As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about April 29, 2008
1933 Act Registration No. 333-125751
1940 Act Registration No. 811-21774
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [ ]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. ___ [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ]
Amendment No. 44 [X]
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FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 300
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (630) 241-4141
W. Scott Jardine, Esq., Secretary
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund
First Trust Advisors L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 300
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Eric F. Fess, Esq.
Chapman and Cutler LLP
111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
[ ] Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X] on May 1, 2008 pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
CONTENTS OF POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 44
This Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement
comprises the following papers and contents:
The Facing Sheet
Part A - Prospectus for First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM)
Fund, First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund, First Trust
IPOX-100 Index Fund, First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund, First
Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, First Trust Amex(R)
Biotechnology Index Fund, First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund, First
Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation
Index Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund, First Trust
NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean
Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund, First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund, First
Trust ISE Water Index Fund, First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund, First
Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund and First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded
Fund
Part B - Statement of Additional Information for First Trust Dow Jones
Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund, First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM)
Index Fund, First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund, First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal
Weighted Index(SM) Fund, First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM)
Fund, First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund, First Trust Dow Jones
Internet Index(SM) Fund, First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund, First Trust
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend
Index Fund, First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, First
Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund, First Trust S&P
REIT Index Fund, First Trust ISE Water Index Fund, First Trust ISE-Revere
Natural Gas Index Fund, First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund and First Trust Value
Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund
Part C - Other Information
Signatures
Index to Exhibits
[LOGO OMITTED] FIRST TRUST FIRST TRUST
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund
May 1, 2008
Front Cover
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund
PROSPECTUS
May 1, 2008
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund (the "Trust") is a registered management
investment company that consists of separate exchange-traded index funds
("Funds"). First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust") is the investment adviser
to each Fund.
The shares of each Fund ("Shares") are listed on either the American Stock
Exchange LLC (the "AMEX"), The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (the "NASDAQ(R)") or
the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the "NYSE Arca") (each, an "Exchange" and collectively, the
"Exchanges"). Market prices may differ to some degree from the net asset value
("NAV") of the Shares. Unlike conventional mutual funds, each Fund issues and
redeems Shares on a continuous basis, at NAV, only in large specified blocks
each consisting of 50,000 Shares (each block of Shares issued and redeemed,
called a "Creation Unit" and collectively, the "Creation Units"). Each Fund's
Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities
included in the applicable Fund.
EXCEPT WHEN AGGREGATED IN CREATION UNITS, THE SHARES ARE NOT REDEEMABLE
SECURITIES OF THE FUNDS.
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
NOT FDIC INSURED. MAY LOSE VALUE.
NO BANK GUARANTEE.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction............................................................... 3
Who Should Invest in the Funds............................................. 3
Tax Efficient Product Structure............................................ 3
Principal Investment Risks................................................. 3
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund............................... 14
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund.................................. 19
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund.............................. 25
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund....................... 29
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund............................................ 34
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund......................................... 39
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund.............................. 43
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund........................................... 47
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund................. 51
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund....................... 56
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund................. 62
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund.................... 67
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund.......... 73
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund............................................ 78
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund......................... 82
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund.............................. 87
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund..................... 92
Additional Investment Strategies........................................... 98
Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds................................. 98
Fund Organization.......................................................... 99
Management of the Funds.................................................... 99
How to Buy and Sell Shares................................................. 100
Creations, Redemptions and Transaction Fees................................ 102
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes......................................... 103
Federal Tax Matters........................................................ 104
Distribution Plan.......................................................... 105
Net Asset Value............................................................ 106
Fund Service Providers..................................................... 107
Index Providers............................................................ 107
Disclaimers................................................................ 107
Premium/Discount Information............................................... 112
Total Return Information................................................... 119
Financial Highlights....................................................... 124
Other Information.......................................................... 135
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INTRODUCTION
Each Fund is a series of the Trust, an investment company and an exchange-traded
"index fund." The investment objective of each Fund is to seek investment
results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before each Fund's
fees and expenses) of such Fund's corresponding equity index (each Fund's
corresponding equity index is referred to herein as an "Index," and together, as
the "Indices;" the provider of each Fund's Index is referred to herein as an
"Index Provider" and together, as the "Index Providers").
WHO SHOULD INVEST IN THE FUNDS
The Funds are designed for investors who seek a relatively low-cost approach for
investing in a portfolio of equity securities of companies in the applicable
Index. The Funds may be suitable for long-term investment in the markets
represented by the applicable Index and may also be used as an asset allocation
tool or as a speculative trading instrument.
TAX EFFICIENT PRODUCT STRUCTURE
Unlike many conventional mutual funds, the Shares of each Fund are traded
throughout the day on their respective Exchange whereas mutual funds are
typically only bought and sold at closing NAVs. The Shares of each Fund have
been designed to be tradable in the secondary market on their Exchange on an
intra-day basis, and to be created and redeemed principally in-kind in Creation
Units at each day's next calculated NAV. These arrangements are designed to
protect ongoing shareholders from adverse effects on the Funds that could arise
from frequent cash creation and redemption transactions. In a conventional
mutual fund, redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders
because of the mutual fund's need to sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to
meet fund redemptions. These sales may generate taxable gains for the
shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the Shares' in-kind redemption
mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for the Funds or their ongoing
shareholders.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS
Risk is inherent in all investing. The Shares of the Funds will change in value,
and loss of money is a risk of investing in the Funds. Many factors may affect
the value of an investment in a Fund, including market conditions, interest
rates and other economic, political or financial events. A Fund's response to
such events will depend upon the types of securities in which the Fund invests,
the level of investment in particular issuers, and other factors, including the
financial condition, industry, economic sector and location of such issuers. A
Fund's NAV will fluctuate daily based upon these variations. A Fund may not
achieve its investment objective. An investment in a Fund is not a deposit with
a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other governmental agency.
The factors most likely to have a significant impact on a Fund's portfolio are
called "principal risks." The principal risks for each Fund are noted in each
Fund's description and described below. Some risks apply to all Funds, while
others are specific to the investment strategies of certain Funds, as indicated
below. The Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") contains additional
information about the Funds, their investment strategies and related risks. Each
Fund may be subject to risks in addition to those identified as principal risks.
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Market Risk
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All Funds One of the principal risks of investing in the Fund is market risk. Market
risk is the risk that a particular stock owned by the Fund, Shares of the Fund
or stocks in general may fall in value. Shares are subject to market
fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or
market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock
prices. Overall stock values could decline generally or could underperform
other investments.
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Index Tracking Risk
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All Funds You should anticipate that the value of the Shares will decline, more or less,
in correlation with any decline in the value of the Index.
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Non-Correlation Risk
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All Funds The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index for a number of
reasons. For example, the Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the
Index, and may incur costs in buying and selling securities, especially when
rebalancing the Fund's portfolio holdings to reflect changes in the composition
of the Index. In addition, the Fund's portfolio holdings may not exactly
replicate the securities included in the Index or the ratios between the
securities included in the Index.
The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows
into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
expenses. If the Fund utilizes a sampling approach or invests in futures or
other derivative positions, its return may not correlate as well with the
return on the Index, as would be the case if it purchased all of the stocks in
the Index with the same weightings as the Index. While First Trust seeks to
have a correlation of 0.95 or better, before fees and expenses, between the
Fund's performance and the performance of the Index, there can be no assurance
that the Fund will be able to achieve such a correlation. Accordingly, the
Fund's performance may correlate to a lesser extent and may possibly vary
substantially from the performance of the Index.
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Replication Management Risk
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All Funds The Fund is also exposed to additional market risk due to its policy of
investing principally in the securities included in the Index. As a result of
this policy, securities held by the Fund will generally not be bought or sold
in response to market fluctuations and the securities may be issued by
companies concentrated in a particular industry. As a result of this policy,
the Fund would generally not sell a stock because the stock's issuer was in
financial trouble, unless that stock is removed or is anticipated to be removed
from the Index.
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Intellectual Property Risk
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All Funds The Fund relies on a license that permits the Fund to use its corresponding
equity index and associated trade names and trademarks in connection with the
name and investment strategies of the Fund. Such license may be terminated by
the Index Provider and, as a result, the Fund may lose its ability to use such
intellectual property. There is also no guarantee that the Index Provider has
all rights to license such intellectual property to First Trust, on behalf of
the Fund. Accordingly, in the event the license is terminated or the Index
Provider does not have rights to license such intellectual property, it may
have a significant effect on the operation of the Fund.
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Issuer Specific Changes Risk
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All Funds The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more
volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value
of the market as a whole.
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Concentration Risk
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All Funds The Fund will be concentrated in the securities of a given industry if the Index
is concentrated in such industry. A concentration makes the Fund more
susceptible to any single occurrence affecting the industry or sector and may
subject the Fund to greater market risk than more diversified funds.
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Passive Investment Risk
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All Funds The Fund is not actively managed. The Fund may be affected by a general decline
in certain market segments relating to the Index. The Fund invests in
securities included in or representative of its Index regardless of their
investment merit. The Fund generally will not attempt to take defensive
positions in declining markets.
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Microcap Company Risk
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First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap The Fund invests in microcap companies. Such companies may be more vulnerable
Index(SM) Fund to adverse general market or economic developments, and their securities may be
less liquid and may experience greater price volatility than larger, more
established companies as a result of several factors, including limited trading
volumes, products or financial resources, management inexperience and less
publicly available information. Accordingly, such companies are generally
subject to greater market risk than larger, more established companies.
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Non-Diversification Risk
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First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund The Fund is classified as "non-diversified" under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is only limited as
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund to the percentage of its assets which may be invested in the securities of any
one issuer by the diversification requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Because the Fund may invest a relatively
high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund may be
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund more susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence and
to the financial conditions of the issuers in which it invests.
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM)
Index Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM)
Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector
Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector
Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid
Series Index Fund
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund
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Financials Sector Risk
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First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund The Fund invests in the securities of companies in the financials sector. Banks,
thrifts and their holding companies are especially subject to the adverse effects
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend of economic recession; volatile interest rates; portfolio concentrations in
Leaders(SM) Index Fund geographic markets and in commercial and residential real estate loans; and
competition from new entrants in their fields of business. Although the barriers
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund which separated the banking, insurance and securities industries were eliminated
by legislation, these industries are still extensively regulated at both the
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund federal and state level and may be adversely affected by increased regulations.
Banks and thrifts face increased competition from nontraditional lending sources
as regulatory changes permit new entrants to offer various financial products.
Technological advances such as the Internet allow these nontraditional lending
sources to cut overhead and permit the more efficient use of customer data.
Brokerage firms, broker/dealers, investment banks, finance companies and mutual
fund companies are also financial services providers. These companies compete
with banks and thrifts to provide traditional financial service products, in
addition to their traditional services, such as brokerage and investment
advice. In addition, all financial service companies face shrinking profit
margins due to new competitors, the cost of new technology and the pressure to
compete globally.
Companies involved in the insurance industry are engaged in underwriting,
selling, distributing or placing of property and casualty, life or health
insurance. Insurance company profits are affected by many factors, including
interest rate movements, the imposition of premium rate caps, competition and
pressure to compete globally. Property and casualty insurance profits may also
be affected by weather catastrophes, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, acts
of terrorism and other disasters. Life and health insurance profits may be
affected by mortality rates. Already extensively regulated, insurance
companies' profits may also be adversely affected by increased government
regulations or tax law changes.
The Fund may invest in companies that may be affected by the downturn in the
subprime mortgage lending market in the United States. Subprime loans have
higher defaults and losses than prime loans. Subprime loans also have higher
serious delinquency rates than prime loans. The downturn in the subprime
mortgage lending market may have far-reaching consequences into various aspects
of the financials sector, and consequently, the value of the Fund may decline
in response to such developments.
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Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk
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First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund The Fund may invest in small capitalization and/or mid capitalization companies.
Such companies may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund developments, and their securities may be less liquid and may experience greater
price volatility than larger, more established companies as a result of several
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund factors, including limited trading volumes, products or financial resources,
management inexperience and less publicly available information. Accordingly,
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund such companies are generally subject to greater market risk than larger, more
established companies.
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM)
Index Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM)
Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector
Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM)
Fund
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid
Series Index Fund
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index
Fund
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IPO Risk
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First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund The Fund invests in companies that have recently conducted an initial public
offering. The stocks of such companies are often subject to extreme price
volatility and speculative trading. These stocks may have exhibited
above-average price appreciation in connection with the initial public offering
prior to inclusion in the Index. The price of stocks included in the Index may
not continue to appreciate or the performance of these stocks may not replicate
the performance exhibited in the past.
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Information Technology Sector Risk
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First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund The Fund invests in securities of companies in the information technology
sector. Information technology companies are generally subject to the risks of
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund rapidly changing technologies; short product life cycles; fierce competition;
aggressive pricing and reduced profit margins; the loss of patent, copyright
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund and trademark protections; cyclical market patterns; evolving industry standards;
and frequent new product introductions. Information technology companies may be
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted smaller and less experienced companies, with limited product lines, markets or
Index(SM) Fund financial resources and fewer experienced management or marketing personnel.
Information technology company stocks, especially those which are Internet-
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector related, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that are often
Index(SM) Fund unrelated to their operating performance. Also, the stocks of certain information
technology companies have exceptionally high price-to-earning ratios with
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. little or no earnings histories.
Liquid Series Index Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded
Fund
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Biotechnology Company Risk
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First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund The Fund invests in the securities of biotechnology companies. Biotechnology
companies must contend with high development costs; the inability to raise
prices to cover costs because of managed care pressure, government regulation
or price controls; termination of their patent protection for their drug,
vaccine and therapeutic products; and expensive insurance due to the risk of
product liability lawsuits. In addition, as an emerging growth sector,
biotechnology companies may be thinly capitalized and more volatile as a
result. Also, these companies may depend on a few products for all revenues and
may depend on their competitors to produce and market their products, making
their products susceptible to obsolescence.
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Health Care Sector Risk
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First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund The Fund invests in the securities of companies in the health care sector.
Because companies in the health care sector are involved in medical services
or health care including biotechnology research and production, drugs and
pharmaceuticals and health care facilities and services, general problems of
these companies include extensive competition, generic drug sales or the loss
of patent protection, product liability litigation and increased government
regulation. Research and development costs of bringing new drugs to market are
substantial, and there is no guarantee that the product will ever come to
market. Health care facility operators may be affected by the demand for
services, efforts by government or insurers to limit rates, restriction of
government financial assistance and competition from other providers.
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Consumer Discretionary Risk
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First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund The Fund invests in the securities of companies in the consumer discretionary
sector. Because companies in the consumer discretionary sector manufacture
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector products and provide discretionary services directly to the consumer, the
Index(SM) Fund success of these companies is tied closely to the performance of the overall
domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer
confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer
spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the
demand for, and success of, consumer discretionary products in the marketplace.
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Energy Sector Risk
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First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund The Fund invests in the securities of companies in the energy sector. The
companies in the energy sector include integrated oil companies that are
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund involved in the exploration, production and refining process, gas distributors
and pipeline-related companies and other energy companies involved with mining,
producing and delivering energy-related services and drilling. General problems
of issuers in the energy sector include volatile fluctuations in price and
supply of energy fuels, international politics, terrorist attacks, reduced
demand as a result of increases in energy efficiency and energy conservation,
the success of exploration projects, clean-up and litigation costs relating to
oil spills and environmental damage, and tax and other regulatory policies of
various governments. Natural disasters such as hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico
will also impact the petroleum industry. Oil production and refining companies
are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and
regulations regarding air emissions and the disposal of hazardous materials. In
addition, recently oil prices have been at historic highs and extremely
volatile.
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Industrials Sector Risk
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First Trust ISE Water Index Fund The Fund invests in the securities of companies in the industrials sector. Many
companies in these sectors convert unfinished goods into finished durables used
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid to manufacture other goods or provide services. Some industries included in this
Series Index Fund sector are electrical equipment and components, industrial products, manufactured
housing and telecommunications equipment. General risks of these companies
include the general state of the economy, intense competition, consolidation,
domestic and international politics, excess capacity and consumer demand and
spending trends. In addition, they may also be significantly affected by
overall capital spending levels, economic cycles, technical obsolescence,
delays in modernization, labor relations, government regulations and e-commerce
initiatives.
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Clean Energy Companies Risk
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First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid The Fund invests in renewable and alternative energy companies. Renewable and
Series Index Fund alternative energy companies can be significantly affected by the following
factors: obsolescence of existing technology, short product cycles, legislation
resulting in more strict government regulations and enforcement policies,
fluctuations in energy prices and supply and demand of alternative energy
fuels, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, the supply of
and demand for oil and gas, world events and economic conditions. In addition,
shares of clean energy companies have been significantly more volatile than
shares of companies operating in other more established industries and the
securities included in the Fund may be subject to sharp price declines. This
industry is relatively nascent and under-researched in comparison to more
established and mature sectors, and should therefore be regarded as having
greater investment risk.
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Real Estate Investment Risk
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First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund The Fund invests in companies in the real estate industry. When profits,
revenues or the value of real estate property owned by real estate investment
trusts ("REITs") decline or fail to meet market expectations, REIT stock prices
may decline as well. Therefore, the Fund is subject to the risks associated
with investing in real estate (any of which could cause the value of a REIT's
stock price to decline), which may include, but are not limited to, possible
declines in the value of real estate, adverse general and local economic
conditions, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding in a
REIT's market, changes in interest rates and environmental problems. The U.S.
real estate markets have recently experienced significant volatility and
falling values. It is unknown whether the U.S. real estate markets will worsen
or improve over the near term.
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REIT Investment Risk
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First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund In addition to risks related to investments in real estate generally,
investing in REITs involves certain other risks related to their structure and
focus, which include, but are not limited to, dependency upon management
skills, limited diversification, the risks of locating and managing financing
for projects, heavy cash flow dependency, possible default by borrowers, the
costs and potential losses of self-liquidation of one or more holdings, the
possibility of failing to maintain exemptions from registration under the 1940
Act and, in many cases, relatively small market capitalization, which may
result in less market liquidity and greater price volatility.
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Interest Rate Risk
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First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund Increases in interest rates typically lower the present value of a REIT's
future earnings stream, and may make financing property purchases and
improvements more costly. Because the market price of REIT stocks may change
based upon investors' collective perceptions of future earnings, the value of
the Fund will generally decline when investors anticipate or experience rising
interest rates.
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Water Sector Risk
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First Trust ISE Water Index Fund Adverse developments in the potable water and wastewater industries may
significantly affect the value of the Shares of the Fund. Companies involved in
the such industries are subject to environmental considerations, taxes,
government regulation, price and supply fluctuations, competition and
conservation.
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Non-U.S. Securities Risk
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First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund Because the Index may include American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), American
Depositary Shares ("ADSs") and/or stocks of non-U.S. companies, the Fund's
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund investments involve risks of investing in non-U.S. securities that are in
addition to the risks associated with domestic securities. ADRs are certificates
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund issued by a U.S. bank that represent a bank's holdings of a stated number of
shares of a non-U.S. company. ADSs are vehicles for non-U.S. companies to list
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange- their equity shares on a U.S. exchange and are U.S. dollar denominated, and
Traded Fund each share represents one or more underlying shares in a non-U.S. company.
Non-U.S. companies, in general, are not subject to the regulatory requirements
of U.S. companies and, as such, there may be less publicly available
information about these companies. Moreover, non-U.S. accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards generally are different from those applicable to
U.S. companies. In addition, non-U.S. companies are exposed to additional
economic, political, social or diplomatic events.
ADRs and ADSs also involve substantially identical risks to those associated
with investments in non-U.S. securities. In addition, the issuers of certain
depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to
the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with
respect to the deposited securities.
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10
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Natural Gas Sector Risk
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First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund One of the natural gas industry's primary risks is the competitive risk
associated with the prices of alternative fuels, such as coal and oil. For
example, major natural gas customers such as industrial users and electric
power generators often have the ability to switch between the use of coal, oil
or natural gas. During periods when competing fuels are less expensive, the
revenues of gas utility companies may decline with a corresponding impact on
earnings. Weather is another risk that may affect the industry. A warmer winter
could decrease the amount of gas used by heating customers and thereby reduce
the earnings of companies in the industry. Additionally, the natural gas
industry is sensitive to increased interest rates because of the industry's
capital intensive nature.
Furthermore, there are additional risks and hazards that are inherent in the
natural gas industry that may cause the price of natural gas to widely
fluctuate. The exploration for, and production of, natural gas is an uncertain
process with many risks. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells
for natural gas is often uncertain, and a number of factors can delay or
prevent drilling operations or production, including:
o unexpected drilling conditions;
o pressure or irregularities in formations;
o equipment failures or repairs;
o fires or other accidents;
o adverse weather conditions;
o pipeline ruptures or spills; and
o shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs and the
delivery of equipment.
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11
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China Risk
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First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund Investing in securities of Chinese companies involves additional risks,
including, but not limited to: the economy of China differs, often unfavorably,
from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development,
government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate,
allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others; the central
government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every
sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state
ownership; and actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities
continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China.
Economic reform in China, designed to replace Communist style central planning,
has proceeded largely by trial and error aimed at achieving the fastest
possible change with the minimum social dislocation. Despite recent reforms,
the Chinese Communist Party continues to play the leading role in formulating
policy and selecting and providing personnel at all levels of government. In
addition, a significant portion of China's output continues to be derived from
state-owned enterprises and, therefore, the Chinese government maintains
control over a significant range of products, including the production
obligations and prices of such products. China has yet to develop comprehensive
securities, corporate, or commercial laws, and its market is considered
relatively new and undeveloped. Changes in government policy could
significantly affect the markets in China. A small number of industries,
including the commercial banking industry, which can be significantly affected
by interest rate and currency fluctuations, changes in market regulation, and
political and economic developments in the Asian region, represent a large
portion of the Chinese market as a whole. Given the still-developing nature of
laws impacting China region securities markets and corporate entities, changes
in regulatory policy could have a material adverse affect on the Fund's
investments. Of course, there can be no assurance that reform efforts will be
successful.
The Chinese economy is dependent on the economies of other Asian countries and
can be significantly affected by currency fluctuations and increasing
competition from Asia's other low-cost emerging economies. The stability of
China's economic policies has, however, increased following its membership in
December 2001 in the World Trade Organization.
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12
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India Risk
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First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund Investing in securities of Indian companies involves additional risks
including, but not limited to, greater price volatility, substantially less
liquidity and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities
markets, more substantial governmental involvement in the economy, higher rates
of inflation and greater political, economic and social uncertainty.
Furthermore, future actions of the Indian government or religious and ethnic
unrest could have a significant impact on the economy.
India's economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture,
handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of support
services. Overpopulation is considered to severely handicap the economy and
about a quarter of the population of India is too poor to be able to afford an
adequate diet. Government controls have been reduced on imports and foreign
investment, and privatization of domestic output has proceeded slowly.
The rapid economic growth of the last few years has put heavy stress on India's
infrastructural facilities. The projections of further expansion in key areas
could snap the already strained lines of transportation unless massive programs
of expansion and modernization are put in place. Problems include power demand
shortfall, port traffic capacity mismatch, poor road conditions (only half of
the country's roads are surfaced) and low telephone penetration.
Furthermore, although the Indian government is well aware of the need for
reform and is pushing ahead in this area, businesses still have to deal with an
inefficient and sometimes still slow-moving bureaucracy.
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13
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND
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Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FBT 33733E203 AMEX Amex(R) Biotechnology Index(SM) BTK
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
Amex(R) Biotechnology Index(SM).
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Fund's investment objective and the 90% investment
strategy are non-fundamental policies and require 60 days' prior written notice
to shareholders before they can be changed. As non-fundamental policies, the
Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") can change such policies without
receiving shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by AMEX, as Index Provider. The
Index is an equal-dollar weighted index designed to measure the performance of a
cross section of companies in the biotechnology industry that are primarily
involved in the use of biological processes to develop products or provide
services. Such processes include, but are not limited to, recombinant DNA
technology, molecular biology, genetic engineering, monoclonal antibody-based
technology, lipid/liposome technology, and genomics. The Index was established
with a benchmark value of 200.00 on October 18, 1991. Real-time publication of
the Index began on April 1, 1992. The Index is rebalanced quarterly based on
closing prices on the third Friday in January, April, July and October to ensure
that each component stock continues to represent approximately equal weight in
the Index. The companies that comprise the Index do not trade exclusively on
AMEX, but trade on various exchanges. As of March 31, 2008, the Index was
composed of 20 companies.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk;
Biotechnology Company Risk; and Health Care Sector Risk. For more information on
the Fund's principal risks, including a description of the principal risks noted
above, please refer to "Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
14
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND - FBT
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
INDEX DESCRIPTION
The Index is and equal-dollar weighted index designed to measure the performance
of a cross section of companies in the biotechnology industry that are primarily
involved in the use of biological processes to develop products or provide
services. Such processes include, but are not limited to, recombinant DNA
technology, molecular biology, genetic engineering, monoclonal antibody-based
technology, lipid/liposome technology, and genomics.
INDEX CALCULATION
The Index is calculated using a equal-dollar weighting methodology to ensure
that each of the component securities is represented in approximately equal
dollar amounts in the Index. Equal-dollar weighting was established by
designating the number of shares of each component security to represent
approximately $10,000 in market value, based on closing prices on October 18,
1991, the date the Index was established. The aggregate value of the stocks was
reduced by a divisor to establish an Index benchmark value of 200.00.
INDEX ELIGIBILITY AND MAINTENANCE
The Index is calculated and maintained by the AMEX. The AMEX may change the
composition of the Index at any time to reflect the conditions of the
biotechnology industry and to ensure that the component securities continue to
represent the biotechnology industry. The Index is maintained in accordance with
Exchange Rule 901c, which, among other things, requires that securities meet the
following requirements in order to be eligible for inclusion in the Index:
o All component stocks will either be listed on the AMEX, the NYSE or
NASDAQ(R);
o A minimum market value of at least $75 million, except that for each
of the lowest weighted component securities in the Index that in the
aggregate account for no more than 10% of the weight of the Index,
the market value can be at least $50 million;
o Trading volume in each of the last six months of not less than
1,000,000 shares, except that for each of the lowest weighted
component securities in the Index that in the aggregate account for
no more than 10% of the weight of the Index, the trading volume may
be at least 500,000 shares in each of the last six months;
o At least 90% of the Index's numerical index value, and at least 80%
of the total number of component securities, will meet the current
criteria for standardized option trading set forth in Exchange Rule
915;
o Foreign country securities or ADRs thereon that are not subject to
comprehensive surveillance agreements do not in the aggregate
represent more than 20% of the weight of the Index.
Every quarter after the close of trading on the third Friday of January, April,
July and October, the Index portfolio is adjusted by changing the number of
shares of each component stock so that each one again represents an
approximately equal dollar amount in the Index. The newly adjusted portfolio
becomes the basis for the Index's value effective on the first trading day
following the quarterly adjustments. If necessary, a divisor adjustment is made
to ensure continuity of the Index's value.
The number of shares of each component stock in the Index portfolio remain fixed
between quarterly reviews, except in the event of certain types of corporate
actions such as the payment of a dividend, other than an ordinary cash dividend,
stock distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, rights offering, or a
distribution, reorganization, recapitalization, or some such similar event with
respect to a component stock. When the Index is adjusted between quarterly
reviews for such events, the number of shares of the relevant security will be
adjusted, to the nearest whole share, to maintain the component's relative
weight in the Index at the level immediately prior to the corporate action. The
Index may also be adjusted in the event of a merger, consolidation, dissolution,
or liquidation of an issuer of a component stock. In the event of a stock
replacement, the average dollar value of the remaining components will be
calculated and that amount invested in the new component stock to the nearest
whole share. In choosing among biotechnology industry stocks that meet the
minimum criteria set forth in Exchange Rule 901c, the AMEX represents that it
will make every effort to add new stocks that are representative of the
biotechnology industry and will take in account, among other factors, a stock's
capitalization, liquidity, volatility, and name recognition. In connection with
any adjustments to the Index, the Index divisor is adjusted to ensure that there
are no changes to the Index level as a result of non-market forces. Similar to
other index values published by the AMEX, the value of the Index is published
every 15 seconds through the Consolidated Tape Association's Network B.
Information regarding the methodology for calculating the Index is also found on
the AMEX website (www.amex.com).
15
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND - FBT
AMEX publishes the changes to the Index on the effective date of the change. All
replacement companies are selected based on the selection criteria set forth
herein.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that the AMEX no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is
terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed, the
Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that proves to be
impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be in the best
interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
year as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and since
inception periods ended December 31, 2007. This information is intended to help
you assess the potential rewards and risks of an investment in the Fund. The
information also shows how the Fund's performance compares with the returns of a
broad measure of market performance and a more specialized index. See "Total
Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2007 3.65%
|
(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -6.39%.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest calendar
quarter returns were 5.53% and -4.46%, respectively, for the quarters ended
September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2007. The Fund's past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform
in the future.
16
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND - FBT
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(6/19/2006)
Returns Before Taxes 3.65% 13.87%
After Taxes on Distributions 3.65% 13.87%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 2.37% 11.85%
NASDAQ(R) Biotechnology Index* 4.64% 10.34%
S&P 500(R) Index** 5.49% 13.77%
|
* The NASDAQ(R) Biotechnology Index includes securities of NASDAQ(R)
-listed companies that have been classified as either biotechnology or
pharmaceuticals and that also meet other eligibility criteria established
by NASDAQ(R).
**The S&P 500(R) Index includes 500 large cap companies in the leading
industries of the U.S. economy representing approximately 75% of the U.S.
equities market.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.40%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.33%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.73%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.13%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$61 $259 $490 $1,153
-------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
17
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND - FBT
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only broker-dealers or large institutional investors that have entered
into authorized participant agreements with respect to purchases and redemptions
of Creation Units, called "Authorized Participants" ("APs"), can purchase or
redeem these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a
standard Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense
table for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$7,132 $26,949 $50,020 $116,318
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
18
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FDV 33733E104 AMEX Deutsche Bank CROCI(R) US+ Index(TM) CROCI
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
Deutsche Bank CROCI(R) US+ Index(TM).
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Fund's investment objective and the 90% investment
strategy are non-fundamental policies and require 60 days' prior written notice
to shareholders before they can be changed. As non-fundamental policies, the
Board can change such policies without receiving shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by Deutsche Bank AG, London
Branch, as Index Provider. The objective of the Index is to identify companies
that may be undervalued based upon their "economic" price/earnings ratios. The
Index is an equal-dollar weighted index which is intended to reflect the total
return performance of the 40 stocks in the Selection Pool (as hereinafter
defined) with the lowest positive CROCI Economic Price Earnings Ratios (as
defined in "Additional Index Information"). The Selection Pool is determined by
taking the 251 stocks with the highest market capitalization in the S&P 500(R)
Index and then excluding from that initial pool of 251 stocks any stocks issued
by financial companies. The S&P 500(R) Index is an equity index that includes
the 500 leading companies in leading industries in the U.S. economy. The S&P
500(R) Index focuses on the large-cap segment of the market with over 80%
coverage by market capitalization of U.S. equities. The 40 stocks selected are
those having the lowest "economic" price/earnings ratio as described under
"Additional Index Information." The Index (including the Selection Pool) is
reconstituted on a monthly basis. The Index was constituted by the Index
Provider on February 2, 2004 (the "Index Commencement Date"). The Index was
initially determined to have a benchmark value of 1,000.00 at the close of
trading on February 1, 1996. As of March 31, 2008, there were 40 stocks that
comprised the Index.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk;
and Energy Sector Risk. For more information on the Fund's principal risks,
including a description of the principal risks noted above, please refer to
"Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
19
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND - FDV
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The CROCI Economic Price Earnings Ratio is the "economic" price/earnings ratio
calculated based on a CROCI (cash return on capital invested) analysis. CROCI is
an investment research discipline that makes in-depth adjustments to company
financial statements in order to make their price/earnings ratios comparable
across sectors as well as markets. CROCI is an application of the "residual
income valuation model," which attempts to measure a company's ability to earn
positive residual income or economic profits (returns that outweigh the
company's cost of capital).
The Index and the CROCI Economic Price Earnings Ratio methodology have been
developed by Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, the Index Provider. The CROCI
Valuation Group, a part of the research group of Deutsche Bank AG, London
Branch, carries out the analysis and calculation of the CROCI Economic Price
Earnings Ratios that form the basis of the Index.
Following the Index Commencement Date, on a monthly basis the Index Provider has
reconstituted and will continue to reconstitute the Index and determine new
component stocks of the Index. The stocks constituting the Index (each an "Index
Constituent") will be equally weighted upon each Index reconstitution based on
the U.S. dollar value of each stock included in the Index.
The Daily Index Closing Level will be calculated on each trading day by the AMEX
(the "Index Calculation Agent") using the closing price and the weight of each
Index Constituent (except in the case of a certain market disruption events).
The Index is expressed in U.S. dollars. The current composition of the Index and
its levels, including hypothetical levels prior to the Index Commencement Date
calculated retrospectively by the Index Provider, are available on the website
of the Index Calculation Agent.
CROCI VALUATION
The Index is constituted by reference to CROCI Economic Price Earnings Ratios
determined for each stock in the Selection Pool. Such ratios are calculated
through the application of a research methodology applied by the CROCI Valuation
Group. Set forth below is a general explanation of the methodology currently
used in calculating these ratios. It should not, however, be regarded as an
exhaustive explanation of such research methodology. The methodology may be
amended, including during the life of the Fund, as appropriate in light of
generally recognized changes in the residual income valuation model applied by
investment professionals using that model. The calculation of each CROCI
Economic Price Earning Ratio is determined by the CROCI Valuation Group by
reference to publicly available information, but adjusted on assumptions made by
the CROCI Valuation Group. Such assumptions may subsequently prove not to have
been correct. Furthermore, each CROCI Economic Price Earnings Ratio is
determined based on historical information and is no guarantee of future
results.
The "CROCI Economic Price Earnings Ratio" means, in respect of an Eligible Share
(as defined below) in the Selection Pool and the first London business day of a
month (a "Selection Date"), the economic price-earnings ratio for such stock
determined by the CROCI Valuation Group on such Selection Date as (i) the
quotient of (A) the trailing twelve-month Enterprise Value (as defined below)
divided by (B) the trailing twelve-month Net Capital Invested (as defined
below), divided by (ii) the trailing twelve-month Cash Return on Capital
Invested (as defined below), in each case for such stock on such Selection Date.
For example, if the Enterprise Value of an issuer is $20.0 billion, its Net
Capital Invested is $10.0 billion and its Cash Return on Capital Invested is
10%, its CROCI Economic Price Earnings Ratio will be ($20.0 billion/$10.0
billion)/0.10 = 20.0.
"Eligible Share" means, in respect of a Selection Date, each stock in the
Selection Pool that has a CROCI Economic Price Earnings Ratio for such Selection
Date that is greater than zero; provided that certain stocks may be ineligible
due to regulatory restrictions on research to which the Index Provider is
subject (for example, the Index Provider may be in possession of material
non-public information with respect to an issuer as a result of its other
activities as a financial institution) or due to unavailability or potential
unreliability of financial information on the issuer of the stocks.
The "Enterprise Value" of an issuer is calculated based on (i) its most recent
month's average market capitalization, (ii) the value, as determined by the
CROCI Valuation Group, of (A) any other equity capital and equity equivalents
(including, but not limited to, options and in-the-money convertibles of the
issuer) and (B) non-consolidated equity holdings, joint ventures and minority
interests, in each case not represented in the market capitalization of the
issuer, and (iii) such issuer's debt and debt equivalents (including, but not
limited to, pension liabilities, provisioning and items such as advance
payments). For example, if the market capitalization of an issuer is $10.0
billion, its other equity capital and capital equivalents and non-consolidated
equity holdings, certain joint ventures and minority interests, in each case to
the extent not represented in the market capitalization, are $3.0 billion and
its debt and debt equivalents are $7.0 billion, its Enterprise Value will be
$10.0 billion + $3.0 billion + $7.0 billion = $20.0 billion.
The "Net Capital Invested" means, in respect of an issuer, an amount as
determined by the CROCI Valuation Group equal to the sum of the issuer's
tangible fixed assets, intangible assets (including, but not limited to,
20
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND - FDV
research and development, leased assets and other depreciable intangible assets
such as brands) and non-depreciable capital (including, but not limited to, net
working capital), less accumulated depreciation, which resultant amount is then
adjusted for inflation and represents the net, inflation-adjusted value of all
cash spent on creating each such issuer's asset base. For example, if the sum of
an issuer's tangible fixed assets, intangible assets and non-depreciable capital
is $11.82 billion and the adjustment of such amount for inflation resulted in a
10% increase, and the issuer's accumulated depreciation is $3.0 billion, its Net
Capital Invested will be ($11.82 billion x 1.10) - $3.0 billion = $10.0 billion.
"Cash Return of Capital Invested" or "CROCI" means, in respect of an issuer, the
inflation-adjusted economic return on such issuer's assets as determined by the
CROCI Valuation Group. For an issuer, the economic return is determined
differently from the accounting return (as determined in accordance with
relevant accounting statements) and is the discount rate which, when applied to
the after-tax gross earnings of the issuer, causes the resultant figure to be
equal to the weighted average of the total economic capital of the issuer. As
used herein, "total economic capital" means, in respect of an issuer, the value,
as determined by the CROCI Valuation Group, of the issuer's (i) tangible fixed
assets; (ii) advertising and research and development costs (which are items
that are normally expensed in the profit and loss account of an issuer's
financial statements), which the CROCI Valuation Group deems to have an economic
life longer than one year; and (iii) other economic assets that are excluded
from the balance sheet, which currently includes leased assets. For example, if
the gross after-tax earnings of an issuer are $2.17 billion and its
inflation-adjusted total economic capital is $13.31 billion, the CROCI will be
0.10 or 10%, which is the discount rate required so that the value of gross
after-tax earnings of $2.17 billion per year, assuming the economic life of
these assets are 10 years, would be worth the total economic capital of $13.31
billion.
In calculating the Net Capital Invested and CROCI, adjustments for inflation are
made by reference to the U.S. GDP Deflator published by the United States
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis.
INDEX RECONSTITUTION
On each Selection Date, the Index Provider will select the Index Constituents
that will replace the Index Constituents then constituting the Index from the
Selection Pool. The reconstitution of the Index will take effect on the third
trading day following the Selection Day (the "Index Reconstitution Day"). The
selection procedure for the Index Constituents is as follows:
(i) The CROCI Economic Price Earnings Ratio for each Eligible Share in
the Selection Pool is determined by the CROCI Valuation Group.
(ii) The Index Provider selects the 40 Eligible Shares with the lowest
positive CROCI Economic Price Earnings Ratio as Index Constituents
(with the Eligible Share with the higher Market Capitalization
chosen in the case of ties).
(iii) In the event that there are fewer than 40 Eligible Shares
available for inclusion within the Index for the purposes of the
Selection Date, then that number of Eligible Shares will be the
only Index Constituents until the next Selection Date.
On each Index Reconstitution Day, after the closing prices of the previous and
new Index Constituents have been published, the Index Provider shall determine
the Weight for each new Index Constituent as equal to the quotient of (i) the
Daily Index Closing Level on such Index Reconstitution Day divided by the number
of new Index Constituents and (ii) the Closing price of such new Index
Constituent on such Index Reconstitution Day. In general, the "Weight" means,
for each Index Constituent on each trading day, the number of shares, or portion
of a share, as applicable, of such Index Constituent contained in the Index on
such trading day as calculated by the Index Calculation Agent.
INDEX CALCULATION
The "Daily Index Closing Level" will be calculated on each trading day (so long
as certain disruption events do not occur), as the sum of the products of (a)
the Weight for each Index Constituent and (b) the Closing price of such Index
Constituent on such trading day. The Daily Index Closing Level shall be rounded
to the nearest two decimal places, with 0.005 being rounded downwards.
Upon the occurrence of certain events such as suspensions, limitations or
disruptions of trading on exchanges of shares, publications of market values or
banking transactions, the Daily Index Closing Level will not be calculated;
provided that if the event continues for a period of eight trading days then the
Index Provider will calculate the Daily Index Closing Level based on the then
prevailing market conditions, the last reported closing price of each relevant
Index Constituent and such other conditions that the Index Provider determines
relevant for the calculation of the Daily Index Closing Level.
If any change in law or regulations would make calculation of the Index illegal
or materially change its economic terms, the Index Provider may modify the
methodology of the Index to permit such calculation or prevent such material
change.
21
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND - FDV
The Index Provider may also make modifications to the terms of or method
of calculating the Index or its level to correct errors.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INDEX
Amounts used to calculate the Index are subject to adjustment under certain
circumstances, as described below.
DIVIDENDS. Upon an Index Constituent going ex-dividend, its Weight will be
increased to adjust for the impact of such dividend on the Closing price of such
Index Constituent assuming that a percentage of such dividend intended to
represent the after-tax amount thereof (currently assumed to be 85%) is
reinvested into such Index Constituent.
DILUTIVE OR CONCENTRATIVE EVENTS. Upon certain events that may have dilutive or
concentrative effects on the value of an Index Constituent, such as stock
splits, reverse stock splits, reclassifications and extraordinary dividends and
distributions, the Index Provider may make adjustments to the Weight of such
Index Constituent or the formula for determining the Daily Index Closing Level
to account for that effect.
EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS. If certain events such as a merger event, tender offer,
de-listing, nationalization or insolvency occurs in relation to an Index
Constituent, the Index Provider shall determine the appropriate adjustment, if
any, to be made to the calculation of the Index.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE S&P 500(R) INDEX. If the S&P 500(R) Index ceases to exist, is
materially changed or is unavailable or unreliable, the Index Provider may
select a successor Selection Pool portfolio to replace the S&P 500(R) Index or,
if this is not feasible, make such determinations and/or adjustments as it
considers appropriate until there is a suitable replacement portfolio.
Information regarding the methodology for calculating the Index is also found on
the AMEX website (www.amex.com) under the symbol "CROCI." The AMEX website for
the Index can also be accessed directly at
http://www.amex.com/othProd/prodInf/OpPiIndMain.jsp?Product_Symbol=CROCI.
The AMEX publishes the changes to the Index on its website at www.amex.com on
the second business day of each month. Two business days following the
publishing of the new constituents, at the close of trading, the Index is
reconstituted and rebalanced.
The updated values of the Index are distributed by the AMEX during trading hours
(9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. New York time) every 15 seconds through its quotation
network to a variety of data vendors. In addition, delayed quotations of the
Index are available on www.amex.com during regular trading hours.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that the Index Provider no longer calculates the Index, the Index
license is terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially
changed, the Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that
proves to be impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it
deems to be in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
year as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and since
inception periods ended December 31, 2007. This information is intended to help
you assess the potential rewards and risks of an investment in the Fund. The
information also shows how the Fund's performance compares with the returns of a
broad measure of market performance and a more specialized index. See "Total
Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
22
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND - FDV
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2007 10.26%
|
(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -8.08%.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest calendar
quarter returns were 9.16% and -1.17%, respectively, for the quarters ended June
30, 2007 and September 30, 2007. The Fund's past performance (before and after
taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(7/6/2006)
Returns Before Taxes 10.26% 14.37%
After Taxes on Distributions 9.94% 14.03%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 6.67% 12.08%
S&P 500 Value Index* 2.03% 10.02%
S&P 500(R) Index** 5.49% 12.10%
|
* The S&P 500 Value Index includes securities selected from the S&P 500(R)
Index based on value criteria.
**The S&P 500(R) Index includes 500 large cap companies in the leading
industries of the U.S. economy representing approximately 75% of the U.S.
equities market.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.50%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.62%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.12%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.47%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.65%
|
23
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND - FDV
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$66 $335 $654 $1,559
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.65% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.65% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$7,641 $34,505 $66,417 $156,902
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
24
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FDN 33733E302 AMEX Dow Jones Internet Composite Index(SM) DJINET
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Dow
Jones Internet Composite Index(SM).
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Fund's investment objective and the 90% investment
strategy are non-fundamental policies and require 60 days' prior written notice
to shareholders before they can be changed. As non-fundamental policies, the
Board can change such policies without receiving shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by Dow Jones & Company, Inc.,
as Index Provider. The Index is designed to include only companies whose primary
focus is Internet-related. To be eligible for inclusion in the Index, a company
must generate at least 50% of its revenues from Internet commerce or services
and must currently be included in the Dow Jones U.S. Index. The Index is divided
between two types of Internet companies -- Internet commerce companies and
Internet services companies. Internet commerce companies are defined as those
that derive the majority of their revenues from providing goods or services
through an open network, whereas Internet services companies are defined as
those that derive the majority of their revenues from providing access to the
Internet or providing services to people using the Internet. As of the date of
this Prospectus, the Index includes 15 Internet commerce stocks and 25 Internet
services stocks. Though the total stock number has remained at 40 since the
Index's inception in February 1999, this number is not fixed, but rather may be
raised as the market grows to cover at least 80% of market capitalization.
The Index represents companies that generate the majority of their revenues via
the Internet. The Index was designed and is maintained according to a set of
rules that were devised with the goal of providing clear and accurate views of
the growing Internet market segment. The Index aims to consistently represent
80% of the float-adjusted Internet equity universe. The Index contains two
sub-indexes, the Dow Jones Internet Commerce Index and the Dow Jones Internet
Services Index. For its stock to be eligible for the "universe," a company must
generate at least 50% of annual sales/revenues from the Internet, and be
currently included in the Dow Jones U.S. Index. To be eligible for inclusion, a
stock issued through an initial public offering must have a minimum of three
months' trading history. Spinoffs require this history only if the parent stock
has been trading for less than three months.
An Index-eligible stock must also have:
o Three-month average market capitalization of at least $100 million;
o Three-month average closing price above $10 (for new components); and
o Sufficient trading activity to pass liquidity tests.
25
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND - FDN
Index components are selected using an equally-weighted combination of market
capitalization and trading volume (three-month averages for both factors). All
stocks are ranked by float-adjusted market capitalization and then by share
volume. The ranks are then summed in order to determine a company's score.
