Global Equity Income Closed-End Portfolio, Series 81

Why Invest Globally?

As of December 30, 2022, the market value of all U.S. equities stood at $41.15 trillion, or 42.05% of the world’s total equity market capitalization, according to Bloomberg. By investing solely in the U.S. equity market, investors exclude a major portion of the world’s investment opportunities and some of the best companies in the world, in our opinion. The Global Equity Income Closed- End Portfolio invests in a pool of closed-end funds which invest in global dividend-paying stocks.

The Case for Global Dividends

Diversification is one of the principal advantages of global investing, in our opinion. Because global markets often follow different cycles than the U.S. markets, investing globally may provide gains when domestic markets are flat or declining. It is important to note that diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss.

By investing a portion of your portfolio outside the U.S., you may significantly expand your investment choices and participate in the long-term growth potential of foreign companies.

Portfolio Objectives

This unit investment trust seeks high current monthly income, with capital appreciation as a secondary objective. There is, however, no assurance that the objectives of the portfolio will be achieved.

You should consider the portfolio's investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing. Contact your financial professional or call First Trust Portfolios L.P. at 1.800.621.1675 to request a prospectus, which contains this and other information about the portfolio. Read it carefully before you invest.

Risk Considerations
An investment in this unmanaged unit investment trust should be made with an understanding of the risks associated with an investment in a portfolio of closed-end funds.

Closed-end funds are subject to various risks, including management’s ability to meet the fund’s investment objective, and to manage the fund’s portfolio when the underlying securities are redeemed or sold, during periods of market turmoil and as investors’ perceptions regarding the funds or their underlying investments change. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value in the secondary market and the net asset value of closed-end fund shares may decrease.

All of the closed-end funds invest in common stocks. Common stocks are subject to risks such as an economic recession and the possible deterioration of either the financial condition of the issuers of the equity securities or the general condition of the stock market.

Certain of the closed-end funds invest in options. Options are subject to various risks including that their value may be adversely affected if the market for the option becomes less liquid or smaller. In addition, options will be affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the stock subject to the option, an increase in interest rates, a change in the actual and perceived volatility of the stock market and the common stock and the remaining time to expiration.

Securities of non-U.S. issuers are subject to additional risks, including currency fluctuations, political risks, withholding, the lack of adequate financial information, and exchange control restrictions impacting non-U.S. issuers. Risks associated with investing in non-U.S. securities may be more pronounced in emerging markets where the securities markets are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid, less regulated, and more volatile than the U.S. and developed non-U.S. markets.

The United Kingdom’s official departure from the European Union (commonly referred to as “Brexit”) led to volatility in global financial markets, in particular those of the United Kingdom and across Europe, and the weakening in political, regulatory, consumer, corporate and financial confidence in the United Kingdom and Europe. It is not currently possible to determine the extent of the impact that Brexit may have on the portfolio’s investments and this uncertainty could negatively impact current and future economic conditions in the United Kingdom and other countries, which could negatively impact the value of the portfolio’s investments.

As the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the trust has become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cybersecurity.

In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine which has caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain investments as well as performance.

The COVID-19 global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets. While the U.S. has resumed “reasonably” normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease.

The value of the securities held by the trust may be subject to steep declines or increased volatility due to changes in performance or perception of the issuers.

It is important to note that an investment can be made in the underlying funds directly rather than through the trust. These direct investments can be made without paying the trust’s sales charge, operating expenses and organizational costs.

This UIT is a buy and hold strategy and investors should consider their ability to hold the trust until maturity. There may be tax consequences unless units are purchased in an IRA or other qualified plan.

For a discussion of additional risks of investing in the trust see the “Risk Factors” section of the prospectus.