FT Moderate Buffer ETF Allocation Portfolio, Series 1
This unit investment trust (UIT) seeks capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of Target
Outcome Buffer ETFs (exchange-traded funds); however, there is no assurance the objective
will be met. Buffer ETFs seek to provide targeted exposure to the price returns of an underlying
reference asset that is based on a market index, while providing predetermined investment
outcomes, removing some of the uncertainty of investing.
Although this UIT does not directly provide a defined buffer, each ETF in the portfolio is
structured to offer a 15% downside buffer (before fees and expenses), with potential upside
gains capped at a predetermined level. Additionally, the UIT provides broad market exposure
across multiple investable markets.
How Buffer ETFs work
Buffer ETFs are designed to offer equity investors a limited level of protection, or “buffer,” against
downturns in the market, while still allowing for growth during up markets, up to a specified “cap.”
These predetermined outcome values are set over a defined “Target Outcome” period. At the end
of the Target Outcome Period, the Buffer ETF “resets” its cap and refreshes its buffer at prevailing
market conditions.
Why Consider This UIT?
A Turnkey Approach
Each Buffer ETF held in the portfolio provides a unique balance of risk and growth potential, and this UIT simplifies the implementation of these strategies with a one-ticket approach. The ETFs included
in the portfolio are advised by First Trust Advisors L.P., (“First Trust”) an affiliate of the trust’s sponsor. The First Trust Buffer ETFs are available in different monthly vintages, meaning different ETFs refresh
their one-year Target Outcome Period and reset their caps and buffers each month. The diagram below illustrates how a portfolio of multiple Buffer ETFs would each have different cap and buffer levels
and would reset in different months, creating diversification of the investment time period compared to owning just one Buffer ETF.
Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value |
You should consider the portfolio's investment objective, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing. Contact your financial advisor or call First Trust Portfolios, L.P. 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 ETFs which invest in FLEX
Options based on an underlying ETF.
The portfolio has characteristics unlike many other traditional investment products and may not be
appropriate for all investors.
ETFs 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 ETFs or their underlying investments change. Unlike
open-end funds, which trade at prices based on a current determination of the fund’s net asset value, ETFs
frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value in the secondary market.
The ETFs included in this portfolio hold purchased and written FLEX Options. The FLEX Options are European
style options, which are exercisable at the strike price only on the FLEX Option expiration date. The FLEX
Options held by the funds give the option holder the right to buy or sell the underlying ETF on the FLEX Option
expiration date at the strike price. The value of the FLEX Options prior to their expiration on the FLEX Option
expiration date may vary because of factors other than fluctuations in the value of the underlying ETF. The
value of FLEX Options will be affected by changes in the value of the underlying ETF, the underlying index and
its underlying securities, a change in interest rates, a change in the expected dividend rate of the underlying
ETF, a change in the actual and perceived volatility of the stock market and the underlying index and the
remaining time to expiration. Additionally, the value of the FLEX Options does not increase or decrease at the
same rate as the underlying ETF, the underlying index or its underlying securities due to “tracking error” as
described in more detail in the full prospectus (although they generally move in the same direction).
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.
Common stocks are subject to certain 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.
You should be aware that certain of the reference assets are concentrated in stocks in the information
technology sector which involves additional risks, including limited diversification. The companies engaged
in the information technology sector are subject to fierce competition, high research and development costs,
and their products and services may be subject to rapid obsolescence. Technology company stocks, especially
those which are Internet-related, may experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that are often
unrelated to their operating performance.
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.
Ongoing armed conflicts between Russia and Ukraine in Europe and among Israel, Hamas and other militant
groups in the Middle East have caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility
within the markets in Russia, Europe, the Middle East 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 ongoing effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, or the potential impacts of any future public health
crisis, may cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets. While vaccines have been
developed, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against future variants of the disease.
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 organization costs.
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.
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.