Companies are then sorted in descending order of score and possible additions or
deletions are determined by a company's position within either the Internet
services sector or the Internet commerce sector.
The Index is weighted by market capitalization, except that a ceiling is imposed
on very large stocks. A stock's market value is limited to no more than 10% of
either the Dow Jones Internet Commerce Index or Dow Jones Internet Services
Index. This limitation is reviewed and applied on the third Friday of each
quarter-end, which means that it is possible for a stock to exceed 10% of either
the Dow Jones Internet Commerce Index or Dow Jones Internet Services Index
between review cycles.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk;
and Information Technology Sector Risk. For more information on the Fund's
principal risks, including a description of the principal risks noted above,
please refer to "Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The Index was released by Dow Jones for circulation in February 1999. The
composition of the Index is reviewed by Dow Jones quarterly and additions to or
subtractions from the Index occur on the 3rd Friday of March, June, September
and December, which may impact the relative weightings of the securities in the
Index. Daily historical hypothetical Index values are calculated by Dow Jones
and are available dating back to June 30, 1997. The base value of the Index was
set at 100.00 as of the close of trading on June 30, 1998. The Index is weighted
based on float-adjusted market capitalization. Float-adjusted capitalization
reflects what Dow Jones believes to be the outstanding shares minus non-publicly
held shares multiplied by the market price. Dow Jones believes that the use of
float-adjusted capitalization results in companies with fewer publicly offered
shares having a smaller weighting in the Index.
Currently, the Index consists of 40 common stocks. New components are not
eligible to be displaced from the Index for a period of six months following
their addition, except in cases of the companies being acquired. A
non-component's score must rank 15th or higher in the Internet services sector
and 10th or higher in the Internet commerce sector to be added. In such case,
the lowest-ranking component will be deleted. A component ranking 45th or lower
in the Internet services sector, or 25th or lower in the Internet commerce
sector, will be deleted and replaced with the highest-ranking non-component. Dow
Jones publishes the changes to the Index prior to the effective date of the
change and on such effective date posts the changes on its website at
www.djindexes.com. All replacement companies are selected based on the selection
criteria set forth herein.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that Dow Jones no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is
terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed, the
Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that proves to be
impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be in the best
interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
year as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and since
inception periods ended December 31, 2007. This information is intended to help
you assess the potential rewards and risks of an investment in the Fund. The
information also shows how the Fund's performance compares with the returns of a
broad measure of market performance. See "Total Return Information" for
additional performance information regarding the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
26
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND - FDN
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2007 11.17%
|
(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -11.32%.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest calendar
quarter returns were 11.33% and -3.72%, respectively, for the quarters ended
June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2007. The Fund's past performance (before and
after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in
the future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(6/19/2006)
Returns Before Taxes 11.17% 15.93%
After Taxes on Distributions 11.17% 15.93%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 7.26% 13.61%
S&P 500(R) Index* 5.49% 13.77%
|
* The S&P 500(R) Index includes 500 large cap companies in the leading
industries of the U.S. economy representing approximately 75% of the
U.S. equities market.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.40%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.30%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.70%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.10%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
27
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND - FDN
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$61 $254 $478 $1,122
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$7,132 $26,419 $48,801 $113,185
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
28
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FDM 33718M105 AMEX Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) DJSM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Dow
Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM). The investment objective of the Fund is a
fundamental policy that may be changed only with shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its assets in common stocks of
U.S. micro-capitalization companies which are publicly traded in the United
States. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common
stocks that comprise the Index. These policies are non-fundamental policies and
require 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before they can be
changed. As non-fundamental policies, the Board can change such policies without
receiving shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
another stock in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the Index
or utilize various combinations of the above techniques or futures or other
derivative instruments, in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may sell stocks
that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from the
Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation of their
addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by Dow Jones & Company, Inc.,
as Index Provider. The Index is comprised of selected U.S. micro-capitalization
companies chosen from all common stocks traded on the NYSE, the AMEX and
NASDAQ(R) with limited partnerships excluded.
The Index measures the performance of selected U.S. micro-capitalization
companies chosen from all common stocks traded on the NYSE, the AMEX and
NASDAQ(R) (excluding limited partnerships) that are comparatively liquid and
have strong fundamentals relative to the micro-capitalization segment as a
whole.
All stocks traded on the NYSE are ranked by full market capitalization, and then
are divided into deciles containing equal numbers of securities. Deciles nine
and ten are defined as microcaps. All stocks traded on the NYSE, the AMEX and
NASDAQ(R) whose market capitalizations are within or below the microcap range
defined by the NYSE stocks are included in the selection universe.
Currently, the Index composition is determined by selecting stocks from the
universe based on size, trading volume and financial indicators in the following
manner:
1. Eliminate from the selection universe any securities that do not meet all
three of the following criteria:
o Within the top 1,000 stocks by full market capitalization
o Within the top 1,000 stocks by three-month dollar volume
o Within the top 1,500 stocks by one-month dollar volume
29
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND - FDM
2.Exclude stocks that rank within the bottom 20% of the filtered selection
universe based on any one of the following factors:
o Trailing P/E ratio (highest are excluded)
o Trailing price/sales ratio (highest are excluded)
o Per-share profit change for the previous quarter (lowest are excluded)
o Operating profit margin (lowest are excluded)
o Six-month total return (lowest are excluded)
Individual securities for which financial ratios or return data are not
available are not subjected to the applicable screens. Accordingly, such
securities will not be excluded from the Index merely because such data is not
available.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; and Microcap Company RISK. For more information on the Fund's
principal risks, including a description of the principal risks noted above,
please refer to "Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The Index was released by Dow Jones for circulation in June 2005. The
composition of the Index is reviewed by Dow Jones annually in August and
additions to or subtractions from the Index occurs following this annual review.
The shares outstanding and float factors are reconsidered by Dow Jones quarterly
in March, June, September and December which may impact the relative weightings
of the securities in the Index. Daily historical hypothetical Index values are
calculated by Dow Jones and are available dating back to August 31, 1992. The
base value of the Index was set at 100.00 as of that date. The Index is weighted
based on float-adjusted market capitalization dating back to May 3, 2004. Prior
to that date, the Index is weighted based on full market capitalization.
Float-adjusted capitalization reflects what Dow Jones believes to be the
outstanding shares minus non-publicly held shares multiplied by the market
price. Full market capitalization represents the outstanding shares multiplied
by the market price. Dow Jones believes that the change to the use of a
float-adjusted capitalization, rather than full market capitalization, provides
a better way to measure a company's impact on the markets. So as a result,
companies with fewer publicly offered shares will have a smaller weighting in
the Index.
Currently, the Index will consist of a maximum of 1,000 common stocks, less the
stocks within the bottom 20% of the filtered selection universe based on any one
of the five factors provided in "Investment Objective, Strategies and
Risks--Index Construction." As of March 31, 2008, the Index consisted of 247
stocks and the average and median market capitalizations of the companies
included in the Index were approximately $400 million and $300 million,
respectively. The market capitalizations of the companies in the Index ranged
from approximately $100 million to $1.1 billion.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that Dow Jones no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is
terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed, the
Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that proves to be
impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be in the best
interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
two years as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and
since inception periods ended December 31, 2007. The bar chart and table provide
an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the
Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad measure of market performance.
See "Total Return Information" for additional performance information regarding
the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
30
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND - FDM
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2006 15.69%
2007 -6.02%
|
(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -9.93%.
During the two years ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest
calendar quarter returns were 10.85% and -7.35%, respectively, for the quarters
ended March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007. The Fund's past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform
in the future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(9/27/2005)
Returns Before Taxes -6.02% 5.47%
After Taxes on Distributions -6.21% 5.32%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares -3.91% 4.58%
Russell 2000(R) Index* -1.56% 8.23%
|
* The Russell 2000(R) Index consists of the 2000 smallest market cap stocks
within the Russell 3000(R) Index. The Russell 3000(R) Index is
constructed to represent approximately 98% of the U.S. equities market.
31
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND - FDM
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $1,500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.50%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.85%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.35%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.75%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$61 $368 $739 $1,782
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $1,500 for the
Fund (assuming between 201 to 300 different securities in a Creation
Unit), as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or
redeemed outside the usual process through the National Securities
Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to
three times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
32
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND - FDM
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$9,132 $39,845 $76,920 $181,217
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
33
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FPX 336920103 AMEX IPOX-100 U.S. Index IPXO
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
IPOX-100 U.S. Index. The investment objective of the Fund is a fundamental
policy that may be changed only with shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The 90% investment strategy is a non-fundamental policy and
requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Board can change such policy without receiving
shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by IPOX Schuster LLC, as Index
Provider. The Index is a modified, value-weighted price index measuring the
performance of the top U.S. companies ranked quarterly by market capitalization
in the IPOX Global Composite Index. The Index utilizes a 10% capping on all
constituents and includes the 100 largest, typically best performing and most
liquid initial public offerings ("IPOs") in the IPOX Global Composite Index. The
Index is derived by ranking the applicable stocks by total market
capitalization, which is the total number of shares outstanding times closing
price. The inception date of the Index was January 3, 1989.
The IPOX Global Composite Index is a fully market capitalization-weighted index
that is dynamically rebalanced and is constructed and managed to provide a broad
and objective view of global aftermarket performance of IPOs and spin-offs in
all world countries (emerging and developed). After applying initial screens,
all eligible constituents enter on the close of the sixth trading day and remain
in the IPOX Global Composite Index for a pre-determined 1000 trading days or
approximately four years thereafter. The criteria applied to select constituents
of the former IPOX Composite U.S. Index are now the criteria applied to select
the U.S. constituents of the IPOX Global Composite Index.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Financials Sector Risk; Small Cap and
Mid Cap Company Risk; IPO Risk; and Information Technology Sector Risk. For more
information on the Fund's principal risks, including a description of the
principal risks noted above, please refer to "Principal Investment Risks"
beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
34
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND - FPX
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
IPOX is the creator of the Index. The Index is a modified value-weighted price
index measuring the performance of the top 100 U.S. companies ranked quarterly
by market capitalization in the IPOX Global Composite Index. The Index measures
the performance of the top 100 companies representing on average around 80% of
the total market capitalization in the IPOX Global Composite Index.
The IPOX Global Composite Index is a fully market capitalization-weighted index
which is dynamically rebalanced and is constructed and managed to providing a
broad and objective view of global aftermarket performance of IPOs and spin-offs
in all world countries (emerging and developed).
o After applying initial screens, all eligible constituents enter on
the close of the sixth trading day and remain in the index for a
pre-determined 1000 trading days or approximately four years
thereafter.
o On any given day, the value of the IPOX Global Composite Index is
the quotient of the total market capitalization of its
constituents and its divisor. Continuity in the values of the IPOX
Global Composite Index is maintained by adjusting the divisor for
all changes in the constituents share capital after the base date.
This includes additions and deletions to the index, rights issues,
share buybacks and issuances, and spin-offs, etc. The divisor's
time series is, in effect, a chronological summary of all changes
affecting the base capital of the IPOX Global Composite Index. The
divisor is adjusted such that the value of the IPOX Global
Composite Index at an instant just prior to a change in base
capital equals the value at an instant immediately following that
change.
With its fixed number of constituents stocks, the Index pooled approximately
$505.5 billion of U.S. stock market capitalization, as of April 17, 2008. The
Index typically includes large IPOs. The Index is reconstituted quarterly to
reflect changes in stock market values of the IPOX Global Composite Index
constituents and IPO activity during the past quarter with potential new
companies entering the Index while other companies reach 1,000 days in the Index
and automatically drop out. To ensure that certain diversification requirements
are met, the weighting of the largest Index constituents is capped at 10% at the
quarterly reconstitution event.
The Index provides average, rather than median, exposure to the performance of
IPOs, once companies are public. This is interesting because of the well-known
skewedness of the distribution of long-run IPO returns. The underlying and
well-reported empirical features in IPOs make products benchmarked against the
Index interesting for a number of market participants with varying investment
horizons, such as the retail buy-and-hold community and high-net worth
individuals seeking average IPO exposure, arbitrageurs, traders or index
spreaders.
Information regarding the methodology for calculating the Index is also found on
the IPOX website (www.ipoxschuster.com).
IPOX publishes the changes to the Index and posts the changes on its website at
www.ipoxschuster.com two days prior to the effective date of any such change.
All replacement companies are selected based on the selection criteria set forth
herein.
The updated values of the Index are distributed by Standard & Poor's(R), a
division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P(R)") and NYSE Arca or ArcaEx
during trading hours (8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.) every 15 seconds through their
quotation network to a variety of data vendors. In addition, delayed quotations
of the Index are available on ww.ipoxschuster.com every five minutes during
regular trading hours. S&P(R) acts as the calculation agent for the IPOX
indices.
The Index is reviewed quarterly according to March, June, September and December
Options and Futures Expiration Cycles. Specifically, on the close of the second
Wednesday in the quarter, the constituents of the IPOX Global Composite Index
are ranked by full market capitalization. The top 100 U.S constituents ranked by
full market capitalization in the IPOX Global Composite Index trading within
their 1,000th trading day anniversary on the stock market at the time of the
forthcoming quarterly expiration are then declared new Index constituents. The
newly adjusted Index membership list takes effect on the Monday following the
third Friday of every quarter until the next reconstitution process.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that IPOX no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is
terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed, the
Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that proves to be
impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be in the best
interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares are delisted.
35
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND - FPX
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
year as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and since
inception periods ended December 31, 2007. This information is intended to help
you assess the potential rewards and risks of an investment in the Fund. The
information also shows how the Fund's performance compares with the returns of a
broad measure of market performance. See "Total Return Information" for
additional performance information regarding the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2007 14.53%
|
(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -14.39%.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest calendar
quarter returns were 7.70% and -0.85%, respectively, for the quarters ended June
30, 2007 and September 30, 2007. The Fund's past performance (before and after
taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(4/12/2006)
Returns Before Taxes 14.53% 14.97%
After Taxes on Distributions 14.42% 14.91%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 9.44% 12.78%
Russell 3000(R) Index* 5.24% 9.28%
|
* The Russell 3000(R) Index is comprised of the 3000 largest (by market
cap) and most liquid stocks based and traded in the U.S. representing
approximately 98% of the U.S. equities market.
36
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND - FPX
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.40%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.66%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.06%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.46%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$61 $318 $623 $1,492
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
37
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND - FPX
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$7,132 $32,762 $63,343 $150,234
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
38
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FNI 33733A102 NYSE Arca ISE ChIndia Index(TM) ICK
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the ISE
ChIndia Index(TM).
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Fund's investment objective and the 90% investment
strategy are non-fundamental policies and require 60 days' prior written notice
to shareholders before they can be changed. As non-fundamental policies, the
Board can change such policies without receiving shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed and owned by the International Securities Exchange, LLC,
as Index Provider in consultation with S&P(R), which calculates and maintains
the Index. The Index is a non-market capitalization weighted portfolio of 50
ADRs, ADSs and/or stocks selected from a universe of all listed ADRs, ADSs
and/or stocks of companies from China and India currently trading on U.S.
exchanges. ADRs are certificates issued by a U.S. bank that represent a bank's
holdings of a stated number of shares of a non-U.S. company. ADSs are vehicles
for non-U.S. companies to list their equity shares on a U.S. exchange and are
U.S. dollar denominated, and each share represents one or more underlying shares
in a non-U.S. company. The inception date of the Index was April 3, 2007. As of
March 31, 2008, there were 50 stocks that comprised the Index.
This Index is constructed in the following manner:
1. Establish the universe of companies that are domiciled in either
India or China and whose ADRs, ADSs and/or stocks are listed on a U.S.
securities exchange.
2. Remove companies that do not meet the Component Eligibility
Requirements (as defined below).
3. If a company has multiple share classes, include the most liquid
issue for that company and remove the remaining classes. 4. Rank the
stocks in descending order by unadjusted market capitalization. Assign
a numerical score to each stock based on its rank (e.g., first
stock gets a "1").
5. Rank the stocks in descending order by the average daily value of
shares traded for the past three months. Assign a numerical score to
each stock based on its rank.
6. Determine the "combined liquidity score" of each stock by adding the
scores assigned during each ranking process above.
39
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND - FNI
7. Within each country, rank the stocks by its "combined liquidity
score."
8. Select the top 25 stocks within each country by liquidity score.
If less than 25 stocks are available for a country, then continue
selecting stocks from the other country until a maximum of 50
stocks are selected.
9. Weight the stocks according to the following methodology:
a. Top three rank stocks in each country are weighted at 7% each;
b. The next three stocks in each country are weighted at 4% each;
c. The next three stocks in each country are weighted at 2% each;
and
d. The remaining stocks are then equally weighted.
The Component Eligibility Requirements for the Index are as follows:
1. A candidate must qualify as a "reported security" as defined in Rule
11Aa3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"1934 Act"), and its common stock must be listed on the NYSE, AMEX
or NASDAQ(R).
2. The company must be domiciled in either India or China (excluding
Taiwan).
3. The company must be an operating company. Closed-end funds or
exchange-traded funds are excluded.
4. Each component security has a
three-month average daily trading value of at least $1 million.
5. Each
component security has been listed for the last 60 consecutive days.
6. Each component security has an unadjusted market capitalization of
at least $250 million.
After the initial selection of securities, the Index is rebalanced on the
application of the above model on a semi-annual basis.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk;
Information Technology Sector Risk; Non-U.S. Securities Risk; China Risk; and
India Risk. For more information on the Fund's principal risks, including a
description of the principal risks noted above, please refer to "Principal
Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The Index is calculated and maintained by S&P(R) based on a methodology
developed by the Index Provider in consultation with S&P(R). Companies are added
or removed by the Index Provider based on the methodology determined by the
Index Provider.
The Index is calculated on a price and total return basis. The price component
of the Index is calculated in real-time and disseminated in the Options Price
Reporting Authority and market data window every day the U.S. equity markets are
open. The total return component of the Index is calculated on an end-of-day
basis. Both sets of values are available on ISE's website at www.iseoptions.com.
The Index has been created to provide investors with a performance benchmark of
Chinese or Indian companies whose shares are available to investors in the
United States. It is the intention that products based on the Index will help
investors to quickly gain exposure to those emerging markets in a quick,
affordable and convenient manner.
The Index uses a modified market capitalization-weighted methodology to create a
more uniform weight distribution. This prevents a few large component stocks
from dominating the Index but still promotes portfolio diversification by
retaining the economic attributes of capitalization ranking. Semi-annual reviews
and rebalancing events are used to reset the weighting of each component such
that each component has a proportionate influence on the Index performance.
The Index contains 50 different component stocks. Companies may not apply, and
may not be nominated, for inclusion in the Index. Companies are added or removed
by the Index Provider based on the methodology described herein. Whenever
possible, the Index Provider will publicly announce changes to the Index on its
website at least five trading days in advance of the actual change.
40
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND - FNI
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that S&P(R), using the methodology developed by the Index Provider,
no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is terminated or the identity
or character of the Index is materially changed, the Board will seek to engage a
replacement index. However, if that proves to be impracticable, the Board will
take whatever action it deems to be in the best interests of the Fund. The Board
will also take whatever actions it deems to be in the best interests of the Fund
if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The Fund has not yet operated for a full calendar year and, therefore,
performance information is not included in this section of the Prospectus.
However, see "Total Return Information" for performance information regarding
the Fund.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.40%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses (4) 0.36%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.76%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (5) 0.16%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$61 $265 $502 $1,184
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
41
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND - FNI
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) Expense information has been restated using current fees as if they had
been in effect during the previous fiscal year in order to better
reflect the expenses for the current fiscal year.
(5) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$7,132 $27,479 $51,238 $119,443
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
42
FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FCG 33734J102 NYSE Arca ISE-REVERE Natural Gas Index(TM) FUM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
ISE-REVERE Natural Gas Index(TM).
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Fund's investment objective and the 90% investment
strategy are non-fundamental policies and require 60 days' prior written notice
to shareholders before they can be changed. As non-fundamental policies, the
Board can change such policies without receiving shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed and owned by the International Securities Exchange, LLC,
as Index Provider in consultation with S&P(R), which calculates and maintains
the Index. The Index is designed to objectively identify and select those stocks
from the universe of stocks of companies that are involved in the exploration
and production of natural gas, screened by stock performance variables as well
as statistical factors to optimize Index performance and ensure the Index has
significant correlation to the price of natural gas. The Index is an
equal-weighted index comprised of exchange-listed companies that derive a
substantial portion of their revenues from the exploration and production of
natural gas. The inception date of the Index was October 4, 2006. As of March
31, 2008, there were 30 stocks that comprised the Index.
The Index begins by establishing the universe of stocks listed in the U.S. of
companies involved in the natural gas exploration and production industries and
then eliminates stocks whose natural gas proved reserves are less than 50% of
the candidate stock's total proved reserves using Barrels of Oil Equivalent
(BOE), an industry standard calculation, where 1 BOE = 6,000 cubic feet of gas.
From this universe, the Index ranks all the candidate stocks using four
different methods including price/earnings ratio, price/book ratio, return on
equity and the correlation to the closing price of the spot-month Henry Hub
natural gas futures contract traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The
Index Provider then averages the rankings and selects the top 30 stocks based on
the final rank. After the initial selection of securities, the Index is
rebalanced on the application of the above model on a quarterly basis.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk;
43
FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND - FCG
Energy Sector Risk; Natural Gas Sector Risk; and NonU.S. Securities Risk. For
more information on the Fund's principal risks, including a description of the
principal risks noted above, please refer to "Principal Investment Risks"
beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The Index is calculated and maintained by S&P(R) based on a methodology
developed by the Index Provider in consultation with S&P(R). Companies are added
or removed by the Index Provider based on the methodology determined by the
Index Provider.
The Index is calculated on a price and total return basis. The price component
of the Index is calculated in real-time and disseminated in the Options Price
Reporting Authority and market data window every day the U.S. equity markets are
open. The total return component of the Index is calculated on an end-of-day
basis. Both sets of values are available on the Index Provider's website at
www.iseoptions.com.
The Index is comprised of companies that derive a substantial portion of their
revenues from the exploration and production of natural gas. To be part of the
Index, a company must meet component eligibility requirements. These
requirements include the company being a "reported security" as defined in Rule
11Aa3-1 under the 1934 Act and have its common stock listed on the NYSE, NYSE
Arca, AMEX or NASDAQ(R). Additionally the company must have a public float of at
least 25% of the stock and must be an operating company.
To meet Index eligibility, the security must also satisfy market capitalization,
liquidity and weighting concentration requirements. Each component security must
have a market capitalization of at least $150 million, with trading volume of at
least one million shares for each of the last six months, except that for each
of the lowest weighted component securities in the Index that in aggregate
account for no more than 10% of the weight of the Index, trading volume must
have been at least 500,000 shares for each of the last six months. Average daily
trading value over the past six months must also have been more than $1 million,
and no single component security can represent more than 24% of the weight of
the Index. The five highest weighted component securities may not in the
aggregate account for more than 50% of the weight of the Index.
Components of the Index are float-adjusted to reflect the number of shares
available to investors according to S&P(R)'s proprietary methodology. The
float-adjusted number of shares is used during the component eligibility
process, as described above, at initial component selection and at scheduled
reviews.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that S&P(R), using the methodology developed by the Index Provider,
no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is terminated or the identity
or character of the Index is materially changed, the Board will seek to engage a
replacement index. However, if that proves to be impracticable, the Board will
take whatever action it deems to be in the best interests of the Fund. The Board
will also take whatever actions it deems to be in the best interests of the Fund
if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The Fund has not yet operated for a full calendar year and, therefore,
performance information is not included in this section of the Prospectus.
However, see "Total Return Information" for performance information regarding
the Fund.
44
FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND - FCG
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.40%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses (4) 1.57%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.97%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (5) 1.37%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$61 $476 $983 $2,377
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) Expense information has been restated using current fees as if they had
been in effect during the previous fiscal year in order to better
reflect the expenses for the current fiscal year.
(5) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
45
FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND - FCG
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$7,132 $48,632 $99,263 $238,682
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
46
FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FIW 33733B100 NYSE Arca ISE Water Index(TM) HHO
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the ISE
Water Index(TM).
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Fund's investment objective and the 90% investment
strategy are non-fundamental policies and require 60 days' prior written notice
to shareholders before they can be changed. As non-fundamental policies, the
Board can change such policies without receiving shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed and owned by the International Securities Exchange, LLC,
as Index Provider in consultation with S&P(R), which calculates and maintains
the Index. The Index is a modified market-cap weighted portfolio of 36 stocks
that derive a substantial portion of their revenues from the potable and
wastewater industries. The inception date of the Index was November 20, 2006. As
of March 31, 2008, there were 36 stocks that comprised the Index.
The Index begins by ranking all the publicly traded companies in the potable and
wastewater industries by their unadjusted market capitalization. From this
universe, the Index removes the candidate stocks that do not meet the component
eligibility requirements. If a company has multiple share classes, the Index
considers the most liquid issue for inclusion in the Index and removes the
remaining classes. The Index selects the top 36 stocks remaining by market
capitalization. When the Index is initially configured or reconfigured (as noted
below), the Index adjusts the assigned shares of the component stocks such that
the weights conform to the following schedule:
1. Assign a weight of 4.00% to stocks 1-10.
2. Assign a weight of 3.50% to stocks 11-15.
3. Assign a weight of 3.00% to stocks 16-20.
4. Assign a weight of 2.00% to stocks 21-30.
5. Assign a weight of 1.25% to stocks 31-36.
After the initial selection of securities, the Index is rebalanced on the
application of the above model on a semi-annual basis. The holdings of the Fund
and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index will be available
on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
47
FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND - FIW
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk;
Industrials Sector Risk; Water Sector Risk; and NonU.S. Securities Risk. For
more information on the Fund's principal risks, including a description of the
principal risks noted above, please refer to "Principal Investment Risks"
beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The Index is calculated and maintained by S&P(R) based on a methodology
developed by the Index Provider in consultation with S&P(R). Companies are added
or removed by the Index Provider based on the methodology determined by the
Index Provider.
The Index is calculated on a price and total return basis. The price component
of the Index is calculated in real-time and disseminated in the Options Price
Reporting Authority and market data window every day the U.S. equity markets are
open. The total return component of the Index is calculated on an end-of-day
basis. Both sets of values are available on the Index Provider's website at
www.iseoptions.com.
The Index is comprised of companies that derive a substantial portion of their
revenues from the potable and wastewater industries. To be part of the Index, a
company must meet component eligibility requirements. These requirements include
the company being a "reported security" as defined in Rule 11Aa3-1 under the
1934 Act and have its common stock listed on the NYSE, NYSE Arca, AMEX or
NASDAQ(R). Additionally the company must have a public float of at least 25% of
the stock and must be an operating company.
To meet Index eligibility, the security must also satisfy market capitalization,
liquidity and weighting concentration requirements. Each component security must
have a market capitalization of at least $100 million, with trading volume of at
least one million shares for each of the last six months, except that for each
of the lowest weighted component securities in the Index that in aggregate
account for no more than 10% of the weight of the Index, trading volume has been
at least 500,000 shares for each of the last six months. The lesser of the five
highest weighted component securities in the index or the highest weighted
component securities in the Index that in aggregate represent at least 30% of
the total number of component securities in the Index each must have had an
average monthly trading volume of at least 2,000,000 shares over the past six
months and no single component security can represent more than 24% of the
weight of the Index. The five highest weighted component securities may not in
the aggregate account for more than 50% of the weight of the Index.
Components of the Index are float-adjusted to reflect the number of shares
available to investors according to S&P's proprietary methodology. The
float-adjusted number of shares is used during the component eligibility
process, as described above, at initial component selection and at scheduled
reviews.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that S&P(R), using the methodology developed by the Index Provider,
no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is terminated or the identity
or character of the Index is materially changed, the Board will seek to engage a
replacement index. However, if that proves to be impracticable, the Board will
take whatever action it deems to be in the best interests of the Fund. The Board
will also take whatever actions it deems to be in the best interests of the Fund
if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The Fund has not yet operated for a full calendar year and, therefore,
performance information is not included in this section of the Prospectus.
However, see "Total Return Information" for performance information regarding
the Fund.
48
FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND - FIW
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.40%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses (4) 1.03%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.43%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (5) 0.83%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$61 $382 $771 $1,861
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) Expense information has been restated using current fees as if they had
been in effect during the previous fiscal year in order to better
reflect the expenses for the current fiscal year.
(5) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
49
FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND - FIW
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$7,132 $39,243 $78,093 $187,080
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
50
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FDL 336917109 AMEX Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index MDL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index. The investment objective of the Fund
is a fundamental policy that may be changed only with shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The 90% investment strategy is a non-fundamental policy and
requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Board can change such policy without receiving
shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by Morningstar, Inc., as Index
Provider. The inception date of the Index was June 30, 1997. The objective of
the Index is to offer investors a benchmark for dividend portfolios as well as a
means to invest in a portfolio of stocks that have a consistent record of
growing dividends as well as the ability to sustain them. The Index consists of
the top 100 stocks, based on dividend yield, of the securities listed on one of
the three major exchanges (the NYSE, AMEX or NASDAQ(R)) that have been selected
through the application of Morningstar's proprietary multi-step screening
process.
The securities selected for the Index are determined by a proprietary screening
model developed by Morningstar. Morningstar has established the investable
universe of the securities that may be included in the Index and Index
eligibility. The investable universe and Index eligibility criteria are applied
in the sequence in which they appear below. Each criterion is applied only to
the "survivors" of the criteria applied previously.
INVESTABLE UNIVERSE
To qualify for inclusion in the investable universe, a security must meet the
following criteria:
1. It must trade on one of the three major exchanges--the NYSE, AMEX or
NASDAQ(R);
2. The issuing company's country of domicile should be the United
States or the issuing company's primary stock market activities are
carried out in the United States;
3. Securities that have more than 10 non-trading days in the prior
quarter are excluded;
4. The following security types do not qualify:
o ADRs and ADSs
o Fixed-dividend shares
51
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND - FDL
o Convertible notes, warrants and rights
o Tracking stocks
o Limited partnerships and holding companies.
INDEX ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for inclusion in the Index, a security's liquidity score must be
among the top 75% of the companies in the investable universe. A security's
liquidity score is the average of its ranks on each of the following measures:
1. The average monthly trading volume in $US during the six calendar
months immediately prior to reconstitution or, in the case of
corporate entities younger than six months, since the security was
first issued (partial month periods are prorated by number of
trading days in the month); and
2. The lowest two months' total trading volume during the six
calendar months immediately prior to reconstitution (the months
need not be sequential).
Additionally, all eligible securities must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Company dividends are "qualified income";
2. Company should have a 5-year dividend growth greater than or equal
to 0; and
3. Company should have a coverage ratio greater than 1.0. Coverage
ratio equals the one year forecast of earnings per share for a
security divided by the indicated dividend per share.
After the above criteria are applied, the top 100 stocks by indicated dividend
yield are selected for inclusion in the Index. The higher coverage ratio breaks
all ties. The Index is weighted according to the dividends paid to investors by
each company. Therefore, the available dividend dollar value is the product of
the security's shares outstanding, indicated dividend per share, and free float
factor. Free float factor is the percentage of shares that are readily available
for trading in the market after block ownership and restricted shares are
subtracted from the total number of shares outstanding. Morningstar makes
adjustments to the Index weighting when a single constituent's weighting exceeds
the maximum weight allowed (as established by regulatory or tax limits). In such
instances, the excess weight is distributed among the remaining constituents.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Financials Sector Risk; and Small Cap
and Mid Cap Company Risk. For more information on the Fund's principal risks,
including a description of the principal risks noted above, please refer to
"Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The Index's base market value at inception (June 30, 1997) was 1,000. The Index
values are calculated once a day at the close of business; however, Index values
are not calculated when U.S. exchanges are closed. The Index is
reconstituted--i.e., the Index membership is reset--once annually, on the Monday
following the third Friday of June. If the Monday is a holiday, reconstitution
occurs on the Tuesday immediately following. Reconstitution is carried out after
the day's closing when the Index values have been determined. The Index is
rebalanced--i.e., the number of free float shares and the indicated dividend per
share of each constituent are adjusted--four times annually. Adjustments are
made on the Monday following the third Friday of March, June, September and
December. If the Monday is a holiday, rebalancing occurs on the Tuesday
immediately following. Rebalancing is carried out after the day's closing index
values have been determined. Market data used for rebalancing is from the last
trading day of the first month of each quarter. The Index constituent float
factors and shares outstanding updates are announced at rebalancing. Information
regarding the methodology for calculating the Index is also found on the
Morningstar website (www.morningstar.com).
Companies are removed from the Index primarily due to mergers/acquisitions and
bankruptcies. A component security may also be removed from the Index if it is
no longer trading on the respective stock exchange.
52
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND - FDL
The updated values of the Index are distributed by Dow Jones during trading
hours (8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.) every 15 seconds through its quotation network to
a variety of data vendors. In addition, delayed quotations of the Index are
available on Bloomberg every 15 minutes during regular trading hours.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that Morningstar no longer calculates the Index, the Index license
is terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed,
the Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that proves to be
impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be in the best
interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
year as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and since
inception periods ended December 31, 2007. This information is intended to help
you assess the potential rewards and risks of an investment in the Fund. The
information also shows how the Fund's performance compares with the returns of a
broad measure of market performance. See "Total Return Information" for
additional performance information regarding the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2007 -10.64%
|
(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -10.86%.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest calendar
quarter returns were 1.48% and -11.15%, respectively, for the quarters ended
June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2007. The Fund's past performance (before and
after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in
the future.
53
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND - FDL
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(3/9/2006)
Returns Before Taxes -10.64% 4.30%
After Taxes on Distributions -11.85% 2.97%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares -6.84% 2.93%
S&P 500(R) Index* 5.49% 10.26%
|
* The S&P 500(R) Index includes 500 large cap companies in the leading
industries of the U.S. economy representing approximately 75% of the
U.S. equities market.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.30%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.38%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.68%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.23%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.45%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$46 $230 $449 $1,082
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
54
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND - FDL
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.45% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.45% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$5,602 $23,979 $45,944 $109,172
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
55
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
QQEW 337344105 NASDAQ(R) NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) NDXE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM). The investment objective of the Fund is a
fundamental policy that may be changed only with shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The 90% investment strategy is a non-fundamental policy and
requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Board can change such policy without receiving
shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by NASDAQ(R), as Index
Provider. The NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) is the equal-weighted version
of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) which includes 100 of the largest non-financial
securities listed on NASDAQ(R) based on market capitalization. The Index
contains the same securities as the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) but each of the
securities is initially set at a weight of 1.00% of the Index and is rebalanced
quarterly. The inception date of the Index was June 20, 2005. On March 31, 2008,
there were 100 stocks that comprised the Index.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk;
and Information Technology Sector Risk. For more information on the Fund's
principal risks, including a description of the principal risks noted above,
please refer to "Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The Index is the equal-weighted version of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) and
represents the largest non-financial domestic and international securities
listed on NASDAQ(R). The NASDAQ-100 Index(R) is calculated under a modified
capitalization-weighted methodology.
56
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND - QQEW
INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA*
To be eligible for initial inclusion in the Index, a security must be listed on
NASDAQ(R) and meet the following criteria:
o the security's U.S. listing must be exclusively on NASDAQ(R) (unless
the security was dually listed on another U.S. market prior to January 1,
2004 and has continuously maintained such listing);
o the security must be of a non-financial company;
o the security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy
proceedings;
o the security must have average daily trading volume of at least 200,000
shares;
o if the issuer of the security is organized under the laws of a
jurisdiction outside the U.S., then such security must have listed options
on a recognized options market in the U.S. or be eligible for
listed-options trading on a recognized options market in the U.S.;
o only one class of security per issuer is allowed;
o the issuer of the security may not have entered into a definitive
agreement or other arrangement which would likely result in the security
no longer being Index eligible;
o the issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements
with an audit opinion that is currently withdrawn;
o the issuer of the security must have "seasoned" on NASDAQ(R) or another
recognized market (generally, a company is considered to be seasoned if
it has been listed on a market for at least two years; in the case of
spin-offs, the operating history of the spin-off will be considered); and
o if the security would otherwise qualify to be in the top 25% of the
securities included in the Index by market capitalization for the six
prior consecutive month-ends, then a one-year "seasoning" criterion
would apply.
CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA*
To be eligible for continued inclusion in the Index, the following criteria
apply:
o the security's U.S. listing must be exclusively on NASDAQ(R) (unless
the security was dually listed on another U.S. market prior to
January 1, 2004 and has continuously maintained such listing);
o the security must be of a non-financial company;
o the security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy
proceedings;
o the security must have average daily trading volume of at least 200,000
shares (measured annually during the ranking review process);
o if the issuer of the security is organized under the laws of a
jurisdiction outside the U.S., then such security must have listed
options on a recognized options market in the U.S. or be eligible
for listed-options trading on a recognized options market in the U.S.
(measured annually during the ranking review process);
o the security must have an adjusted market capitalization equal to or
exceeding 0.10% of the aggregate adjusted market capitalization of the
Index at each month-end. In the event a company does not meet this
criterion for two consecutive month-ends, it will be removed from the
Index effective after the close of trading on the third Friday of the
following month; and
o the issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements
with an audit opinion that is currently withdrawn.
In administering the Index, NASDAQ(R) will exercise reasonable discretion as it
de ems appropriate.
NASDAQ-100 INDEX(R) RANKING REVIEW
Except under extraordinary circumstances that may result in an interim
evaluation, NASDAQ-100 Index(R) composition is reviewed on an annual basis as
follows (such evaluation is referred to herein as the "Ranking Review").
Securities listed on NASDAQ(R) which meet the applicable eligibility criteria
(above) are ranked by market value. NASDAQ-100 Index(R)-eligible securities
which are already in the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) and which are ranked in the top 100
eligible securities (based on market value) are retained in the NASDAQ-100
Index.(R) A security that is ranked 101 to 125 is also retained, provided that
such security was ranked in the top 100 eligible securities as of the previous
Ranking Review. Securities not meeting such criteria are replaced. The
replacement securities chosen are those NASDAQ-100 Index(R)-eligible securities
not currently in the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that have the largest market
capitalization. The data used in the ranking includes end of October NASDAQ(R)
market data and is updated for total shares outstanding submitted in a publicly
filed Securities and Exchange Commission document via EDGAR through the end of
November.
* For the purposes of Index eligibility criteria, if the security is a
depositary receipt representing a security of a non-U.S. issuer, then
references to the "issuer" are references to the issuer of the underlying
security.
57
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND - QQEW
Generally, the list of annual additions and deletions is publicly announced via
a press release in the early part of December. Replacements are made effective
after the close of trading on the third Friday in December. Moreover, if at any
time during the year a NASDAQ-100 Index(R) security is determined by NASDAQ(R)
to become ineligible for continued inclusion in the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) based on
the Continued Eligibility Criteria (above), the security will be replaced with
the largest market capitalization security not currently in the NASDAQ-100
Index(R) and meeting the Initial NASDAQ-100 Index(R) eligibility criteria listed
above.
In addition to the Ranking Review, the securities in the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) are
monitored every day by NASDAQ(R) with respect to changes in total shares
outstanding arising from secondary offerings, stock repurchases, conversions, or
other corporate actions. NASDAQ(R) has adopted the following weight adjustment
procedures with respect to such changes. Changes in total shares outstanding
arising from stock splits, stock dividends, or spin-offs are generally made to
the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) on the evening prior to the effective date of such
corporate action. If the change in total shares outstanding arising from other
corporate actions is greater than or equal to 5.0%, the change will be made as
soon as practicable, normally within ten (10) days of such action. Otherwise, if
the change in total shares outstanding is less than 5%, then all such changes
are accumulated and made effective at one time on a quarterly basis after the
close of trading on the third Friday in each of March, June, September, and
December.
INDEX CALCULATION
The Index is an equal-weighted index. The value of the Index equals the
aggregate value of the Index share weights, also known as the Index shares, of
each of the Index securities multiplied by each such security's NASDAQ(R)
Official Closing Price ("NOCP"), divided by the divisor. The divisor serves the
purpose of scaling such aggregate index value to a lower order of magnitude
which is more desirable for Index reporting purposes. If trading in an Index
security is halted while the market is open, the last NASDAQ(R) traded price for
that security is used for all index computations until trading resumes. If
trading is halted before the market is open, the previous day's NOCP is used.
The Index began on June 20, 2005 at a base value of 1000.00.
The formula for Index value is as follows:
Aggregate Adjusted Market Value/Divisor
The formula for the Divisor is as follows:
(Market Value after Adjustments/Market Value before Adjustments) X
Divisor before Adjustments
The Index is generally calculated without regard to cash dividends on component
securities.
The Index is calculated using NASDAQ(R) prices (not consolidated) during the
day (from 09:30:15 to 16:01:30) and the NOCP for the close. The Index is
disseminated every 15 seconds from 09:30:15 to 17:16:00 Eastern time through the
NASDAQ Index Dissemination Services(SM). The closing value of the Index may
change up until 17:15:00 Eastern time due to corrections to the NOCP of the
component securities.
INDEX MAINTENANCE
The Index is rebalanced quarterly such that each security is set at a weight of
1.00% of the Index. Index share changes are not made during the quarter however
changes arising from stock splits and stock dividends are made to the Index on
the evening prior to the effective date of such corporate action. In the case of
spin-offs of component securities, the price of the security will be adjusted
and a corresponding adjustment will be made to the Index shares of the security
such that the weight of the security in the Index will not change. In the case
of a special cash dividend or rights issuance, NASDAQ(R) will determine on an
individual basis whether to make a change to the price of an Index security. If
it is determined that a change will be made, it will become effective on the
ex-date and a corresponding adjustment will be made to the Index shares of the
security such that the weight of the security in the Index will not change. If a
component of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) changes, the new security will assume the
weight of the removed security on the effective date.
INDEX REBALANCING
The Index is rebalanced quarterly such that each security is initially set at a
weight of 1.00% of the Index at the time of calculation. The quarterly Index
shares are based upon the aggregate capitalization of the Index at the close of
trading on the Tuesday in the week immediately preceding the week of the third
Friday in March, June, September, and December. Changes to the Index shares will
be made effective after the close of trading on the third Friday in March, June,
September and December and an adjustment to the divisor will be made to ensure
continuity of the Index.
In administering the Index, NASDAQ(R) will exercise reasonable discretion as it
deems appropriate. Information regarding the methodology for calculating the
Index is also found on the NASDAQ(R) website (www.nasdaq.com).
58
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND - QQEW
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that NASDAQ(R) no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is
terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed, the
Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that proves to be
impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be in the best
interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
year as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and since
inception periods ended December 31, 2007. This information is intended to help
you assess the potential rewards and risks of an investment in the Fund. The
information also shows how the Fund's performance compares with the returns of a
broad measure of market performance. See "Total Return Information" for
additional performance information regarding the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2007 9.74%
|
(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -12.59%.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest calendar
quarter returns were 8.39% and -5.92%, respectively, for the quarters ended June
30, 2007 and December 31, 2007. The Fund's past performance (before and after
taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(4/19/2006)
Returns Before Taxes 9.74% 5.99%
After Taxes on Distributions 9.74% 5.99%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 6.33% 5.10%
NASDAQ-100(R) Index* 19.24% 11.99%
|
* The NASDAQ-100(R) Index includes 100 of the largest domestic and
international non-financial securities listed on the NASDAQ(R) based on
market capitalization.
59
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND - QQEW
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.40%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.55%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.95%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.35%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$61 $298 $579 $1,380
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
60
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND - QQEW
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$7,132 $30,828 $58,920 $139,040
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
61
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
QQXT 33733E401 NASDAQ NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM) NDXX
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM).
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Fund's investment objective and the 90% investment
strategy are non-fundamental and require 60 days' prior written notice to
shareholders before they can be changed. As non-fundamental policies, the Board
can change such policies without receiving shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by NASDAQ(R), as Index
Provider. The Index is an equal-weighted index based on the securities of the
NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that are not classified as "technology" according to the
Industry Classification Benchmark ("ICB") classification system and, as a
result, is a subset of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R). The NASDAQ-100 Index(R) includes
100 of the largest domestic and international non-financial companies listed on
NASDAQ(R) based on market capitalization. The inception date of the Index was
February 22, 2006 and the inception date of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) was January
31, 1985. The Index began with a base value of 1000.00. As of March 31, 2008,
the Index was comprised of 61 component securities.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk;
and Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. For more information on the Fund's
principal risks, including a description of the principal risks noted above,
please refer to "Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The Index contains the securities of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that are not
classified as "technology" according to the ICB classification system. Please
note that whether a company is considered to be "non-technology" for purposes of
being included in the Index will be exclusively determined by NASDAQ(R) without
regard to the Fund. In addition, such classifications may not necessarily be
62
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND - QQXT
applicable for the financial statements prepared by the Fund or certain other
purposes. The Index is generally calculated without regard to cash dividends on
component securities.
NASDAQ-100 INDEX(R) INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA*
To be eligible for initial inclusion in the NASDAQ-100 Index(R), a security must
be listed on NASDAQ(R) and meet the following criteria:
o the security's U.S. listing must be exclusively on NASDAQ(R) (unless
the security was dually listed on another U.S. market prior to
January 1, 2004 and has continuously maintained such listing);
o the security must be of a non-financial company;
o the security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy
proceedings;
o the security must have average daily trading volume of at least
200,000 shares;
o if the issuer of the security is organized under the laws of a
jurisdiction outside the U.S., then such security must have listed
options on a recognized options market in the U.S. or be eligible for
listed-options trading on a recognized options market in the U.S.;
o only one class of security per issuer is allowed;
o the issuer of the security may not have entered into a definitive
agreement or other arrangement which would likely result in the security
no longer being Index eligible;
o the issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements with
an audit opinion that is currently withdrawn; o the issuer of the
security must have "seasoned" on NASDAQ(R) or another recognized market
(generally, a company is considered to be seasoned if it has been listed
on a market for at least two years; in the case of spin-offs, the
operating history of the spin-off will be considered); and
o if the security would otherwise qualify to be in the top 25% of the
securities included in the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) by market capitalization
for the six prior consecutive month-ends, then a one-year "seasoning"
criterion would apply.
