Risk Considerations
Equity Risk. An investment in a portfolio containing common stocks is 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.
Sector Concentration Risk. A portfolio which is concentrated in an individual sector is subject to additional risks, including limited diversification.
Blockchain Risk. Blockchain technology is an entirely new and relatively untested technology and may never be implemented to a scale that provides identifiable economic benefit to the companies included in the portfolio. Blockchain systems could be vulnerable to fraud. There is little regulation of blockchain technology and because blockchain technology systems may operate across many national boundaries and regulatory jurisdictions, it is possible that it may be subject to widespread and inconsistent regulation. The values of the companies included in the portfolio may not be a reflection of their connection to blockchain technology, but may be based on other business operations. Currently, blockchain technology is primarily used for the recording of transactions in digital currency, which are extremely speculative, unregulated and volatile. Because digital assets registered in a blockchain do not have a standardized exchange, like a stock market, there is less liquidity for such assets and greater possibility of fraud or manipulation.
Emerging Markets Risk. Risks associated with investing in non-U.S. securities may be more pronounced in emerging and developing 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.
Foreign Securities Risk. 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.
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Risk. An investment in a portfolio containing small-cap and mid-cap companies is subject to additional risks, as the share prices of small-cap companies and certain mid-cap companies are often more volatile than those of larger companies due to several factors, including limited trading volumes, products, financial resources, management inexperience and less publicly available information.
Technology Risk. 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.
Volatility Risk. 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.
Operational Risk. 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.
"Indxx" and "Indxx Blockchain Index" are trademarks of Indxx, LLC and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust Advisors L.P. The portfolio is based on the Indxx Blockchain Index and is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Indxx, LLC, and Indxx, LLC makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in such product.
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