighted indexes.
What do analysts say about FYC stock?
AI analysis is pending for FYC. Generally, analysts covering ETFs focus on factors such as the fund's expense ratio, tracking error, and the performance of its underlying index. Key valuation metrics include the fund's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and price-to-book (P/B) ratio, which reflect the valuation of the underlying holdings. Growth considerations include the potential for the small-cap growth segment to outperform the broader market and the effectiveness of the AlphaDEX methodology in identifying and weighting stocks with superior growth characteristics. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
What are the main risks for FYC?
The main risks for FYC include market risk, small-cap risk, and index tracking risk. Market risk refers to the potential for the overall market to decline, which would negatively impact the fund's performance. Small-cap risk stems from the fact that small-cap stocks tend to be more volatile and less liquid than large-cap stocks. Index tracking risk refers to the possibility that the fund may not perfectly track the performance of its underlying index due to factors such as expenses and transaction costs. Additionally, changes to the index methodology or regulatory environment could impact the fund's performance. Investors should carefully consider these risks before investing in FYC.
What are the key factors to evaluate for FYC?
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) currently holds an AI score of 47/100, indicating low score. Key strength: Rules-based AlphaDEX methodology.. Primary risk to monitor: Potential: Economic downturn or market volatility impacting small-cap stocks.. This is not financial advice.
How frequently does FYC data refresh on this page?
FYC prices update in real time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM-4:00 PM ET, weekdays). Fundamentals refresh after quarterly or annual filings. Analyst ratings and AI insights update daily. News is aggregated continuously from financial sources.
What has driven FYC's recent stock price performance?
Recent price movement in First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) can be influenced by earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and broader market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Rules-based AlphaDEX methodology.. Check the News and Technical Analysis tabs for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider FYC overvalued or undervalued right now?
Determining whether First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) is overvalued or undervalued requires examining multiple metrics. Compare valuation ratios (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) against sector peers for a comprehensive view.
What research should beginners do before buying FYC?
Before investing in First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- AI analysis pending for FYC.
- The information provided is based on available data and is subject to change.