NASDAQ-100 INDEX(R) CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA*
To be eligible for continued inclusion in the NASDAQ-100 Index(R), the following
criteria apply:
o the security's U.S. listing must be exclusively on NASDAQ(R) (unless the
security was dually listed on another U.S. market prior to January 1,
2004 and has continuously maintained such listing);
o the security must be of a non-financial company;
o the security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy
proceedings;
o the security must have average daily trading volume of at least 200,000
shares (measured annually during the ranking review process);
o if the issuer of the security is organized under the laws of a
jurisdiction outside the U.S., then such security must have listed
options on a recognized options market in the U.S. or be eligible for
listed-options trading on a recognized options market in the U.S.
(measured annually during the ranking review process);
o the security must have an adjusted market capitalization equal to or
exceeding 0.10% of the aggregate adjusted market capitalization of the
NASDAQ-100 Index(R) at each month-end. In the event a company does not
meet this criterion for two consecutive month-ends, it will be removed
from the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) effective after the close of trading on the
third Friday of the following month; and
o the issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements with
an audit opinion that is currently withdrawn.
In administering the NASDAQ-100 Index(R), NASDAQ(R) will exercise reasonable
discretion as it deems appropriate.
* For the purposes of NASDAQ-100 Index(R) eligibility criteria, if the
security is a depositary receipt representing a security of a non-U.S.
issuer, then references to the "issuer" are references to the issuer of
the underlying security.
NASDAQ-100 EX-TECH SECTOR INDEX(SM) ELIGIBILITY
The Index contains securities of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) not classified as
"technology" according to ICB. The eligibility for the Index is determined in a
two-step process and the security has to meet both criteria in order to become
eligible for the Index.
63
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND - QQXT
1. The security must be part of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R), which
includes 100 of the largest domestic and international
non-financial securities listed on NASDAQ(R) and is re-ranked
annually.
2. The security must not be classified as "technology" according to
ICB.
NASDAQ-100 EX-TECH SECTOR INDEX(SM) MAINTENANCE
The Index is rebalanced quarterly such that each security is set at an equal
weight of the Index. Index share changes are not made during the period. However
changes arising from stock splits, stock dividends are made to the Index on the
evening prior to the effective date of such corporate action. In the case of
spin-offs of component securities, the price of the security will be adjusted
and a corresponding adjustment will be made to the Index shares of the security
such that the weight of the security in the Index will not change.
In the case of a special cash dividend or rights issuance, NASDAQ(R) will
determine on a case-by-case basis whether to make a change to the price and/or
Index components in accordance with its Index dividend policy. If it is
determined that a change will be made, it will become effective on the
ex-dividend date and a corresponding adjustment will be made to the Index shares
of the security such that the weight of the security in the Index will not
change. Component changes to the Index will be handled in the following manner:
1. If a component of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that is not classified
as "technology" according to ICB is removed from the NASDAQ-100
Index(R), it will also be removed from the Index and as such if
the replacement security being added to the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) is
not classified as "technology" according to ICB, it will be added
to the Index and will assume the weight of the removed security on
the effective date;
2. If a component of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that is classified as
"technology" according to ICB is removed and the replacement
security being added to the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) is not classified
as "technology" according to ICB, the replacement security will be
added to the Index at the next quarterly rebalancing; however, if
the security change is not announced prior to the close of
business of the Tuesday in the week immediately preceding the
third Friday, the security's addition to the Index will be made in
the following quarterly rebalance; and
3. If a component of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that is not classified
as "technology" according to ICB is removed from the NASDAQ-100
Index(R) and the replacement security being added to the
NASDAQ-100 Index(R) is classified as "technology" according to
ICB, the security will be removed from the Index and the divisor
of the Index will be adjusted to ensure Index continuity.
NASDAQ-100 EX-TECH SECTOR INDEX(SM) REBALANCING
The Index is rebalanced quarterly such that each security is initially set at an
equal weight of the Index at the time of calculation. Equal weights are based
upon the aggregate capitalization of the Index, incorporating quarterly changes
for the NASDAQ-100 Index(R), and the corresponding last sale price of the
security at the close of trading on the Tuesday in the week immediately
preceding the week of the third Friday in March, June, September, and December.
Changes to the Index shares will be made effective after the close of trading on
the third Friday in March, June, September and December.
In administering the Index, NASDAQ(R) will exercise reasonable discretion as it
deems appropriate.
Information regarding the methodology for calculating the Index is also found on
the NASDAQ(R) website (www.nasdaq.com). The Fund expects to make changes to its
portfolio shortly after changes to the Index are released to the public via the
NASDAQ(R) website. Investors will be able to access the holdings of the Fund and
the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the Fund's
website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that NASDAQ(R) no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is
terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed, the
Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that proves to be
impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be in the best
interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund if the Fund's Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The Fund has not yet operated for a full calendar year and, therefore,
performance information is not included in this section of the Prospectus.
However, see "Total Return Information" for performance information regarding
the Fund.
64
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND - QQXT
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.40%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses (4) 2.05%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 2.45%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (5) 1.85%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$61 $559 $1,167 $2,815
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) Expense information has been restated using current fees as if they had
been in effect during the previous fiscal year in order to better
reflect the expenses for the current fiscal year.
(5) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
65
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND - QQXT
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$7,132 $56,909 $117,732 $282,458
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
66
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
QTEC 337345102 NASDAQ NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM) NDXT
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM). The investment objective of the Fund is
a fundamental policy that may be changed only with shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The 90% investment strategy is a non-fundamental policy and
requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Board can change such policy without receiving
shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by NASDAQ(R), as Index
Provider. The Index is an equal-weighted index based on the securities of the
NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that are classified as "technology" according to the
Industry Classification Benchmark classification system. The NASDAQ-100 Index(R)
includes 100 of the largest domestic and international non-financial companies
listed on NASDAQ(R) based on market capitalization. The inception date of the
Index was February 22, 2006 and the inception date of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R)
was January 1, 1985. On March 31, 2008, there were 39 stocks that comprised the
Index.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk;
and Information Technology Sector Risk. For more information on the Fund's
principal risks, including a description of the principal risks noted above,
please refer to "Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The Index contains the securities of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that are classified
as "technology" according to the ICB classification system.
67
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND - QTEC
NASDAQ-100 INDEX(R) INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA*
To be eligible for initial inclusion in the NASDAQ-100 Index(R), a security must
be listed on NASDAQ(R) and meet the following criteria:
o the security's U.S. listing must be exclusively on NASDAQ(R) (unless the
security was dually listed on another U.S. market prior to January 1,
2004 and has continuously maintained such listing);
o the security must be of a non-financial company;
o the security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy
proceedings;
o the security must have average daily trading volume of at least 200,000
shares;
o if the issuer of the security is organized under the laws of a
jurisdiction outside the U.S., then such security must have listed
options on a recognized options market in the U.S. or be eligible for
listed-options trading on a recognized options market in the U.S.;
o only one class of security per issuer is allowed;
o the issuer of the security may not have entered into a definitive
agreement or other arrangement which would likely result in the security
no longer being Index eligible;
o the issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements with
an audit opinion that is currently withdrawn; o the issuer of the
security must have "seasoned" on NASDAQ(R) or another recognized market
(generally, a company is considered to be seasoned if it has been listed
on a market for at least two years; in the case of spin-offs, the
operating history of the spin-off will be considered); and
o if the security would otherwise qualify to be in the top 25% of the
securities included in the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) by market capitalization
for the six prior consecutive month-ends, then a one-year "seasoning"
criterion would apply.
NASDAQ-100 INDEX(R) CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA*
To be eligible for continued inclusion in the NASDAQ-100 Index(R), the following
criteria apply:
o the security's U.S. listing must be exclusively on NASDAQ(R) (unless the
security was dually listed on another U.S. market prior to January 1,
2004 and has continuously maintained such listing);
o the security must be of a non-financial company;
o the security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy
proceedings;
o the security must have average daily trading volume of at least 200,000
shares (measured annually during the ranking review process);
o if the issuer of the security is organized under the laws of a
jurisdiction outside the U.S., then such security must have listed
options on a recognized options market in the U.S. or be eligible for
listed-options trading on a recognized options market in the U.S.
(measured annually during the ranking review process);
o the security must have an adjusted market capitalization equal to or
exceeding 0.10% of the aggregate adjusted market capitalization of the
NASDAQ-100 Index(R) at each month-end. In the event a company does not
meet this criterion for two consecutive month-ends, it will be removed
from the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) effective after the close of trading on the
third Friday of the following month; and
o the issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements with
an audit opinion that is currently withdrawn.
In administering the NASDAQ-100 Index(R), NASDAQ(R) will exercise reasonable
discretion as it deems appropriate.
INDEX CALCULATION
The Index is an equal-weighted index. The value of the Index equals the
aggregate value of the Index share weights, also known as the Index shares, of
each of the Index securities multiplied by each such security's last sale price,
if during the trading day, or the NOCP, if at the end of the trading day,
divided by the divisor. The divisor serves the purpose of scaling such aggregate
index value to a lower order of magnitude which is more desirable for Index
reporting purposes. If trading in a Index security is halted while the market is
open, the last NASDAQ(R) traded price for that security is used for all Index
computations until trading resumes. If trading is halted before the market is
open, the previous day's NOCP is used. The Index began on February 22, 2006 at a
base value of 1000.00.
* For the purposes of NASDAQ-100 Index(R) eligibility criteria, if the security
is a depositary receipt representing a security of a non-U.S. issuer, then
references to the "issuer" are references to the issuer of the underlying
security.
68
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND - QTEC
The formula for Index value is as follows:
Aggregate Adjusted Market Value/Divisor
The formula for the Divisor is as follows:
(Market Value after Adjustments/Market Value before Adjustments)
X Divisor before Adjustments
The Index is generally calculated without regard to cash dividends on component
securities.
The Index is calculated using NASDAQ(R) prices (not consolidated) during the day
(from 09:30:15 to 16:01:30) and the NOCP for the close. The Index is
disseminated every 15 seconds from 09:30:15 to 17:16:00 ET through the NASDAQ
Index Dissemination Services(SM) (NIDS(SM)). The closing value of the Index may
change up until 17:15:00 ET due to corrections to the NOCP of the component
securities.
INDEX ELIGIBILITY
The Index contains securities of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) classified as
"technology" according to ICB. The eligibility for the Index is determined in a
two step process and the security has to meet both criteria in order to become
eligible for the Index.
1. The security must be part of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R), which
includes 100 of the largest domestic and international
non-financial securities listed on NASDAQ(R) and is re-ranked
annually.
2. The security must be classified as "technology" according to ICB.
INDEX MAINTENANCE
The Index is rebalanced quarterly such that each security is set at an equal
weight of the Index. Index share changes are not made during the period. However
changes arising from stock splits, stock dividends are made to the Index on the
evening prior to the effective date of such corporate action. In the case of
spin-offs of component securities, the price of the security will be adjusted
and a corresponding adjustment will be made to the Index shares of the security
such that the weight of the security in the Index will not change.
In the case of a special cash dividend or rights issuance, NASDAQ(R) will
determine on an individual basis whether to make a change to the price and/or
index shares of a Index security in accordance with NASDAQ(R) Index dividend
policy. If it is determined that a change will be made, it will become effective
on the morning of the ex-date and a corresponding adjustment will be made to the
Index shares of the security such that the weight of the security in the Index
will not change. Component changes to the Index will be handled in the following
manner:
1. If a component of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that is classified as
"technology" according to ICB is removed from the NASDAQ-100
Index(R), it will also be removed from the Index and as such if
the replacement security being added to the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) is
classified as "technology" according to ICB it will be added to
the Index and will assume the weight of the removed security on
the effective date;
2. If a component of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that is not classified
as "technology" according to ICB is removed and the replacement
security being added to the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) is classified as
"technology" according to ICB, the replacement security will be
added to the Index at the next quarterly rebalancing; however, if
the security change is not announced prior to the close of
business of the Tuesday before the third Friday, the security's
addition to the Index will be made in the following quarterly
rebalance; and
3. If a component of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that is classified as
"technology" according to ICB is removed from the NASDAQ-100
Index(R) and the replacement security being added to the
NASDAQ-100 Index(R) is not classified as "technology" according to
ICB, the security will be removed from the Index and the divisor
of the Index will be adjusted to ensure Index continuity.
INDEX REBALANCING
The Index is rebalanced quarterly such that each security is initially set at an
equal weight of the Index at the time of calculation. Equal weights are based
upon the aggregate capitalization of the Index, incorporating quarterly changes
for the underlying index, and the corresponding NOCP of the security at the
close of trading on the Tuesday in the week immediately preceding the week of
the third Friday in March, June, September, and December. Changes to the Index
shares will be made effective after the close of trading on the third Friday in
March, June, September and December and an adjustment to the divisor will be
made to ensure continuity of the Index.
In administering the Index, NASDAQ(R) will exercise reasonable discretion as it
deems appropriate. Information regarding the methodology for calculating the
Index is also found on the NASDAQ(R) website (www.nasdaq.com).
69
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND - QTEC
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that NASDAQ(R) no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is
terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed, the
Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that proves to be
impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be in the best
interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
year as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and since
inception periods ended December 31, 2007. This information is intended to help
you assess the potential rewards and risks of an investment in the Fund. The
information also shows how the Fund's performance compares with the returns of a
broad measure of market performance and a more specialized index. See "Total
Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2007 7.66%
|
(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -14.51%.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest calendar
quarter returns were 9.80% and -6.76%, respectively, for the quarters ended June
30, 2007 and December 31, 2007. The Fund's past performance (before and after
taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(4/19/2006)
Returns Before Taxes 7.66% 4.34%
After Taxes on Distributions 7.66% 4.34%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 4.98% 3.70%
S&P 500 Information Technology Index* 16.30% 11.17%
S&P 500(R) Index** 5.49% 9.00%
|
* The S&P 500 Information Technology Index is a capitalization-weighted
index of 77 information technology companies within the S&P 500(R) Index.
**The S&P 500(R) Index includes 500 large cap companies in the leading
industries of the U.S. economy representing approximately 75% of the U.S.
equities market.
70
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND - QTEC
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.40%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.52%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.92%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.32%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$61 $293 $567 $1,350
---------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
71
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND - QTEC
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$7,132 $30,300 $57,711 $135,968
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
72
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
QCLN 33733E500 NASDAQ NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index CELS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Fund's investment objective and the 90% investment
strategy are non-fundamental and require 60 days' prior written notice to
shareholders before they can be changed. As non-fundamental policies, the Board
can change such policies without receiving shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is a modified market cap-weighted index in which larger companies
receive a larger Index weighting and includes caps to prevent high
concentrations among larger alternative energy stocks. The Index is an equity
index designed to track the performance of clean-energy companies that are
publicly traded in the United States and includes companies engaged in
manufacturing, development, distribution and installation of emerging
clean-energy technologies including, but not limited to, solar photovoltaics,
biofuels and advanced batteries.
The Index is reconstituted semi-annually in March and September and rebalanced
quarterly. The inception date of the Index was November 17, 2006. The Index
began with a base value of 250.00. The number of holdings in the Index may vary,
but as of March 31, 2008, the Index was comprised of 60 component securities.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk;
Information Technology Sector Risk; Industrials Sector Risk; and Clean Energy
Companies Risk. For more information on the Fund's principal risks, including a
description of the principal risks noted above, please refer to "Principal
Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
73
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND - QCLN
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The Index is designed to track the performance of clean-energy companies that
are publicly traded in the United States. The Index is a modified market
cap-weighted index designed to track the performance of companies that are
primarily manufacturers, developers, distributors and/or installers of emerging
clean energy technologies, as defined by Clean Edge(R), Inc. ("Clean Edge(R)").
INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for inclusion in the Index, the security must be listed on
NASDAQ(R), NYSE or AMEX.
Issuers of the security must be classified, according to Clean Edge(R), as
technology manufacturers, developers, distributors and/or installers of one of
the following sub-sectors:
o Advanced materials (nanotech materials, advanced membranes,
silicon-based materials and alternatives, bioplastics, etc. that enable
clean-energy technologies and/or reduce the need for petroleum-based
materials);
o Energy intelligence (conservation, automated meter reading, energy
management systems, smart grid, superconductors, power controls, etc.);
o Energy storage and conversion (advanced batteries, hybrid drivetrains,
hydrogen, fuel cells for stationary, portable, and transportation
applications, etc.); and
o Renewable electricity generation and renewable fuels (solar
photovoltaics, concentrating solar, wind, geothermal, and ethanol,
biodiesel, biofuel enabling enzymes, etc.).
As of the semi-annual re-evaluations, the security must also have:
o a minimum market cap of $150 million;
o an average daily trading volume of a least 100,000 shares;
o a minimum closing price of $1.00; and
o the issuer of the security may not have entered into a definitive
agreement or other arrangement which would likely result in the security
no longer being Index eligible.
CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
In addition to the criteria above, the following criteria will be monitored
continually.
o The security may not be issued by an issuer currently in bankruptcy
proceedings; o The security may not be placed in a trading halt for two
or more consecutive weeks; and
o The issuer of the security may not have annual financial statements with
an audit opinion that is currently withdrawn.
For purposes of Index eligibility criteria, if the security is a depositary
receipt representing a security of a non-U.S. issuer, then references to the
"issuer" are references to the issuer of the underlying security.
SEMI-ANNUAL EVALUATION
The Index securities shall be evaluated semi-annually in March and September
based on market data as monitored by NASDAQ(R). In such evaluations, Clean
Edge(R) will provide NASDAQ(R) a list of clean-energy companies as they have
identified. The NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Committee (the
"Committee") will review and consider all recommendations provided. Once the
list of clean-energy companies has been finalized, NASDAQ(R) shall apply the
above eligibility criteria using market data through the previous February and
August. Securities meeting the criteria will be included in the Index. Upon each
semi-annual evaluation, security additions and deletions shall be made effective
after the close of trading on each third Friday in March and September.
Ordinarily, if at the time during the year an Index security no longer meets the
Index inclusion criteria, or is otherwise determined to have become ineligible
for continued inclusion in the Index, the security will be deleted. In addition,
from time to time, the Committee may call a special meeting to review changes to
clean-energy companies including acquisitions, divestitures or other actions
that may affect a company's initial or continued eligibility. All changes to the
Index will become effective at a time determined by the Committee. If an Index
security is deleted, the Index divisor will be adjusted to ensure Index
continuity.
74
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND - QCLN
INDEX MAINTENANCE
Changes in the price and/or Index shares driven by corporate events such as
stock dividends, splits and certain spin-offs and rights issuance will be
adjusted on the ex-dividend date. If the change in total shares outstanding
arising from other corporate actions is greater than or equal to 5%, the change
will be made as soon as practicable, normally within ten (10) days of such
action. Otherwise, if the change in total shares outstanding is less than 5%,
then all such changes are accumulated and made effective at one time on a
quarterly basis after the close of trading on the third Friday in each of March,
June, September, and December.
In the case of a special cash dividend, NASDAQ(R) will determine on an
individual basis whether to make a change to the price of an Index security in
accordance with its Index dividend policy. If it is determined that a change
will be made, it will become effective on the ex-dividend date and a
corresponding adjustment will be made to the Index shares of the security such
that the weight of the Index security will not change.
In addition, other Index share changes may be made between semi-annual
evaluation periods only to the extent that the change in total shares
outstanding equals or exceeds +5%. In this case, changes will be made effective
as soon as practicable, normally within ten days of such action.
In general, an initial public offering or other securities will not be added to
the Index between the semi-annual evaluations unless determined by the
Committee.
Ordinarily, whenever there is a change in Index shares or a change in an Index
security, the divisor is adjusted to ensure that there is no discontinuity in
the value of the Index, which might otherwise be caused by any such change. All
changes are announced in advance and will be reflected in the Index prior to
market open on the Index effective date.
The formula for the Divisor can be determined as follows:
(Market Value after Adjustments/Market Value before
Adjustments) x Divisor before Adjustments
INDEX REBALANCING
The Index shall employ a modified market capitalization-weighting methodology.
On a quarterly basis coinciding with the third Friday of each March, June,
September and December, the Index will be rebalanced such that the maximum
weight of any security will not exceed 8% and no more than five securities shall
be greater than 4%. Any security then in excess of 4% will be capped at 4%. The
aggregate amount by which all securities over 8% and 4% is reduced will be
redistributed proportionately across the remaining securities. The percentage
weighting cap on the individual stock weighting may change from time to time, as
necessary, to ensure continued representation of current market conditions.
After the redistribution, if any other security then exceeds 4%, the security is
set to 4% of the Index and the redistribution is repeated.
In administering the Index, NASDAQ(R) will exercise reasonable discretion as it
deems appropriate.
Information regarding the methodology for calculating the Index is also found on
the NASDAQ(R) website (www.nasdaq.com). The Fund expects to make changes to its
portfolio shortly after changes to the Index are released to the public via the
NASDAQ(R) website. Investors will be able to access the holdings of the Fund and
the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the Fund's
website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that NASDAQ(R) no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is
terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed, the
Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that proves to be
impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be in the best
interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund if the Fund's Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The Fund has not yet operated for a full calendar year and, therefore,
performance information is not included in this section of the Prospectus.
However, see "Total Return Information" for performance information regarding
the Fund.
75
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND - QCLN
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.40%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses (4) 0.57%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.97%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (5) 0.37%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.60%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$61 $302 $587 $1,401
--------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) Expense information has been restated using current fees as if they had
been in effect during the previous fiscal year in order to better
reflect the expenses for the current fiscal year.
(5) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.60% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
76
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND - QCLN
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$7,132 $31,180 $59,726 $141,084
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
77
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FRI 33734G108 AMEX S&P REIT Composite Index SPREIT
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the S&P
REIT Composite Index.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Fund's investment objective and the 90% investment
strategy are non-fundamental policies and require 60 days' prior written notice
to shareholders before they can be changed. As non-fundamental policies, the
Board can change such policies without receiving shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by S&P(R), as Index Provider.
The Index was introduced in 1997 and measures the securitized U.S. REIT market.
Generally, REITs are companies that own and most often actively manage
income-generating commercial real estate. Some REITs make or invest in loans and
other obligations that are secured by real estate collateral.
As of March 31, 2008, the Index is comprised of 100 companies and covers
approximately 89% of the U.S. REIT market (based on capitalization), and
maintains a constituency that reflects the composition of the overall REIT
market. The Index contains securities selected for market representation
according to geography and property type. Equity REITs currently comprise
approximately 95% of the Index. Hybrid and mortgage REITs balance out the
remainder of the Index, but will gradually be phased out so that the Index will
focus exclusively on the equity REIT market. REITs are included in the
financials sector of the Global Industry Classification Standard. All securities
in the Index satisfy certain liquidity, price and market capitalization
requirements. The S&P(R) index committee, a team of S&P(R) economists and index
analysts, maintains the Index. The index committee's primary goal is to provide
investors a reliable indicator of the securitized U.S. real estate market.
The index committee makes constituent changes on an as-needed basis. Share
adjustments that exceed 5% are made at the time of the change. Share adjustments
of less than 5% are made on a quarterly basis. The index committee announces all
changes affecting the Index to the public via press releases, which are
available on S&P(R)'s website.
CRITERIA FOR INDEX ADDITIONS
o ELIGIBILITY: Only equity REITs are eligible for addition.
o MAJOR EXCHANGE: A REIT must trade on the NYSE, AMEX or NASDAQ(R) to be
considered for inclusion.
o MARKET CAPITALIZATION: A REIT must maintain a market cap in excess of
$100 million to be considered.
78
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND - FRI
o DIVIDEND PAYMENT: A REIT must have made a dividend payment in the
previous year to be considered for inclusion.
o PUBLIC FLOAT: A REIT must have a public float of at least 50% of its
stock.
o LIQUIDITY AND PRICE: A REIT must have adequate liquidity and reasonable
per share price in that the ratio of annual dollar value traded to
market capitalization should be 0.3 or greater. S&P(R) believes that
very low stock prices can affect a stock's liquidity.
o TRADING HISTORY: After an initial public offering, a REIT must trade for
at least six months before it will be considered for inclusion.
o FINANCIAL VIABILITY: A REIT must demonstrate positive as-reported
earnings, which are GAAP net income excluding discontinued operations
and extraordinary items, usually measured over four consecutive
quarters.
CRITERIA FOR INDEX REMOVALS
o REITs that substantially violate one or more of the criteria for Index
additions.
o REITs that are consolidated into other REITs, or which restructure so
that they no longer meet the criteria for Index inclusion.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index and "Real Estate Investment Trusts" for additional information regarding
REITs.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Non-Diversification Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk;
Financials Sector Risk; Real Estate Investment Risk; REIT Investment Risk; and
Interest Rate Risk. For more information on the Fund's principal risks,
including a description of the principal risks noted above, please refer to
"Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
INDEX METHODOLOGY
The primary goal of the Index is to provide investors with a reliable indicator
of the securitized U.S. real estate market. S&P(R) makes constituent changes on
an "as-needed" basis. Constituent adjustments that exceed 5% are made at the
time of the change. Constituent adjustments of less than 5% are made on a
quarterly basis. S&P(R) announces all changes to the Index to the public via
press releases. Information regarding changes to the Index, as well as the Index
constituents, are available on S&P(R)'s website at
www.indices.standardandpoors.com.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that S&P(R) no longer calculates the Index, the Index license is
terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed, the
Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that proves to be
impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be in the best
interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares are delisted.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
Real estate investment trusts, or "REITs," are companies that own and most often
actively manage income-generating commercial real estate. Some REITs make or
invest in loans and other obligations that are secured by real estate
collateral. Most REITs are publicly traded. REITs receive special tax
considerations and are generally a highly liquid method of investing in real
estate.
REITs are generally categorized as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or hybrid REITs.
Equity REITs invest in and own properties, and thus are responsible for the
equity or value of their real estate assets. Their revenues come principally
from their properties' rents. Mortgage REITs deal in investment and ownership of
property mortgages. These REITs loan money for mortgages to owners of real
estate or purchase existing mortgages or mortgage-backed securities. Their
revenues are generated primarily by the interest that they earn on the mortgage
loans. Hybrid REITs combine the investment strategies of equity REITs and
mortgage REITs by investing in both properties and mortgages.
79
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND - FRI
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The Fund has not yet operated for a full calendar year and, therefore,
performance information is not included in this section of the Prospectus.
However, see "Total Return Information" for performance information regarding
the Fund.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.30%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses (4) 7.11%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 7.41%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (5) 6.91%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.50%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$51 $1,365 $2,882 $6,335
------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) Expense information has been restated using current fees as if they had
been in effect during the previous fiscal year in order to better
reflect the expenses for the current fiscal year.
(5) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.50% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.50% of average daily net
assets per year.
80
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND - FRI
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$6,113 $137,456 $289,156 $634,475
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
81
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FVL 33735G107 AMEX Value Line(R) 100 Index VLFVL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Value
Line(R) 100 Index. The investment objective of the Fund is a fundamental policy
that may be changed only with shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The 90% investment strategy is a non-fundamental policy and
requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Board can change such policy without receiving
shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by Value Line(R) Publishing,
Inc., as Index Provider. The Index is an equal-dollar weighted index that is
designed to objectively identify and select 100 stocks from the universe of
stocks to which Value Line(R) assigns a #1 ranking in the Value Line(R)
Timeliness(TM) Ranking System (the "Ranking System"). The Index is comprised of
securities of companies that are listed on a U.S. exchange. Value Line(R)
reconstitutes the Index on a monthly basis to match any changes in those stocks
ranked #1 by the Ranking System. Value Line(R) removes from the Index those
stocks that are no longer ranked #1 in the Ranking System and replaces such
stocks with any newly added stocks. The Index will be rebalanced quarterly on or
about the last Thursday of each calendar quarter so that each stock will be
equally weighted as of such date.
The inception date of the Index was January 16, 2007. The Ranking System was
introduced in its present form in 1965. Each week, Value Line(R) screens a wide
array of data, using a series of proprietary calculations, such as long-term
earnings and price trends, recent company earnings and price performance and
earnings relative to expectations, to assign a Timeliness(TM) rank to each of
the approximately 1,700 stocks in the Value Line(R) universe, representing more
than 90 industries, from #1 (highest) to #5 (lowest) based on their expected
price performance relative to the other stocks in the universe over the
following six to 12 months. At any one time, only 100 stocks are ranked #1 in
the Ranking System.
The Index divisor was initially determined to yield a benchmark value of 1000.00
at the close of trading on January 16, 2007. The Fund will make changes to its
portfolio holdings when changes are made by Value Line(R) in the composition of
the Index. The holdings of the Fund and the composition and compilation
methodology of the Index will be available on the Fund's website at
www.ftportfolios.com. Value Line(R)'s updated rankings are released weekly on
its website at www.valueline.com.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
82
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND - FVL
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk; Information Technology
Sector Risk; and Non-U.S. Securities Risk. For more information on the Fund's
principal risks, including a description of the principal risks noted above,
please refer to "Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
Daily historical Index values are calculated by AMEX. The Index includes 100
stocks that Value Line(R) gives a Timeliness(TM) Ranking of #1 using the Value
Line(R) Timeliness(TM) Ranking System. Value Line(R)'s updated rankings are
released weekly on its website at www.valueline.com.
THE VALUE LINE(R) TIMELINESS(TM) RANKING SYSTEM
The Value Line(R) Timeliness(TM) Ranking System was introduced in its present
form in 1965. Each week Value Line(R) assigns a Timeliness(TM) rank to each of
the approximately 1,700 stocks in the Value Line(R) universe. As of March 31,
2008, approximately 20.8% of the stocks in the Value Line(R) universe were large
cap companies, approximately 28.6% were mid cap companies and approximately
50.6% were small cap companies. The market capitalization of the approximately
1,700 stocks in the Value Line(R) universe ranged from $39,754,800 to
$455,209,560,000 as of this same date. The average market capitalization of the
stocks in the Value Line(R) universe was $10,791,007,848 and the median market
capitalization was $2,430,940,890 as of this same date. Approximately 92.9% of
the companies in the Value Line(R) universe were domiciled in the United States
as of this same date.
According to information published by Value Line(R), the Value Line(R)
Timeliness(TM) rank measures the expected price performance relative to the
other stocks in the universe over the following six to 12 months. According to
reports published by Value Line(R), the most important factor in determining the
Timeliness(TM) Rank is earnings growth. Other factors considered, according to
Value Line(R), include: (i) a company's earnings growth over the past ten years
in relation to the recent price performance of the company's stock relative to
all of the approximately 1,700 stocks in the Value Line(R) universe; (ii) a
company's recent quarterly earnings performance; and (iii) a company's reporting
of results that are significantly better or worse than market expectations.
Value Line(R) combines these factors to determine the Timeliness(TM) Rank. All
data are known and actual.
Stocks ranked #1 (highest) and #2 (above average) are likely to outpace the
year-ahead market. Those ranked #4 (below average) and #5 (lowest) are not
expected to outperform most stocks over the next 12 months. Stocks ranked #3
(average) will probably advance or decline with the market in the year ahead.
Please note that because Value Line(R) assigns a Timeliness(TM) rank weekly and
the Index reconstitutes monthly, the Index may, for the remainder of any given
monthly period, contain securities that are no longer ranked #1 for
Timeliness(TM).
Value Line(R), Inc., founded in 1931, is known for the Value Line Investment
Survey(R), a widely used independent investment service. The Value Line
Investment Survey(R) is a comprehensive source of information, covering
approximately 1,700 stocks, more than 90 industries, the overall stock market
and the economy. According to information published by Value Line(R), when
selecting stocks for the Value Line Investment Survey(R), Value Line(R)'s stated
primary goal is to choose issues that will be of most interest to their
subscribers. In this regard, Value Line(R) has stated that it looks for actively
traded stocks, with reasonably large market capitalizations. Value Line(R) has
stated that it also attempts to provide broad industry coverage and will add
stocks in industries that they think are underrepresented or that are in new
industries that they have not previously followed. According to information
published by Value Line(R), the companies selected for the Value Line Investment
Survey(R) are chosen based on the following criteria: (i) market capitalization
should be at least $400 million; (ii) the stock should trade for at least $10
per share at the time of selection; and (iii) the stock's float must be more
than 10 million shares.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio holdings when changes are made by
Value Line(R) in the composition of the Index. Investors will be able to access
the holdings of the Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the
Index through the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that Value Line(R) no longer calculates the Index, the Index
license is terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially
changed, the Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that
proves to be impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever actions it
deems to be in the best interests of the Fund if the Fund's Shares are delisted.
83
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND - FVL
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
Shares of the Fund were initially offered to the public on March 21, 2007. On
June 15, 2007, the Fund acquired the assets and adopted the financial and
performance history of the First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund (the "Predecessor
FVL Fund"). The investment goals, strategies and policies of the Fund are
substantially similar to those of the Predecessor FVL Fund.
The performance information provided for the Fund for the period prior to June
15, 2007 is based upon the NAV performance history (not market price) of the
Predecessor FVL Fund and reflects the operating expenses of the Predecessor FVL
Fund.
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
four years as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and
since inception periods ended December 31, 2007. The bar chart and table provide
an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the
Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad measure of market performance.
See "Total Return Information" for additional performance information regarding
the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2004 13.05%
2005 11.86%
2006 4.60%
2007 19.91%
|
(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -14.18%.
During the four years ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest
calendar quarter returns were 14.50% and -6.91%, respectively, for the quarters
ended December 31, 2004 and June 30, 2006. The Fund's past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform
in the future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(6/12/2003)
Returns Before Taxes 19.91% 13.15%
After Taxes on Distributions 17.39% 10.68%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 12.81% 10.11%
Russell 3000(R) Index* 5.24% 11.57%
|
* The Russell 3000(R) Index is comprised of the 3000 largest
(by market cap) and most liquid stocks based and traded in the
U.S. representing approximately 98% of the U.S. equities market.
84
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND - FVL
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $500
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.50%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.39%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.89%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.19%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.70%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$72 $297 $564 $1,327
-------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $500 for the
Fund (assuming 100 or fewer different securities in a Creation Unit),
as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed
outside the usual process through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to three
times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.70% of
average daily net assets per year at least until June 18, 2009.
Expenses borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund
up to three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.70% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
85
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND - FVL
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$8,151 $30,726 $57,430 $133,748
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
86
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FVD 33734H106 AMEX Value Line(R) Dividend Index(SM) VLFVD
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Value
Line(R) Dividend Index. The investment objective of the Fund is a fundamental
policy that may be changed only with shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The 90% investment strategy is a non-fundamental policy and
requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Board can change such policy without receiving
shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by Value Line Publishing, Inc.,
as Index Provider. The Index is designed to objectively identify and select
those stocks from the universe of stocks of which Value Line, Inc.(R) ("Value
Line(R)") gives a Safety(TM) Ranking of #1 or #2 in the Value Line(R) Safety(TM)
Ranking System and have the potential to pay above average dividends and capital
appreciation.
The Index is a modified equal-dollar weighted index comprised of U.S.
exchange-listed securities of companies that pay above-average dividends and
have potential for capital appreciation. The inception date of the Index was
July 3, 2006. On March 31, 2008, there were 180 stocks that comprised the Index.
The Index begins with the universe of stocks that Value Line(R) gives a
Safety(TM) Ranking of #1 or #2 using the Value Line(R) Safety(TM) Ranking
System. All registered investment companies, limited partnerships and foreign
securities not listed in the U.S. are removed from this universe. From those
stocks, Value Line(R) selects those companies with a higher than average
dividend yield, as compared to the indicated dividend yield of the S&P 500(R)
Index. Value Line(R) then eliminates those companies with an equity market
capitalization of less than $1 billion. When the Index is initially configured
or reconfigured (as noted below), the Index seeks to be equally weighted in each
of the securities in the Index.
After the initial selection of securities, the Index is rebalanced by the
application of the above model on a monthly basis. The Index divisor was
initially determined to yield a benchmark value of 1,000.00 at the close of
trading on July 3, 2006. The holdings of the Fund and the composition and
compilation methodology of the Index are available on the Fund's website at
www.ftportfolios.com. Updated rankings of Value Line(R) are released weekly on
its website at www.valueline.com.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
87
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND - FVD
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; Financials Sector Risk; and Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk.
For more information on the Fund's principal risks, including a description of
the principal risks noted above, please refer to "Principal Investment Risks"
beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
Daily historical Index values are calculated by AMEX. The Index includes the
universe of stocks that Value Line(R) gives a Safety(TM) Ranking of #1 or #2
using the Value Line(R) Safety(TM) Ranking System. Value Line(R)'s updated
rankings are released every Monday morning on its website at www.valueline.com.
THE VALUE LINE(R) SAFETY(TM) RANKING SYSTEM
The Value Line(R) Safety(TM) Ranking System was introduced in its present form
in the mid-1960s. Each week Value Line(R) assigns a Safety(TM) rank to each of
the approximately 1,700 stocks in the Value Line(R) universe. According to
information published by Value Line(R), the Value Line(R) Safety(TM) rank
measures the total risk of a stock relative to the other stocks in the Value
Line(R) universe. According to information published by Value Line(R), the Value
Line(R) Safety(TM) rank is determined as follows: the Value Line(R) Safety(TM)
rank is derived from two equally weighted measurements, a stock's Price
Stability rank and the Financial Strength rating of a company, each of which as
determined by Value Line(R).
Value Line(R) measures the volatility of each of the stocks in the Value Line(R)
universe through means of its Price Stability score. A stock's Price Stability
score is based on a ranking of the standard deviation of weekly percent changes
in the price of a stock over the last five years. Standard deviation is the
measure of dispersion of historical returns around a mean rate of return, and a
lower standard deviation indicates less volatility. To determine standard
deviation, each week Value Line(R) compares the common stock prices of each of
the companies in the Value Line(R) universe to their prices as of the previous
week. Value Line(R) performs this calculation for each weekly period over the
previous five years and based on these calculations determines the standard
deviation over this five year period of each stock in the Value Line(R)
universe. Based on the standard deviations scores, Value Line(R) places each of
the companies in the Value Line(R) universe into 20 separate groups consisting
of an approximately equal number of companies. Value Line(R) reports Price
Stability on a scale of 100 (highest) to 5 (lowest) in increments of 5. Stocks
which receive a Price Stability rank of 100 by Value Line(R) represent the 5% of
the companies in the Value Line(R) universe with the lowest standard deviation,
whereas stocks which receive a Price Stability rank of 5 represent the 5% of the
companies in the Value Line(R) universe with the highest standard deviation.
A company's Financial Strength rating is Value Line(R)'s measure of the
company's financial condition, and is reported on a scale of A++ (highest) to C
(lowest). According to Value Line(R), it looks at a number of balance sheet and
income statement factors in assigning the Financial Strength ratings. These
include, but are not limited to, a company's long-term debt to total capital
ratio, short-term debt, the amount of cash on hand, the level of net income, the
level and growth of sales over time, and the consistency of sales, profits and
returns on capital and equity over an extended timeframe. Value Line(R) also
looks at the type of industry a company is in, a company's position and
performance within an industry, and the cyclical nature of an industry. Finally,
Value Line(R) considers a company's share price movement. According to Value
Line(R), sharp declines in price in a short period of time (especially in a
relatively stable equity market environment) can signal a future financial
reversal while a rising stock price with no takeover news may be a sign of
improving fundamentals. Based upon the foregoing, Value Line(R) assigns the
highest Financial Strength scores to what Value Line(R) determines to be the
largest companies with the strongest balance sheets.
Value Line(R) assigns Safety(TM) ranks on a scale from 1 (safest) to 5
(riskiest). The number of stocks in each category from 1 to 5 is not fixed.
According to information published by Value Line(R), stocks ranked #1 (Highest)
for Safety(TM), as a group, are (in Value Line(R)'s opinion) the safest, most
stable, and least risky investments relative to the Value Line(R) universe,
which accounts for about 95% of the market volume of all stocks in the U.S., and
stocks ranked #2 (Above Average) for Safety(TM), as a group, are safer and less
risky than most.
Value Line(R), Inc., founded in 1931, is known for The Value Line Investment
Survey(R), a widely used independent investment service. The Value Line
Investment Survey(R) is a comprehensive source of information, covering
approximately 1,700 stocks, more than 90 industries, the overall stock market
and the economy. According to information published by Value Line(R), when
selecting stocks for the Value Line(R) Investment Survey, Value Line(R)'s stated
primary goal is to choose issues that will be of most interest to their
subscribers. In this regard, Value Line(R) has stated that it looks for actively
traded stocks, with reasonably large market capitalizations. Value Line(R) has
stated that it also attempts to provide broad industry coverage and will add
stocks in industries that they think are underrepresented or that are in new
industries that they have not previously followed. According to information
published by Value Line(R), the companies selected for the Value Line(R)
88
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND - FVD
Investment Survey are chosen based on the following criteria: (i) market
capitalization should be at least $400 million; (ii) the stock should trade for
at least $10 per share at the time of selection; (iii) the stock's float must be
more than 10 million shares.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Index
are released to the public. Investors are able to access the holdings of the
Fund and the composition and compilation methodology of the Index through the
Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that Value Line(R) no longer calculates the Index, the Index
license is terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially
changed, the Board will seek to engage a replacement index. However, if that
proves to be impracticable, the Board will take whatever action it deems to be
in the best interests of the Fund. The Board will also take whatever action it
deems to be in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
Shares of the Fund were initially offered to the public on October 13, 2006. On
December 15, 2006, the Fund acquired the assets and adopted the financial and
performance history of the First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Fund (the
"Predecessor FVD Fund"), a closed-end management investment company. The
investment goals, strategies and policies of the Fund are substantially similar
to those of the Predecessor FVD Fund.
The performance information provided for the Fund for the period prior to
December 15, 2006 is based upon the performance history of the Predecessor FVD
Fund and reflects the operating expenses of the Predecessor FVD Fund.
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
four years as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and
since inception periods ended December 31, 2007. This information is intended to
help you assess the potential rewards and risks of an investment in the Fund.
The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the
Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by
showing how the Fund's average annual total returns compare to those of a broad
measure of market performance. See "Total Return Information" for additional
performance information regarding the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2004 18.78%
2005 6.59%
2006 20.11%
2007 -3.42%
|
(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -5.94%.
89
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND - FVD
During the four years ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest
calendar quarter returns were 9.26% and -5.05%, respectively, for the quarters
ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2007. The Fund's past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(8/19/2003)
Returns Before Taxes -3.42% 10.70%
After Taxes on Distributions -4.36% 8.20%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares -2.20% 8.05%
S&P 500(R) Index* 5.49% 11.14%
|
* The S&P 500(R) Index includes 500 large cap companies in the
leading industries of the U.S. economy representing
approximately 75% of the U.S. equities market.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $1,000
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.50%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.35%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.85%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.15%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.70%
|
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$72 $295 $552 $1,290
--------------------
|
(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $1,000 for the
Fund (assuming between 101 to 200 different securities in a Creation
Unit), as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or
redeemed outside the usual process through the National Securities
Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to
three times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
90
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND - FVD
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.70% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.70% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$9,151 $31,452 $57,234 $131,022
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
91
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Ticker CUSIP Listing Underlying Index Underlying Index Ticker
FVI 336919105 AMEX Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index(SM) VLFVI
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Value
Line(R) Equity Allocation Index(SM). The investment objective of the Fund is a
fundamental policy that may be changed only with shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The 90% investment strategy is a non-fundamental policy and
requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Board can change such policy without receiving
shareholder approval.
The Fund, using an "indexing" investment approach, attempts to replicate, before
expenses, the performance of the Index. First Trust seeks a correlation of 0.95
or better (before fees and expenses) between the Fund's performance and the
performance of the Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
First Trust will regularly monitor the Fund's tracking accuracy and will use the
investment techniques described below in seeking to maintain an appropriate
correlation.
In seeking to achieve the Fund's investment objective, the Fund generally will
invest in all of the stocks comprising the Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be
possible or practicable to purchase all of those stocks in those weightings. In
those circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of stocks in the Index.
There may also be instances in which First Trust may choose to overweight
certain stocks in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index which First
Trust believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Index, use futures or other derivative instruments, or utilize various
combinations of the above techniques in seeking to track the Index. The Fund may
sell stocks that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Index or purchase stocks not represented in the Index in anticipation
of their addition to the Index.
INDEX CONSTRUCTION
The Index is developed, maintained and sponsored by Value Line Publishing, Inc.,
as Index Provider. The Index is designed to objectively identify and select
those stocks from the Value Line(R) 1700 universe of stocks across market
capitalizations and investment styles for growth and value that appear to have
the greatest potential for capital appreciation.
The Index is a modified equal-dollar weighted index comprised of U.S.
exchange-listed securities of companies with capital appreciation potential. The
inception date of the Index was May 1, 2006. On March 31, 2008, there were 150
stocks that comprised the Index.
The Index is designed to objectively identify and select those stocks from the
Value Line(R) universe across market capitalizations and investment styles for
growth and value that appear to have the greatest potential for capital
appreciation. The Index begins with the Value Line(R) 1700 universe of stocks
that Value Line(R) gives a Timeliness(TM), Safety(TM) or Technical(TM) Ranking
of #1 or #2 using the Value Line(R) Ranking Systems. All registered investment
companies, non-U.S. securities not listed in the United States and limited
partnerships are removed from this universe. The stocks are then separated into
large, mid and small cap categories based on specified capitalization ranges. To
determine a company's market capitalization category, the market capitalization
of all the stocks listed on the NYSE (other than unit investment trusts,
closed-end funds, real estate investment trusts, foreign stocks and ADRs) are
divided into various deciles. Large capitalization stocks are companies falling
into deciles 1-2, mid-capitalization stocks are companies in deciles 3-5 and
small capitalization stocks are companies in deciles 6-8. Within these
capitalization ranges, stocks which do not meet certain daily trading volume
amounts are eliminated. For large capitalization stocks, stocks with a
three-month average daily trading volume of less than $5 million are eliminated.
For mid-capitalization stocks, stocks with a three-month average daily trading
volume of less than $2 million are eliminated. Small-capitalization stocks with
a three-month average daily trading volume of less than $2 million are
eliminated. Small-capitalization stocks with a market capitalization of less
than $250 million or with a market capitalization of less than $1 billion and a
92
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND - FVI
Timeliness ranking of #1 also are eliminated. The remaining stocks are then
divided into growth and value universes by reference to the stock's price to
book ratio. Accordingly, there are six style classifications: Large Cap Value,
Mid Cap Value, Small Cap Value, Large Cap Growth, Mid Cap Growth and Small Cap
Growth. Value Line(R) determines the equity allocations among the style
classifications.
The stocks in each style classification are then ranked using a three factor
model. For growth portfolios, the three factor model incorporates cash flow to
price ratio, return on assets and the stock's three month price appreciation.
For value portfolios, the three factor model incorporates the one year change in
return on assets, book to price ratio and the stock's three month price
appreciation. The sum of the ranks of the three factors is used to rank each
stock. Each factor is equally weighted; however, in the event of a tie, the
price appreciation factor will be used as the tie-breaker. The 25 highest ranked
stocks (lowest total sum of ranks) in each of the six style classifications are
selected. The stocks are equally weighted within each classification.
After the initial selection of securities, on a weekly basis, stocks in the
Index generally are removed when they are no longer within the Value Line(R)
universe of #1 or #2 rankings and have fallen to #4 or #5 for the Value Line(R)
factor that originally made the stock eligible for the Index. Stocks that retain
a Value Line(R) rank of #1 or #2 for any factor will not be eliminated.
Replacement stocks are then added generally starting from the highest ranked
stock not already in the Index based on the most recent rankings, subject to
certain limited exceptions. For purposes of determining replacement securities,
the model to rank the securities eligible for the Index is determined every
other month. Replacement securities are selected from the most recent rankings
list.
The Index is also rebalanced on the application of the above model on a
semi-annual basis on the fourth business day of the week containing the third
Friday of February and August. The Index divisor was initially determined to
yield a benchmark value of 1,000.00 at the close of trading on May 1, 2006.
See "Additional Index Information" for additional information regarding the
Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks: Market Risk; Index
Tracking Risk; Non-Correlation Risk; Replication Management Risk; Intellectual
Property Risk; Issuer Specific Changes Risk; Concentration Risk; Passive
Investment Risk; and Small Cap and Mid Cap Company Risk. For more information on
the Fund's principal risks, including a description of the principal risks noted
above, please refer to "Principal Investment Risks" beginning on page 3.
See "Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds" for additional information
regarding risks.
ADDITIONAL INDEX INFORMATION
The composition of the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index is reconstituted
and rebalanced by Value Line(R) semi-annually in February and August and
additions to or subtractions from the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index
occur following this review. The Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index is
reviewed weekly to ensure the Index includes the highest ranked stocks. Daily
historical Index values are calculated by AMEX. The Value Line(R) Equity
Allocation Index includes the universe of stocks that Value Line(R) gives a
Timeliness(TM), Safety(TM), or Technical(TM) Ranking of #1 or #2 using the Value
Line(R) Timeliness(TM), Safety(TM) and Technical(TM) Ranking Systems.
THE VALUE LINE(R) TIMELINESS(TM) RANKING SYSTEM
The present Value Line(R) Timeliness(TM) Ranking System was introduced in 1965.
Each week the Value Line(R) Timeliness(TM) Ranking System screens a wide array
of data using a series of proprietary calculations to rank each of the
approximately 1,700 stocks in the Value Line(R) universe for expected price
performance for the coming six to 12 months. Stocks are ranked from #1 (highest
expected price performance) to #5 (lowest expected price performance). At any
one time there are 100 stocks ranked #1, 300 ranked #2, approximately 900 ranked
#3, approximately 300 ranked #4 and 100 ranked #5.
According to reports published by Value Line(R), the most important factor in
determining the Timeliness(TM) rank is earnings growth. Other factors
considered, according to Value Line(R), include: (i) a company's earnings growth
over the past ten years in relation to the stock's recent price performance
relative to all of the approximately 1,700 stocks in the Value Line(R) universe;
(ii) a company's recent quarterly earnings performance; and (iii) a company's
reporting of results that are significantly better or worse than market
expectations. Value Line(R) combines these and other factors to determine the
Timeliness(TM) rank.
THE VALUE LINE(R) SAFETY(TM) RANKING SYSTEM
The Value Line(R) Safety(TM) Ranking System was introduced in its present form
in the mid-1960s. Each week Value Line(R) assigns a Safety(TM) rank to each of
the approximately 1,700 stocks in the Value Line(R) universe. According to
information published by Value Line(R), the Value Line(R) Safety(TM) rank
measures the total risk of a stock relative to the other stocks in the Value
93
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND - FVI
Line(R) universe. According to information published by Value Line(R), the Value
Line(R) Safety(TM) rank is determined as follows: the Value Line(R) Safety(TM)
rank is derived from two equally weighted measurements, a stock's Price
Stability rank and the Financial Strength rating of a company, each of which as
determined by Value Line(R).
Value Line(R) measures the volatility of each of the stocks in the Value Line(R)
universe through means of its Price Stability score. A stock's Price Stability
score is based on a ranking of the standard deviation of weekly percent changes
in the price of a stock over the last five years. Standard deviation is the
measure of dispersion of historical returns around a mean rate of return, and a
lower standard deviation indicates less volatility. To determine standard
deviation, each week Value Line(R) compares the common stock prices of each of
the companies in the Value Line(R) universe to their prices as of the previous
week. Value Line(R) performs this calculation for each weekly period over the
previous five years and based on these calculations determines the standard
deviation over this five year period of each stock in the Value Line(R)
universe. Based on the standard deviations scores, Value Line(R) places each of
the companies in the Value Line(R) universe into 20 separate groups consisting
of an approximately equal number of companies. Value Line(R) reports Price
Stability on a scale of 100 (highest) to 5 (lowest) in increments of 5. Stocks
which receive a Price Stability rank of 100 by Value Line(R) represent the 5% of
the companies in the Value Line(R) universe with the lowest standard deviation,
whereas stocks which receive a Price Stability rank of 5 represent the 5% of the
companies in the Value Line(R) universe with the highest standard deviation.
A company's Financial Strength rating is Value Line(R)'s measure of the
company's financial condition, and is reported on a scale of A++ (highest) to C
(lowest). According to Value Line(R), it looks at a number of balance sheet and
income statement factors in assigning the Financial Strength ratings. These
include, but are not limited to, a company's long-term debt to total capital
ratio, short-term debt, the amount of cash on hand, the level of net income, the
level and growth of sales over time, and the consistency of sales, profits and
returns on capital and equity over an extended timeframe. Value Line(R) also
looks at the type of industry a company is in, a company's position and
performance within an industry, and the cyclical nature of an industry. Finally,
Value Line(R) considers a company's share price movement. According to Value
Line(R), sharp declines in price in a short period of time (especially in a
relatively stable equity market environment) can signal a future financial
reversal while a rising stock price with no takeover news may be a sign of
improving fundamentals. Based upon the foregoing, Value Line(R) assigns the
highest Financial Strength scores to what Value Line(R) determines to be the
largest companies with the strongest balance sheets.
Value Line(R) assigns Safety(TM) ranks on a scale from 1 (safest) to 5
(riskiest). The number of stocks in each category from 1 to 5 is not fixed.
According to information published by Value Line(R), stocks ranked #1 (Highest)
for Safety(TM), as a group, are (in Value Line(R)'s opinion) the safest, most
stable, and least risky investments relative to the Value Line(R) universe,
which accounts for about 95% of the market volume of all stocks in the U.S., and
stocks ranked #2 (Above Average) for Safety(TM), as a group, are safer and less
risky than most.
THE VALUE LINE(R) TECHNICAL(TM) RANKING SYSTEM
The Value Line(R) Technical(TM) Ranking System was introduced in its present
form in 1984. As with the Safety(TM) and Timeliness(TM) Ranking Systems, each
week Value Line(R) uses a proprietary formula to predict short-term (three to
six month) future price returns relative to the Value Line(R) universe of 1,700
stocks. The rankings of the stocks (from #1 to #5, with #1 being the highest
rank) are the result of an analysis which relates 10 price trends of different
durations for a stock during the past year to the relative price changes of the
same stock expected over the succeeding three to six months.
Value Line(R), Inc., founded in 1931, is known for The Value Line Investment
Survey(R), a widely used independent investment service. The Value Line
Investment Survey(R) is a comprehensive source of information, covering
approximately 1,700 stocks, more than 90 industries, the overall stock market
and the economy. According to information published by Value Line(R), when
selecting stocks for the Value Line(R) Investment Survey, Value Line(R)'s stated
primary goal is to choose issues that will be of most interest to their
subscribers. In this regard, Value Line(R) has stated that it looks for actively
traded stocks, with reasonably large market capitalizations. Value Line(R) has
stated that it also attempts to provide broad industry coverage and will add
stocks in industries that they think are underrepresented or that are in new
industries that they have not previously followed. According to information
published by Value Line(R), the companies selected for the Value Line(R)
Investment Survey are chosen based on the following criteria: (i) market
capitalization should be at least $400 million; (ii) the stock should trade for
at least $10 per share at the time of selection; (iii) the stock's float must be
more than 10 million shares.
The Fund will make changes to its portfolio shortly after changes to the Value
Line(R) Equity Allocation Index are released to the public. Investors are able
to access the holdings of the Fund and the composition and compilation
methodology of the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index through the Fund's
website at www.ftportfolios.com.
In the event that Value Line(R) no longer calculates the Value Line(R) Equity
Allocation Index, the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index license is
terminated or the identity or character of the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation
Index is materially changed, the Board will seek to engage a replacement index.
However, if that proves to be impracticable, the Board will take whatever action
94
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND - FVI
it deems to be in the best interests of the Fund. The Board will also take
whatever action it deems to be in the best interests of the Fund if the Shares
are delisted.
HOW THE FUND HAS PERFORMED
The chart and table below illustrate annual calendar year returns for the past
year as well as average annual Fund and Index returns for the one-year and since
inception periods ended December 31, 2007. This information is intended to help
you assess the potential rewards and risks of an investment in the Fund. The
information also shows how the Fund's performance compares with the returns of a
broad measure of market performance. See "Total Return Information" for
additional performance information regarding the Fund.
Returns before taxes do not reflect the effects of any income or capital gains
taxes. All after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest
individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of
any state or local tax. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed
return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of shares assume you sold your shares at period end, and,
therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred. Returns
for the market index do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund
returns, or taxes.
Your own actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and
may differ from what is shown here. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Fund Shares in tax-deferred accounts such as individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) or employee-sponsored retirement plans.
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND--TOTAL RETURNS(1)
Calendar Year Total Return as of 12/31
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
Performance Year Total Return
---------------- ------------
2007 4.65%
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(1) The Fund's year-to-date return on NAV for the period from 12/31/07 to
3/31/08 was -9.83%.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Fund's highest and lowest calendar
quarter returns were 5.94% and -1.99%, respectively, for the quarters ended June
30, 2007 and December 31, 2007. The Fund's past performance (before and after
taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the
future.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
1 Year Since Inception
(12/5/2006)
Returns Before Taxes 4.65% 3.26%
After Taxes on Distributions 4.21% 2.85%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 3.02% 2.54%
Russell 3000(R) Index* 5.24% 4.96%
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* The Russell 3000(R) Index is comprised of the 3000 largest
(by market cap) and most liquid stocks based and traded in
the U.S. representing approximately 98% of the U.S. equities market.
95
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND - FVI
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF INVESTING?
The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay when you buy or
sell Creation Units of the Fund. Investors purchasing Shares in the secondary
market will not pay the shareholder fees shown below, but may be subject to
costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Shareholder Fees (paid directly by Authorized Participants)
Sales charges (loads) None
Standard transaction fee per order (1) $1,000
Additional transaction charge if settled outside of the usual
process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the
National Securities Clearing Corporation (1) Up to 3 times
the standard
transaction fee
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)
(Expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets)
Management Fees 0.50%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees (3) 0.00%
Other Expenses 0.86%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.36%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement (4) 0.66%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.70%
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EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation
Units of the Fund or customary brokerage commissions that you pay when
purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the secondary market.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated and then you retain the Shares or sell all of your Shares
at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment
has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based
on these assumptions, would be:
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$72 $384 $756 $1,804
--------------------
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(1) Purchasers of Creation Units and parties redeeming Creation Units must
pay a standard creation or redemption transaction fee of $1,000 for the
Fund (assuming between 101 to 200 different securities in a Creation
Unit), as applicable. However, if a Creation Unit is purchased or
redeemed outside the usual process through the National Securities
Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable fee of up to
three times the standard creation or redemption transaction fee may be
charged. See "Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction
Fees" below.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets.
(3) The Fund has adopted a distribution and service (12b-1) plan pursuant
to which the Fund may bear a 12b-1 fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets. However, no such fee is currently
paid by the Fund and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund
will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
(4) First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay the Fund's expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading
expenses, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.70% of
average daily net assets per year at least until May 15, 2009. Expenses
borne by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by the Fund up to
three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred, but no
reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would
result in the Fund's expenses exceeding 0.70% of average daily net
assets per year.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. As a practical
matter, only APs that have entered into authorized participant agreements with
respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units can purchase or redeem
these Creation Units. Purchasers of Creation Units at NAV must pay a standard
Creation Transaction Fee (as defined below) as set forth on the expense table
96
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND - FVI
for each purchase transaction (regardless of the number of Creation Units
involved). The value of a Creation Unit as of the first creation of such
Creation Unit was approximately $1,000,000. An AP who holds Creation Units and
wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard Redemption Transaction Fee (as
defined below) as set forth on the expense table for each redemption transaction
(regardless of the number of Creation Units involved). See "Creations,
Redemptions and Transaction Fees" later in the Prospectus. APs who hold Creation
Units in inventory will also indirectly pay Fund expenses. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $1,000,000 and a 5% return each year, assuming
that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, and assuming brokerage costs
are not included, the total costs would be as set forth in the table below if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after the periods indicated.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$9,151 $40,393 $77,642 $182,389
If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process through
the National Securities Clearing Corporation or for cash, an additional variable
fee of up to three times the standard Creation or Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to the AP making the transaction.
The Creation Transaction Fee, Redemption Transaction Fee and variable fee are
not expenses of the Fund and do not impact the Fund's expense ratio.
97
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Each of the policies described herein is a non-fundamental policy of each Fund
that may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Certain
fundamental policies of the Funds are set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information ("SAI") under "Investment Objective and Policies."
EQUITY SECURITIES
The Funds invest primarily in equity securities of U.S. issuers. Eligible equity
securities include common stocks and warrants to purchase common stocks. In
addition, the Funds may invest in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers listed
on any national exchange if such securities are included in the applicable
Index, including depositary receipts that represent non-U.S. common stocks
deposited with a custodian.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
The Funds may invest in cash equivalents or other short-term investments,
including U.S. government securities, commercial paper, repurchase agreements,
money-market funds or similar fixed-income securities with remaining maturities
of one year or less. For more information on short-term investments, see the
Funds' SAI.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS
The Funds may use various investment strategies designed to hedge against
changes in the values of securities the Funds own or expect to purchase or to
hedge against interest rate or currency exchange rate changes. The instruments
used to implement these strategies include financial futures contracts, options,
forward contracts, options on financial futures and stock index options.
DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES
The Funds may buy or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis,
paying for or taking delivery of the securities at a later date, normally within
15 to 45 days of the trade. Such transactions involve an element of risk because
the value of the securities to be purchased may decline before the settlement
date.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A description of the policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of
each Fund's portfolio securities is included in the Funds' SAI and on the Funds'
website at www.ftportfolios.com.
ADDITIONAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in a Fund involves risk, including
the risk that you may lose all or part of your investment. There can be no
assurance that each Fund will meet its stated objective. Before you invest, you
should consider the following risks.
TRADING ISSUES
Although Shares of each Fund are listed for trading on the AMEX, NASDAQ(R) or
NYSE Arca, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such
Shares will develop or be maintained. Trading in Shares on an Exchange may be
halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of such
Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on
an Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market
volatility pursuant to Exchange "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no
assurance that the requirements of the Exchanges necessary to maintain the
listing of the Funds will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. Due to
the small asset size of some of the Funds, these Funds are more likely to have
difficulty maintaining their listing on a given Exchange.
FLUCTUATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The NAV of Shares of each Fund will generally fluctuate with changes in the
market value of each Fund's holdings. The market prices of Shares will generally
fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV as well as the relative supply of
and demand for Shares on an Exchange. First Trust cannot predict whether Shares
will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large
part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading
market for Shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same
forces influencing the prices of the stocks of the Funds trading individually or
in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that Shares can be
purchased and redeemed in Creation Units (unlike shares of many closed-end
98
funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at
premiums to, their NAV), First Trust believes that large discounts or premiums
to the NAV of Shares should not be sustained.
INFLATION
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments
will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As
inflation increases, the value of a Fund's assets can decline as can the value
of a Fund's distributions. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to
rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs
increase.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Each Fund is exposed to additional market risk due to its policy of investing
principally in the securities included in each Fund's Index. As a result of this
policy, securities held by a Fund will generally not be bought or sold in
response to market fluctuations. This policy may subject investors to greater
market risk than other mutual funds.
FUND ORGANIZATION
Each Fund is a series of the Trust, an investment company registered under the
1940 Act. Each Fund is treated as a separate fund with its own investment
objective and policies. The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business
trust. Its Board is responsible for its overall management and direction. The
Board elects the Trust's officers and approves all significant agreements,
including those with the investment adviser, custodian and fund administrative
and accounting agent.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust"), 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle,
Illinois 60532, is the investment adviser to the Funds. In this capacity, First
Trust is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities
in each Fund's portfolio and certain other services necessary for the management
of the portfolios.
First Trust is a limited partnership with one limited partner, Grace Partners of
DuPage L.P., and one general partner, The Charger Corporation. Grace Partners of
DuPage L.P. is a limited partnership with one general partner, The Charger
Corporation, and a number of limited partners. The Charger Corporation is an
Illinois corporation controlled by the Robert Donald Van Kampen family. First
Trust discharges its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Board of
the Trust.
First Trust serves as adviser or sub-adviser for 25 mutual fund portfolios, 36
exchange-traded fund portfolios and 14 closed-end funds and is also the
portfolio supervisor of certain unit investment trusts sponsored by First Trust
Portfolios L.P. ("FTP"), 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532. FTP
specializes in the underwriting, trading and distribution of unit investment
trusts and other securities. FTP is the principal underwriter of the Shares of
each Fund.
There is no one individual primarily responsible for portfolio management
decisions for the Funds. Investments are made under the direction of a committee
(the "Investment Committee"). The Investment Committee consists of Daniel J.
Lindquist, Robert F. Carey, Jon C. Erickson, David G. McGarel, Roger F. Testin
and Stan Ueland. Mr. Lindquist rejoined First Trust as a Vice President in April
2004 after serving as Chief Operating Officer of Mina Capital Management LLC
from January 2004 to April 2004 and Samaritan Asset Management Services, Inc.
from April 2000 to January 2004 and has been a Senior Vice President of First
Trust and FTP since September 2005. Mr. Lindquist is Chairman of the Investment
Committee and presides over Investment Committee meetings. Mr. Lindquist is
responsible for overseeing the implementation of each Fund's investment
strategies. Mr. Carey is the Chief Investment Officer and a Senior Vice
President of First Trust and FTP. As First Trust's Chief Investment Officer, Mr.
Carey consults with the other members of the Investment Committee on market
conditions and First Trust's general investment philosophy. Mr. Erickson is a
Senior Vice President of First Trust and FTP. As the head of First Trust's
Equity Research Group, Mr. Erickson is responsible for determining the
securities to be purchased and sold by funds that do not utilize quantitative
investment strategies. Mr. McGarel is a Senior Vice President of First Trust and
FTP. As the head of First Trust's Strategy Research Group, Mr. McGarel is
responsible for developing and implementing quantitative investment strategies
for those funds that have investment policies that require them to follow such
strategies. Since November 2003, Mr. Testin has been a Senior Vice President of
First Trust and FTP. From August 2001 to November 2003, Mr. Testin was a Vice
President of First Trust and FTP. Prior to joining First Trust, Mr. Testin was
an analyst for Dolan Capital Management. Mr. Testin is the head of First Trust's
Portfolio Management Group. Mr. Ueland has been a Vice President of First Trust
and FTP since August 2005. At First Trust, he plays an important role in
executing the investment strategies of each portfolio of exchange-traded funds
advised by First Trust. Before joining First Trust, Mr. Ueland was Vice
President at BondWave LLC from May 2004 through August 2005, an account
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executive for Mina Capital Management LLC and Samaritan Asset Management
Services, Inc. from January 2003 through May 2004, and a sales consultant at
Oracle Corporation from January 1997 through January 2003. For additional
information concerning First Trust, including a description of the services
provided to the Funds, see the Funds' SAI. In addition, the SAI provides
additional information about the compensation of Investment Committee members,
other accounts managed by members of the Investment Committee and ownership by
members of the Investment Committee of Shares of the Funds.
The table below sets forth the annual management fee that First Trust may
receive from each Fund. The table also shows the amounts paid by the Funds to
First Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (net of expense
reimbursements) as a percentage of average daily net assets. A discussion
regarding the Board's approval of the Investment Management Agreement is
available in the Funds' Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders for the six-month
period ended June 30, 2007.
MANAGEMENT FEE
ANNUAL ANNUAL PAID FOR THE PERIOD
MANAGEMENT FEE EXPENSE CAP EXPENSE CAP ENDED 12/31/07
(% OF AVERAGE (% OF AVERAGE TERMINATION (% OF AVERAGE
FUND DAILY NET ASSETS) DAILY NET ASSETS) DATE DAILY NET ASSETS)
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology
Index Fund 0.40% 0.60% May 15, 2009 0.27%
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index
Fund 0.50% 0.65% May 15, 2009 0.03%
First Trust Dow Jones Internet
Index(SM) Fund 0.40% 0.60% May 15, 2009 0.30%
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap
Index(SM) Fund 0.50% 0.60% May 15, 2009 --
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 0.40% 0.60% May 15, 2009 --
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 0.40% 0.60% May 15, 2009 0.18%
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas
Index Fund 0.40% 0.60% May 15, 2009 --
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 0.40% 0.60% May 15, 2009 --
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend
Leaders(SM) Index Fund 0.30% 0.45% May 15, 2009 0.07%
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted
Index(SM) Fund 0.40% 0.60% May 15, 2009 0.05%
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology
Sector Index(SM) Fund 0.40% 0.60% May 15, 2009 --
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology
Sector Index(SM) Fund 0.40% 0.60% May 15, 2009 0.08%
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S.
Liquid Series Index Fund 0.40% 0.60% May 15, 2009 --
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 0.30% 0.50% May 15, 2009 --
First Trust Value Line(R) 100
Exchange-Traded Fund 0.50% 0.70% June 18, 2009 0.53% (1)
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend
Index Fund 0.50% 0.70% May 15, 2009 0.35%
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity
Allocation Index Fund 0.50% 0.70% May 15, 2009 --
(1) Prior to June 18, 2007, First Trust was entitled to a monthly fee calculated
at an annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund's average daily net assets for its
investment advisory services to First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund.
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Each Fund is responsible for all of its expenses, including the investment
advisory fees, costs of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal,
audit and other services, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other
expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, paying for its
sublicensing fees related to each Fund's Index, any distribution fees or
expenses, and extraordinary expenses. First Trust has agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating
expenses of each Fund (excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and
other trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) (the "Expense Cap")
from exceeding the Expense Cap listed above, at least until the Expense Cap
Termination Date listed above. Expenses borne by First Trust are subject to
reimbursement by each Fund up to three years from the date the fee or expense
was incurred, but no reimbursement payment will be made by a Fund at any time if
it would result in such Fund's expenses exceeding its Expense Cap.
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES
Shares will be issued or redeemed by the Funds at NAV per Share only in Creation
Unit size. See "Creations, Redemptions and Transaction Fees."
Most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Funds in secondary market
transactions through brokers. Shares of the Funds are listed for trading on the
secondary market on the applicable Exchange. Shares can be bought and sold
throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no
minimum investment. Although Shares are generally purchased and sold in "round
lots" of 100 Shares, brokerage firms typically permit investors to purchase or
sell Shares in smaller "odd lots," at no per-Share price differential. When
buying or selling Shares through a broker, you should expect to incur customary
brokerage commissions, you may receive less than the NAV of the Shares, and you
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may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offer price in the
secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.
Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per Share.
Investors may acquire Shares directly from a Fund, and shareholders may tender
their Shares for redemption directly to such Fund, only in Creation Units, as
discussed in the "Creations, Redemptions and Transaction Fees" section below.
For purposes of the 1940 Act, each Fund is treated as a registered investment
company, and the acquisition of Shares by other registered investment companies
is subject to the restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. The Trust,
on behalf of the Funds, has received an exemptive order from the Securities and
Exchange Commission that permits certain registered investment companies to
invest in a Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to
certain terms and conditions, including that any such investment companies enter
into agreements with a Fund regarding the terms of any investment.
BOOK ENTRY
Shares are held in book-entry form, which means that no Share certificates are
issued. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee is the record owner
of all outstanding Shares of the Funds and is recognized as the owner of all
Shares for all purposes.
Investors owning Shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or
its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all Shares.
Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or
indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of
Shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of Share certificates
or to have Shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a
registered owner of Shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of
Shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These
procedures are the same as those that apply to any other stocks that you hold in
book-entry or "street name" form.
SHARE TRADING PRICES
The trading prices of Shares of a Fund on the applicable Exchange may differ
from such Fund's daily NAV and can be affected by market forces of supply and
demand, economic conditions and other factors.
The applicable Exchange intends to disseminate the approximate value of Shares
of the Funds every 15 seconds. This approximate value should not be viewed as a
"real-time" update of the NAV per Share of the Funds because the approximate
value may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed
once a day, generally at the end of the business day. The Funds are not involved
in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate
value of Shares of the Funds and the Funds do not make any warranty as to its
accuracy.
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF THE FUNDS' SHARES
The Funds impose no restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions
("market timing"). In determining not to approve a written, established policy,
the Board evaluated the risks of market timing activities by the Funds'
shareholders. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, each
Fund issues and redeems its Shares at NAV per Share generally for a basket of
securities intended to mirror such Fund's portfolio, plus a small amount of
cash, and the Shares may be purchased and sold on the applicable Exchange at
prevailing market prices. The Board noted that a Fund's Shares can only be
purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by APs and that
the vast majority of trading in Shares occurs on the secondary market. Because
the secondary market trades do not involve a Fund directly, it is unlikely those
trades would cause many of the harmful effects of market timing, including:
dilution, disruption of portfolio management, increases in a Fund's trading
costs and the realization of capital gains. With respect to trades directly with
a Fund, to the extent effected in-kind (i.e., for securities), those trades do
not cause any of the harmful effects (as noted above) that may result from
frequent cash trades. To the extent trades are effected in whole or in part in
cash, the Board noted that those trades could result in dilution to a Fund and
increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact a Fund's ability to
achieve its investment objective. However, the Board noted that direct trading
by APs is critical to ensuring that the Shares trade at or close to NAV. The
Funds also employ fair valuation pricing to minimize potential dilution from
market timing. The Funds impose transaction fees on in-kind purchases and
redemptions of Shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the
Funds in executing in-kind trades, and with respect to the redemption fees,
these fees increase if an investor substitutes cash in part or in whole for
securities, reflecting the fact that a Fund's trading costs increase in those
circumstances. Given this structure, the Board determined that (a) it is
unlikely that market timing would be attempted by a Fund's shareholders and (b)
any attempts to market time a Fund by shareholders would not be expected to
negatively impact a Fund or its shareholders.
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CREATIONS, REDEMPTIONS AND TRANSACTION FEES
Investors such as market makers, large investors and institutions that wish to
deal in Creation Units directly with the Funds must have entered into an AP
agreement with the Funds' distributor and transfer agent, or purchase through a
dealer that has entered into such an agreement. Set forth below is a brief
description of the procedures applicable to purchases and redemptions of
Creation Units. For more detailed information, see "Creation and Redemption of
Creation Unit Aggregations" in the SAI.
PURCHASE
In order to purchase Creation Units of the Funds, an investor must generally
deposit a designated portfolio of equity securities constituting a substantial
replication, or a representation, of the stocks included in the Index (the
"Deposit Securities") and generally make a small cash payment referred to as the
"Cash Component." The list of the names and the numbers of shares of the Deposit
Securities is made available by the Funds' custodian through the facilities of
the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC"), each day the NYSE is open
for trading. The Cash Component (including any cash in lieu amount) represents
the difference between the NAV of a Creation Unit and the market value of the
Deposit Securities.
Orders must be placed in proper form by or through an AP which is either (i) a
"Participating Party," i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the
Clearing Process of the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the
"Clearing Process") or (ii) a participant of DTC ("DTC Participant") that has
entered into an AP agreement with the Funds' distributor and transfer agent,
with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. All orders must be
placed for one or more whole Creation Units of Shares of a Fund and must be
received by the Fund's transfer agent in proper form no later than the close of
regular trading on the applicable Exchange (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time)
("Closing Time") in order to receive that day's closing NAV per Share. In the
case of custom orders, as further described in the SAI, the order must be
received by a Fund's transfer agent no later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern time. A
custom order may be placed by an AP in the event that a Fund permits or requires
the substitution of an amount of cash to be added to the Cash Component to
replace any Deposit Security which may not be available in sufficient quantity
for delivery or which may not be eligible for trading by such AP or the investor
for which it is acting or any other relevant reason. See "Creation and
Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the SAI.
Purchasers of Creation Units must pay a standard creation transaction fee (the
"Creation Transaction Fee"), which is based on the number of different
securities in a Creation Unit according to the fee schedule set forth below:
NUMBER OF SECURITIES CREATION
IN A CREATION UNIT TRANSACTION FEE
1-100 $500
101-200 $1,000
201-300 $1,500
301-400 $2,000
401-500 $2,500
501-600 $3,000
601-700 $3,500
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The Creation Transaction Fee is applicable to each purchase transaction
regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased in the transaction. An
additional variable fee of up to three times the Creation Transaction Fee may be
charged to approximate additional expenses incurred by a Fund with respect to
transactions effected outside of the Clearing Process (i.e., through a DTC
Participant) or to the extent that cash is used in lieu of securities to
purchase Creation Units. See "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit
Aggregations" in the SAI. The price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily
NAV per Share times the number of Shares in a Creation Unit plus the fees
described above and, if applicable, any transfer taxes.
Shares of the Funds may be issued in advance of receipt of all Deposit
Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on
deposit with such Fund cash at least equal to 115% of the market value of the
missing Deposit Securities. See "Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit
Aggregations" in the SAI.
LEGAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSACTIONS IN CERTAIN STOCKS
An investor subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular stock
required to be deposited in connection with the purchase of a Creation Unit may,
102
at a Fund's discretion, be permitted to deposit an equivalent amount of cash in
substitution for any stock which would otherwise be included in the Deposit
Securities applicable to the purchase of a Creation Unit. For more details, see
"Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the SAI.
REDEMPTION
The Funds' custodian makes available each day the applicable Exchange is open
for trading, through the facilities of the NSCC, the list of the names and the
numbers of Shares of each Fund's portfolio securities that will be applicable
that day to redemption requests in proper form ("Fund Securities"). Fund
Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities,
which are applicable to purchases of Creation Units. Unless cash redemptions are
available or specified for the Funds, the redemption proceeds consist of the
Fund Securities, plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV
of Shares being redeemed as next determined after receipt by the Funds' transfer
agent of a redemption request in proper form, and the value of the Fund
Securities (the "Cash Redemption Amount"), less the applicable Redemption
Transaction Fee and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage
costs, transfer fees or stamp taxes. Should the Fund Securities have a value
greater than the NAV of Shares being redeemed, a compensating cash payment to
such Fund equal to the differential, plus the applicable Redemption Transaction
Fee and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer
fees or stamp taxes will be required to be arranged for by or on behalf of the
redeeming AP. Investors should expect to incur customary brokerage commissions
in connection with assembling a sufficient number of Shares of the Funds to
constitute a redeemable Creation Unit. For more details, see "Creation and
Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the SAI.
An order to redeem Creation Units of a Fund may only be effected by or through
an AP. An order to redeem must be placed for one or more whole Creation Units
and must be received by a Fund's transfer agent in proper form no later than the
close of regular trading on the applicable Exchange (ordinarily 4:00 p.m.,
Eastern time) in order to receive that day's closing NAV per Share. In the case
of custom orders, as further described in the SAI, the order must be received by
a Fund's transfer agent no later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern time.
Parties redeeming Creation Units must pay a standard redemption transaction fee
(the "Redemption Transaction Fee"), which is based on the number of different
securities in a Creation Unit according to the fee schedule set forth below:
NUMBER OF SECURITIES REDEMPTION
IN A CREATION UNIT TRANSACTION FEE
1-100 $500
101-200 $1,000
201-300 $1,500
301-400 $2,000
401-500 $2,500
501-600 $3,000
601-700 $3,500
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The Redemption Transaction Fee is applicable to each redemption transaction
regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed in the transaction. An
additional variable fee of up to three times the Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to approximate additional expenses incurred by a Fund with respect to
redemptions effected outside of the Clearing Process or to the extent that
redemptions are for cash. The Funds reserve the right to effect redemptions in
cash. A shareholder may request a cash redemption in lieu of securities;
however, the Funds may, in their discretion, reject any such request. See
"Creation and Redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations" in the SAI.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
With the exception of the First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index
Fund and the First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund, both of which
declare and pay dividends from net investment income, if any, quarterly,
dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid
semi-annually by each Fund. Each Fund distributes its net realized capital
gains, if any, to shareholders annually.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares
only if the broker through whom you purchased Shares makes such option
available. Such Shares will generally be reinvested by the broker based upon the
market price of those Shares and investors may be subject to customary brokerage
commissions charged by the broker.
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FEDERAL TAX MATTERS
This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of
owning Shares of the Funds. This section is current as of the date of this
Prospectus. Tax laws and interpretations change frequently, and these summaries
do not describe all of the tax consequences to all taxpayers. For example, these
summaries generally do not describe your situation if you are a corporation, a
non-U.S. person, a broker-dealer, or other investor with special circumstances.
In addition, this section does not describe your state, local or non-U.S. tax
consequences.
This federal income tax summary is based in part on the advice of counsel to the
Funds. The Internal Revenue Service could disagree with any conclusions set
forth in this section. In addition, counsel to the Funds was not asked to
review, and has not reached a conclusion with respect to, the federal income tax
treatment of the assets to be included in the Funds. This may not be sufficient
for you to use for the purpose of avoiding penalties under federal tax law.
As with any investment, you should seek advice based on your individual
circumstances from your own tax adviser.
FUND STATUS
Each Fund intends to continue to qualify as a "regulated investment company"
under the federal tax laws. If a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment
company and distributes its income as required by the tax law, the Fund
generally will not pay federal income taxes.
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Funds' distributions are generally taxable. After the end of each year, you
will receive a tax statement that separates the distributions of a Fund into two
categories, ordinary income distributions and capital gains dividends. Ordinary
income distributions are generally taxed at your ordinary tax rate, however, as
further discussed below, certain ordinary income distributions received from the
Fund may be taxed at the capital gains tax rates. Generally, you will treat all
capital gains dividends as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you
have owned your Shares. To determine your actual tax liability for your capital
gains dividends, you must calculate your total net capital gain or loss for the
tax year after considering all of your other taxable transactions, as described
below. In addition, the Fund may make distributions that represent a return of
capital for tax purposes and thus will generally not be taxable to you. The tax
status of your distributions from a Fund is not affected by whether you reinvest
your distributions in additional Shares or receive them in cash. The income from
a Fund that you must take into account for federal income tax purposes is not
reduced by amounts used to pay a deferred sales fee, if any. The tax laws may
require you to treat distributions made to you in January as if you had received
them on December 31 of the previous year.
DIVIDENDS RECEIVED DEDUCTION
A corporation that owns Shares generally will not be entitled to the dividends
received deduction with respect to many dividends received from the Fund because
the dividends received deduction is generally not available for distributions
from regulated investment companies. However, certain ordinary income dividends
on Shares that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Funds
from certain corporations may be designated by the Funds as being eligible for
the dividends received deduction.
CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES AND CERTAIN ORDINARY INCOME DIVIDENDS
If you are an individual, the maximum marginal federal tax rate for net capital
gain is generally 15% (generally 5% for certain taxpayers in the 10% and 15% tax
brackets). These capital gains rates are generally effective for taxable years
beginning before January 1, 2011. For later periods, if you are an individual,
the maximum marginal federal tax rate for net capital gain is generally 20% (10%
for certain taxpayers in the 10% and 15% tax brackets). The 20% rate is reduced
to 18% and the 10% rate is reduced to 8% for long-term capital gains from most
property acquired after December 31, 2000 with a holding period of more than
five years.
Net capital gain equals net long-term capital gain minus net short-term capital
loss for the taxable year. Capital gain or loss is long-term if the holding
period for the asset is more than one year and is short-term if the holding
period for the asset is one year or less. You must exclude the date you purchase
your Shares to determine your holding period. However, if you receive a capital
gain dividend from a Fund and sell your Shares at a loss after holding it for
six months or less, the loss will be recharacterized as long-term capital loss
to the extent of the capital gain dividend received. The tax rates for capital
gains realized from assets held for one year or less are generally the same as
for ordinary income. The Internal Revenue Code treats certain capital gains as
ordinary income in special situations.
Ordinary income dividends received by an individual shareholder from a regulated
investment company such as the Funds are generally taxed at the same rates that
apply to net capital gain (as discussed above), provided certain holding period
104
requirements are satisfied and provided the dividends are attributable to
qualifying dividends received by the Funds themselves. These special rules
relating to the taxation of ordinary income dividends from regulated investment
companies generally apply to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. The
Funds will provide notice to its shareholders of the amount of any distribution
which may be taken into account as a dividend which is eligible for the capital
gains tax rates.
SALE OF SHARES
If you sell your Shares, you will generally recognize a taxable gain or loss. To
determine the amount of this gain or loss, you must subtract your tax basis in
your Shares from the amount you receive in the transaction. Your tax basis in
your Shares is generally equal to the cost of your Shares, generally including
sales charges. In some cases, however, you may have to adjust your tax basis
after you purchase your Shares.
TAXES ON PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
If you exchange equity securities for Creation Units you will generally
recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference
between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and your aggregate
basis in the securities surrendered and the Cash Component paid. If you exchange
Creation Units for equity securities, you will generally recognize a gain or
loss equal to the difference between your basis in the Creation Units and the
aggregate market value of the securities received and the Cash Redemption
Amount. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may assert that a loss realized
upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently
under the rules governing "wash sales," or on the basis that there has been no
significant change in economic position.
DEDUCTIBILITY OF FUND EXPENSES
Expenses incurred and deducted by the Funds will generally not be treated as
income taxable to you.
NON-U.S. TAX CREDIT
Because the Funds may invest in non-U.S. securities, the tax statement that you
receive may include an item showing non-U.S. taxes a Fund paid to other
countries. In this case, dividends taxed to you will include your share of the
taxes such Fund paid to other countries. You may be able to deduct or receive a
tax credit for your share of these taxes.
NON-U.S. INVESTORS
If you are a non-U.S. investor (i.e., an investor other than a U.S. citizen or
resident or a U.S. corporation, partnership, estate or trust), you should be
aware that, generally, subject to applicable tax treaties, distributions from a
Fund will be characterized as dividends for federal income tax purposes (other
than dividends which a Fund designates as capital gain dividends) and will be
subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes, subject to
certain exceptions described below. However, distributions received by a
non-U.S. investor from a Fund that are properly designated by a Fund as capital
gain dividends may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including
withholding taxes, provided that a Fund makes certain elections and certain
other conditions are met.
INVESTMENTS IN CERTAIN NON-U.S. CORPORATIONS
If a Fund holds an equity interest in any PFICs, which are generally certain
non-U.S. corporations that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income
from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties
or capital gains) or that hold at least 50% of their assets in investments
producing such passive income, a Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income
tax and additional interest charges on gains and certain distributions with
respect to those equity interests, even if all the income or gain is timely
distributed to its shareholders. A Fund will not be able to pass through to its
shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes. A Fund may be able to make
an election that could ameliorate these adverse tax consequences. In this case,
a Fund would recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such PFIC
shares, and as ordinary loss any decrease in such value to the extent it did not
exceed prior increases included in income. Under this election, a Fund might be
required to recognize in a year income in excess of its distributions from PFICs
and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock during that year, and such
income would nevertheless be subject to the distribution requirement and would
be taken into account for purposes of the 4% excise tax (described above).
Dividends paid by PFICs will not be treated as qualified dividend income.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
FTP serves as the distributor of Creation Units for the Funds on an agency
basis. FTP does not maintain a secondary market in Shares.
105
The Board has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act. In accordance with its Rule 12b-1 plan, the Funds are
authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of their average daily net assets each
year to reimburse FTP for amounts expended to finance activities primarily
intended to result in the sale of Creation Units or the provision of investor
services. FTP may also use this amount to compensate securities dealers or other
persons that are APs for providing distribution assistance, including
broker-dealer and shareholder support and educational and promotional services.
No 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Funds, and pursuant to a contractual
arrangement, the Funds will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before April 30, 2009.
However, in the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because these fees
are paid out of the Funds' assets, over time these fees will increase the cost
of your investment and may cost you more than certain other types of sales
charges.
NET ASSET VALUE
Each Fund's NAV is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m.,
Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open for business. NAV is calculated for a
Fund by taking the market price of the Fund's total assets, including interest
or dividends accrued but not yet collected, less all liabilities, and dividing
such amount by the total number of Shares outstanding. The result, rounded to
the nearest cent, is the NAV per Share. All valuations are subject to review by
the Board or its delegate.
In determining NAV, expenses are accrued and applied daily and securities and
other assets are generally valued as set forth below. Common stocks and other
equity securities listed on any national or non-U.S. exchange will be valued at
the last sale price for all exchanges other than the NASDAQ(R) (and the official
closing price for NASDAQ(R)) on the exchange or system in which they are
principally traded on the valuation date. If there are no transactions on the
valuation date, securities traded principally on an exchange will be valued at
the mean between the most recent bid and asked prices. Equity securities traded
in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing bid prices. Fixed
income securities with a remaining maturity of 60 days or more will be valued by
the Fund accounting agent using a pricing service. Fixed income securities
maturing within 60 days are valued by the Fund accounting agent on an amortized
cost basis. The value of any portfolio security held by a Fund for which market
quotations are not readily available or securities for which market quotations
are deemed unreliable will be determined by the Board or its designee in a
manner that most fairly reflects the market value of the security on the
valuation date.
Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing
methods. Such securities may be valued by the Board or its delegate at fair
value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted
securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")) for which a
pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading
has been formally suspended; a security whose market price is not available from
a pre-established pricing source; a security with respect to which an event has
occurred that is likely to materially affect the value of the security after the
market has closed but before the calculation of a Fund's NAV or make it
difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security
whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not reflect the security's
"fair value." As a general principle, the current "fair value" of a security
would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive
for the security upon its current sale. The use of fair value prices by a Fund
generally results in the prices used by the Fund differing from the closing sale
prices on the applicable exchange and fair value prices may not reflect the
market price of a security. A variety of factors may be considered in
determining the fair value of such securities. See the SAI for details.
Valuing a Fund's securities using fair value pricing will result in using prices
for those securities that may differ from current market valuations. Use of fair
value prices and certain current market valuations could result in a difference
between the prices used to calculate a Fund's NAV and the prices used by its
Index, which, in turn, could result in a difference between such Fund's
performance and the performance of its Index.
Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which
an investor may purchase the Shares of a Fund, the value of such Fund's
securities may change on the days when investors are not able to purchase the
Shares of such Fund.
The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S.
dollars using exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. Any use of a
different rate from the rates used by a Fund's Index may adversely affect such
Fund's ability to track its Index.
106
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation is the administrator, custodian and fund
accounting and transfer agent for the Funds. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 111 West
Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, serves as legal counsel to the Funds.
The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has entered into an agreement with PFPC, Inc.
("PFPC"), 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, whereby PFPC will
provide certain administrative services to the Trust in connection with the
Board's meetings and other related matters.
For the First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund, First Trust Value Line(R)
100 Exchange-Traded Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund and
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund, First Trust has entered
into an agreement with AMEX pursuant to which AMEX will serve as the calculation
agent for the applicable Indices. As the calculation agent, AMEX will be
responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the applicable
Indices, including calculating the value of such Indices every 15 seconds,
widely disseminating the Index values every 15 seconds and tracking corporate
actions resulting in Index adjustments.
For the First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund, First Trust
NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, First Trust
NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund and First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean
Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund, First Trust has entered into an agreement
with NASDAQ(R) pursuant to which NASDAQ(R) or its designee will serve as the
calculation agent for the applicable Indices. As the calculation agent,
NASDAQ(R) or its designee will be responsible for calculating and disseminating
the intra-day portfolio values for such Funds' Shares.
INDEX PROVIDERS
The Index that a Fund seeks to track is compiled by the applicable Index
Provider. The Index Provider is not affiliated with the Funds or First Trust. A
Fund is entitled to use the applicable Index pursuant to a sublicensing
arrangement with First Trust, which in turn has a licensing agreement with each
Index Provider.
DISCLAIMERS
First Trust does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the
Indices or any data included therein, and First Trust shall have no liability
for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. First Trust makes no
warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Funds, owners
of the Shares of the Funds or any other person or entity from the use of the
Indices or any data included therein. First Trust makes no express or implied
warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Indices or any data included
therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall First Trust
have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential
damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of
the Indices, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND
The Index is a trademark of AMEX and is licensed for use by First Trust. The
Fund is not sponsored or endorsed by AMEX. AMEX makes no representation or
warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the
public regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund or the ability of the
Fund to track the performance of the various sectors represented in the stock
market. AMEX has no obligation to take the needs of the owners of the Fund into
consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Index. AMEX is not
responsible for and has not participated in any determination or calculation
made with respect to the issuance or redemption of Shares of the Fund.
AMEX DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY
DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. AMEX MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS
TO BE OBTAINED BY FIRST TRUST, OWNERS OF THE FUND OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY
FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE
RIGHTS LICENSED HEREUNDER OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. AMEX MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL AMEX HAVE ANY
LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
107
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND
"Deutsche Bank," "DB" and "Deutsche Bank CROCI US+ Index" are service marks of
Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank has no relationship to First Trust or the Fund,
other than the licensing of the Index and its service marks for use in
connection with the Fund.
Deutsche Bank does not:
o Sponsor, endorse, sell or promote the Fund or its Shares;
o Recommend that any person invest in the Shares of the Fund or any other
securities;
o Have any responsibility or liability for or make any decisions about
the timing or amount of the investments of the Fund or the pricing of
its Shares;
o Have any responsibility or liability for the administration,
management, investments or marketing of the Fund; or
o Consider the needs of the Fund or the owners of Shares of the Fund in
determining, composing or calculating the Index or have any obligation
to do so.
Deutsche Bank will not have any liability in connection with the Fund.
Specifically,
o Deutsche Bank does not make any warranty, express or implied, and
Deutsche Bank disclaims any warranty about:
o The results to be obtained by the Index, the Fund, the owners of
Shares of the Fund or any other person in connection with the use
of the Index and the data included in the Index;
o The accuracy or completeness of the Index and its data; or
o The merchantability and the fitness for a particular purpose or
use of the Index and its data and compliance with applicable
laws;
o Deutsche Bank will have no liability for any errors, omissions or
interruptions in the Index or its data; and
o Under no circumstances will Deutsche Bank be liable for any lost
profits or indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages or
losses, even if Deutsche Bank knows that they might occur.
The licensing agreement between Deutsche Bank and First Trust is solely for
their benefit and not for the benefit of the owners of Shares of the Fund or any
other third parties except the Fund.
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
"Dow Jones," "Dow Jones Internet Composite Index(SM)" and "Dow Jones Select
MicroCap Index(SM)" are trademarks of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been
licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust on behalf of the Funds. The
Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Dow Jones. Dow Jones
makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the
Funds or any member of the public regarding the advisability of trading in the
Funds. Dow Jones' only relationship to First Trust is the licensing of certain
trademarks and trade names of Dow Jones and of the Dow Jones Internet Composite
Index(SM) and the Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM), which are determined,
composed and calculated by Dow Jones without regard to First Trust or the Funds.
Dow Jones has no obligation to take the needs of First Trust or the owners of
the Funds into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Dow
Jones Internet Composite Index(SM) or the Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM).
Dow Jones is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination
of the timing of, prices at or quantities of the Funds to be listed or in the
determination or calculation of the equation by which the Funds are to be
converted into cash. Dow Jones has no obligation or liability in connection with
the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds.
DOW JONES DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE DOW
JONES INTERNET COMPOSITE INDEX(SM) OR THE DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) OR
ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND DOW JONES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS,
OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. DOW JONES MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY FIRST TRUST, OWNERS OF THE FUNDS OR ANY
OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE DOW JONES INTERNET COMPOSITE
INDEX(SM) OR THE DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. DOW JONES MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE DOW JONES INTERNET COMPOSITE INDEX(SM) OR THE DOW
JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, AND WITHOUT
LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL DOW JONES HAVE ANY LIABILITY
108
FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN
DOW JONES AND FIRST TRUST.
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND
The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by IPOX. IPOX makes no
representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any
member of the public regarding the advisability of trading in the Fund. IPOX's
only relationship to First Trust is the licensing of certain trademarks and
trade names of IPOX and of the U.S. IPOX 100 Index, which is determined,
composed and calculated by IPOX without regard to First Trust or the Fund.
IPOX, IPOX SCHUSTER, IPOX-100 AND IPOX-30 ARE TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE MARKS OF
IPOX SCHUSTER LLC AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES FROM IPOX SCHUSTER
LLC TO FIRST TRUST PURSUANT TO THE PRODUCT LICENSE AGREEMENT. THE INDEX IS
PATENT PENDING BY IPOX SCHUSTER LLC.
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND
The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Index Provider.
The Index Provider makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to
the owners of the Funds or any member of the public regarding the advisability
of trading in the Funds. The Index Provider's only relationship to First Trust
is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of the Index Provider and
of the Indexes which are determined, composed and calculated by the Index
Provider without regard to First Trust or the Funds. The Index Provider has no
obligation to take the needs of First Trust or the owners of the Funds into
consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Indexes. The Index
Provider is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of
the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Funds to be listed or in the
determination or calculation of the equation by which the Funds are to be
converted into cash. The Index Provider has no obligation or liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds.
THE INDEX PROVIDER DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF
THE INDEXES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND THE INDEX PROVIDER SHALL HAVE NO
LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. THE INDEX PROVIDER
MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY FIRST
TRUST, OWNERS OF THE FUNDS, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE
INDEXES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE INDEX PROVIDER MAKES NO EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEXES OR ANY
DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL
THE INDEX PROVIDER HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT,
PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF
NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY
BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE INDEX PROVIDER AND
FIRST TRUST.
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND MORNINGSTAR, INC.
("MORNINGSTAR"), DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE
MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND
MORNINGSTAR SHALL HAVE NOT LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS
THEREIN. MORNINGSTAR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE
OBTAINED BY FIRST TRUST, OWNERS OR USERS OF THE FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R)
DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF
THE MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN.
MORNINGSTAR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH
RESPECT TO THE MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL MORNINGSTAR
HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by NASDAQ(R) or its
affiliates (NASDAQ(R) with its affiliates are referred to as the
"Corporations"). The Corporations have not passed on the legality or suitability
109
of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the
Funds. The Corporations make no representation or warranty, express or implied,
to the owners of the Funds or any member of the public regarding the
advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds particularly,
or the ability of the NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM), the NASDAQ-100
Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM) and the NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector INDEX(SM) to track
general stock market performance. The Corporations' only relationship to First
Trust with respect to the Funds is in the licensing of the NASDAQ(R),
NASDAQ-100(R), NASDAQ-100 Index(R), NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM),
NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM) and NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM)
trademarks, and certain trade names of the Corporations and the use of the
NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM), NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM) and the
NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM) which are determined, composed and
calculated by NASDAQ(R) without regard to First Trust or the Funds. NASDAQ(R)
has no obligation to take the needs of First Trust or the owners of the Funds
into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the NASDAQ-100 Equal
Weighted Index(SM), NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM) or the NASDAQ-100
Technology Sector Index(SM). The Corporations are not responsible for and have
not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities
of Fund Shares to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the
equation by which Fund Shares are to be converted into cash. The Corporations
have no liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of
the Funds.
THE CORPORATIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION
OF THE NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM), THE NASDAQ-100 EX-TECH SECTOR
INDEX(SM) AND THE NASDAQ-100 TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO
BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT(S) OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY
FROM THE USE OF THE NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM), THE NASDAQ-100 EX-TECH
SECTOR INDEX(SM) AND THE NASDAQ-100 TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM), THE
NASDAQ-100 EX-TECH SECTOR INDEX(SM) AND THE NASDAQ-100 TECHNOLOGY SECTOR
INDEX(SM) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING,
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE CORPORATIONS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF
NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND
The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by NASDAQ(R), Clean
Edge(R) or their affiliates (NASDAQ(R) and Clean Edge(R), collectively with
their affiliates, are referred to herein as the "Corporations"). The
Corporations have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy
or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the Fund. The
Corporations make no representation or warranty, express or implied to the
owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly, or the ability of
the NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index to track general stock
market or sector performance. The Corporations' relationship to First Trust,
with respect to the Fund, consists of: (i) the licensing of certain indexes,
trade names, trademarks, and service marks and other proprietary data; (ii) the
listing and trading of certain exchange-traded funds; and (iii) the calculating
of intra-day portfolio values for the Fund's Shares. The Corporations neither
recommend nor endorse any investment in the Index or the Fund based thereon. The
Corporations are not responsible for and have not participated in the
determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund
is to be converted into cash. The Corporations have no liability in connection
with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. Neither the Index nor
the Fund should be construed as investment advice by the Corporations.
THE CORPORATIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION
OF THE NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO
BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM
THE USE OF THE NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO
EVENT SHALL THE CORPORATIONS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
NASDAQ(R) and Clean Edge(R) are not affiliates, but jointly own the Index and
have cross-licensed to one another the rights in their respective marks in
connection with the Index.
110
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND
Standard & Poor's(R) and S&P(R) are registered trademarks of The McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by First Trust. The First Trust
S&P REIT Index Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P(R) and
S&P(R) makes no representation, warranty or condition regarding the advisability
of investing in the First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund.
THE FUND IS NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY STANDARD & POOR'S(R)
AND ITS AFFILIATES ("S&P(R)"). S&P(R) MAKES NO REPRESENTATION, CONDITION OR
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF THE FUND OR ANY MEMBER OF THE
PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THE
FUND PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF THE S&P REIT COMPOSITE INDEX TO TRACK
GENERAL STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. S&P(R)'S ONLY RELATIONSHIP TO FIRST TRUST WITH
RESPECT TO THE FUND IS THE LICENSING OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES AND
OF THE S&P REIT COMPOSITE INDEX WHICH IS DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY
S&P(R) WITHOUT REGARD TO FIRST TRUST OR THE FUND. S&P(R) HAS NO OBLIGATION TO
TAKE THE NEEDS OF FIRST TRUST OR THE OWNERS OF THE FUND INTO CONSIDERATION IN
DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE S&P REIT COMPOSITE INDEX. S&P(R) IS
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE PRICES
AND AMOUNT OF THE FUND OR THE TIMING OF THE ISSUANCE OR SALE OF THE FUND OR IN
THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE FUND SHARES ARE TO
BE CONVERTED INTO CASH. S&P(R) HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH
THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF THE FUND.
S&P(R) DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P REIT
COMPOSITE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND S&P(R) SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY
FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S&P(R) MAKES NO WARRANTY,
CONDITION OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY
FIRST TRUST, OWNERS OF THE FUND OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF
THE S&P(R) INDICES OTHER THAN THE S&P U.S. REIT INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. S&P(R) MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR
CONDITIONS, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE AND ANY OTHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P REIT COMPOSITE INDEX OR
ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT
SHALL S&P(R) HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE S&P
REIT COMPOSITE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND
VALUE LINE PUBLISHING, INC.'S ("VLPI") ONLY RELATIONSHIP TO FIRST TRUST IS
VLPI'S LICENSING TO FIRST TRUST OF CERTAIN VLPI TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES AND
THE VALUE LINE(R) 100 INDEX, THE VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX AND THE VALUE
LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX (THE "INDEXES"), WHICH ARE COMPOSED BY VLPI
WITHOUT REGARD TO FIRST TRUST, THE FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED
FUND, THE FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND AND THE FIRST TRUST
VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND (THE "PRODUCTS") OR ANY INVESTOR.
VLPI HAS NO OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF FIRST TRUST OR ANY INVESTOR IN THE
PRODUCTS INTO CONSIDERATION IN COMPOSING THE INDEXES. THE PRODUCTS' RESULTS MAY
DIFFER FROM THE HYPOTHETICAL OR PUBLISHED RESULTS OF THE INDEXES. VLPI IS NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW FIRST TRUST MAKES USE OF INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY VLPI. VLPI
IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE
PRICES AND COMPOSITION OF THE PRODUCTS OR THE TIMING OF THE ISSUANCE FOR SALE OF
THE PRODUCTS OR IN THE CALCULATION OF THE EQUATIONS BY WHICH THE PRODUCTS ARE TO
BE CONVERTED INTO CASH. VLPI MAKES NO WARRANTY CONCERNING THE INDEXES, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY PERSON'S INVESTMENT
PORTFOLIO, OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARISING FROM USAGE OF TRADE, COURSE OF
DEALING OR COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, AND VLPI MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE POTENTIAL
PROFITS OR ANY OTHER BENEFITS THAT MAY BE ACHIEVED BY USING THE INDEXES OR ANY
INFORMATION OR MATERIALS GENERATED THEREFROM. VLPI DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE
INDEXES WILL MEET ANY REQUIREMENTS OR BE ACCURATE OR ERROR-FREE. VLPI ALSO DOES
NOT GUARANTEE ANY USES, INFORMATION, DATA OR OTHER RESULTS GENERATED FROM THE
INDEXES OR PRODUCTS. VLPI HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY (I) IN CONNECTION WITH
THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF THE PRODUCTS; OR (II) FOR ANY LOSS,
DAMAGE, COST OR EXPENSE SUFFERED OR INCURRED BY ANY INVESTOR OR OTHER PERSON OR
ENTITY IN CONNECTION WITH THESE PRODUCTS, AND IN NO EVENT SHALL VLPI BE LIABLE
FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL,
INDIRECT OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE INDEXES OR THE PRODUCTS.
111
VALUE LINE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF VALUE LINE, INC. OR VALUE LINE
PUBLISHING, INC. THAT ARE LICENSED TO FIRST TRUST. THE PRODUCTS ARE NOT
SPONSORED, RECOMMENDED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY VALUE LINE PUBLISHING, INC., VALUE
LINE, INC., VALUE LINE SECURITIES, INC. OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES. FIRST TRUST
IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY VALUE LINE COMPANY.
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION
The tables that follow present information about the differences between each
Fund's daily market price on the applicable Exchange and its NAV. The "Market
Price" of a Fund generally is determined using the midpoint between the highest
bid and lowest offer on the Exchange, as of the time a Fund's NAV is calculated.
A Fund's Market Price may be at, above, or below its NAV. The NAV of a Fund will
fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio holdings. The Market
Price of a Fund will fluctuate in accordance with changes in its NAV, as well as
market supply and demand.
Premiums or discounts are the differences (generally expressed as a percentage)
between the NAV and Market Price of a Fund on a given day, generally at the time
NAV is calculated. A premium is the amount that a Fund is trading above the
reported NAV. A discount is the amount that a Fund is trading below the reported
NAV.
The following information shows the frequency distribution of premiums and
discounts of the daily bid/ask price of each Fund against each Fund's NAV. The
information shown for each Fund is for the period indicated. All data presented
here represents past performance, which cannot be used to predict future
results. Information about the premiums and discounts at which the Funds' Shares
have traded is available on the Funds' website at www.ftportfolios.com.
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 23 0 0 0
12/31/2007 34 5 1 0
9/30/2007 47 1 0 0
6/30/2007 44 1 0 0
3/31/2007 37 1 0 0
12/31/2006 38 0 0 0
9/30/2006 20 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 6 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 38 0 0 0
12/31/2007 21 2 1 0
9/30/2007 15 0 0 0
6/30/2007 18 0 0 0
3/31/2007 22 1 0 0
12/31/2006 25 0 0 0
9/30/2006 43 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 0 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on June 23, 2006.
112
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 37 1 0 0
12/31/2007 23 5 3 0
9/30/2007 32 2 1 0
6/30/2007 36 4 0 0
3/31/2007 30 4 0 0
12/31/2006 30 1 0 0
9/30/2006* 33 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 22 1 0 0
12/31/2007 30 3 0 0
9/30/2007 28 0 0 0
6/30/2007 20 2 0 1
3/31/2007 22 3 2 0
12/31/2006 32 0 0 0
9/30/2006* 25 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on July 11, 2006.
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 36 1 0 0
12/31/2007 20 4 3 0
9/30/2007 39 1 0 0
6/30/2007 32 1 0 0
3/31/2007 39 1 3 0
12/31/2006 33 0 0 0
9/30/2006 33 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 5 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 23 1 0 0
12/31/2007 30 5 2 0
9/30/2007 23 0 0 0
6/30/2007 30 0 0 0
3/31/2007 18 0 0 0
12/31/2006 30 0 0 0
9/30/2006 30 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 1 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on June 23, 2006.
113
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 25 0 0 0
12/31/2007 28 3 4 0
9/30/2007 25 7 1 0
6/30/2007 32 1 0 0
3/31/2007 40 1 0 0
12/31/2006 45 0 0 0
9/30/2006 38 6 2 0
6/30/2006 17 1 0 0
3/31/2006 25 1 0 0
12/31/2005* 31 1 3 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 34 2 0 0
12/31/2007 22 2 5 0
9/30/2007 29 1 0 0
6/30/2007 30 0 0 0
3/31/2007 19 1 0 0
12/31/2006 18 0 0 0
9/30/2006 17 0 0 0
6/30/2006 45 0 0 0
3/31/2006 36 0 0 0
12/31/2005* 29 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on September 30, 2005.
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 35 0 0 0
12/31/2007 19 3 4 0
9/30/2007 30 5 0 1
6/30/2007 19 1 0 0
3/31/2007 28 0 0 0
12/31/2006 25 0 0 0
9/30/2006 2 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 10 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 26 0 0 0
12/31/2007 33 4 1 0
9/30/2007 26 1 0 0
6/30/2007 43 0 0 0
3/31/2007 33 0 0 0
12/31/2006 38 0 0 0
9/30/2006 61 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 45 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on April 13, 2006.
114
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 36 0 0 0
12/31/2007 41 1 0 1
9/30/2007 29 0 0 1
6/30/2007* 12 1 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 20 4 1 0
12/31/2007 21 0 0 0
9/30/2007 33 0 0 0
6/30/2007* 22 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on May 11, 2007.
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 26 0 0 0
12/31/2007 19 0 0 1
9/30/2007 18 0 0 1
6/30/2007* 12 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 32 2 0 1
12/31/2007 43 1 0 0
9/30/2007 43 1 0 0
6/30/2007* 23 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on May 11, 2007.
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 34 1 0 0
12/31/2007 27 0 0 0
9/30/2007 13 0 0 1
6/30/2007* 11 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 24 2 0 0
12/31/2007 36 0 1 0
9/30/2007 49 0 0 0
6/30/2007* 24 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on May 11, 2007.
115
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 27 0 0 0
12/31/2007 24 4 5 0
9/30/2007 32 1 0 0
6/30/2007 35 1 0 0
3/31/2007 31 0 0 0
12/31/2006 47 0 0 0
9/30/2006 34 0 0 0
6/30/2006 24 8 3 0
3/31/2006* 11 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 31 3 0 0
12/31/2007 21 9 1 0
9/30/2007 29 1 0 0
6/30/2007 27 0 0 0
3/31/2007 30 0 0 0
12/31/2006 16 0 0 0
9/30/2006 29 0 0 0
6/30/2006 28 0 0 0
3/31/2006* 2 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on March 15, 2006.
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 33 0 0 0
12/31/2007 39 0 3 0
9/30/2007 32 0 0 0
6/30/2007 50 0 0 0
3/31/2007 30 0 0 0
12/31/2006 40 0 1 0
9/30/2006 43 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 22 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 28 0 0 0
12/31/2007 22 0 0 0
9/30/2007 31 0 0 0
6/30/2007 13 0 0 0
3/31/2007 31 0 0 0
12/31/2006 22 0 0 0
9/30/2006 20 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 26 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on April 25, 2006.
116
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 33 0 0 0
12/31/2007 28 0 0 3
9/30/2007 31 0 0 0
6/30/2007 46 0 0 0
3/31/2007* 5 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 27 1 0 0
12/31/2007 29 0 1 3
9/30/2007 30 1 1 0
6/30/2007 17 0 0 0
3/31/2007* 27 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on February 15, 2007.
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 31 0 0 0
12/31/2007 38 0 0 0
9/30/2007 39 0 0 0
6/30/2007 47 0 0 0
3/31/2007 29 0 0 0
12/31/2006 38 1 0 0
9/30/2006 33 0 1 1
6/30/2006* 32 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 30 0 0 0
12/31/2007 26 0 0 0
9/30/2007 24 0 0 0
6/30/2007 16 0 0 0
3/31/2007 32 0 0 0
12/31/2006 24 0 0 0
9/30/2006 28 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 16 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on April 25, 2006.
117
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 47 0 0 0
12/31/2007 16 0 4 1
9/30/2007 11 0 0 1
6/30/2007 8 0 0 1
3/31/2007* 4 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 14 0 0 0
12/31/2007 43 0 0 0
9/30/2007 51 0 0 0
6/30/2007 54 0 0 0
3/31/2007* 28 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on February 14, 2007.
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 26 0 1 0
12/31/2007 13 10 1 1
9/30/2007 25 1 3 0
6/30/2007* 8 2 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 24 4 5 1
12/31/2007 28 8 3 0
9/30/2007 31 1 2 0
6/30/2007* 26 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on May 10, 2007.
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 46 1 0 0
12/31/2007 18 5 4 0
9/30/2007 21 3 0 0
6/30/2007* 0 1 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 12 2 0 0
12/31/2007 28 7 2 0
9/30/2007 38 1 0 0
6/30/2007* 8 1 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on June 18, 2007.
118
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 32 5 0 0
12/31/2007 25 5 3 0
9/30/2007 15 0 0 0
6/30/2007 11 1 0 0
3/31/2007 5 0 0 0
12/31/2006* 0 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 24 0 0 0
12/31/2007 23 7 1 0
9/30/2007 46 2 0 0
6/30/2007 51 0 0 0
3/31/2007 56 0 0 0
12/31/2006* 7 1 1 0
|
* Trading commenced on December 18, 2006.
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund
Bid/Ask Midpoint vs. NAV
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 51 1 0 0
12/31/2007 21 4 2 0
9/30/2007 19 0 0 0
6/30/2007 20 1 0 0
3/31/2007 20 1 0 0
12/31/2006* 7 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
3/31/2008 8 1 0 0
12/31/2007 32 4 1 0
9/30/2007 44 0 0 0
6/30/2007 42 0 0 0
3/31/2007 39 1 0 0
12/31/2006* 9 0 0 0
|
* Trading commenced on December 7, 2006.
TOTAL RETURN INFORMATION
The tables below compare the total return of each Fund to the total return of
the Index on which it is based. The information presented for each Fund is for
the period indicated. The total returns would have been lower if certain fees
had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by First Trust.
"Average annual total returns" represent the average annual change in the value
of an investment over the period indicated."Cumulative total returns" represent
the total change in value of an investment over the period indicated. The NAV
per Share of a Fund is the value of one Share of a Fund and is computed by
dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and
dividends), less liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared
but unpaid), by the total number of outstanding Shares. The NAV return is based
on the NAV per Share of a Fund, and the market return is based on the market
price per Share of a Fund. The price used to calculate market return ("Market
119
Price") generally is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid
and the lowest offer on the Exchange on which the Shares of a Fund are listed
for trading, as of the time that a Fund's NAV is calculated. Since the Shares of
each Fund typically do not trade in the secondary market until several days
after a Fund's inception, for the period from inception to the first day of
secondary market trading in Shares of a Fund, the NAV of a Fund is used as a
proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns. Market
and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been
reinvested in a Fund at Market Price and NAV, respectively. An Index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
each Fund, an Index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore does not incur the expenses incurred by a Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of each Fund. Also, market returns do not
include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market
transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be
lower. The total returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in
the Indices. The returns shown in the table below do not reflect the deduction
of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or
sale of Shares of a Fund. The investment return and principal value of Shares of
a Fund will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares of a Fund may be
worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in
the market. A Fund's past performance is no guarantee of future results.
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (6/19/06) Inception (6/19/06) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 3.65% 13.87% 22.05% -6.39%
Market Price 3.99% 14.20% 22.60% -7.14%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Amex(R) Biotechnology Index(SM) 4.28% 14.57% 23.20% -6.24%
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (7/6/06) Inception (7/6/06) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 10.26% 14.37% 22.10% -8.08%
Market Price 10.61% 14.71% 22.66% -8.13%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Deutsche Bank CROCI(R) US+ Index(TM) 10.85% 14.76% 22.73% -8.00%
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (9/27/05) Inception (9/27/05) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV -6.02% 5.47% 12.78% -9.93%
Market Price -5.97% 5.55% 12.98% -10.09%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) -5.29% 6.27% 14.74% -9.77%
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (6/19/06) Inception (6/19/06) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 11.17% 15.93% 25.45% -11.32%
Market Price 11.55% 16.26% 26.00% -11.67%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Dow Jones Internet Composite Index(SM) 11.81% 16.57% 26.52% -11.19%
|
120
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (4/12/06) Inception (4/12/06) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 14.53% 14.97% 27.12% -14.39%
Market Price 15.08% 15.23% 27.62% -14.93%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
IPOX-100 U.S. Index 15.15% 15.66% 28.44% -14.25%
|
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND
Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
Inception (5/8/07) Quarter Ended
to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 38.73% -26.65%
Market Price 38.78% -26.68%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
ISE ChIndia Index(TM) 39.52% -26.52%
FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND
Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
Inception (5/8/07) Quarter Ended
to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 11.67% 4.88%
Market Price 11.62% 5.16%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
ISE-REVERE Natural Gas Index(TM) 12.13% 5.62%
FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND
Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
Inception (5/8/07) Quarter Ended
to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 12.12% -7.28%
Market Price 12.12% -7.15%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
ISE Water Index(TM) 12.60% -7.12%
|
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (3/9/06) Inception (3/9/06) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV -10.64% 4.30% 7.93% -10.86%
Market Price -10.03% 4.66% 8.61% -11.68%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index -10.24% 4.71% 8.70% -10.73%
|
121
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (4/19/06) Inception (4/19/06) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 9.74% 5.99% 10.40% -12.59%
Market Price 10.80% 6.52% 11.35% -13.38%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) 10.35% 6.56% 11.42% -12.52%
|
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
Inception (2/8/07) Quarter Ended
to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 5.95% -11.33%
Market Price 6.00% -11.42%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM) 6.53% -11.34%
|
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (4/19/06) Inception (4/19/06) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 7.66% 4.34% 7.50% -14.51%
Market Price 7.82% 4.37% 7.55% -14.60%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM) 8.25% 4.90% 8.47% -14.32%
|
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND
Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
Inception (2/8/07) Quarter Ended
to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 54.30% -25.57%
Market Price 54.30% -25.53%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index 55.22% -25.48%
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND
Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
Inception (5/8/07) Quarter Ended
to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV -19.08% 0.76%
Market Price -19.22% 3.61%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
S&P REIT Composite Index -19.04% 0.76%
|
122
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (6/12/03) Inception (6/12/03) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 19.91% 13.15% 75.63% -14.18%
Market Price 30.58% 13.23% 76.22% -14.64%
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months 6/15/07 6/15/07 Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Value Line(R) 100 Index* N.A. N.A. 7.02% -14.04%
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (8/19/03) Inception (8/19/03) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV -3.42% 10.70% 55.85% -5.94%
Market Price -3.05% 10.78% 56.35% -6.30%
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months 12/15/06 12/15/06 Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Value Line(R) Dividend Index** -2.68% -2.82% -2.89% -5.76%
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND
Average Annual Total Returns Cumulative Total Returns Total Returns
12 Months Inception (12/5/06) Inception (12/5/06) Quarter Ended
Ended 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07 3/31/08
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 4.65% 3.26% 3.50% -9.83%
Market Price 4.85% 3.59% 3.85% -10.23%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index 5.07% 3.71% 3.98% -9.59%
|
* On June 15, 2007, the Fund acquired the assets and adopted the financial and
performance history of the Predecessor FVL Fund, which had an inception date
of June 12, 2003. Returns for the Index are only disclosed for those periods
following the reorganization on June 15, 2007. For comparison purposes, the
cumulative total returns for the period from the reorganization date (June
15, 2007) through December 31, 2007 were 6.61% and 6.96% at NAV and market
price, respectively.
** On December 15, 2006, the Fund acquired the assets and adopted the financial
and performance history of the Predecessor FVD Fund, which had an inception
date of August 19, 2003. Returns for the Index are only disclosed for those
periods following the reorganization on December 15, 2006. For comparison
purposes, the cumulative total returns for the period from the reorganization
date (December 15, 2006) through December 31, 2007 were -3.67% and -2.88% at
NAV and market price, respectively.
123
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand each Fund's
financial performance since its inception. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Share of each Fund. The total returns represent
the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Fund
(assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for
the periods indicated has been derived from financial statements audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose report for the period ended December 31, 2007,
along with each Fund's financial statements, are included in the Annual Report
to Shareholders dated December 31, 2007 and are incorporated by reference in the
Funds' SAI, which is available upon request.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE JUNE 19, 2006 (A)
YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006
----------------- -----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 23.55 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) (0.10) (0.07) (f)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.96 3.62 (f)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 0.86 3.55
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 24.41 $ 23.55
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 3.65% 17.75%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 73,241 $ 29,438
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.73% 1.22% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (0.60)% (0.60)%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 11% 4%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
(f) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
|
124
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE JULY 6, 2006 (A)
YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006
----------------- -----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 22.06 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.20 0.12 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.07 2.03 (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 2.27 2.15
---------- ----------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (0.21) (0.09)
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 24.12 $ 22.06
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 10.26% 10.74%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 61,518 $ 17,650
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.12% 2.59% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.65% 0.65% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 1.09% 1.29% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 10% 4%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
|
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE JUNE 19, 2006 (A)
YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006
----------------- -----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 22.57 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) (0.16) (0.07) (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.68 2.64 (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 2.52 2.57
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 25.09 $ 22.57
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 11.17% 12.85%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 36,386 $ 25,953
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.70% 1.24% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (0.42)% (0.55)% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 6% 4%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
|
125
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE FOR THE SEPTEMBER 27, 2005 (A)
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006 DECEMBER 31, 2005
----------------- ----------------- ------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 23.92 $ 20.73 $ 20.00
---------- ---------- ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.16 0.06 (e) 0.03 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (1.60) 3.19 (e) 0.72 (e)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment operations (1.44) 3.25 0.75
---------- ---------- ----------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (0.13) (0.06) (0.02)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 22.35 $ 23.92 $ 20.73
========== ========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) (6.02)% 15.69% 3.74%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 17,993 $ 16,865 $ 39,492
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.35% 1.18% 1.44% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.58% 0.24% 0.51% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 11% 20% 6%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
|
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE APRIL 12, 2006 (A)
YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006
----------------- -----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 22.20 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.05 0.01 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 3.17 2.19 (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 3.22 2.20
---------- ----------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (0.06) --
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 25.36 $ 22.20
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 14.53% 11.00%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 26,633 $ 19,981
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.06% 1.44% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.24% 0.07% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 11% 26%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
|
126
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
MAY 8, 2007 (A)
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007
-----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.02
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 7.73
----------
Total from investment operations 7.75
----------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (0.02)
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 27.73
==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 38.73%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 104,004
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.82% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.17% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 2%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
|
FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
MAY 8, 2007 (A)
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007
-----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.03
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.30
----------
Total from investment operations 2.33
----------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (0.02)
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 22.31
==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 11.67%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 11,157
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 2.36% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.32% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 5%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
|
127
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
MAY 8, 2007 (A)
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007
-----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.04
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.38
----------
Total from investment operations 2.42
----------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (0.04)
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 22.38
==========
TOTAL RETURN (C) 12.12%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 12,310
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.68% (d)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% (d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.46% (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e) 3%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
(c) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
|
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE MARCH 9, 2006 (A)
YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006
----------------- -----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 23.51 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.92 0.59 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (3.35) 3.52 (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations (2.43) 4.11
---------- ----------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (0.88) (0.60)
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 20.20 $ 23.51
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) (10.64)% 20.80%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 64,650 $ 75,237
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.68% 0.99% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.45% 0.45% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 3.87% 3.55% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 9% 9%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
|
128
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE APRIL 19, 2006 (A)
YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006
----------------- -----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.12 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) (0.02) 0.01 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1.98 0.13 (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 1.96 0.12
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 22.08 $ 20.12
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 9.74% 0.60%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 30,911 $ 26,158
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.95% 1.31% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (0.08)% (0.07)%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 15% 1%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
|
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FEBRUARY 8, 2007 (A)
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007
-----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1.20
----------
Total from investment operations 1.19
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 21.19
==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 5.95%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 2,119
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 2.61% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (0.04)% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 27%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
|
129
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE APRIL 19, 2006 (A)
YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006
----------------- -----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 19.97 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) (0.03) (0.03) (f)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1.56 0.00 (e) (f)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 1.53 (0.03)
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 21.50 $ 19.97
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 7.66% (0.15)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 23,652 $ 27,960
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.92% 1.37% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (0.16)% (0.20)%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 10% 7%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
(f) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
|
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FEBRUARY 8, 2007 (A)
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007
-----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) (0.04)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 10.90
----------
Total from investment operations 10.86
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 30.86
==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 54.30%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 50,913
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.00% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (0.33)% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 4%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
|
130
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
MAY 8, 2007 (A)
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007
-----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.32 (b)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (4.13) (b)
----------
Total from investment operations (3.81)
----------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (0.38)
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 15.81
==========
TOTAL RETURN (C) (19.08)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 1,581
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 8.41% (d)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.50% (d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.73% (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e) 25%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
(c) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
|
131
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE JUNE 12, 2003
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
2007 (A) 2006 (A) 2005 (A) 2004 (A) 2003 (A)
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 15.89 $ 17.16 $ 18.05 $ 16.61 $ 14.33 (e)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 1.02 (0.07) (0.08) (0.09) (0.06)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.06 0.68 2.00 2.19 2.37
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total from investment operations 3.08 0.61 1.92 2.10 2.31
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net realized gains (1.06) (1.88) (2.81) (0.66) --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Common Shares offering costs
charged to paid-in capital -- -- -- (0.00) (b) (0.03)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 17.91 $ 15.89 $ 17.16 $ 18.05 $ 16.61
============ ============ ============ =========== ============
TOTAL RETURN 19.91% (d) 4.59% (c) 11.86% (c) 13.05% (c) 15.91% (c)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 204,913 $ 277,902 $ 300,049 $ 315,632 $ 290,464
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.89% 0.97% 0.95% 0.97% 1.02% (f)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.83% (h) 0.97% 0.95% 0.97% 1.02% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets (0.21)% (0.40)% (0.43)% (0.52)% (0.75)%(f)
Portfolio turnover rate (g) 111% 234% 240% 220% 144%
(a) The Fund commenced operations as a closed-end fund on June 12, 2003. Results
for periods prior to June 18, 2007 are of First Trust Value Line(R) 100
Fund.
(b) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
(c) Total return based on net asset value is the combination of reinvested
dividend distributions and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any,
at prices obtained by the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and changes in net
asset value per share and does not reflect sales load.
(d) Total return based on net asset value is calculated assuming an initial
investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period,
reinvestment of all dividend distributions at net asset value during the
period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period.
Prior to June 18, 2007, total return based on net asset value assumed that
all dividend distributions were reinvested at prices obtained by the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan of First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund. Total
return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. The
total return would have been lower if certain fees had not been reimbursed
by the investment advisor.
(e) Net of sales load $0.675 per Common Share on initial offering. (f)
Annualized.
(g) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(h) The annualized expense ratio is capped at 0.70% for the first two years from
the date of the reorganization. This ratio of 0.83% includes expenses for a
portion of the period prior to the reorganization for the First Trust Value
Line(R) 100 Fund.
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132
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE JUNE 1, 2006 FOR THE FOR THE FOR THE
YEAR ENDED THROUGH YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, MAY 31, MAY 31, MAY 31,
2007 2006 (A) 2006 (A) 2005 (A) 2004 (A)
------------- ---------------- --------------- -------------- -------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 16.77 $ 16.55 $ 17.24 $ 16.13 $ 14.33 (e)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.44 0.24 (i) 0.43 0.41 0.27
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.99) 2.10 (i) 1.00 1.99 1.86
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Total from investment operations (0.55) 2.34 1.43 2.40 2.13
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (0.47) (0.63) (0.42) (0.37) (0.20)
Net realized gains -- (1.49) (1.70) (0.92) (0.11)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Total distributions to shareholders (0.47) (2.12) (2.12) (1.29) (0.31)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Common Shares offering costs
charged to paid-in capital -- -- -- (0.00) (b) (0.02)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 15.75 $ 16.77 $ 16.55 $ 17.24 $ 16.13
============ ============ ============ ============ ===========
TOTAL RETURN, BASED ON
NET ASSET VALUE (3.42)% (d) 14.70% (d) 10.26% (c) 16.05% (c) 15.09% (c)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 180,153 $ 451,642 $ 536,258 $ 558,705 $ 522,731
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average
net assets 0.85% 0.94% (f) 0.93% 0.93% 0.93% (f)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.70% 0.93% (f) (h) 0.93% 0.93% 0.93% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets 2.37% 2.36% (f) 2.51% 2.45% 2.29% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate (g) 5% 28% 58% 57% 46%
(a) The Fund commenced operations as a closed-end fund on August 19, 2003.
Results for periods prior to December 18, 2006 are of First Trust Value
Line(R) Dividend Fund.
(b) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
(c) Total return based on net asset value is the combination of reinvested
dividend distributions and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any,
at prices obtained by the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and changes in net
asset value per share and does not reflect sales load.
(d) Total return based on net asset value is calculated assuming an initial
investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period,
reinvestment of all dividend distributions at net asset value during the
period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period.
Prior to December 18, 2006, total return based on net asset value assumed
that all dividend distributions were reinvested at prices obtained by the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan of First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Fund. Total
return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. The
total return would have been lower if certain fees had not been reimbursed
by the investment advisor.
(e) Net of sales load $0.675 per Common Share on initial offering. (f)
Annualized.
(g) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(h) The annualized expense ratio is capped at 0.70% for the first two years from
the date of the reorganization. This ratio of 0.93% includes expenses for a
portion of the period prior to the reorganization for the First Trust Value
Line(R) Dividend Fund.
(i) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
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133
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE DECEMBER 5 2006 (A)
YEAR ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006
----------------- -----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 19.78 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) 0.24 0.03 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.68 (0.25) (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 0.92 (0.22)
---------- ----------
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income (0.25) --
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 20.45 $ 19.78
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (B) 4.65% (1.10)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 13,291 $ 18,793
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.36% 3.25% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.70% 0.70% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 1.04% 1.82% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 43% 1%
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
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134
OTHER INFORMATION
CONTINUOUS OFFERING
Each Fund will issue, on a continuous offering basis, its Shares in one or more
groups of a fixed number of Fund Shares (each such group of such specified
number of individual Fund Shares, a "Creation Unit Aggregation"). The method by
which Creation Unit Aggregations of Fund Shares are created and traded may raise
certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Unit
Aggregations of Shares are issued and sold by a Fund on an ongoing basis, a
"distribution," as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur at any
point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on
their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed
participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory
underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and
liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory
underwriter if it takes Creation Unit Aggregations after placing an order with
FTP, breaks them down into constituent Shares and sells such Shares directly to
customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares
with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand
for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the
Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining
to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and
the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of
all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but
are effecting transactions in Shares, whether or not participating in the
distribution of Shares, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is
because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act
is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of
the 1940 Act. The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, however, has received from the
Securities and Exchange Commission an exemption from the prospectus delivery
obligation in ordinary secondary market transactions under certain
circumstances, on the condition that purchasers are provided with a product
description of the Shares. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that
dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as
contrasted with ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with
the Shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section
4(3)(a) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the
prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act.
Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to Shares are
reminded that, under the Securities Act Rule 153, a prospectus delivery
obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to a broker-dealer
in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the fact that the
Prospectus is available from the Exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery
mechanism provided in Rule 153 is available with respect to transactions on a
national securities exchange, a trading facility or an alternative trading
system.
135
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136
[LOGO OMITTED] FIRST TRUST FIRST TRUST
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more detailed information on the Funds, several additional sources of
information are available to you. The SAI, incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus, contains detailed information on the Funds' policies and operation.
Additional information about the Funds' investments is available in the annual
and semi-annual reports to Shareholders. In the Funds' annual reports, you will
find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly impacted the Funds' performance during the last fiscal year. The
Funds' most recent SAI and certain other information are available free of
charge by calling the Funds at (800) 621-1675, on the Funds' website at
www.ftportfolios.com or through your financial adviser. Shareholders may call
the toll-free number above with any inquiries.
You may obtain this and other information regarding the Funds, including the
Codes of Ethics adopted by First Trust, FTP and the Trust, directly from the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Information on the SEC's website
is free of charge. Visit the SEC's on-line EDGAR database at http://www.sec.gov
or in person at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., or call the
SEC at (202) 551-8090 for information on the Public Reference Room. You may also
request information regarding the Funds by sending a request (along with a
duplication fee) to the SEC's Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 or by sending an electronic request to
publicinfo@sec.gov.
First Trust Advisors L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 300
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675 SEC File #: 333-125751
www.ftportfolios.com 811-21774
Back Cover
|
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-21774
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DATED MAY 1, 2008
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus. It should
be read in conjunction with the Funds' Prospectus dated May 1, 2008 (the
"Prospectus") for each of First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund,
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund, First Trust IPOX-100
Index Fund, First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund, First Trust
NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology
Index Fund, First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund, First Trust DB
Strategic Value Index Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index
Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund, First Trust NASDAQ-100
Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S.
Liquid Series Index Fund, First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund, First Trust ISE Water
Index Fund, First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund, First Trust ISE
Chindia Index Fund and First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund, each
a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund (the "Trust"), as it may be revised
from time to time. Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the
same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Funds'
Prospectus may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust's distributor,
First Trust Portfolios L.P., 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532, or by
calling toll free at (800) 621-1675.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUNDS................................1
EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING..................................................3
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.............................................3
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES.........................................................5
SUBLICENSE AGREEMENTS........................................................15
INVESTMENT RISKS.............................................................25
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS......................................................29
ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY INVESTMENT COMMITTEE.....................................43
BROKERAGE ALLOCATIONS........................................................43
CUSTODIAN, DISTRIBUTOR, TRANSFER AGENT, FUND ACCOUNTING AGENT, INDEX
PROVIDERS AND EXCHANGES...................................................48
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.......................................................51
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.........................................52
CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNIT AGGREGATIONS........................54
FEDERAL TAX MATTERS..........................................................64
DETERMINATION OF NAV.........................................................70
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS..................................................71
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION....................................................72
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.........................................................72
|
The audited financial statements for the Funds' most recent fiscal year
appear in the Funds' Annual Report to Shareholders dated December 31, 2007,
which is attached hereto. The Annual Report was filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 10, 2008. The financial statements from
such Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.
- ii -
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUNDS
The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on August 8,
2003 and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares in one or more
series or "Funds." The Trust is an open-end management investment company,
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"). The Trust currently offers shares in 17 separate series, including the
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund (the "MicroCap Fund"),
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund (the "Dividend
Leaders Fund"), First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund (the "IPOX Fund"), First Trust
NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund (the "Equal Weighted Fund"), First
Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund (the "Technology Fund"), First
Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund (the "Biotech Fund"), First Trust Dow
Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund (the "Internet Fund"), First Trust DB Strategic
Value Index Fund (the "Strategic Value Fund"), First Trust Value Line(R) Equity
Allocation Index Fund (the "Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund"), First Trust
Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund (the "Value Line(R) Dividend Fund"), First
Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund (the "Ex-Technology Fund"),
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund (the "Clean
Edge(R) Fund"), First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (the "S&P REIT Fund"), First
Trust ISE Water Index Fund (the "ISE Water Fund"), First Trust ISE-Revere
Natural Gas Index Fund (the "ISE Gas Fund"), First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund
(the "ISE Chindia Fund") and First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund
(the "Value Line(R) 100 Fund") (each, a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds").
The Dividend Leaders Fund, the IPOX Fund, the Equal Weighted Fund, the
Technology Fund, the Biotech Fund, the Internet Fund, the Strategic Value Fund,
the Ex-Technology Fund, the Clean Edge(R) Fund, the S&P REIT Fund, the ISE Gas
Fund, the ISE Water Fund and the ISE Chindia Fund are non-diversified series,
while the MicroCap Fund, the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund, the Value
Line(R) Dividend Fund and the Value Line(R) 100 Fund are diversified series.
This Statement of Additional Information relates to all of the Funds. The shares
of the Funds are referred to herein as "Shares" or "Fund Shares." Each Fund as a
series of the Trust represents a beneficial interest in a separate portfolio of
securities and other assets, with its own objective and policies.
The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board of Trustees" or the
"Trustees") has the right to establish additional series in the future, to
determine the preferences, voting powers, rights and privileges thereof and to
modify such preferences, voting powers, rights and privileges without
shareholder approval. Shares of any series may also be divided into one or more
classes at the discretion of the Trustees.
The Trust or any series or class thereof may be terminated at any time
by the Board of Trustees upon written notice to the shareholders.
Each Share has one vote with respect to matters upon which a
shareholder vote is required consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act
and the rules promulgated thereunder. Shares of all series of the Trust vote
together as a single class except as otherwise required by the 1940 Act, or if
the matter being voted on affects only a particular series, and, if a matter
affects a particular series differently from other series, the shares of that
series will vote separately on such matter.
The Trust's Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration") provides that by
becoming a shareholder of a Fund, each shareholder shall be expressly held to
have agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Declaration. The Declaration
may, except in limited circumstances, be amended or supplemented by the Trustees
without a shareholder vote. The holders of Fund Shares are required to disclose
information on direct or indirect ownership of Fund Shares as may be required to
comply with various laws applicable to the Funds, and ownership of Fund Shares
may be disclosed by the Funds if so required by law or regulation. In addition,
pursuant to the Declaration, the Trustees may, in their discretion, require the
Trust to redeem Shares held by any shareholder for any reason under terms set by
the Trustees. The Declaration also provides that shareholders may not bring suit
on behalf of a Fund without first requesting that the Trustees bring such suit
unless there would be irreparable injury to the Fund, or if a majority of the
Trustees have a personal financial interest in the action. Trustees are not
considered to have a personal financial interest by virtue of being compensated
for their services as Trustees.
The Trust is not required to and does not intend to hold annual
meetings of shareholders.
Under Massachusetts law applicable to Massachusetts business trusts,
shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held
personally liable as partners for its obligations. However, the Declaration
contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations
of the Trust and requires that notice of this disclaimer be given in each
agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or the
Trustees. The Declaration further provides for indemnification out of the assets
and property of the Trust for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a
shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed and the
Trust or a Fund itself was unable to meet its obligations.
The Funds are advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the "Adviser" or "First
Trust").
Each Fund offers and issues Shares at net asset value ("NAV") only in
aggregations of a specified number of Shares (each a "Creation Unit" or a
"Creation Unit Aggregation"), generally in exchange for a basket of equity
securities (the "Deposit Securities") included in each Fund's corresponding
Index (as hereinafter defined), together with the deposit of a specified cash
payment (the "Cash Component"). The Shares of the MicroCap Fund, the Dividend
Leaders Fund, the IPOX Fund, the Biotech Fund, the Internet Fund, the Strategic
Value Fund, the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund, the Value Line(R) Dividend
Fund, the S&P REIT Fund and the Value Line(R) 100 Fund are listed and trade on
the American Stock Exchange LLC (the "AMEX"). The Shares of the Equal Weighted
Fund, the Technology Fund, the Ex-Technology Fund and the Clean Edge Fund are
listed and trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ(R)"). The Shares of
the ISE Water Fund, the ISE Gas Fund and the ISE Chindia Fund are listed and
trade on NYSE Arca, Inc. ("NYSE Arca"). The Shares will trade on the AMEX,
NASDAQ(R) or NYSE Arca at market prices that may be below, at or above NAV.
Shares are redeemable only in Creation Unit Aggregations and, generally, in
exchange for portfolio securities and a specified cash payment. Creation Units
are aggregations of 50,000 Shares.
-2-
The Trust reserves the right to offer a "cash" option for creations and
redemptions of Fund Shares. Fund Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of
Deposit Securities subject to various conditions including a requirement to
maintain on deposit with the applicable Fund cash at least equal to 115% of the
market value of the missing Deposit Securities. See the "Creation and Redemption
of Creation Unit Aggregations" section. In each instance of such cash creations
or redemptions, transaction fees may be imposed that will be higher than the
transaction fees associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. In all cases,
such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the SEC
applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities.
EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING
There can be no assurance that the requirements of the AMEX, NASDAQ(R)
or NYSE Arca necessary to maintain the listing of Shares of a Fund will continue
to be met. The AMEX, NASDAQ(R) and NYSE Arca may, but are not required to,
remove the Shares of a Fund from listing if (i) following the initial 12-month
period beginning at the commencement of trading of a Fund, there are fewer than
50 beneficial owners of such Shares of such Fund for 30 or more consecutive
trading days; (ii) the value of such Fund's Index (as defined below) is no
longer calculated or available; or (iii) such other event shall occur or
condition exist that, in the opinion of the AMEX, NASDAQ(R) or NYSE Arca, makes
further dealings on the AMEX, NASDAQ(R) or NYSE Arca inadvisable. Please note
that the AMEX may have a conflict of interest with respect to the Biotech Fund
because Shares of such Fund are listed on the AMEX, and the AMEX is also the
Fund's Index Provider. Additionally, NASDAQ(R) may have a conflict of interest
with respect to the Equal Weighted Fund, the Technology Fund, the Ex-Technology
Fund and the Clean Edge Fund because Shares of such Funds are listed on the
NASDAQ(R), and the NASDAQ(R) is also each such Fund's Index Provider. The AMEX,
NASDAQ(R) or NYSE Arca will remove the Shares of a Fund from listing and trading
upon termination of such Fund.
As in the case of other stocks traded on the AMEX, NASDAQ(R) or NYSE
Arca, broker's commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated
commission rates at customary levels.
The Funds reserve the right to adjust the price levels of Shares in the
future to help maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments
would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would
have no effect on the net assets of each Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The Prospectus describes the investment objective and policies of the
Funds. The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus
concerning the investment objective and policies of the Funds.
Each Fund is subject to the following fundamental policies, which may
not be changed without approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of such Fund:
-3-
(1) A Fund may not issue senior securities, except as
permitted under the 1940 Act.
(2) A Fund may not borrow money, except that a Fund may (i)
borrow money from banks for temporary or emergency purposes (but not
for leverage or the purchase of investments) and (ii) engage in other
transactions permissible under the 1940 Act that may involve a
borrowing (such as obtaining short-term credits as are necessary for
the clearance of transactions, engaging in delayed-delivery
transactions, or purchasing certain futures, forward contracts and
options), provided that the combination of (i) and (ii) shall not
exceed 33-1/3% of the value of a Fund's total assets (including the
amount borrowed), less a Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings).
(3) A Fund will not underwrite the securities of other
issuers except to the extent the Fund may be considered an underwriter
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") in
connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.
(4) A Fund will not purchase or sell real estate or interests
therein, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or
other instruments (but this shall not prohibit a Fund from purchasing
or selling securities or other instruments backed by real estate or of
issuers engaged in real estate activities).
(5) A Fund may not make loans to other persons, except
through (i) the purchase of debt securities permissible under the
Fund's investment policies, (ii) repurchase agreements, or (iii) the
lending of portfolio securities, provided that no such loan of
portfolio securities may be made by a Fund if, as a result, the
aggregate of such loans would exceed 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's
total assets.
(6) A Fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities
unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other
instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or
selling options, futures contracts, forward contracts or other
derivative instruments, or from investing in securities or other
instruments backed by physical commodities).
(7) A Fund may not invest 25% or more of the value of its
total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry or group of
industries, except to the extent that the Index that a Fund is based
upon, concentrates in an industry or group of industries. This
restriction does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
The MicroCap Fund, the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund, the Value
Line(R) Dividend Fund and the Value Line(R) 100 Fund have fundamental investment
objectives as described in the Prospectus and are also subject to following
fundamental policy: A Fund may not, as to 75% of its total assets, (a) invest
more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities of any one
issuer or (b) hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that
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issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
any agency or instrumentality thereof).
Except for restriction (2), if a percentage restriction is adhered to
at the time of investment, a later increase in percentage resulting from a
change in market value of the investment or the total assets will not constitute
a violation of that restriction.
The foregoing fundamental policies of each Fund may not be changed
without the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the respective Fund. The 1940 Act defines a majority vote as the
vote of the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities represented at a
meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding securities are represented; or
(ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. With respect to the
submission of a change in an investment policy to the holders of outstanding
voting securities of a Fund, such matter shall be deemed to have been
effectively acted upon with respect to the Fund if a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund vote for the approval of such matter,
notwithstanding that (1) such matter has not been approved by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of any other series of the Trust
affected by such matter, and (2) such matter has not been approved by the vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities.
In addition to the foregoing fundamental policies, the Funds are also
subject to strategies and policies discussed herein which, unless otherwise
noted, are non-fundamental restrictions and policies and may be changed by the
Board of Trustees.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Under normal circumstances, each Fund will invest at least 90% of its
total assets in common stocks that comprise such Fund's corresponding equity
index as set forth below (each, an "Index" and together, the "Indices"). Fund
Shareholders are entitled to 60 days' notice prior to any change in this
non-fundamental investment policy.
FUND INDEX
MicroCap Fund Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM)
Dividend Leaders Fund Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index
IPOX Fund IPOX-100 U.S. Index
Equal Weighted Fund NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM)
Technology Fund NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM)
Biotech Fund Amex(R) Biotechnology Index(SM)
Internet Fund Dow Jones Internet Composite Index(SM)
Strategic Value Fund Deutsche Bank CROCI(R) US+ Index(TM)
Value Line(R) Equity
Allocation Fund Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index
Value Line(R) Dividend Fund Value Line(R) Dividend Index
Ex-Technology Fund NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM)
Clean Edge(R) Fund NASDAQ(R) CleanEdge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index
S&P REIT Fund S&P REIT Corporate Index
ISE Water Fund ISE Water Index(TM)
ISE Gas Fund ISE-REVERE Natural Gas Index(SM)
ISE Chindia Fund ISE ChIndia Index(TM)
Value Line(R) 100 Fund Value Line(R) 100 Index
|
-5-
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
Warrants: The Funds may invest in warrants. Warrants acquired by a Fund
entitle it to buy common stock from the issuer at a specified price and time.
They do not represent ownership of the securities but only the right to buy
them. Warrants are subject to the same market risks as stocks, but may be more
volatile in price. A Fund's investment in warrants will not entitle it to
receive dividends or exercise voting rights and will become worthless if the
warrants cannot be profitably exercised before their expiration date.
Delayed-Delivery Transactions: The Funds may from time to time purchase
securities on a "when-issued" or other delayed-delivery basis. The price of
securities purchased in such transactions is fixed at the time the commitment to
purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a
later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within 45 days of the purchase.
During the period between the purchase and settlement, a Fund does not remit
payment to the issuer, no interest is accrued on debt securities and dividend
income is not earned on equity securities. Delayed-delivery commitments involve
a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to
the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of a decline in value
of a Fund's other assets. While securities purchased in delayed-delivery
transactions may be sold prior to the settlement date, the Funds intend to
purchase such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them. At the
time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security in a delayed-delivery
transaction, it will record the transaction and reflect the value of the
security in determining its NAV. The Funds do not believe that NAV will be
adversely affected by purchases of securities in delayed-delivery transactions.
The Funds will earmark or maintain in a segregated account cash, U.S.
Government securities, and high-grade liquid debt securities equal in value to
commitments for delayed-delivery securities. Such earmarked or segregated
securities will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement
date. When the time comes to pay for delayed-delivery securities, a Fund will
meet its obligations from then-available cash flow, sale of the securities
earmarked or held in the segregated account described above, sale of other
securities, or, although it would not normally expect to do so, from the sale of
the delayed-delivery securities themselves (which may have a market value
greater or less than a Fund's payment obligation).
Illiquid Securities: The Funds may invest in illiquid securities (i.e.,
securities that are not readily marketable). For purposes of this restriction,
illiquid securities include, but are not limited to, restricted securities
(securities the disposition of which is restricted under the federal securities
laws), securities that may only be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933
Act but that are deemed to be illiquid; and repurchase agreements with
maturities in excess of seven days. However, a Fund will not acquire illiquid
securities if, as a result, such securities would comprise more than 15% of the
value of a Fund's net assets. The Board of Trustees or its delegate has the
ultimate authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal
securities laws, which securities are liquid or illiquid for purposes of this
15% limitation. The Board of Trustees has delegated to First Trust the
day-to-day determination of the illiquidity of any equity or fixed-income
security, although it has retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for
-6-
such determinations. Although no definitive liquidity criteria are used, the
Board of Trustees has directed First Trust to look to factors such as (i) the
nature of the market for a security (including the institutional private resale
market; the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; the number of
dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; and the amount of time
normally needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and
the mechanics of transfer), (ii) the terms of certain securities or other
instruments allowing for the disposition to a third party or the issuer thereof
(e.g., certain repurchase obligations and demand instruments), and (iii) other
permissible relevant factors.
Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated
transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration
statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. Where registration is required, a
Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a
considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the
time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective
registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were
to develop, a Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed
when it decided to sell. Illiquid securities will be priced at fair value as
determined in good faith under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. If,
through the appreciation of illiquid securities or the depreciation of liquid
securities, a Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of
its net assets are invested in illiquid securities, including restricted
securities which are not readily marketable, the Fund will take such steps as is
deemed advisable, if any, to protect liquidity.
Money Market Funds: The Funds may invest in shares of money market
funds to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
Temporary Investments: The Funds may, without limit as to percentage of
assets, purchase U.S. Government securities or short-term debt securities to
keep cash on hand fully invested or for temporary defensive purposes. Short-term
debt securities are securities from issuers having a long-term debt rating of at
least A by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"), Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or Fitch, Inc. ("Fitch") and having a maturity of one year or
less.
Short-term debt securities are defined to include, without limitation,
the following:
(1) U.S. Government securities, including bills, notes and
bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest, which are either
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by U.S. Government
agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government agency securities
include securities issued by (a) the Federal Housing Administration,
Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of United States, Small
Business Administration, and the Government National Mortgage
Association, whose securities are supported by the full faith and
credit of the United States; (b) the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal
Intermediate Credit Banks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, whose
securities are supported by the right of the agency to borrow from the
U.S. Treasury; (c) Fannie Mae, whose securities are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and (d) the Student Loan
Marketing Association, whose securities are supported only by its
-7-
credit. While the U.S. Government provides financial support to such
U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance
can be given that it always will do so since it is not so obligated by
law. The U.S. Government, its agencies, and instrumentalities do not
guarantee the market value of their securities, and consequently, the
value of such securities may fluctuate.
(2) Certificates of deposit issued against funds deposited in
a bank or savings and loan association. Such certificates are for a
definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return, and are
normally negotiable. If such certificates of deposit are
non-negotiable, they will be considered illiquid securities and be
subject to the Fund's 15% restriction on investments in illiquid
securities. Pursuant to the certificate of deposit, the issuer agrees
to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the
certificate on the date specified thereon. Under current Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations, the maximum insurance
payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $100,000; therefore,
certificates of deposit purchased by the Funds may not be fully
insured.
(3) Bankers' acceptances which are short-term credit
instruments used to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an
acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an
importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific
merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in effect,
unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on
its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting
bank as an asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going
rate of interest for a specific maturity.
(4) Repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt
securities. In such an action, at the time a Fund purchases the
security, it simultaneously agrees to resell and redeliver the security
to the seller, who also simultaneously agrees to buy back the security
at a fixed price and time. This assures a predetermined yield for a
Fund during its holding period since the resale price is always greater
than the purchase price and reflects an agreed upon market rate. The
period of these repurchase agreements will usually be short, from
overnight to one week. Such actions afford an opportunity for a Fund to
invest temporarily available cash. The Funds may enter into repurchase
agreements only with respect to obligations of the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities; certificates of deposit; or bankers'
acceptances in which the Funds may invest. In addition, the Funds may
only enter into repurchase agreements where the market value of the
purchased securities/collateral equals at least 100% of principal
including accrued interest and is marked-to-market daily. The risk to
the Funds are limited to the ability of the seller to pay the
agreed-upon sum on the repurchase date; in the event of default, the
repurchase agreement provides that the affected Fund is entitled to
sell the underlying collateral. If the value of the collateral declines
after the agreement is entered into, however, and if the seller
defaults under a repurchase agreement when the value of the underlying
collateral is less than the repurchase price, a Fund could incur a loss
of both principal and interest. The Funds, however, intend to enter
into repurchase agreements only with financial institutions and dealers
believed by First Trust to present minimal credit risks in accordance
with criteria established by the Board of Trustees. First Trust will
-8-
review and monitor the creditworthiness of such institutions. First
Trust monitors the value of the collateral at the time the action is
entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase
agreement. First Trust does so in an effort to determine that the value
of the collateral always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase
price to be paid to a Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a
federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of a Fund to liquidate the
collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions
of the bankruptcy laws.
(5) Bank time deposits, which are monies kept on deposit with
banks or savings and loan associations for a stated period of time at a
fixed rate of interest. There may be penalties for the early withdrawal
of such time deposits, in which case the yields of these investments
will be reduced.
(6) Commercial paper, which are short-term unsecured
promissory notes, including variable rate master demand notes issued by
corporations to finance their current operations. Master demand notes
are direct lending arrangements between a Fund and a corporation. There
is no secondary market for the notes. However, they are redeemable by a
Fund at any time. A Fund's portfolio manager will consider the
financial condition of the corporation (e.g., earning power, cash flow,
and other liquidity ratios) and will continuously monitor the
corporation's ability to meet all of its financial obligations, because
a Fund's liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to
pay principal and interest on demand. The Funds may only invest in
commercial paper rated A-1 or better by S&P, Prime-1 or higher by
Moody's or F2 or higher by Fitch.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Funds buy and sell portfolio securities in the normal course of
their investment activities. The proportion of a Fund's investment portfolio
that is sold and replaced with new securities during a year is known as the
Fund's portfolio turnover rate. A turnover rate of 100% would occur, for
example, if a Fund sold and replaced securities valued at 100% of its net assets
within one year. Active trading would result in the payment by a Fund of
increased brokerage costs and expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2007,
the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund had a portfolio turnover rate of 43%,
whereas for the period December 5, 2006 through December 31, 2006, it had a
portfolio turnover rate of 1%. The difference in the portfolio turnover rate for
the two periods is due to the relatively short trading time that was available
between December 5, 2006 through December 31, 2006.
HEDGING STRATEGIES
General Description of Hedging Strategies
The Funds may engage in hedging activities. First Trust may cause the
Funds to utilize a variety of financial instruments, including options, forward
contracts, futures contracts (hereinafter referred to as "Futures" or "Futures
Contracts"), and options on Futures Contracts to attempt to hedge each Fund's
holdings.
-9-
Hedging or derivative instruments on securities generally are used to
hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions
that a Fund owns or intends to acquire. Such instruments may also be used to
"lock-in" realized but unrecognized gains in the value of portfolio securities.
Hedging instruments on stock indices, in contrast, generally are used to hedge
against price movements in broad equity market sectors in which a Fund has
invested or expects to invest. Hedging strategies, if successful, can reduce the
risk of loss by wholly or partially offsetting the negative effect of
unfavorable price movements in the investments being hedged. However, hedging
strategies can also reduce the opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive
effect of favorable price movements in the hedged investments. The use of
hedging instruments is subject to applicable regulations of the SEC, the several
options and Futures exchanges upon which they are traded, the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission (the "CFTC") and various state regulatory authorities. In
addition, a Fund's ability to use hedging instruments may be limited by tax
considerations.
General Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions
The Trust has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the
definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with the National Futures
Association, the Futures industry's self-regulatory organization. A Fund will
not enter into Futures and options transactions if the sum of the initial margin
deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options exceeds 5% of the Fund's total
assets. In addition, a Fund will not enter into Futures Contracts and options
transactions if more than 30% of its net assets would be committed to such
instruments.
The foregoing limitations are not fundamental policies of the Funds and
may be changed without shareholder approval as regulatory agencies permit.
Asset Coverage for Futures and Options Positions
The Funds will comply with the regulatory requirements of the SEC and
the CFTC with respect to coverage of options and Futures positions by registered
investment companies and, if the guidelines so require, will earmark or set
aside cash, U.S. Government securities, high grade liquid debt securities and/or
other liquid assets permitted by the SEC and CFTC in a segregated custodial
account in the amount prescribed. Securities earmarked or held in a segregated
account cannot be sold while the Futures or options position is outstanding,
unless replaced with other permissible assets, and will be marked-to-market
daily.
Stock Index Options
The Funds may purchase stock index options, sell stock index options in
order to close out existing positions, and/or write covered options on stock
indices for hedging purposes. Stock index options are put options and call
options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed
options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index
options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options,
the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise
of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities
comprising the stock index. The option holder who exercises the index option
-10-
receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which
the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the
case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to
the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise
price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple.
A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the
stocks included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on
a broad market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 or the Value Line(R)
Composite Indices or a more narrow market index, such as the Standard & Poor's
100. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment. Options on
stock indices are currently traded on the following exchanges: the Chicago Board
Options Exchange, the AMEX, NYSE Arca, Inc. and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.
The Funds' use of stock index options is subject to certain risks.
Successful use by a Fund of options on stock indices will be subject to the
ability of First Trust to correctly predict movements in the directions of the
stock market. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting
changes in the prices of individual securities. In addition, a Fund's ability to
effectively hedge all or a portion of the securities in its portfolio, in
anticipation of or during a market decline through transactions in put options
on stock indices, depends on the degree to which price movements in the
underlying index correlate with the price movements of the securities held by
the Fund. Inasmuch as the Funds' securities will not duplicate the components of
an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, a Fund will bear
the risk that the prices of its securities being hedged will not move in the
same amount as the prices of its put options on the stock indices. It is also
possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index and a Fund's
securities, which would result in a loss on both such securities and the options
on stock indices acquired by the Fund.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during
which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options
markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant
price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be
reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly
specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The
purchase of stock index options involves the risk that the premium and
transaction costs paid by a Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a
result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the
stock index on which the option is based.
Certain Considerations Regarding Options
There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options
exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and
for some options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If a
Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written
before the option is exercised, a Fund may be required to purchase the optioned
securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such
securities. If a Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with
-11-
respect to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to
exercise the option in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction
costs upon the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.
The writing and purchasing of options is a highly specialized activity,
which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated
with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Imperfect correlation between
the options and securities markets may detract from the effectiveness of
attempted hedging. Options transactions may result in significantly higher
transaction costs and portfolio turnover for the Funds.
Futures Contracts
The Funds may enter into Futures Contracts, including index Futures as
a hedge against movements in the equity markets, in order to hedge against
changes on securities held or intended to be acquired by a Fund or for other
purposes permissible under the Commodity Exchange Act (the "CEA"). A Fund's
hedging may include sales of Futures as an offset against the effect of expected
declines in stock prices and purchases of Futures as an offset against the
effect of expected increases in stock prices. The Funds will not enter into
Futures Contracts which are prohibited under the CEA and will, to the extent
required by regulatory authorities, enter only into Futures Contracts that are
traded on national Futures exchanges and are standardized as to maturity date
and underlying financial instrument. The principal interest rate Futures
exchanges in the United States are the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange. Futures exchanges and trading are regulated under the CEA
by the CFTC.
An interest rate Futures Contract provides for the future sale by one
party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific
financial instrument (e.g., a debt security) or currency for a specified price
at a designated date, time and place. An index Futures Contract is an agreement
pursuant to which the parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of
cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the
last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index Futures
Contract was originally written. Transaction costs are incurred when a Futures
Contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. A Futures
Contract may be satisfied by delivery or purchase, as the case may be, of the
instrument or by payment of the change in the cash value of the index. More
commonly, Futures Contracts are closed out prior to delivery by entering into an
offsetting transaction in a matching Futures Contract. Although the value of an
index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no
physical delivery of those securities is made. If the offsetting purchase price
is less than the original sale price, a gain will be realized. Conversely, if
the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, a gain will
be realized; if it is less, a loss will be realized. The transaction costs must
also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that
a Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a
particular Futures Contract at a particular time. If a Fund is not able to enter
into an offsetting transaction, a Fund will continue to be required to maintain
the margin deposits on the Futures Contract.
Margin is the amount of funds that must be deposited by a Fund with its
custodian in a segregated account in the name of the Futures commission merchant
-12-
in order to initiate Futures trading and to maintain the Fund's open positions
in Futures Contracts. A margin deposit is intended to ensure a Fund's
performance of the Futures Contract.
The margin required for a particular Futures Contract is set by the
exchange on which the Futures Contract is traded and may be significantly
modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the Futures
Contract. Futures Contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margins that
may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the Futures Contract being
traded.
If the price of an open Futures Contract changes (by increase in the
case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the
Futures Contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy
margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However,
if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the
Futures Contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the
broker will pay the excess to a Fund. In computing daily NAV, a Fund will mark
to market the current value of its open Futures Contracts. The Funds expect to
earn interest income on their margin deposits.
Because of the low margin deposits required, Futures trading involves
an extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small price
movement in a Futures Contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, as
well as gain, to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of
the value of the Futures Contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10%
decrease in the value of the Futures Contract would result in a total loss of
the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the
account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to
150% of the original margin deposit, if the Future Contracts were closed out.
Thus, a purchase or sale of a Futures Contract may result in losses in excess of
the amount initially invested in the Futures Contract. However, a Fund would
presumably have sustained comparable losses if, instead of the Futures Contract,
it had invested in the underlying financial instrument and sold it after the
decline.
Most U.S. Futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted
in Futures Contract prices during a single trading day. The day limit
establishes the maximum amount that the price of a Futures Contract may vary
either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a
trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of
Futures Contract, no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that
limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading
day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent
the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures Contract prices have
occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with
little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of Futures positions
and subjecting some investors to substantial losses.
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time
when a Fund seeks to close out a Futures position. A Fund would continue to be
required to meet margin requirements until the position is closed, possibly
resulting in a decline in the Fund's NAV. In addition, many of the contracts
discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading
-13-
history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market
will develop or continue to exist.
A public market exists in Futures Contracts covering a number of
indices, including, but not limited to, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P 100 Index,
the NASDAQ-100 Index(R), the Value Line(R) Composite Index and the NYSE
Composite Index.
Options on Futures
The Funds may also purchase or write put and call options on Futures
Contracts and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to
terminate an existing position. A Futures option gives the holder the right, in
return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position
(put) in a Futures Contract at a specified exercise price prior to the
expiration of the option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a
long position in the Futures Contract and the writer is assigned the opposite
short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true. Prior to
exercise or expiration, a Futures option may be closed out by an offsetting
purchase or sale of a Futures option of the same series.
The Funds may use options on Futures Contracts in connection with
hedging strategies. Generally, these strategies would be applied under the same
market and market sector conditions in which the Funds use put and call options
on securities or indices. The purchase of put options on Futures Contracts is
analogous to the purchase of puts on securities or indices so as to hedge a
Fund's securities holdings against the risk of declining market prices. The
writing of a call option or the purchasing of a put option on a Futures Contract
constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of securities which are
deliverable upon exercise of the Futures Contract. If the price at expiration of
a written call option is below the exercise price, a Fund will retain the full
amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge against any decline
that may have occurred in the Fund's holdings of securities. If the price when
the option is exercised is above the exercise price, however, a Fund will incur
a loss, which may be offset, in whole or in part, by the increase in the value
of the securities held by a Fund that were being hedged. Writing a put option or
purchasing a call option on a Futures Contract serves as a partial hedge against
an increase in the value of the securities a Fund intends to acquire.
As with investments in Futures Contracts, the Funds are required to
deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on Futures
Contracts written by them. Such margin deposits will vary depending on the
nature of the underlying Futures Contract (and the related initial margin
requirements), the current market value of the option, and other Futures
positions held by a Fund. A Fund will earmark or set aside in a segregated
account at the Fund's custodian, liquid assets, such as cash, U.S. Government
securities or other high-grade liquid debt obligations equal in value to the
amount due on the underlying obligation. Such segregated assets will be
marked-to-market daily, and additional assets will be earmarked or placed in the
segregated account whenever the total value of the earmarked or segregated
assets falls below the amount due on the underlying obligation.
The risks associated with the use of options on Futures Contracts
include the risk that the Funds may close out its position as a writer of an
option only if a liquid secondary market exists for such options, which cannot
-14-
be assured. A Fund's successful use of options on Futures Contracts depends on
First Trust's ability to correctly predict the movement in prices of Futures
Contracts and the underlying instruments, which may prove to be incorrect. In
addition, there may be imperfect correlation between the instruments being
hedged and the Futures Contract subject to the option. For additional
information, see "Futures Contracts." Certain characteristics of the Futures
market might increase the risk that movements in the prices of Futures Contracts
or options on Futures Contracts might not correlate perfectly with movements in
the prices of the investments being hedged. For example, all participants in the
Futures and options on Futures Contracts markets are subject to daily variation
margin calls and might be compelled to liquidate Futures or options on Futures
Contracts positions whose prices are moving unfavorably to avoid being subject
to further calls. These liquidations could increase the price volatility of the
instruments and distort the normal price relationship between the Futures or
options and the investments being hedged. Also, because of initial margin
deposit requirements, there might be increased participation by speculators in
the Futures markets. This participation also might cause temporary price
distortions. In addition, activities of large traders in both the Futures and
securities markets involving arbitrage, "program trading," and other investment
strategies might result in temporary price distortions.
SUBLICENSE AGREEMENTS
Each Fund relies on a product license agreement (each, a "Product
License Agreement") by and between each provider of each Index (the "Index
Provider") and First Trust and a related sublicense agreement (the "Sublicense
Agreement") with First Trust that grants each Fund a non-exclusive and
non-transferable sublicense to use certain intellectual property of the Index
Provider as set forth below, in connection with the issuance, distribution,
marketing and/or promotion of each Fund. Pursuant to each Sublicense Agreement,
each Fund has agreed to be bound by certain provisions of each Product License
Agreement. Pursuant to each Product License Agreement, First Trust will pay each
Index Provider an annual license fee in the amount set forth below. Each Fund
will reimburse First Trust for its costs associated with the respective Product
License Agreement; except with respect to the Strategic Value Fund, which will
not be obligated to reimburse First Trust in an annual amount of more than 0.10%
of the assets of the Fund.
FUND INDEX INDEX PROVIDER ANNUAL LICENSE FEE
MicroCap Fund The Dow Jones Select MicroCap Dow Jones & Company, Greater of
Index(SM) Inc. (i) $25,000 or (ii)
0.08% of the average
daily NAV of the
Fund.
Dividend Leaders Fund Morningstar(R) Dividend Morningstar, Inc. Greater of
Leaders(SM) Index (i) $100,000 or
(ii) a sum equal to
20% of Fund expenses.
-15-
|
FUND INDEX INDEX PROVIDER ANNUAL LICENSE FEE
IPOX Fund IPOX-100 U.S. Index IPOX Schuster LLC Greater of
(i) $50,000 or
(ii) 0.10% basis
points of the average
assets under the
management of the
Fund.
Equal Weighted Fund NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted The Nasdaq Stock 0.10% of the average
Index(SM) Market, Inc. daily NAV of the Fund.
Technology Fund NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector The Nasdaq Stock 0.10% of the average
Index(SM) Market, Inc. daily NAV of the Fund.
Biotech Fund Amex(R) Biotechnology Index(SM) American Stock 0.08% of the average
Exchange LLC daily NAV of the Fund.
Internet Index Fund The Dow Jones Internet Composite Dow Jones & Company, 0.06% of the average
Index(SM) Inc. daily NAV of the Fund.
Strategic Value Fund Deutsche Bank CROCI(R) Deutsche Bank AG Greater of (i) $25,000 or
US+ Index(TM) (ii) the sum of 5 basis points per
quarter on the first $200 million of
assets of the Fund, 6.25 basis
points per quarter for assets in
the Fund above $250 million and
6.875 basis points per quarter for
assets in the Fund above
$500 million.
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Value Line(R) 15 basis points of
Fund Index Publishing, Inc. the average daily NAV
of the Fund
Value Line(R) Dividend Fund Value Line(R) Dividend Index Value Line(R) 0.15% of the average
Publishing, Inc. daily NAV of the Fund
Ex-Technology Fund NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector The Nasdaq Stock 0.10% of the average
Index(SM) Market, Inc. daily NAV of the Fund.
-16-
|
FUND INDEX INDEX PROVIDER ANNUAL LICENSE FEE
Clean Edge(R) Fund NASDAQ(R) CleanEdge(R) U.S. Liquid The Nasdaq Stock 0.10% of the average
Series Index Market, Inc. daily NAV of the Fund.
S&P REIT Fund S&P REIT Corporate Index Standard & Poor's, a 0.10% of the average
division of The daily NAV of the Fund.
McGraw-Hill Companies,
Inc.
ISE Water Fund ISE Water Index (TM) International 0.05% of the average
Securities Exchange, daily NAV of the Fund.
LLC
ISE Gas Fund ISE-REVERE Natural Gas Index (SM) International 0.10% of the average
Securities Exchange, daily NAV of the Fund.
LLC
ISE Chindia Fund ISE ChIndia Index (TM) International 0.08% of the average
Securities Exchange, daily NAV of the Fund.
LLC
Value Line(R) 100 Fund Value Line(R) 100 Index Value Line(R) 0.15% basis points of
Publishing, Inc. the average daily NAV
of the Fund
|
MicroCap Fund and Internet Fund Disclaimer
The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Dow Jones.
Dow Jones makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners
of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of trading in
the Funds. Dow Jones' only relationship to First Trust is the licensing of
certain trademarks and trade names of Dow Jones and of The Dow Jones Select
MicroCap Index(SM) and the Dow Jones Internet Composite Index(SM), which are
determined, composed and calculated by Dow Jones without regard to First Trust
or the Funds. Dow Jones has no obligation to take the needs of First Trust or
the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or
calculating The Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) and the Dow Jones Internet
Composite Index(SM). Dow Jones is not responsible for and has not participated
in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Funds to
be listed or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the
Fund is to be converted into cash. Dow Jones has no obligation or liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds.
DOW JONES DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF
THE DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) OR THE DOW JONES INTERNET COMPOSITE
INDEX(SM) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND DOW JONES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR
ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. DOW JONES MAKES NO WARRANTY,
-17-
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY FIRST TRUST, OWNERS OF THE
FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE DOW JONES SELECT
MICROCAP INDEX(SM) OR THE DOW JONES INTERNET COMPOSITE INDEX(SM) ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. DOW JONES MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP
INDEX(SM) OR THE DOW JONES INTERNET COMPOSITE INDEX(SM) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN, WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL DOW JONES HAVE
ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES, OF ANY
AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN DOW JONES AND FIRST TRUST.
Dividend Leaders Fund Disclaimer
MORNINGSTAR, INC. ("MORNINGSTAR"), DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY
AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX OR ANY
DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND MORNINGSTAR SHALL HAVE NOT LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS,
OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. MORNINGSTAR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY FIRST TRUST, OWNERS OR USERS OF THE
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON
OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX OR ANY
DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. MORNINGSTAR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND
LEADERS(SM) INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE
FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL MORNINGSTAR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL,
PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF
NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
IPOX Fund Disclaimer
The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by IPOX. IPOX
makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the
Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of trading in the
Fund. IPOX's only relationship to First Trust is the licensing of certain
trademarks and trade names of IPOX and of the U.S. IPOX-100 Index, which is
determined, composed and calculated by IPOX without regard to First Trust or the
Fund.
IPOX, IPOX SCHUSTER, IPOX-100 AND IPOX-30 ARE TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE
MARKS OF IPOX SCHUSTER LLC AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES FROM IPOX
-18-
SCHUSTER LLC TO FIRST Trust PURSUANT TO THE PRODUCT LICENSE AGREEMENT. THE INDEX
IS PATENT PENDING BY IPOX SCHUSTER LLC.
Equal Weighted Fund, Technology Fund and Ex-Technology Fund Disclaimer
The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by NASDAQ(R) or
its affiliates (NASDAQ(R) with its affiliates are referred to as the
"Corporations"). The Corporations have not passed on the legality or suitability
of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the
Fund. The Corporations make no representation or warranty, express or implied to
the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly, or the ability of
the NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM), NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM)
or NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM) to track general stock market
performance. The Corporations' only relationship to First Trust with respect to
the Fund is in the licensing of the NASDAQ(R), NASDAQ-100(R), NASDAQ-100
Index(R), NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM), NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector
Index(SM) or NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM) trademarks, and certain trade
names of the Corporations and the use of the NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted
Index(SM), NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM) or NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector
Index(SM) which is determined, composed and calculated by NASDAQ(R) without
regard to First Trust or the Funds. NASDAQ(R) has no obligation to take the
needs of First Trust or the owners of the Funds into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM),
NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM) or NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM).
The Corporations are not responsible for and have not participated in the
determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of Fund Shares to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which Fund
Shares are to be converted into cash. The Corporations have no liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds.
THE CORPORATIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED
CALCULATION OF THE NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM), NASDAQ-100 TECHNOLOGY
SECTOR INDEX(SM) OR THE NASDAQ-100 EX-TECH SECTOR INDEX(SM) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO
BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT(S), OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY
FROM THE USE OF THE NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM), NASDAQ-100 TECHNOLOGY
SECTOR INDEX(SM) OR THE NASDAQ-100 EX-TECH SECTOR INDEX(SM) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM), NASDAQ-100
TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) OR THE NASDAQ-100 EX-TECH SECTOR INDEX(SM) OR ANY
DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL
THE CORPORATIONS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
-19-
Biotech Fund Disclaimer
The Index is a trademark of the American Stock Exchange LLC and is
licensed for use by First Trust. The Fund is not sponsored or endorsed by the
American Stock Exchange LLC. American Stock Exchange LLC makes no representation
or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the
public regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund or the ability of the
Fund to track the performance of the various sectors represented in the stock
market. American Stock Exchange LLC has no obligation to take the needs of the
owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating
the Index. American Stock Exchange LLC is not responsible for and has not
participated in any determination or calculation made with respect to issuance
or redemption of the Fund.
AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE LLC DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE
COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
LLC MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY FIRST
TRUST, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED
HEREUNDER OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE LLC MAKES NO EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX OR
ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT
SHALL AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE LLC HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE,
INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Strategic Value Fund Disclaimer
"Deutsche Bank" and "Deutsche Bank CROCI US+ Index" are service marks
of Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank has no relationship to First Trust or the Fund,
other than the licensing of the Index and its service marks for use in
connection with the Fund.
Deutsche Bank does NOT:
o Sponsor, endorse, sell or promote the Fund or its Shares;
o Recommend that any person invest in the Shares of the Fund or any other
securities;
o Have any responsibility or liability for or make any decisions about
the timing or amount of the investments of the Fund or the pricing of
its Shares;
o Have any responsibility or liability for the administration, management,
investments or marketing of the Fund; or
-20-
o Consider the needs of the Fund or the owners of Shares of the Fund in
determining, composing or calculating the Index or have any obligation
to do so.
Deutsche Bank will not have any liability in connection with the Fund.
Specifically,
o Deutsche Bank does not make any warranty, express or implied, and Deutsche
Bank disclaims any warranty about:
o The results to be obtained by the Index, the Fund, the owner
of Shares of the Fund or any other person in connection with
the use of the Index and the data included in the Index;
o The accuracy or completeness of the Index and its data; or
o The merchantability and the fitness for a particular purpose
or use of the Index and its data and compliance with
applicable laws;
o Deutsche Bank will have no liability for any errors, omissions or
interruptions in the Index or its data; and
o Under no circumstances will Deutsche Bank be liable for any lost
profits or indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages or
losses, even if Deutsche Bank knows that they might occur.
The licensing agreement between Deutsche Bank and First Trust is solely
for their benefit and not for the benefit of the owners of Shares of the
Fund or any other third parties.
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund Disclaimer
VALUE LINE PUBLISHING, INC.'S ("VLPI") ONLY RELATIONSHIP TO FIRST TRUST
IS VLPI'S LICENSING TO FIRST TRUST OF CERTAIN VLPI TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES
AND THE VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX, THE VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX
AND VALUE LINE(R) 100 INDEX (THE "INDEXES"), WHICH ARE COMPOSED BY VLPI WITHOUT
REGARD TO FIRST TRUST, THE FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX
FUND PRODUCT, THE VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND PRODUCT AND VALUE LINE(R)
100 INDEX FUND PRODUCT OR ANY INVESTOR. VLPI HAS NO OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS
OF FIRST TRUST OR ANY INVESTOR IN THE PRODUCTS INTO CONSIDERATION IN COMPOSING
THE INDEXES. THE PRODUCTS RESULTS MAY DIFFER FROM THE HYPOTHETICAL OR PUBLISHED
RESULTS OF THE INDEXES. VLPI IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW FIRST TRUST MAKES USE OF
INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY VLPI. VLPI IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HAS NOT
PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE PRICES AND COMPOSITION OF THE PRODUCTS
OR THE TIMING OF THE ISSUANCE FOR SALE OF THE PRODUCTS OR IN THE CALCULATION OF
THE EQUATIONS BY WHICH THE PRODUCTS IS TO BE CONVERTED INTO CASH. VLPI MAKES NO
-21-
WARRANTY CONCERNING THE INDEXES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE OR ANY PERSON'S INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO, OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARISING
FROM USAGE OF TRADE, COURSE OF DEALING OR COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, AND VLPI MAKES
NO WARRANTY AS TO THE POTENTIAL PROFITS OR ANY OTHER BENEFITS THAT MAY BE
ACHIEVED BY USING THE INDEX OR ANY INFORMATION OR MATERIALS GENERATED THEREFROM.
VLPI DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE INDEX WILL MEET ANY REQUIREMENTS OR BE ACCURATE
OR ERROR-FREE. VLPI ALSO DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY USES, INFORMATION, DATA OR OTHER
RESULTS GENERATED FROM THE INDEX OR PRODUCT. VLPI HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY
(I) IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF THE PRODUCT;
OR (II) FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, COST OR EXPENSE SUFFERED OR INCURRED BY ANY
INVESTOR OR OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PRODUCT, AND IN NO
EVENT SHALL VLPI BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL,
PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE
INDEXES OR THE PRODUCTS.
VALUE LINE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF VALUE LINE, INC. OR VALUE LINE
PUBLISHING, INC. THAT IS LICENSED TO FIRST TRUST. THE FIRST TRUST VALUE
LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND PRODUCT, THE VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND
INDEX FUND PRODUCT AND VALUE LINE(R) 100 INDEX FUND PRODUCT ARE NOT
SPONSORED, RECOMMENDED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY VALUE LINE PUBLISHING, INC.,
VALUE LINE, INC., VALUE LINE SECURITIES, INC. OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES.
FIRST TRUST IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY VALUE LINE COMPANY.
Clean Edge(R) Fund Disclaimer
The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by NASDAQ(R),
Clean Edge(R), Inc. ("Clean Edge(R)") or their affiliates (NASDAQ(R) and Clean
Edge(R), collectively with their affiliates, are referred to herein as the
"Corporations"). The Corporations have not passed on the legality or suitability
of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the
Fund. The Corporations make no representation or warranty, express or implied to
the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly, or the ability of
the NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index to track general stock
market or sector performance. The Corporations' relationship to First Trust,
with respect to the Fund, consists of: (i) the licensing of certain indexes,
trade names, trademarks, and service marks and other proprietary data; (ii) the
listing and trading of certain exchange-traded funds; and (iii) the calculating
of intra-day portfolio values for the Fund's Shares. The Corporations neither
recommend nor endorse any investment in the Index or the Fund based thereon. The
Corporations are not responsible for and have not participated in the
determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund to be
issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund
is to be converted into cash. The Corporations have no liability in connection
-22-
with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. Neither the Index nor
the Fund should be construed as investment advice by the Corporations.
THE CORPORATIONS DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED
CALCULATION OF THE NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO
RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR
ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX OR
ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S.
LIQUID SERIES INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE
FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE CORPORATIONS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST
PROFITS OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
S&P REIT Fund Disclaimer
Standard & Poor's(R) and S&P(R) are registered trademarks of The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by First Trust. The
Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P and S&P makes no
representation, warranty or condition regarding the advisability of investing in
the Fund.
THE FUND IS NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY STANDARD &
POOR'S AND ITS AFFILIATES ("S&P"). S&P MAKES NO REPRESENTATION, CONDITION OR
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF THE FUND OR ANY MEMBER OF THE
PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THE
FUND PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF THE S&P REIT COMPOSITE INDEX TO TRACK
GENERAL STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. S&P'S ONLY RELATIONSHIP TO FIRST TRUST WITH
RESPECT TO THE FUND IS THE LICENSING OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES AND
OF THE S&P REIT COMPOSITE INDEX WHICH IS DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY
S&P WITHOUT REGARD TO FIRST TRUST OR THE FUND. S&P HAS NO OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE
NEEDS OF FIRST TRUST OR THE OWNERS OF THE FUND INTO CONSIDERATION IN
DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE S&P REIT COMPOSITE INDEX. S&P IS NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE PRICES AND
AMOUNT OF THE FUND OR THE TIMING OF THE ISSUANCE OR SALE OF THE FUND OR IN THE
DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE FUND SHARES ARE TO BE
CONVERTED INTO CASH. S&P HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE
ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING, OR TRADING OF THE FUND.
-23-
S&P DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P
REIT COMPOSITE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND S&P SHALL HAVE NO
LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO
WARRANTY, CONDITION OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE
OBTAINED BY FIRST TRUST, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM
THE USE OF THE S&P INDICES OTHER THAN THE S&P U.S. REIT INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR
CONDITIONS, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE AND ANY OTHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION WITH RESPECT TO THE S&P REIT COMPOSITE INDEX OR
ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT
SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE S&P
REIT COMPOSITE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
ISE Water Fund, ISE Gas Fund and ISE Chindia Fund Disclaimer
International Securities Exchange, LLC ("ISE") is not affiliated with
the Fund or with First Trust. The Fund is entitled to use the Index pursuant to
a sublicensing arrangement with First Trust, which in turn has a Product License
Agreement with ISE.
The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by ISE.
ISE makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the
owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability
of trading in the Funds. ISE's only relationship to First Trust is the
licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of ISE and of the ISE
Water Index(TM), ISE-REVERE Natural Gas Index(TM) and ISE ChIndia
Index(TM) which are determined, composed and calculated by Licensor
without regard to First Trust or the Funds. ISE has no obligation to take
the needs of First Trust or the owners of the Funds into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating ISE Water Index(TM) ISE-REVERE
Natural Gas Index(TM) and ISE ChIndia Index(TM). ISE is not responsible
for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of,
prices at, or quantities of the Funds to be listed or in the
determination or calculation of the equation by which the Funds are to be
converted into cash. ISE has no obligation or liability in connection
with the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds.
ISE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF
THE ISE WATER INDEX(TM), ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX(TM) and ISE CHINDIA
INDEX(TM) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND ISE SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY
FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. ISE MAKES NO
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY FIRST
TRUST, OWNERS OF THE FUNDS, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF
THE ISE WATER INDEX(TM), ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX(TM) and ISE CHINDIA
INDEX(TM) OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. ISE MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
-24-
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE ISE WATER
INDEX(TM), ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX(TM) and ISE CHINDIA INDEX(TM) OR
ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO
EVENT SHALL ISE HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT,
PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN
IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY
BENEFICIARIES, OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN ISE AND FIRST TRUST.
INVESTMENT RISKS
Overview
An investment in a Fund should be made with an understanding of the
risks which an investment in common stocks entails, including the risk that the
financial condition of the issuers of the equity securities or the general
condition of the common stock market may worsen and the value of the equity
securities and therefore the value of a Fund may decline. A Fund may not be an
appropriate investment for those who are unable or unwilling to assume the risks
involved generally with an equity investment. The past market and earnings
performance of any of the equity securities included in a Fund is not predictive
of their future performance. Common stocks are especially susceptible to general
stock market movements and to volatile increases and decreases of value as
market confidence in and perceptions of the issuers change. These perceptions
are based on unpredictable factors including expectations regarding government,
economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic
expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic or banking
crises. First Trust cannot predict the direction or scope of any of these
factors. Shareholders of common stocks have rights to receive payments from the
issuers of those common stocks that are generally subordinate to those of
creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or preferred stocks of, such
issuers.
Shareholders of common stocks of the type held by the Funds have a
right to receive dividends only when and if, and in the amounts, declared by the
issuer's board of directors and have a right to participate in amounts available
for distribution by the issuer only after all other claims on the issuer have
been paid. Common stocks do not represent an obligation of the issuer and,
therefore, do not offer any assurance of income or provide the same degree of
protection of capital as do debt securities. The issuance of additional debt
securities or preferred stock will create prior claims for payment of principal,
interest and dividends which could adversely affect the ability and inclination
of the issuer to declare or pay dividends on its common stock or the rights of
holders of common stock with respect to assets of the issuer upon liquidation or
bankruptcy. The value of common stocks is subject to market fluctuations for as
long as the common stocks remain outstanding, and thus the value of the equity
securities in the Funds will fluctuate over the life of the Funds and may be
more or less than the price at which they were purchased by the Funds. The
equity securities held in the Funds may appreciate or depreciate in value (or
pay dividends) depending on the full range of economic and market influences
-25-
affecting these securities, including the impact of a Fund's purchase and sale
of the equity securities and other factors.
Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred
stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the
entity, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in
comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or
preferred stocks issued by, the issuer. Cumulative preferred stock dividends
must be paid before common stock dividends and any cumulative preferred stock
dividend omitted is added to future dividends payable to the holders of
cumulative preferred stock. Preferred stockholders are also generally entitled
to rights on liquidation which are senior to those of common stockholders.
ADDITIONAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
Liquidity Risk
Whether or not the equity securities in the Funds are listed on a
securities exchange, the principal trading market for certain of the equity
securities in certain of the Funds may be in the over-the-counter market. As a
result, the existence of a liquid trading market for the equity securities may
depend on whether dealers will make a market in the equity securities. There can
be no assurance that a market will be made for any of the equity securities,
that any market for the equity securities will be maintained or that there will
be sufficient liquidity of the equity securities in any markets made. The price
at which the equity securities are held in the Funds will be adversely affected
if trading markets for the equity securities are limited or absent.
Small Capitalization and Mid Capitalization Companies
The equity securities in certain Funds may include small cap and mid
cap company stocks. Small cap and mid cap company stocks have customarily
involved more investment risk than large capitalization stocks. Small cap and
mid cap companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial
resources; may lack management depth or experience; and may be more vulnerable
to adverse general market or economic developments than large cap companies.
Some of these companies may distribute, sell or produce products that have
recently been brought to market and may be dependent on key personnel.
The prices of small cap and mid cap company securities are often more
volatile than prices associated with large cap company issues, and can display
abrupt or erratic movements at times, due to limited trading volumes and less
publicly available information. Also, because small cap and mid cap companies
normally have fewer shares outstanding and these shares trade less frequently
than large cap companies, it may be more difficult for a Fund which contains
these equity securities to buy and sell significant amounts of such shares
without an unfavorable impact on prevailing market prices. The securities of
small cap and mid cap companies are often traded over-the-counter and may not be
traded in the volumes typical of a national securities exchange.
-26-
Non-Diversification Risk
The Dividend Leaders Fund, the IPOX Fund, the Equal Weighted Fund, the
Technology Fund, the Biotech Fund, the Internet Fund, the Strategic Value Fund,
the Ex-Technology Fund, the Clean Edge(R) Fund, the S&P REIT Fund, the ISE Water
Fund, the ISE Gas Fund and the ISE Chindia Fund are classified as
"non-diversified" under the 1940 Act. As a result, these Funds are limited as to
the percentage of their assets which may be invested in the securities of any
one issuer by the diversification requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). Because each of these
Funds may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number
of issuers, the Funds may be more susceptible to any single economic, political
or regulatory occurrence and to the financial conditions of the issuers in which
it invests.
Intellectual Property Risk
Each Fund relies on a license from its Index Provider to First Trust
that permits each Fund to use its respective Index and associated trade names
and trademarks ("Intellectual Property") in connection with the name and
investment strategies of the Fund. Such license may be terminated by the
licensor, and as a result, a Fund may lose its ability to use the Intellectual
Property. There is also no guarantee that the Index Provider has all rights to
license the use of the Intellectual Property to First Trust, on behalf of each
Fund. Accordingly, in the event the license is terminated or Index Provider does
not have rights to license the Intellectual Property, it may have a significant
effect on the operation of a Fund.
Issuer Specific Changes Risk
The value of an individual security or particular type of security can
be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the
value of the market as a whole.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk
Certain Funds may invest in the securities of issuers domiciled in jurisdictions
other than the United States and such stocks may be denominated in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar. These securities are either in the form of American
Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") or are
directly listed on a U.S. securities exchange. Investments in securities of
non-U.S. issuers involve special risks not presented by investments in
securities of U.S. issuers, including: (i) there may be less publicly available
information about non-U.S. issuers or markets due to less rigorous disclosure or
accounting standards or regulatory practices; (ii) many non-U.S. markets are
smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the U.S. market; (iii) potential
adverse effects of fluctuations in currency exchange rates or controls on the
value of the Fund's investments; (iv) the economies of non-U.S. countries may
grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a downturn or recession;
(v) the impact of economic, political, social or diplomatic events; (vi) certain
non-U.S. countries may impose restrictions on the ability of non-U.S. issuers to
make payments of principal and interest to investors located in the U.S. due to
blockage of non-U.S. currency exchanges or otherwise; and (vii) withholding and
other non-U.S. taxes may decrease a Fund's return.
-27-
RISKS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS CONCERNING DERIVATIVES
In addition to the foregoing, the use of derivative instruments
involves certain general risks and considerations as described below.
(1) Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that the value of
the underlying assets may go up or down. Adverse movements in the value
of an underlying asset can expose the Funds to losses. Market risk is
the primary risk associated with derivative transactions. Derivative
instruments may include elements of leverage and, accordingly,
fluctuations in the value of the derivative instrument in relation to
the underlying asset may be magnified. The successful use of derivative
instruments depends upon a variety of factors, particularly the
portfolio manager's ability to predict movements of the securities,
currencies, and commodities markets, which may require different skills
than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. There
can be no assurance that any particular strategy adopted will succeed.
A decision to engage in a derivative transaction will reflect the
portfolio manager's judgment that the derivative transaction will
provide value to a Fund and its shareholders and is consistent with the
Fund's objective, investment limitations, and operating policies. In
making such a judgment, the portfolio manager will analyze the benefits
and risks of the derivative transactions and weigh them in the context
of a Fund's overall investments and investment objective.
(2) Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that a loss may be
sustained as a result of the failure of a counterparty to comply with
the terms of a derivative instrument. The counterparty risk for
exchange-traded derivatives is generally less than for
privately-negotiated or over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives, since
generally a clearing agency, which is the issuer or counterparty to
each exchange-traded instrument, provides a guarantee of performance.
For privately-negotiated instruments, there is no similar clearing
agency guarantee. In all transactions, the Funds will bear the risk
that the counterparty will default, and this could result in a loss of
the expected benefit of the derivative transactions and possibly other
losses to the Funds. The Funds will enter into transactions in
derivative instruments only with counterparties that First Trust
reasonably believes are capable of performing under the contract.
(3) Correlation Risk. Correlation risk is the risk that there
might be an imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between
price movements of a derivative instrument and price movements of
investments being hedged. When a derivative transaction is used to
completely hedge another position, changes in the market value of the
combined position (the derivative instrument plus the position being
hedged) result from an imperfect correlation between the price
movements of the two instruments. With a perfect hedge, the value of
the combined position remains unchanged with any change in the price of
the underlying asset. With an imperfect hedge, the value of the
derivative instrument and its hedge are not perfectly correlated. For
example, if the value of a derivative instrument used in a short hedge
(such as writing a call option, buying a put option or selling a
Futures Contract) increased by less than the decline in value of the
hedged investments, the hedge would not be perfectly correlated. This
might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments
being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in
-28-
which these instruments are traded. The effectiveness of hedges using
instruments on indices will depend, in part, on the degree of
correlation between price movements in the index and the price
movements in the investments being hedged.
(4) Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that a
derivative instrument cannot be sold, closed out, or replaced quickly
at or very close to its fundamental value. Generally, exchange
contracts are very liquid because the exchange clearinghouse is the
counterparty of every contract. OTC transactions are less liquid than
exchange-traded derivatives since they often can only be closed out
with the other party to the transaction. The Funds might be required by
applicable regulatory requirements to maintain assets as "cover,"
maintain segregated accounts, and/or make margin payments when they
take positions in derivative instruments involving obligations to third
parties (i.e., instruments other than purchase options). If a Fund is
unable to close out its positions in such instruments, it might be
required to continue to maintain such assets or accounts or make such
payments until the position expires, matures, or is closed out. These
requirements might impair a Fund's ability to sell a security or make
an investment at a time when it would otherwise be favorable to do so,
or require that the Fund sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous
time. A Fund's ability to sell or close out a position in an instrument
prior to expiration or maturity depends upon the existence of a liquid
secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and
willingness of the counterparty to enter into a transaction closing out
the position. Due to liquidity risk, there is no assurance that any
derivatives position can be sold or closed out at a time and price that
is favorable to a Fund.
(5) Legal Risk. Legal risk is the risk of loss caused by the
unenforceability of a party's obligations under the derivative. While a
party seeking price certainty agrees to surrender the potential upside
in exchange for downside protection, the party taking the risk is
looking for a positive payoff. Despite this voluntary assumption of
risk, a counterparty that has lost money in a derivative transaction
may try to avoid payment by exploiting various legal uncertainties
about certain derivative products.
(6) Systemic or "Interconnection" Risk. Systemic or
interconnection risk is the risk that a disruption in the financial
markets will cause difficulties for all market participants. In other
words, a disruption in one market will spill over into other markets,
perhaps creating a chain reaction. Much of the OTC derivatives market
takes place among the OTC dealers themselves, thus creating a large
interconnected web of financial obligations. This interconnectedness
raises the possibility that a default by one large dealer could create
losses for other dealers and destabilize the entire market for OTC
derivative instruments.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
The general supervision of the duties performed for the Funds under the
investment management agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees.
There are five Trustees of the Trust, one of whom is an "interested person" (as
the term is defined in the 1940 Act) and four of whom are Trustees who are not
-29-
officers or employees of First Trust or any of its affiliates ("Independent
Trustees"). The Trustees set broad policies for the Funds, choose the Trust's
officers and hire the Trust's investment adviser. The officers of the Trust
manage its day to day operations and are responsible to the Trust's Board of
Trustees. The following is a list of the Trustees and officers of the Trust and
a statement of their present positions and principal occupations during the past
five years, the number of portfolios each Trustee oversees and the other
directorships they hold, if applicable.
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
THE FIRST OTHER
TERM OF OFFICE TRUST FUND TRUSTEESHIPS
AND YEAR FIRST COMPLEX OR
NAME, ADDRESS POSITION AND ELECTED OR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OVERSEEN BY DIRECTORSHIPS
AND DATE OF BIRTH OFFICES WITH TRUST APPOINTED DURING PAST 5 YEARS TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE
Trustee who is an
Interested Person of the
Trust
-------------------------
James A. Bowen(1) President, o Indefinite President, First 58 Portfolios Trustee of
1001 Warrenville Road, Chairman of the term Trust Advisors L.P. Wheaton
Suite 300 Board, Chief and First Trust College
Lisle, IL 60532 Executive Officer Portfolios L.P.;
D.O.B.: 09/55 and Trustee o 2003 Chairman of the Board
of Directors,
BondWave, LLC
(Software
Develop-ment
Company/Broker-Dealer)
and Stonebridge
Advisors LLC
(Investment Adviser)
Independent Trustees
-------------------------
Richard E. Erickson Trustee o Indefinite Physician; President, 58 Portfolios None
c/o First Trust Advisors term Wheaton Orthopedics;
L.P. Co-Owner and
1001 Warrenville Road, Co-Director (January
Suite 300 o 2005 1996 to May 2007),
Lisle, IL 60532 Sports Med Center for
D.O.B.: 04/51 Fitness; Limited
Partner, Gundersen
Real Estate
Partnership; Limited
Partner, Sportsmed LLC
Thomas R. Kadlec Trustee o Indefinite Senior Vice President 58 Portfolios None
c/o First Trust Advisors term and Chief Financial
L.P. Officer (May 2007 to
1001 Warrenville Road, o 2005 Present), Vice
Suite 300 President and Chief
Lisle, IL 60532 Financial Officer
D.O.B.: 11/57 (1990 to May 2007),
ADM Investor
Services, Inc.
(Futures Commission
Merchant); President
(May 2005 to
Present), ADM
Derivatives, Inc.;
Registered
Representative (2000
to Present),
Segerdahl & Company,
Inc., a FINRA member
(Broker-Dealer)
-30-
|
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
THE FIRST OTHER
TERM OF OFFICE TRUST FUND TRUSTEESHIPS
AND YEAR FIRST COMPLEX OR
NAME, ADDRESS POSITION AND ELECTED OR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OVERSEEN BY DIRECTORSHIPS
AND DATE OF BIRTH OFFICES WITH TRUST APPOINTED DURING PAST 5 YEARS TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE
Robert F. Keith Trustee o Indefinite President (2003 to 58 Portfolios None
c/o First Trust Advisors term Present), Hibs
L.P. Enterprises Financial
1001 Warrenville Road, o 2006 and Management
Suite 300 Consulting; President
Lisle, IL 60532 (2001 to 2003),
D.O.B.: 11/56 Aramark Service
Master Management;
President and Chief
Operating Officer
(1998 to 2003),
Service Master
Management Services
Niel B. Nielson Trustee o Indefinite President (June 2002 58 Portfolios Director of
c/o First Trust Advisors term to Present), Covenant Covenant
L.P. College Transport Inc.
1001 Warrenville Road, o 2005
Suite 300
Lisle, IL 60532
D.O.B.: 03/54
Officers of the Trust
-------------------------
Mark R. Bradley Treasurer, o Indefinite Chief Financial N/A N/A
1001 Warrenville Road, Controller, Chief term Officer, First Trust
Suite 300 Financial Officer Advisors L.P. and
Lisle, IL 60532 and Chief First Trust
D.O.B.: 11/57 Accounting Officer o 2005 Portfolios L.P.;
Chief Financial
Officer, BondWave LLC
(Software Development
Company/Broker-Dealer)
and Stonebridge
Advisors LLC
(Investment Adviser)
Kelley A. Christensen Vice President o Indefinite Assistant Vice N/A N/A
1001 Warrenville Road, term President, First
Suite 300 Trust Advisory and
Lisle, IL 60532 o 2006 First Trust
D.O.B.: 09/70 Portfolios L.P.
James M. Dykas Assistant o Indefinite Senior Vice President N/A N/A
1001 Warrenville Road, Treasurer term (April 2007 to
Suite 300 Present), Vice
Lisle, IL 60532 o 2005 President (January
D.O.B.: 01/66 2005 to April 2007),
First Trust Advisors
L.P. and First Trust
Portfolios L.P.;
Executive Director
(December 2002 to
January 2005), Vice
President (December
2000 to December
2002), Van Kampen
Asset Manage-ment and
Morgan Stanley
Investment Management
W. Scott Jardine Secretary and o Indefinite General Counsel, N/A N/A 1001
Warrenville Road, Chief Compliance term First Trust Advisors
Suite 300 Officer L.P. and First Trust
Lisle, IL 60532 o 2005 Portfolios L.P.;
D.O.B.: 05/60 Secretary, BondWave
LLC (Software
Development
Company/Broker-Dealer)
and Stonebridge
Advisors LLC
(Investment Adviser)
-31-
|
PORTFOLIOS IN
THE FIRST OTHER
TERM OF OFFICE TRUST FUND TRUSTEESHIPS
AND YEAR FIRST COMPLEX OR
NAME, ADDRESS POSITION AND ELECTED OR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OVERSEEN BY DIRECTORSHIPS
AND DATE OF BIRTH OFFICES WITH TRUST APPOINTED DURING PAST 5 YEARS TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE
Daniel J. Lindquist Vice President o Indefinite Senior Vice President N/A N/A
1001 Warrenville Road, term (September 2005 to
Suite 300 Present), Vice
Lisle, IL 60532 o 2005 President (April 2004
D.O.B.: 02/70 to September 2005),
First Trust Advisors
L.P. and First Trust
Portfolios L.P.;
Chief Operating
Officer (January 2004
to April 2004), Mina
Capital Management,
LLC; Chief Operating
Officer (April 2000
to January 2004),
Samaritan Asset
Management Services,
Inc.
Kristi A. Maher Assistant o Indefinite Deputy General N/A N/A
1001 Warrenville Road, Secretary term Counsel (May 2007 to
Suite 300 Present), Assistant
Lisle, IL 60532 o 2005 General Counsel
D.O.B.: 12/66 (March 2004 to May
2007), First Trust
Advisors L.P. and
First Trust
Portfolios L.P.;
Associate (December
1995 to March 2004),
Chapman and Cutler LLP
Roger F. Testin Vice President o Indefinite Senior Vice President N/A N/A
1001 Warrenville Road, term (November 2003 to
Suite 300 Present), Vice
Lisle, IL 60532 o 2005 President (August
D.O.B.: 06/66 2001 to November
2003), First Trust
Advisors L.P. and
First Trust
Portfolios L.P.
Stan Ueland Vice President o Indefinite Vice President N/A N/A
1001 Warrenville Road, term (August 2005 to
Suite 300 Present), First Trust
Lisle, IL 60532 o 2006 Advisors L.P. and
D.O.B.: 11/70 First Trust
Portfolios L.P.; Vice
President (May 2004
to August 2005),
BondWave LLC
(Software Development
Company/
Broker-Dealer);
Account Executive
(January 2003 to May
2004), Mina Capital
Management, LLC and
Samaritan Asset
Management Services,
Inc.; Sales
Consultant (January
1997 to January
2003), Oracle
Corporation
|
(1) Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" of the Trust due to his
position of President of First Trust, investment adviser of the Funds.
The Board of Trustees has four standing committees: the Executive
Committee (Pricing and Dividend Committee), the Nominating and Governance
Committee, the Valuation Committee and the Audit Committee. The Executive
Committee, which meets between Board meetings, is authorized to exercise all
powers of and to act in the place of the Board of Trustees to the extent
permitted by the Trust's Declaration and By-laws. The members of the Executive
Committee shall also serve as a special committee of the Board known as the
Pricing and Dividend Committee, which is authorized to exercise all of the
powers and authority of the Board in respect of the declaration and setting of
-32-
dividends. Messrs. Bowen and Erickson are members of the Executive Committee.
During the last fiscal year, the Executive Committee __________.
The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for appointing
and nominating non-interested persons to the Board. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec,
Keith and Nielson are members of the Nominating and Governance Committee. If
there is no vacancy on the Board of Trustees, the Board will not actively seek
recommendations from other parties, including Shareholders. When a vacancy on
the Board occurs and nominations are sought to fill such vacancy, the Nominating
and Governance Committee may seek nominations from those sources it deems
appropriate in its discretion, including Shareholders of the Funds. To submit a
recommendation for nomination as a candidate for a position on the Board,
Shareholders of the Funds shall mail such recommendation to W. Scott Jardine at
the Funds' address, 1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 300, Lisle, Illinois 60532.
Such recommendation shall include the following information: (a) evidence of
Fund ownership of the person or entity recommending the candidate (if a Fund
Shareholder); (b) a full description of the proposed candidate's background,
including his or her education, experience, current employment and date of
birth; (c) names and addresses of at least three professional references for the
candidate; (d) information as to whether the candidate is an "interested person"
in relation to the Funds, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, and such
other information that may be considered to impair the candidate's independence;
and (e) any other information that may be helpful to the Nominating and
Governance Committee in evaluating the candidate. If a recommendation is
received with satisfactorily completed information regarding a candidate during
a time when a vacancy exists on the Board or during such other time as the
Nominating and Governance Committee is accepting recommendations, the
recommendation will be forwarded to the chairman of the Nominating and
Governance Committee and the outside counsel to the Independent Trustees.
Recommendations received at any other time will be kept on file until such time
as the Nominating and Governance Committee is accepting recommendations, at
which point they may be considered for nomination. During the last fiscal year,
the Nominating and Governance Committee held _______ meetings.
The Valuation Committee is responsible for the oversight of the pricing
procedures of the Funds. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, and Nielson are
members of the Valuation Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Valuation
Committee held _________ meetings.
The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Funds' accounting
and financial reporting process, the system of internal controls, audit process
and evaluating and appointing independent auditors (subject also to Board
approval). Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith and Nielson serve on the Audit
Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Audit Committee held ___________
meetings.
Messrs. Bowen, Erickson, Kadlec, Keith and Nielson are trustees of
First Defined Portfolio Fund, LLC, an open-end mutual fund with eight
portfolios, 14 closed-end funds and three exchange-traded fund trusts with 36
portfolios (collectively, the "First Trust Fund Complex"). None of the Trustees
who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, nor any of their immediate family
members, has ever been a director, officer or employee of, or consultant to,
First Trust, First Trust Portfolios L.P. ("First Trust Portfolios") or their
-33-
affiliates. In addition, Mr. Bowen and the other officers of the Trust (other
than Roger Testin and Stan Ueland) hold the same positions with the other funds
and trusts of the First Trust Fund Complex as they hold with the Trust. Mr.
Ueland, Vice President of the Trust, serves in the same position for the
exchange-traded fund trusts of the First Trust Fund Complex. Mr. Testin, Vice
President of the Trust, serves in the same position for the exchange-traded fund
trusts and the open-end mutual fund of the First Trust Fund Complex.
Under the Trustees' compensation plan, each Independent Trustee is paid
an annual retainer of $10,000 per trust for the first 14 trusts in the First
Trust Fund Complex and an annual retainer of $7,500 per trust for each
subsequent trust added to the First Trust Fund Complex. The annual retainer is
allocated equally among each of the trusts. Independent Trustees are also
reimbursed by the funds in the First Trust Fund Complex for travel and
out-of-pocket expenses in connection with all meetings. No additional meeting
fees are paid in connection with board or committee meetings.
Additionally, for all the trusts in the First Trust Fund Complex,
effective January 1, 2008, Dr. Erickson is paid annual compensation of $10,000
to serve as the Lead Trustee, Mr. Keith is paid annual compensation of $5,000 to
serve as the chairman of the Audit Committee, Mr. Kadlec is paid annual
compensation of $2,500 to serve as chairman of the Valuation Committee and Mr.
Nielson is paid annual compensation of $2,500 to serve as the chairman of the
Nominating and Governance Committee. The chairmen and the Lead Trustee will
serve two years before rotating to serve as a chairman of another committee or
as Lead Trustee. The additional compensation is allocated equally among each of
the trusts in the First Trust Fund Complex. For purposes of the description of
Trustees' compensation, First Defined Portfolio Fund, LLC is considered a trust.
During the calendar year ended December 31, 2007, for all the trusts in
the First Trust Fund Complex, Mr. Kadlec was paid $10,000 to serve as the Lead
Trustee, Mr. Nielson was paid $5,000 to serve as chairman of the Audit Committee
and no additional compensation was paid to Dr. Erickson for his service as
chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Valuation Committee.
The annual compensation was allocated equally among each of the trusts in the
First Trust Fund Complex.
The following table sets forth the compensation (including
reimbursement for travel and out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Trust and the
First Trust Fund Complex to each of the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2007. The Trust has no retirement or pension plans. The
officers and Trustee who are "interested persons" as designated above serve
without any compensation from the Trust.
-34-
TOTAL COMPENSATION
TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE
NAME OF TRUSTEE FROM THE TRUST (1) FIRST TRUST FUND COMPLEX(2)
James A. Bowen $0 $0
Richard E. Erickson $9,673 $156,875
Thomas R. Kadlec $9,203 $166,875
Robert F. Keith(3) $9,673 $154,375
Niel B. Nielson $10,869 $166,500
--------------------
|
(1) The compensation paid by the Trust to the Trustees for fiscal year
ended December 31, 2007 for services to each Fund of the Trust.
(2) The total compensation paid to the Independent Trustees for the year
ended December 31, 2007 for services to the eight portfolios of First
Defined Portfolio Fund, LLC, an open-end fund (four portfolios of First
Defined Portfolio Fund, LLC were liquidated on March 16, 2007), 14
closed-end funds and 36 series of the Trust, the First Trust
Exchange-Traded Fund II Trust and First Trust Exchange-Traded
AlphaDEX(TM) Fund, all advised by First Trust.
(3) Mr. Keith joined the Board of Trustees of certain funds in the First
Trust Fund Complex on June 12, 2006 and First Defined Portfolio Fund,
LLC on April 30, 2007.
The Trust has no employees. Its officers are compensated by First
Trust.
The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities
beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Funds as of December 31, 2007:
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN THE FUND (NUMBER OF SHARES HELD)
Value Line(R) Value Line(R) Value Line(R) Strategic Dividend IPOX Fund
Equity 100 Fund Dividend Fund Value Fund Leaders Fund
Allocation Fund
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Mr. Bowen $10,001-$50,000 $50,001-$100,000 $50,001-$100,000 $0 $0 $0
(1250 Shares) (4,000 Shares) (3,500 Shares) (0 Shares) (0 Shares) (0 Shares)
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Dr. Erickson $0 $10,001-$50,000 $10,001-$50,000 $10,001-$50,000 $0 $0
(0 Shares) (1,926 Shares) (859 Shares) (869 Shares) (0 Shares) (0 Shares)
Mr. Kadlec $0 $10,001-$50,000 $10,001-$50,000 $0 $0 $0
(0 Shares) (1,971 Shares) (2,256 Shares) (0 Shares) (0 Shares) (0 Shares)
Mr. Keith $0 $10,001-$50,000 $0 $0 $10,001-$50,000 $0
(0 Shares) (1,425 Shares) (0 Shares) (0 Shares) (750 Shares) (0 Shares)
Mr. Nielson $1-$10,000 $1-$10,000 $1-$10,000 $1-$10,000 $1-$10,000 $1-$10,000
(200 Shares) (273 Shares) (252 Shares) (200 Shares) (200 Shares) (200 Shares)
|
The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities
beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Funds and in other funds overseen by
the Trustees in the First Trust Fund Complex as of December 31, 2007.
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AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN ALL REGISTERED
INVESTMENT COMPANIES OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE IN THE FIRST TRUST FUND COMPLEX
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Mr. Bowen Over $100,000
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Dr. Erickson Over $100,000
Mr.Kadlec Over $100,000
Mr. Keith Over $100,000
Mr. Nielson $50,001 - $100,000
|
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the
Independent Trustees of the Trust and immediate family members do not own
beneficially or of record any class of securities of an investment adviser or
principal underwriter of the Funds or any person directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser
or principal underwriter of the Funds.
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the
officers and Trustees, in the aggregate, owned less than 1% of the Shares of
each Fund.
The following table sets forth the percentage ownership of each person
who, as of December 31, 2008, owned of record, or is known by the Trust to have
owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of a Fund's shares.
Information as to beneficial ownership is based on the securities
position listing reports as of December 31, 2007. The Fund does not have any
knowledge of who the ultimate beneficiaries are of the Shares listed below. A
control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of
the voting securities of a Fund or acknowledges the existence of control.
FUND NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER PERCENTAGE OF
RECORD OWNERSHIP
Dividend Leaders Fund
IPOX Fund
Equal Weighted Fund
Technology Fund
Biotech Fund
Internet Index Fund
Strategic Value Fund
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund
Value Line(R) Dividend Fund
Ex-Technology Fund
Clean Edge(R) Fund
S&P REIT Fund ISE Water Fund
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FUND NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER PERCENTAGE OF
RECORD OWNERSHIP
ISE Gas Fund
ISE Chindia Fund
Value Line(R) 100 Fund
|
INVESTMENT ADVISER. First Trust, 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois
60532, is the investment adviser to the Funds. First Trust is a limited
partnership with one limited partner, Grace Partners of DuPage L.P., and one
general partner, The Charger Corporation. Grace Partners of DuPage L.P. is a
limited partnership with one general partner, The Charger Corporation, and a
number of limited partners. The Charger Corporation is an Illinois corporation
controlled by the Robert Donald Van Kampen family. First Trust discharges its
responsibilities subject to the policies of the Board of the Trust.
First Trust provides investment tools and portfolios for advisers and
investors. First Trust is committed to theoretically sound portfolio
construction and empirically verifiable investment management approaches. Its
asset management philosophy and investment discipline is deeply rooted in the
application of intuitive factor analysis and model implementation to enhance
investment decisions.
First Trust acts as investment adviser for and manages the investment
and reinvestment of the assets of the Funds. First Trust also administers the
Trust's business affairs, provides office facilities and equipment and certain
clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services, and permits any of its
officers or employees to serve without compensation as Trustees or officers of
the Trust if elected to such positions.
Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement (the "Investment
Management Agreement") between First Trust and the Trust, each Fund has agreed
to pay an annual management fee in the amounts set forth below.
FUND ANNUAL MANAGEMENT FEE
MicroCap Fund 0.50% of average daily net assets
Dividend Leaders Fund 0.30% of average daily net assets
IPOX Fund 0.40% of average daily net assets
Equal Weighted Fund 0.40% of average daily net assets
Technology Fund 0.40% of average daily net assets
Biotech Fund 0.40% of average daily net assets
Internet Index Fund 0.40% of average daily net assets
Strategic Value Fund 0.50% of average daily net assets
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund 0.50% of average daily net assets
Value Line(R) Dividend Fund 0.50% of average daily net assets
|
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FUND ANNUAL MANAGEMENT FEE
Ex-Technology Fund 0.40% of average daily net assets
Clean Edge(R) Fund 0.40% of average daily net assets
S&P REIT Fund 0.30% of average daily net assets
ISE Water Fund 0.40% of average daily net assets
ISE Gas Fund 0.40% of average daily net assets
ISE Chindia Fund 0.40% of average daily net assets
Value Line(R) 100 Fund 0.50% of average daily net assets
|
Each Fund is responsible for all its expenses, including the investment
advisory fees, costs of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal,
audit and other services, interest, taxes, sublicensing fees, brokerage
commissions and other expenses connected with executions of portfolio
transactions, any distribution fees or expenses and extraordinary expenses.
Until each Fund's Expense Cap Termination Date set forth below, First Trust has
agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent
the operating expenses of each Fund (excluding interest expense, brokerage
commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from
exceeding the Annual Expense Cap amounts set forth below. Expenses borne by
First Trust are subject to reimbursement by a Fund up to three years from the
date the fee or expense was incurred, but no reimbursement payment will be made
by a Fund at any time if it would result in a Fund's expenses exceeding its
Expense Cap.
FUND ANNUAL EXPENSE CAP EXPENSE CAP TERMINATION DATE
MicroCap Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Dividend Leaders Fund 0.45% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
IPOX Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Equal Weighted Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Technology Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Biotech Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Internet Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Strategic Value Fund 0.65% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund 0.70% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Value Line(R) Dividend Fund 0.70% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Ex-Technology Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Clean Edge(R) Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
S&P REIT Fund 0.50% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
ISE Gas Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
ISE Water Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
ISE Chindia Fund 0.60% of average daily net assets May 15, 2009
Value Line(R) 100 Fund 0.70% of average daily net assets June 18, 2009
|
Under the Investment Management Agreement, First Trust shall not be
liable for any loss sustained by reason of the purchase, sale or retention of
any security, whether or not such purchase, sale or retention shall have been
based upon the investigation and research made by any other individual, firm or
corporation, if such recommendation shall have been selected with due care and
in good faith, except loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or
-38-
gross negligence on the part of First Trust in the performance of its
obligations and duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties. The Investment Management Agreement continues until two
years after the initial issuance of Fund Shares and thereafter only if approved
annually by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent
Trustees. The Investment Management Agreement terminates automatically upon
assignment and is terminable at any time without penalty as to the Funds by the
Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote
of the holders of a majority of a Fund's outstanding voting securities on 60
days' written notice to First Trust, or by First Trust on 60 days' written
notice to the Funds.
First Trust is located at 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532.
The following table sets forth the management fees (net of fee waivers
and expense reimbursements) paid by each Fund and the fees waived and expenses
reimbursed by First Trust for the specified period.
AMOUNT OF MANAGEMENT FEES
(NET OF FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE AMOUNT OF FEES WAIVED AND EXPENSES REIMBURSED
REIMBURSEMENTS BY FIRST TRUST) BY FIRST TRUST
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
(FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
FUND 12/31/05) 12/31/06) 12/31/07) 12/31/05) 12/31/06) 12/31/07)
MicroCap Fund $0 $0 $0 $68,239 $137,971 $137,185
Dividend Leaders Fund N/A $0 $55,804 N/A $172,016 $199,880
IPOX Fund N/A $0 $0 N/A $116,048 $113,731
Equal Weighted Fund N/A $0 $11,169 N/A $101,077 $86,008
Technology Fund N/A $0 $19,069 N/A $93,915 $75,489
Biotech Fund N/A $0 $135,939 N/A $80,389 $65,395
Internet Fund N/A $0 $164,124 N/A $82,899 $54,768
Strategic Value Fund N/A $0 $10,238 N/A $132,531 $172,875
Value Line(R) Equity N/A $0 $0 N/A $26,011 $98,378
Allocation Fund
Ex-Technology Fund N/A N/A $0 N/A N/A $61,242
Clean Edge(R) Fund N/A N/A $198 N/A N/A $77,233
S&P REIT Fund N/A N/A $0 N/A N/A $108,608
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AMOUNT OF MANAGEMENT FEES
(NET OF FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE AMOUNT OF FEES WAIVED AND EXPENSES REIMBURSED
REIMBURSEMENTS BY FIRST TRUST) BY FIRST TRUST
------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
(FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
FUND 12/31/05) 12/31/06) 12/31/07) 12/31/05) 12/31/06) 12/31/07)
ISE Water Fund N/A N/A $0 N/A N/A $57,664
ISE Gas Fund N/A N/A $0 N/A N/A $59,322
ISE Chindia Fund N/A N/A $51,266 N/A N/A $61,221
Value Line(R) 100 Fund(1) $890,991 $950,791 $1,261,469 N/A N/A $132,258
|
(1) On June 15, 2007, the First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund
acquired the assets and adopted the financial and performance history of its
predecessor fund, First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund. Accordingly, the First
Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund adopted the financial statements of
its predecessor fund. The table sets forth the management fees paid by the First
Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund or its predecessor fund for the
specified periods.
(FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE (FOR THE
PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD
ENDED ENDED 6/1/06 TO ENDED ENDED ENDED 6/1/06 TO ENDED
FUND 5/31/05) 5/31/06) 12/31/06) 12/31/07) 5/31/05) 5/31/06) 12/31/06) 12/31/07)
Value Line(R)
Dividend
Fund(2) $3,542,990 $3,598,042 $2,015,941 $900,390 N/A N/A $33,985 $392,894
|
(2) On December 15, 2006, the First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund
acquired the assets and adopted the financial and performance history of its
predecessor fund, the First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Fund. Accordingly, the
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund adopted the financial statements
of its predecessor fund. The table sets forth the management fees paid by the
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund or its predecessor fund for the
specified periods.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE. The Investment Committee of First Trust is
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds. There are
currently six members of the Investment Committee, as follows:
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POSITION WITH LENGTH OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
NAME FIRST TRUST WITH FIRST TRUST DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
Daniel J. Lindquist Senior Vice President Since 2004 Senior Vice President
(September 2005 to Present),
Vice President (April 2004 to
September 2005), First Trust
Advisors L.P. and First Trust
Portfolios L.P.; Chief
Operating Officer (January
2004 to April 2004), Mina
Capital Management, LLC; Chief
Operating Officer (April 2000
to January 2004), Samaritan
Asset Management Services, Inc.
Robert F. Carey Chief Investment Officer Since 1991 Chief Investment Officer and
and Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, First
Trust Advisors L.P.; Senior
Vice President, First Trust
Portfolios L.P.
Jon C. Erickson Senior Vice President Since 1994 Senior Vice President (August
2002 to Present), First Trust
Advisors L.P. and First Trust
Portfolios L.P.
David G. McGarel Senior Vice President Since 1997 Senior Vice President (August
2002 to Present), First Trust
Advisors L.P. and First Trust
Portfolios L.P.
Roger F. Testin Senior Vice President Since 2001 Senior Vice President
(November 2003 to Present),
Vice President (August 2001 to
November 2003), First Trust
Portfolios L.P. and First
Trust Advisors L.P.
Stan Ueland Vice President Since 2005 Vice President of First Trust
and First Trust Portfolios
L.P. (August 2005 to Present);
Vice President of BondWave LLC
(May 2004 to August 2005);
Account Executive, Mina
Capital Management LLC and
Samaritan Asset Management
Services, Inc. (January 2003
to May 2004); Sales
Consultant, Oracle Corporation
(January 1997 to January 2003)
|
-41-
Daniel J. Lindquist: Mr. Lindquist is Chairman of the Investment
Committee and presides over Investment Committee meetings. Mr. Lindquist is also
responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Funds' investment
strategies.
David G. McGarel: As the head of First Trust's Strategy Research Group,
Mr. McGarel is responsible for developing and implementing quantitative
investment strategies for those Funds that have investment policies that require
them to follow such strategies.
Jon C. Erickson: As the head of First Trust's Equity Research Group,
Mr. Erickson is responsible for determining the securities to be purchased and
sold by Funds that do not utilize quantitative investment strategies.
Roger F. Testin: As head of First Trust's Portfolio Management Group,
Mr. Testin is responsible for executing the instructions of the Strategy
Research Group and Equity Research Group in the Funds' portfolios.
Robert F. Carey: As First Trust's Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Carey
consults with the Investment Committee on market conditions and First Trust's
general investment philosophy.
Stan Ueland: Mr. Ueland plays an important role in executing the
investment strategies of each Fund advised by First Trust.
No member of the Investment Committee beneficially owns any Shares of a
Fund.
COMPENSATION. The compensation structure for each member of the
Investment Committee is based upon a fixed salary as well as a discretionary
bonus determined by the management of First Trust. Salaries are determined by
management and are based upon an individual's position and overall value to the
firm. Bonuses are also determined by management and are based upon an
individual's overall contribution to the success of the firm and the
profitability of the firm. Salaries and bonuses for members of the Investment
Committee are not based upon criteria such as performance of the Funds or the
value of assets included in the Funds' portfolios. In addition, Mr. Carey, Mr.
Erickson, Mr. Lindquist and Mr. McGarel also have an indirect ownership stake in
the firm and will therefore receive their allocable share of ownership-related
distributions.
The Investment Committee manages the other investment vehicles with the
number of accounts and assets, as of December 31, 2007, set forth in the table
below:
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ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
REGISTERED INVESTMENT OTHER POOLED
COMPANIES INVESTMENT VEHICLES
NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS OTHER ACCOUNTS NUMBER OF
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER ($ ASSETS) ($ ASSETS) ACCOUNTS ($ ASSETS)
Robert F. Carey 36 ($3,950,775,639) 4 ($534,988,518) 4,096 ($980,909,176)
Roger F. Testin 36 ($3,950,775,639) 4 ($534,988,518) 4,096 ($980,909,176)
Jon C. Erickson 36 ($3,950,775,639) 4 ($534,988,518) 4,096 ($980,909,176)
David G. McGarel 36 ($3,950,775,639) 4 ($534,988,518) 4,096 ($980,909,176)
Daniel J. Lindquist 36 ($3,950,775,639) 4 ($534,988,518) 4,096 ($980,909,176)
Stan Ueland 19 ($99,454,960) N/A N/A
--------------------
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None of the accounts managed by the Investment Committee pay an
advisory fee that is based upon the performance of the account. In addition,
First Trust believes that there are no material conflicts of interest that may
arise in connection with the Investment Committee's management of the Funds'
investments and the investments of the other accounts managed by the Investment
Committee. However, because the investment strategy of the Funds and the
investment strategies of many of the other accounts managed by the Investment
Committee are based on fairly mechanical investment processes, the Investment
Committee may recommend that certain clients sell and other clients buy a given
security at the same time. In addition, because the investment strategies of the
Funds and other accounts managed by the Investment Committee generally result in
the clients investing in readily available securities, First Trust believes that
there should not be material conflicts in the allocation of investment
opportunities between the Funds and other accounts managed by the Investment
Committee.
BROKERAGE ALLOCATIONS
First Trust is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for
the Funds and for the placement of the Funds' securities business, the
negotiation of the commissions to be paid on brokered transactions, the prices
for principal trades in securities, and the allocation of portfolio brokerage
and principal business. It is the policy of First Trust to seek the best
execution at the best security price available with respect to each transaction,
and with respect to brokered transactions in light of the overall quality of
brokerage and research services provided to First Trust and its clients. The
best price to a Fund means the best net price without regard to the mix between
purchase or sale price and commission, if any. Purchases may be made from
underwriters, dealers, and, on occasion, the issuers. Commissions will be paid
-43-
on a Fund's Futures and options transactions, if any. The purchase price of
portfolio securities purchased from an underwriter or dealer may include
underwriting commissions and dealer spreads. The Funds may pay mark-ups on
principal transactions. In selecting broker/dealers and in negotiating
commissions, First Trust considers, among other things, the firm's reliability,
the quality of its execution services on a continuing basis and its financial
condition. Fund portfolio transactions may be effected with broker/dealers who
have assisted investors in the purchase of Shares.
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 permits an
investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause an account to pay a
broker or dealer who supplies brokerage and research services a commission for
effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or
dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction. Brokerage and research
services include (a) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the
advisability of investing, purchasing or selling securities, and the
availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (b)
furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of
accounts; and (c) effecting securities transactions and performing functions
incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody).
In light of the above, in selecting brokers, First Trust may consider
investment and market information and other research, such as economic,
securities and performance measurement research, provided by such brokers, and
the quality and reliability of brokerage services, including execution
capability, performance, and financial responsibility. Accordingly, the
commissions charged by any such broker may be greater than the amount another
firm might charge if First Trust determines in good faith that the amount of
such commissions is reasonable in relation to the value of the research
information and brokerage services provided by such broker to First Trust or the
Trust. First Trust believes that the research information received in this
manner provides the Funds with benefits by supplementing the research otherwise
available to the Funds. The Investment Management Agreement provides that such
higher commissions will not be paid by the Funds unless the adviser determines
in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation to the services
provided. The investment advisory fees paid by the Funds to First Trust under
the Investment Management Agreement are not reduced as a result of receipt by
First Trust of research services. First Trust has advised the Board of Trustees
that it does not use soft dollars.
First Trust places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts
advised by it, and research services furnished by firms through which the Funds
effect their securities transactions may be used by First Trust in servicing all
of its accounts; not all of such services may be used by First Trust in
connection with the Funds. First Trust believes it is not possible to measure
separately the benefits from research services to each of the accounts
(including the Funds) advised by it. Because the volume and nature of the
trading activities of the accounts are not uniform, the amount of commissions in
excess of those charged by another broker paid by each account for brokerage and
research services will vary. However, First Trust believes such costs to the
Funds will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by the Funds on a
continuing basis. First Trust seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably
whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the
Funds and another advisory account. In some cases, this procedure could have an
adverse effect on the price or the amount of securities available to the Funds.
In making such allocations between the Funds and other advisory accounts, the
-44-
main factors considered by First Trust are the respective investment objectives,
the relative size of portfolio holding of the same or comparable securities, the
availability of cash for investment and the size of investment commitments
generally held.
BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS
The following table sets forth the aggregate amount of brokerage
commissions paid by each Fund for the specified period:
AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS
-----------------------------------------
(FOR THE PERIOD ENDED (FOR THE PERIOD ENDED (FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
FUND DECEMBER 31, 2005) DECEMBER 31, 2006) DECEMBER 31, 2007)
MicroCap Fund $5,719 $18,607 $9,318
Dividend Leaders Fund N/A $6,238 $10,166
IPOX Fund N/A $10,063 $5,762
Equal Weighted Fund N/A $1,223 $1,326
Technology Fund N/A $3,265 $1,429
Biotech Fund N/A $2,200 $5,467
Internet Fund N/A $1,805 $12,833
Strategic Value Fund N/A $1,072 $6,904
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation N/A $24,527 $13,640
Fund
Ex-Technology Fund N/A N/A $589
Clean Edge(R) Fund N/A N/A $3,335
S&P REIT Fund N/A N/A $518
ISE Water Fund N/A N/A $652
ISE Gas Fund N/A N/A $1,467
ISE Chindia Fund N/A N/A $7,492
Value Line(R) 100 Fund(1) $891 $950,791 $60,208
|
(1) On June 15, 2007, the Value Line(R) 100 Fund acquired the assets and adopted
the financial and performance history of its predecessor fund. Accordingly, the
Value Line(R) 100 Fund adopted the financial statements of its predecessor fund.
The table sets forth the brokerage commissions paid by the First Trust Value
Line(R) 100 Fund or its predecessor fund for the specified periods.
-45-
(FOR THE PERIOD ENDED (FOR THE PERIOD ENDED (FOR THE PERIOD (FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
MAY 31, 2005) MAY 31, 2006) JUNE 1, 2006 TO DECEMBER 31, 2007)
DECEMBER 31, 2006)
Value Line(R) Dividend $309,700 $317,923 $24,526 $28,536
Fund(2)
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(2) On December 15, 2006, the First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund
acquired the assets and adopted the financial and performance history of its
predecessor fund, the First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Fund. Accordingly, the
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund adopted the financial statements
of its predecessor fund. The table sets forth the brokerage commissions paid by
the First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund or its predecessor fund for
the specified periods.
The commissions paid by the Value Line(R) 100 Fund for the period ended
December 31, 2007 was $890,583 less than for the period ended December 31, 2006.
This difference is primarily due to operating as exchange-traded fund rather
than a closed-end fund as its predecessor fund had. The commissions paid by the
Value Line(R) Dividend Fund for the period ended December 31, 2006 was $293,397
less than for the period ended May 31, 2006. This difference is primarily due to
operating as exchange-traded fund rather than a closed-end fund as its
predecessor fund had, as well as the shortened time frame of the period ended
December 31, 2006.
ADMINISTRATOR. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation ("BONY") serves
as Administrator for the Funds. Its principal address is 101 Barclay St., New
York, NY 10286.
BONY serves as Administrator for the Trust pursuant to a Fund
Administration and Accounting Agreement. Under such agreement, BONY is obligated
on a continuous basis, to provide such administrative services as the Board
reasonably deems necessary for the proper administration of the Trust and the
Funds. BONY will generally assist in all aspects of the Trust's and the Funds'
operations; supply and maintain office facilities (which may be in BONY's own
offices), statistical and research data, data processing services, clerical,
accounting, bookkeeping and record keeping services (including, without
limitation, the maintenance of such books and records as are required under the
1940 Act and the rules thereunder, except as maintained by other agency agents),
internal auditing, executive and administrative services, and stationery and
office supplies; prepare reports to shareholders or investors; prepare and file
tax returns; supply financial information and supporting data for reports to and
filings with the SEC and various state Blue Sky authorities; supply supporting
documentation for meetings of the Board of Trustees; and provide monitoring
reports and assistance regarding compliance with federal and state securities
laws.
Pursuant to the Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement, the Trust
on behalf of the Funds has agreed to indemnify the Administrator for certain
liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities
laws, unless such loss or liability results from negligence or willful
misconduct in the performance of its duties.
Pursuant to the Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement between
BONY and the Trust, the Funds have agreed to pay such compensation as is
mutually agreed from time to time and such out-of-pocket expenses as incurred by
BONY in the performance of its duties. This fee is subject to reduction for
-46-
assets over $1 billion. The following table sets forth the aggregate amount paid
by each Fund to BONY under the Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement.
FUND FOR THE PERIOD ENDED FOR THE PERIOD ENDED FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2005 DECEMBER 31, 2006 DECEMBER 31, 2007
MicroCap Fund $4,053 $11,883 $27,788
Dividend Leaders Fund N/A $16,004 $49,973
IPOX Fund N/A $6,858 $20,200
Equal Weighted Fund N/A $7,163 $20,175
Technology Fund N/A $6,078 $13,624
Biotech Fund N/A $6,511 $27,676
Internet Fund N/A $6,449 $30,673
Strategic Value Fund N/A $3,413 $21,887
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation N/A $511 $13,243
Fund
Value Line(R) Dividend Fund N/A $8,925 $135,704
Ex-Technology Fund N/A N/A $2,578
Clean Edge(R) Fund N/A N/A $11,812
S&P REIT Fund N/A N/A $2,536
ISE Gas Fund N/A N/A $2,547
ISE Water Fund N/A N/A $3,469
ISE Chindia Fund N/A N/A $15,524
Value Line(R) 100 Fund N/A N/A $52,206
|
The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has entered into an agreement with
PFPC Inc. ("PFPC"), 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, whereby
PFPC will provide certain administrative services for the Trust and the Funds in
connection with the Board's meetings and other related matters.
On December 15, 2006, the Value Line(R) Dividend Fund acquired the
assets and adopted the financial and performance history of its predecessor
fund. Accordingly, the Value Line(R) Dividend Fund adopted the financial
statements of the predecessor fund. PFPC was the administrator for its
predecessor fund. The following table sets forth the amount paid to PFPC by the
predecessor fund for the specified periods for its services as the administrator
of the predecessor fund.
PERIOD AGGREGATE AMOUNT PAID TO PFPC
6/1/2004-5/31/2005 $476,060
6/1/2005-5/31/2006 $482,836
6/1/2006-12/15/2006 $263,252
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On June 15, 2007, the Value Line(R) 100 Fund acquired the assets and
adopted the financial and performance history of its predecessor fund.
Accordingly, the Value Line(R) 100 Fund adopted the financial statements of its
predecessor fund. The following table sets forth the amount paid to PFPC by the
predecessor fund for the specified periods for its services as the administrator
of the predecessor fund.
PERIOD AGGREGATE AMOUNT PAID TO PFPC
1/1/2005-12/31/2005 $274,318
1/1/2006-12/31/2006 $278,397
1/1/2007-6/15/2007 $126,636
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CUSTODIAN, DISTRIBUTOR, TRANSFER AGENT, FUND ACCOUNTING AGENT,
INDEX PROVIDER AND EXCHANGE
CUSTODIAN. BONY, as custodian for the Funds pursuant to a Custody
Agreement, holds each Fund's assets. BONY also serves as transfer agent of the
Funds pursuant to a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement. As the Funds'
accounting agent, BONY calculates the NAV of Shares and calculates net income
and realized capital gains or losses. BONY may be reimbursed by the Funds for
its out-of-pocket expenses.
DISTRIBUTOR. First Trust Portfolios is the distributor (the
"Distributor") and principal underwriter of the Shares of the Funds. Its
principal address is 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532. The
Distributor has entered into a Distribution Agreement with the Trust pursuant to
which it distributes Fund Shares. Shares are continuously offered for sale by
the Funds through the Distributor only in Creation Unit Aggregations, as
described in the Prospectus and below under the heading "Creation and Redemption
of Creation Units."
The Adviser may, from time to time and from its own resources, pay,
defray or absorb costs relating to distribution, including payments out of its
own resources to the Distributor, or to otherwise promote the sale of shares.
The Adviser's available resources to make these payments include profits from
advisory fees received from the Funds. The services the Adviser may pay for
include, but are not limited to, advertising and attaining access to certain
conferences and seminars, as well as being presented with the opportunity to
address investors and industry professionals through speeches and written
marketing materials.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, there were no underwriting
commissions with respect to the sale of Fund Shares and First Trust Portfolios
L.P. did not receive compensation on redemptions for the Funds for that period.
On December 15, 2006, the Value Line(R) Dividend Fund acquired the
assets and adopted the financial and performance history of its predecessor
fund. Accordingly, the Value Line(R) Dividend Fund adopted the financial
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statements of its predecessor fund. Its Predecessor Fund did not pay First Trust
Portfolios any underwriting commissions and compensation on redemptions.
On June 15, 2007, the Value Line(R) 100 Fund acquired the assets and
adopted the financial and performance history of its predecessor fund.
Accordingly, the Value Line(R) 100 Fund adopted the financial statements of its
predecessor fund. Its Predecessor Fund did not pay First Trust Portfolios any
underwriting commissions and compensation on redemptions.
12b-1 Plan. The Trust has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan") pursuant to which the Funds may
reimburse the Distributor up to a maximum annual rate of 0.25% its average daily
net assets.
Under the Plan and as required by Rule 12b-1, the Trustees will receive
and review after the end of each calendar quarter a written report provided by
the Distributor of the amounts expended under the Plan and the purpose for which
such expenditures were made.
The Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of the
Funds' method of distribution. However, no such fee is currently paid by the
Funds, and pursuant to a contractual agreement, the Funds will not pay 12b-1
fees any time before April 30, 2009.
Aggregations. Fund Shares in less than Creation Unit Aggregations are
not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor will deliver the Prospectus
and, upon request, this SAI to persons purchasing Creation Unit Aggregations and
will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of
acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").
The Distribution Agreement provides that it may be terminated at any
time, without the payment of any penalty, on at least 60 days' written notice by
the Trust to the Distributor (i) by vote of a majority of the Independent
Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds. The Distribution Agreement will terminate
automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers
("Soliciting Dealers") who will solicit purchases of Creation Unit Aggregations
of Fund Shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Participating Parties (as
defined in "Procedures for Creation of Creation Unit Aggregations" below) and
DTC Participants (as defined in "DTC Acts as Securities Depository for Fund
Shares" below).
INDEX PROVIDER. The respective Indices that each respective Fund seeks
to track are compiled by the Index Providers as set forth below.
FUND INDEX PROVIDER
MicroCap Fund Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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FUND INDEX PROVIDER
Dividend Leaders Fund Morningstar, Inc.
IPOX Fund IPOX Schuster LLC
Equal Weighted Fund The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
Technology Fund The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
Biotech Fund American Stock Exchange LLC
Internet Index Fund Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Strategic Value Fund Deutsche Bank AG
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund Value Line(R) Publishing, Inc.
Value Line(R) Dividend Fund Value Line(R) Publishing, Inc.
Ex-Technology Fund The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
Clean Edge(R) Fund The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
S&P REIT Fund Standard & Poor's, a division
of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
ISE Water Fund International Securities Exchange,LLC
ISE Gas Fund International Securities Exchange, LLC
ISE Chindia Fund International Securities Exchange, LLC
Value Line(R) 100 Fund Value Line(R) Publishing, Inc.
|
The Index Providers are not affiliated with the Funds or with First
Trust. Each Fund is entitled to use the applicable Index pursuant to a
sublicensing arrangement with First Trust, which in turn has a Product License
Agreement with each Index Provider.
With respect to the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund, the Value
Line(R) Dividend Fund and the Value Line(R) 100 Fund, First Trust has entered
into the Index Calculation and License Agreement with AMEX pursuant to which
AMEX will serve as the calculation agent for the Indices. As the calculation
agent, AMEX will be responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations
of these respective Indices on behalf of Value Line(R), including calculating
the value of the Indices every 15 seconds, widely disseminating each such Index
value every 15 seconds and tracking corporate actions resulting in adjustments
to such Index.
EXCHANGE. Besides being the Index Provider for the Biotech Fund and the
calculation agent for the Indices related to the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation
Fund, the Value Line(R) Dividend Fund and the Value Line(R) 100 Fund, the only
relationship that AMEX has with First Trust or the Distributor in connection
with the Biotech Fund, Strategic Value Fund, Internet Fund, MicroCap Fund, IPOX
Fund, Dividend Leaders Fund, Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund, Value Line(R)
Dividend Fund, S&P REIT Fund and Value Line(R) 100 Fund (collectively, the "AMEX
Listed Funds") is that AMEX lists the Shares of the AMEX Listed Funds pursuant
to its Listing Agreement with the Trust. The AMEX is not responsible for and has
not participated in the determination of pricing or the timing of the issuance
or sale of the Shares of the AMEX Listed Funds or in the determination or
calculation of the NAV of such Funds. The AMEX has no obligation or liability in
connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the AMEX Listed
Funds.
Besides being the Index Provider for the Equal Weighted Fund, the
Technology Fund, the Ex-Technology Fund and the Clean Edge(R) Fund (together,
the "NASDAQ(R) Listed Funds"), the only relationship that NASDAQ(R) has with
First Trust or the Distributor in connection with the NASDAQ(R) Listed Funds is
that NASDAQ(R) lists the Shares of the NASDAQ(R) Listed Funds pursuant to its
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Listing Agreement with the Trust. NASDAQ(R) is not responsible for and has not
participated in the determination of pricing or the timing of the issuance or
sale of the Shares of the NASDAQ(R) Listed Funds or in the determination or
calculation of the asset value of such Funds. NASDAQ(R) has no obligation or
liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the
NASDAQ(R) Listed Funds.
The only relationships that the NYSE Arca has with First Trust or the
Distributor in connection with the ISE Water Fund, the ISE Gas Fund and the ISE
Chindia Fund (the "NYSE Arca Listed Funds") are that NYSE Arca lists the Shares
of the Funds pursuant to its Listing Agreement with the Trust. NYSE Arca is not
responsible for and has not participated in the determination of pricing or the
timing of the issuance or sale of the Shares of the Funds or in the
determination or calculation of the net asset value of the Funds. NYSE Arca has
no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or
trading of the NYSE Arca Listed Funds.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM. The following information supplements and
should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled
"Book Entry."
DTC ACTS AS SECURITIES DEPOSITORY FOR FUND SHARES. Shares of the Funds
are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee,
Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC.
DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of
its participants (the "DTC Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities,
certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of
whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by
a number of its DTC Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE"), the AMEX and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to
others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or
indirectly (the "Indirect Participants").
Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect
Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect
Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such
beneficial interests are referred to herein as "Beneficial Owners") is shown on,
and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by
DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants
(with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC
Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC
Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase and sale of
Shares.
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Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to
Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to a letter agreement between
DTC and the Trust, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request
and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the Shares of the Funds
held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC
Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or
indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC
Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in
such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably
request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be
transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial
Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participants a fair
and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such
transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Fund distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, as the
registered holder of all Fund Shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any
such distributions, shall immediately credit DTC Participants' accounts with
payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in
Shares of the Funds as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by
DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial owners of Shares held
through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the
responsibility of such DTC Participants.
The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account
of beneficial ownership interests in such Shares, or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership
interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC
Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect
Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.
DTC may decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to
Shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its
responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such
circumstances, the Trust shall take action to find a replacement for DTC to
perform its functions at a comparable cost.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Trust has adopted a proxy voting policy that seeks to ensure that
proxies for securities held by the Funds are voted consistently and solely in
the best economic interests of the Funds.
A senior member of First Trust is responsible for oversight of the
Funds' proxy voting process. First Trust has engaged the services of
Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. ("ISS"), to make recommendations to
First Trust on the voting of proxies relating to securities held by the Funds.
ISS provides voting recommendations based upon established guidelines and
practices. First Trust reviews ISS recommendations and frequently follows the
ISS recommendations. However, on selected issues, First Trust may not vote in
accordance with the ISS recommendations when First Trust believes that specific
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ISS recommendations are not in the best interests of the Funds. If First Trust
manages the assets of a company or its pension plan and any of First Trust's
clients hold any securities of that company, First Trust will vote proxies
relating to such company's securities in accordance with the ISS recommendations
to avoid any conflict of interest.
First Trust has adopted the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines. While these
guidelines are not intended to be all-inclusive, they do provide guidance on
First Trust's general voting policies.
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio
securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, will be
available upon request and without charge on the Funds' website at
http://www.ftportfolios.com, by calling (800) 621-1675 or by accessing the SEC's
website at http://www.sec.gov.
QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE. The Trust is required to disclose, after
its first and third fiscal quarters, the complete schedule of the Funds'
portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q. Form N-Q for the Trust is available
on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds' Form N-Q may also be
reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. and
information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by
calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The Trust's Form N-Q is available without charge, upon
request, by calling (800) 621-1675 or (800) 983-0903 or by writing to First
Trust Portfolios L.P., 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532.
POLICY REGARDING DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS. The Trust has
adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about each Fund's
portfolio holdings. The Board of Trustees of the Trust must approve all material
amendments to this policy. Each Fund's portfolio holdings are publicly
disseminated each day the Fund is open for business through financial reporting
and news services, including publicly accessible Internet web sites. In
addition, a basket composition file, which includes the security names and share
quantities to deliver in exchange for Fund Shares, together with estimates and
actual cash components, is publicly disseminated daily each day the NYSE is open
for trading via the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC"). The
basket represents one Creation Unit of a Fund. Each Fund's portfolio holdings
are also available on the Funds' website at http://www.ftportfolios.com. The
Trust, First Trust and BONY will not disseminate non-public information
concerning the Trust.
CODES OF ETHICS. In order to mitigate the possibility that the Funds
will be adversely affected by personal trading, the Trust, First Trust and the
Distributor have adopted Codes of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These
Codes of Ethics contain policies restricting securities trading in personal
accounts of the officers, Trustees and others who normally come into possession
of information on portfolio transactions. These Codes of Ethics are on public
file with, and are available from, the SEC.
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CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNIT AGGREGATIONS
CREATION. The Trust issues and sells Shares of the Funds only in
Creation Unit Aggregations on a continuous basis through the Distributor,
without a sales load, at their NAVs next determined after receipt, on any
Business Day (as defined below), of an order in proper form.
A "Business Day" is any day on which the NYSE is open for business. As
of the date of this SAI, the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Year's
Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
DEPOSIT OF SECURITIES AND DEPOSIT OR DELIVERY OF CASH. The
consideration for purchase of Creation Unit Aggregations of the Funds may
consist of (i) cash in lieu of all or a portion of the Deposit Securities, as
defined below, and/or (ii) a designated portfolio of equity securities
determined by First Trust--the ODeposit SecuritiesO--per each Creation Unit
Aggregation constituting a substantial replication of the stocks included in the
underlying index (OFund SecuritiesO) and generally an amount of cash--the OCash
ComponentO--computed as described below. Together, the Deposit Securities and
the Cash Component (including the cash in lieu amount) constitute the OFund
Deposit,O which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount
for a Creation Unit Aggregation a Fund.
The Cash Component is sometimes also referred to as the Balancing
Amount. The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any
differences between the NAV per Creation Unit Aggregation and the Deposit Amount
(as defined below). The Cash Component is an amount equal to the difference
between the NAV of Fund Shares (per Creation Unit Aggregation) and the "Deposit
Amount"--an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit Securities. If the
Cash Component is a positive number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit Aggregation
exceeds the Deposit Amount), the creator will deliver the Cash Component. If the
Cash Component is a negative number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit Aggregation
is less than the Deposit Amount), the creator will receive the Cash Component.
The Custodian, through the National Securities Clearing Corporation
("NSCC") (discussed below), makes available on each Business Day, prior to the
opening of business on NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of the
names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security to be included
in the current Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous
Business Day) for a Fund.
Such Fund Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as
described below, in order to effect creations of Creation Unit Aggregations of a
Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities
is made available.
The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities required
for a Fund Deposit for a Fund changes as rebalancing adjustments and corporate
action events are reflected within a Fund from time to time by First Trust with
a view to the investment objective of the Fund. The composition of the Deposit
Securities may also change in response to adjustments to the weighting or
-54-
composition of the component stocks of the underlying index. In addition, the
Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of an amount of
cash--i.e., a "cash in lieu" amount--to be added to the Cash Component to
replace any Deposit Security that may not be available in sufficient quantity
for delivery or that may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC
or the Clearing Process (discussed below), or which might not be eligible for
trading by an Authorized Participant (as defined below) or the investor for
which it is acting or other relevant reason. Brokerage commissions incurred in
connection with the acquisition of Deposit Securities not eligible for transfer
through the systems of DTC and hence not eligible for transfer through the
Clearing Process (discussed below) will at the expense of the Fund and will
affect the value of all Shares; but First Trust, subject to the approval of the
Board of Trustees, may adjust the transaction fee within the parameters
described above to protect ongoing shareholders. The adjustments described above
will reflect changes known to First Trust on the date of announcement to be in
effect by the time of delivery of the Fund Deposit, in the composition of the
underlying index or resulting from certain corporate actions.
In addition to the list of names and numbers of securities constituting
the current Deposit Securities of a Fund Deposit, the Custodian, through the
NSCC, also makes available on each Business Day, the estimated Cash Component,
effective through and including the previous Business Day, per outstanding
Creation Unit Aggregation of a Fund.
PROCEDURES FOR CREATION OF CREATION UNIT AGGREGATIONS. In order to be
eligible to place orders with the Distributor and to create a Creation Unit
Aggregation of a Fund, an entity must be (i) a "Participating Party," i.e., a
broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the
Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the "Clearing Process"), a
clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see
the Book Entry Only System section), and, in each case, must have executed an
agreement with the Distributor and transfer agent, with respect to creations and
redemptions of Creation Unit Aggregations ("Participant Agreement") (discussed
below). A Participating Party and DTC Participant are collectively referred to
as an "Authorized Participant." Investors should contact the Distributor for the
names of Authorized Participants that have signed a Participant Agreement. All
Fund Shares, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name
of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC Participant.
All orders to create Creation Unit Aggregations, whether through the
Clearing Process (through a Participating Party) or outside the Clearing Process
(through a DTC Participant), must be received by the Distributor no later than
the closing time of the regular trading session on the NYSE ("Closing Time")
(ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) in each case on the date such order is
placed in order for creation of Creation Unit Aggregations to be effected based
on the NAV of Shares of the Funds as next determined on such date after receipt
of the order in proper form. In the case of custom orders, the order must be
received by the Distributor no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on the trade
date. A custom order may be placed by an Authorized Participant in the event
that the Trust permits or requires the substitution of an amount of cash to be
added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security which may not be
available in sufficient quantity for delivery or which may not be eligible for
trading by such Authorized Participant or the investor for which it is acting or
other relevant reason. The date on which an order to create Creation Unit
Aggregations (or an order to redeem Creation Unit Aggregations, as discussed
-55-
below) is placed is referred to as the "Transmittal Date." Orders must be
transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission
method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the
Participant Agreement, as described below (see the Placement of Creation Orders
Using Clearing Process and the Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing
Process sections). Severe economic or market disruptions or changes, or
telephone or other communication failure may impede the ability to reach the
Distributor or an Authorized Participant.
All orders from investors who are not Authorized Participants to create
Creation Unit Aggregations shall be placed with an Authorized Participant in the
form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition, the Authorized
Participant may request the investor to make certain representations or enter
into agreements with respect to the order, e.g., to provide for payments of
cash, when required. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may
not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to create
Creation Unit Aggregations of a Fund have to be placed by the investor's broker
through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In
such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time,
there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a
Participant Agreement. Those placing orders for Creation Unit Aggregations
through the Clearing Process should afford sufficient time in order to permit
proper submission of the order to the Distributor prior to the Closing Time on
the Transmittal Date. Orders for Creation Unit Aggregations that are effected
outside the Clearing Process are likely to require transmittal by the DTC
Participant earlier on the Transmittal Date than orders effected using the
Clearing Process. Those persons placing orders outside the Clearing Process
should ascertain the deadlines applicable to DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank
wire system by contacting the operations department of the broker or depository
institution effectuating such transfer of Deposit Securities and Cash Component.
PLACEMENT OF CREATION ORDERS USING CLEARING PROCESS. The Clearing
Process is the process of creating or redeeming Creation Unit Aggregations
through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. Fund Deposits made
through the Clearing Process must be delivered through a Participating Party
that has executed a Participant Agreement. The Participant Agreement authorizes
the Distributor to transmit through the Custodian to NSCC, on behalf of the
Participating Party, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the
Participating Party's creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions to
NSCC, the Participating Party agrees to deliver the requisite Deposit Securities
and the Cash Component to the Trust, together with such additional information
as may be required by the Distributor. An order to create Creation Unit
Aggregations through the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor
on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not
later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date and (ii) all other
procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.
PLACEMENT OF CREATION ORDERS OUTSIDE CLEARING PROCESS. Fund Deposits
made outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant
that has executed a Participant Agreement pre-approved by First Trust and the
Distributor. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order creating Creation
Unit Aggregations to be effected outside the Clearing Process does not need to
be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is
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not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Unit
Aggregations will instead be effected through a transfer of securities and cash
directly through DTC. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC
Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the
delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the
account of a Fund by no later than 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, of the next
Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date.
All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered,
and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the
deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose
determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash equal to the Cash
Component must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal
Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the
Custodian no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the next Business Day
immediately following such Transmittal Date. An order to create Creation Unit
Aggregations outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor
on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not
later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other
procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.
However, if the Custodian does not receive both the required Deposit Securities
and the Cash Component by 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., respectively on the next
Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date, such order will be
canceled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled order may be
resubmitted the following Business Day using a Fund Deposit as newly constituted
in order to reflect the then current Deposit Securities and Cash Component. The
delivery of Creation Unit Aggregations so created will occur no later than the
third (3rd) Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed
received by the Distributor.
Additional transaction fees may be imposed with respect to transactions
effected outside the Clearing Process (through a DTC participant) and in the
limited circumstances in which any cash can be used in lieu of Deposit
Securities to create Creation Units. (See "Creation Transaction Fee" section
below).
Creation Unit Aggregations may be created in advance of receipt by the
Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described
below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater
than the NAV of the Fund Shares on the date the order is placed in proper form
since, in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an
amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component, plus (ii) 115% of the market
value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the "Additional Cash Deposit"). The
order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is
placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to 4:00 p.m.,
Eastern time, on such date, and federal funds in the appropriate amount are
deposited with the Custodian by 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, the following Business
Day. If the order is not placed in proper form by 4:00 p.m. or federal funds in
the appropriate amount are not received by 11:00 a.m. the next Business Day,
then the order may be deemed to be canceled and the Authorized Participant shall
be liable to the Funds for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. An additional
amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Trust, pending
delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain
the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to 115%
-57-
of the daily marked-to-market value of the missing Deposit Securities. To the
extent that missing Deposit Securities are not received by 1:00 p.m., Eastern
time, on the third Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is
deemed received by the Distributor or in the event a marked-to-market payment is
not made within one Business Day following notification by the Distributor that
such a payment is required, the Trust may use the cash on deposit to purchase
the missing Deposit Securities. Authorized Participants will be liable to the
Trust and the Funds for the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any
such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the
actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such
Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the
Distributor plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with
such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash
Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received
by the Custodian or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust. In
addition, a transaction fee, as listed below, will be charged in all cases. The
delivery of Creation Unit Aggregations so created will occur no later than the
third Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed
received by the Distributor.
ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS FOR CREATION UNIT AGGREGATIONS. The Trust reserves
the absolute right to reject a creation order transmitted to it by the
Distributor with respect to a Fund if: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii)
the investor(s), upon obtaining the Fund Shares ordered, would own 80% or more
of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the Deposit Securities
delivered are not as disseminated for that date by the Custodian, as described
above; (iv) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax
consequences to the Fund; (v) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the
opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (vi) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would
otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or First Trust, have an adverse effect
on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners; or (vii) in the event that
circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Custodian, the Distributor
and First Trust make it for all practical purposes impossible to process
creation orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public
service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions
and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market
conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving
computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, First Trust, the
Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the Custodian or sub-custodian or any other participant
in the creation process, and similar extraordinary events. The Distributor shall
notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized
Participant acting on behalf of such prospective creator of its rejection of the
order of such person. The Trust, the Custodian, any sub-custodian and the
Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or
irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall any of them incur any
liability for the failure to give any such notification.
All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the
Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility, and acceptance for
deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and
the Trust's determination shall be final and binding.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEE. Purchasers of Creation Units will be required
to pay a standard creation transaction fee (the "Creation Transaction Fee"),
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described below, payable to BONY regardless of the number of Creation Units. An
additional variable fee of up to three times the Creation Transaction Fee may be
charged to approximate additional expenses incurred by a Fund with respect to
transactions effected outside of the Clearing Process (i.e., through a DTC
Participant) or to the extent that cash is used in lieu of securities to
purchase Creation Units. Investors are responsible for the costs of transferring
the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust.
The standard creation transaction fee is based on the number of
different securities in a Creation Unit according to the fee schedule set forth
below:
Number of Securities Creation
in a Creation Unit Transaction Fee
1-100 $500
101-200 $1,000
201-300 $1,500
301-400 $2,000
401-500 $2,500
501-600 $3,000
601-700 $3,500
|
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES IN CREATION UNITS AGGREGATIONS. Fund Shares
may be redeemed only in Creation Unit Aggregations at their NAV next determined
after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Fund through the
Transfer Agent and only on a Business Day. A Fund will not redeem Shares in
amounts less than Creation Unit Aggregations. Beneficial owners must accumulate
enough Shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit Aggregation
in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance,
however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at
any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit Aggregation. Investors should
expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a
sufficient number of Fund Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit
Aggregation.
With respect to the Funds, the Custodian, through the NSCC, makes
available prior to the opening of business on the NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m.,
Eastern time) on each Business Day, the identity of the Fund Securities that
will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption
requests received in proper form (as described below) on that day. Fund
Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities
that are applicable to creations of Creation Unit Aggregations.
Unless cash redemptions are available or specified for a Fund, the
redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit Aggregation generally consist of Fund
Securities--as announced on the Business Day of the request for redemption
received in proper form--plus or minus cash in an amount equal to the difference
between the NAV of the Fund Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a
receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (the
"Cash Redemption Amount"), less a redemption transaction fee as listed below. In
the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the Fund
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Shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the difference is required to be
made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment
postponed (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than
customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which
trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during
which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of a Fund
or determination of the Fund's NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in
such other circumstances as is permitted by the SEC.
REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEE. A redemption transaction fee (the
"Redemption Transaction Fee") is imposed to offset transfer and other
transaction costs that may be incurred by a Fund. An additional variable fee of
up to three times the Redemption Transaction Fee may be charged to approximate
additional expenses incurred by a Fund with respect to redemptions effected
outside of the Clearing Process or to the extent that redemptions are for cash.
A Fund reserves the right to effect redemptions in cash. A shareholder may
request a cash redemption in lieu of securities; however, a Fund may, in its
discretion, reject any such request. Investors will also bear the costs of
transferring the Fund Securities from the Trust to their account or on their
order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary in
addition to an Authorized Participant to effect a redemption of a Creation Unit
Aggregation may be charged an additional fee for such services.
The standard redemption transaction fee is based on the number of
different securities in a Creation Unit according to the fee schedule set forth
below:
Number of Securities Redemption
in a Creation Unit Transaction Fee
1-100 $500
101-200 $1,000
201-300 $1,500
301-400 $2,000
401-500 $2,500
501-600 $3,000
601-700 $3,500
|
PLACEMENT OF REDEMPTION ORDERS USING CLEARING PROCESS. Orders to redeem
Creation Unit Aggregations through the Clearing Process must be delivered
through a Participating Party that has executed the Participant Agreement. An
order to redeem Creation Unit Aggregations using the Clearing Process is deemed
received by the Trust on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by
the Transfer Agent not later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on such Transmittal
Date, and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are
properly followed; such order will be effected based on the NAV of the Fund as
next determined. An order to redeem Creation Unit Aggregations using the
Clearing Process made in proper form but received by the Trust after 4:00 p.m.,
Eastern time, will be deemed received on the next Business Day immediately
following the Transmittal Date and will be effected at the NAV next determined
on such next Business Day. The requisite Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption
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Amount will be transferred by the third NSCC Business Day following the date on
which such request for redemption is deemed received.
PLACEMENT OF REDEMPTION ORDERS OUTSIDE CLEARING PROCESS. Orders to
redeem Creation Unit Aggregations outside the Clearing Process must be delivered
through a DTC Participant that has executed the Participant Agreement. A DTC
Participant who wishes to place an order for redemption of Creation Unit
Aggregations to be effected outside the Clearing Process does not need to be a
Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not
using the Clearing Process and that redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations
will instead be effected through transfer of Fund Shares directly through DTC.
An order to redeem Creation Unit Aggregations outside the Clearing Process is
deemed received by the Trust on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is
received by the Transfer Agent not later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on such
Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is accompanied or followed by the requisite
number of Shares of the Fund, which delivery must be made through DTC to the
Custodian no later than 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, (for the Fund Shares) on the
next Business Day immediately following such Transmittal Date (the "DTC
Cut-Off-Time") and 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time for any Cash Component, if any owed
to a Fund; and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement
are properly followed. After the Trust has deemed an order for redemption
outside the Clearing Process received, the Trust will initiate procedures to
transfer the requisite Fund Securities which are expected to be delivered within
three Business Days and the Cash Redemption Amount, if any owed to the redeeming
Beneficial Owner to the Authorized Participant on behalf of the redeeming
Beneficial Owner by the third Business Day following the Transmittal Date on
which such redemption order is deemed received by the Trust.
The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash
Redemption Amount to be delivered/received upon redemption will be made by the
Custodian according to the procedures set forth in this SAI under "Determination
of NAV" computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed
received by the Trust. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is
submitted to the Transfer Agent by a DTC Participant not later than Closing Time
on the Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of Shares of the Fund are
delivered to the Custodian prior to the DTC Cut-Off-Time, then the value of the
Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered/received will be
determined by the Custodian on such Transmittal Date. If, however, either (i)
the requisite number of Shares of the Fund are not delivered by the DTC
Cut-Off-Time, as described above, or (ii) the redemption order is not submitted
in proper form, then the redemption order will not be deemed received as of the
Transmittal Date. In such case, the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash
Redemption Amount to be delivered/received will be computed on the Business Day
following the Transmittal Date provided that the Fund Shares of the Fund are
delivered through DTC to the Custodian by 11:00 a.m. the following Business Day
pursuant to a properly submitted redemption order.
If it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities, the
Trust may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem such Fund Shares in
cash, and the redeeming Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its
redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption
in cash that a Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the
investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its Fund Shares based
on the NAV of Shares of the Fund next determined after the redemption request is
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received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional
charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the Fund's
brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund
Securities). The Funds may also, in their sole discretion, upon request of a
shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs from
the exact composition of the Fund Securities, or cash lieu of some securities
added to the Cash Component, but in no event will the total value of the
securities delivered and the cash transmitted differ from the NAV. Redemptions
of Fund Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable
federal and state securities laws and each Fund (whether or not it otherwise
permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Unit
Aggregations for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver
specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first
registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an
investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a
particular stock included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of
a Creation Unit Aggregation may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The
Authorized Participant may request the redeeming Beneficial Owner of the Fund
Shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to
such matters as compensating cash payment, beneficial ownership of shares or
delivery instructions.
The chart below describes in further detail the placement of redemption
orders outside the clearing process.
TRANSMITTAL NEXT BUSINESS SECOND BUSINESS THIRD BUSINESS
DATE (T) DAY (T+1) DAY (T+2) DAY (T+3)
CREATION THROUGH NSCC
STANDARD ORDERS 4:00 p.m. No action. No action. Creation Unit
Aggregations will be
Order must be delivered.
received by the
Distributor.
CUSTOM ORDERS 3:00 p.m. No action. No action. Creation Unit
Aggregations will be
Order must be delivered.
received by the
Distributor.
Orders received
after 3:00 p.m.
will be treated as
standard orders.
CREATION OUTSIDE NSCC
STANDARD ORDERS 4:00 p.m. (ET) 11:00 a.m. (ET) No action. Creation Unit
Aggregations will be
Order in proper Deposit Securities must delivered.
form must be be received by a Fund's
received by the account through DTC.
Distributor.
2:00 p.m. (ET)
Cash Component must be
received by the Custodian.
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|
TRANSMITTAL NEXT BUSINESS SECOND BUSINESS THIRD BUSINESS
DATE (T) DAY (T+1) DAY (T+2) DAY (T+3)
STANDARD ORDERS CREATED 4:00 p.m. (ET) 11:00 a.m. (ET) No action. 1:00 p.m.
IN ADVANCE OF RECEIPT
BY THE TRUST OF ALL OR Order in proper Available Deposit Missing Deposit
A PORTION OF THE form must be Securities. Securities are due to
DEPOSIT SECURITIES received by the the Trust or the Trust
Distributor. Cash in an amount equal may use cash on deposit
to the sum of (i) the to purchase missing
Cash Component, plus Deposit Securities.
(ii) 115% of the market
value of the Creation Unit
undelivered Deposit Aggregations will be
Securities. delivered.
CUSTOM ORDERS 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. (ET) No action. Creation Unit
Aggregations will be
Order in proper Deposit Securities must delivered.
form must be be received by a Fund's
received by the account through DTC.
Distributor.
Order received 2:00 p.m. (ET)
after 3:00 p.m.
will be treated as Cash Component must be
standard orders. received by the Orders
Custodian.
REDEMPTION THROUGH NSCC
STANDARD ORDERS 4:00 p.m. (ET) No action. No action. Fund Securities and Cash
Redemption Amount will
Order must be be transferred.
received by the
Transfer Agent.
Orders received
after 4:00 p.m.
(ET) will be deemed
received on the
next business day
(T+1)
CUSTOM ORDERS 3:00 p.m. (ET) No action. No action. Fund Securities and Cash
Redemption Amount will
Order must be be transferred.
received by the
Transfer Agent
Order received
after 3:00 p.m.
will be treated as
standard orders.
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|
TRANSMITTAL NEXT BUSINESS SECOND BUSINESS THIRD BUSINESS
DATE (T) DAY (T+1) DAY (T+2) DAY (T+3)
REDEMPTION OUTSIDE NSCC
STANDARD ORDERS 4:00 p.m. (ET) 11:00 a.m. (ET) No action. Fund Securities and Cash
Redemption Amount is
Order must be Fund Shares must be delivered to the
received by the delivered through DTC redeeming beneficial
Transfer Agent. to the Custodian. owner.
Order received 2:00 p.m.
after 4:00 p.m.
(ET) will be deemed Cash Component, if any,
received on the is due.
next business day
(T+1).
*If the order is not in proper
form or the Fund Shares are
not delivered, then the order
will not be deemed received as
of T.
CUSTOM ORDERS 3:00 p.m. (ET) 11:00 a.m. (ET) No action. Fund Securities and Cash
Redemption Amount is
Order must be Fund Shares must be delivered to the
received by the delivered through DTC redeeming beneficial
Transfer Agent. to the Custodian. owner.
Order received 2:00 p.m.
after 3:00 p.m.
will be treated as Cash Component, if any,
standard orders. is due.
*If the order is not in proper
form or the Fund Shares are
not delivered, then the order
will not be deemed received as
of T.
|
FEDERAL TAX MATTERS
This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax
consequences of owning Shares of a Fund. This section is current as of the date
of the Prospectus. Tax laws and interpretations change frequently, and these
summaries do not describe all of the tax consequences to all taxpayers. For
example, these summaries generally do not describe your situation if you are a
corporation, a non-U.S. person, a broker-dealer, or other investor with special
circumstances. In addition, this section does not describe your state or foreign
tax consequences.
This federal income tax summary is based in part on the advice of
counsel to the Funds. The Internal Revenue Service could disagree with any
conclusions set forth in this section. In addition, our counsel was not asked to
review, and has not reached a conclusion with respect to the federal income tax
treatment of the assets to be deposited in the Funds. This may not be sufficient
for prospective investors to use for the purpose of avoiding penalties under
federal tax law.
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As with any investment, prospective investors should seek advice based
on their individual circumstances from their own tax advisor.
Each Fund intends to qualify annually and to elect to be treated as a
regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code.
To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment
generally accorded to regulated investment companies, each Fund must, among
other things, (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income
from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains
from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies or
other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in certain
publicly traded partnerships; (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of
each quarter of the taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of each
Fund's assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables),
U.S. Government securities, the securities of other regulated investment
companies and other securities, with such other securities of any one issuer
generally limited for the purposes of this calculation to an amount not greater
than 5% of the value of each Fund's total assets and not greater than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the
value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S.
Government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies)
of any one issuer, or two or more issuers which a Fund controls which are
engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or the securities
of one or more of certain publicly traded partnerships; and (c) distribute at
least 90% of its investment company taxable income (which includes, among other
items, dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains in excess of net
long-term capital losses) and at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income
each taxable year.
As regulated investment companies, the Funds generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal income tax on their investment company taxable income
(as that term is defined in the Code, but without regard to the deduction for
dividends paid) and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain
over net short-term capital loss), if any, that they distribute to shareholders.
The Funds intend to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually,
substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain.
If a Fund retains any net capital gain or investment company taxable income, it
will generally be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates on
the amount retained. In addition, amounts not distributed on a timely basis in
accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a
nondeductible 4% excise tax unless, generally, each Fund distributes during each
calendar year an amount equal to the sum of (1) at least 98% of its ordinary
income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar
year, (2) at least 98% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses
(adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the one-year period ending October 31
of the calendar year, and (3) any ordinary income and capital gains for previous
years that were not distributed during those years. In order to prevent
application of the excise tax, the Funds intend to make its distributions in
accordance with the calendar year distribution requirement. A distribution will
be treated as paid on December 31 of the current calendar year if it is declared
by a Fund in October, November or December with a record date in such a month
and paid by the Fund during January of the following calendar year. Such
-65-
distributions will be taxable to shareholders in the calendar year in which the
distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in which the
distributions are received.
If a Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company or failed
to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement in any taxable year, the Fund would
be taxed as an ordinary corporation on its taxable income (even if such income
were distributed to its shareholders) and all distributions out of earnings and
profits would be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends paid out of the Funds' investment company taxable income are
generally taxable to a shareholder as ordinary income to the extent of the
Fund's earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional
shares. However, certain ordinary income distributions received from a Fund may
be taxed at capital gains tax rates. In particular, ordinary income dividends
received by an individual shareholder from regulated investment companies such
as the Funds are generally taxed at the same rates that apply to net capital
gain, provided that certain holding period requirements are satisfied and
provided the dividends are attributable to qualifying dividends received by each
Fund itself. Dividends received by the Funds from REITs and foreign corporations
are qualifying dividends eligible for this lower tax rate only in certain
circumstances.
These special rules relating to the taxation of ordinary income
dividends from regulated investment companies generally apply to taxable years
beginning before January 1, 2011. The Funds will provide notice to its
shareholders of the amount of any distributions which may be taken into account
as a dividend which is eligible for the capital gains tax rates. The Funds can
not make any guarantees as to the amount of any distribution which will be
regarded as a qualifying dividend.
A corporation that owns Shares generally will not be entitled to the
dividends received deduction with respect to many dividends received from the
Funds because the dividends received deduction is generally not available for
distributions from regulated investment companies. However, certain ordinary
income dividends on Shares that are attributable to qualifying dividends
received by the Funds from certain domestic corporations may be designated by
the Funds as being eligible for the dividends received deduction.
Distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital
gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, properly designated as capital
gain dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains,
regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund Shares. Shareholders
receiving distributions in the form of additional Shares, rather than cash,
generally will have a cost basis in each such Share equal to the value of a
Share of the Fund on the reinvestment date. A distribution of an amount in
excess of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated
by a shareholder as a return of capital which is applied against and reduces the
shareholder's basis in his or her Shares. To the extent that the amount of any
such distribution exceeds the shareholder's basis in his or her Shares, the
excess will be treated by the shareholder as gain from a sale or exchange of the
Shares.
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Shareholders will be notified annually as to the U.S. federal income
tax status of distributions, and shareholders receiving distributions in the
form of additional Shares will receive a report as to the value of those Shares.
SALE OR EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES
Upon the sale or other disposition of Shares of the Funds, which a
shareholder holds as a capital asset, such a shareholder may realize a capital
gain or loss which will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the
shareholder's holding period for the Shares. Generally, a shareholder's gain or
loss will be a long-term gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than
one year.
Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the
extent that Shares disposed of are replaced (including through reinvestment of
dividends) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30
days after disposition of Shares or to the extent that the shareholder, during
such period, acquires or enters into an option or contract to acquire,
substantially identical stock or securities. In such a case, the basis of the
Shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss
realized by a shareholder on a disposition of Fund Shares held by the
shareholder for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss
to the extent of any distributions of long-term capital gain received by the
shareholder with respect to such Shares.
TAXES ON PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
If a shareholder exchanges equity securities for Creation Units the
shareholder will generally recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be
equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the
time and the shareholder's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and the
Cash Component paid. If a shareholder exchanges Creation Units for equity
securities, then the shareholder will generally recognize a gain or loss equal
to the difference between the shareholder's basis in the Creation Units and the
aggregate market value of the securities received and the Cash Redemption
Amount. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may assert that a loss realized
upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units or Creation Units for
securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales,"
or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.
NATURE OF FUND INVESTMENTS
Certain of the Funds' investment practices are subject to special and
complex federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i)
disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or
deductions, (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gain into higher taxed
short-term capital gain or ordinary income, (iii) convert an ordinary loss or a
deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv)
cause the Funds to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of
cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or
securities is deemed to occur and (vi) adversely alter the characterization of
certain complex financial transactions.
-67-
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS
The Funds' transactions in Futures Contracts and options will be
subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may affect
the character of gains and losses realized by the Funds (i.e., may affect
whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital, or short-term or long-term),
may accelerate recognition of income to the Funds and may defer Fund losses.
These rules could, therefore, affect the character, amount and timing of
distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require the Funds
to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat
them as if they were closed out), and (b) may cause the Funds to recognize
income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts
necessary to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement for qualifying to be taxed
as a regulated investment company and the 98% distribution requirement for
avoiding excise taxes.
INVESTMENTS IN CERTAIN FOREIGN CORPORATIONS
If a Fund holds an equity interest in any "passive foreign investment
companies" ("PFICs"), which are generally certain foreign corporations that
receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as
interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties or capital gains) or that hold
at least 50% of their assets in investments producing such passive income, the
Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and additional interest charges
on gains and certain distributions with respect to those equity interests, even
if all the income or gain is timely distributed to its Unitholders. A Fund will
not be able to pass through to its Unitholders any credit or deduction for such
taxes. A Fund may be able to make an election that could ameliorate these
adverse tax consequences. In this case, the Fund would recognize as ordinary
income any increase in the value of such PFIC shares, and as ordinary loss any
decrease in such value to the extent it did not exceed prior increases included
in income. Under this election, a Fund might be required to recognize in a year
income in excess of its distributions from PFICs and its proceeds from
dispositions of PFIC stock during that year, and such income would nevertheless
be subject to the distributions requirement and would be taken into account for
purposes of the 4% excise tax (described above). Dividends paid by PFICs will
not be treated as qualified dividend income.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
The Funds may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax from all
taxable distributions and sale proceeds payable to shareholders who fail to
provide the Funds with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make
required certifications, or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue
Service that they are subject to backup withholding. The withholding percentage
is 28% until 2011, when the percentage will revert to 31% unless amended by
Congress. Corporate shareholders and certain other shareholders specified in the
Code generally are exempt from such backup withholding. This withholding is not
an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the
shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability.
-68-
NON-U.S. SHAREHOLDERS
U.S. taxation of a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a
nonresident alien individual, a foreign trust or estate, a foreign corporation
or foreign partnership ("non-U.S. shareholder") depends on whether the income of
a Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by
the shareholder.
INCOME NOT EFFECTIVELY CONNECTED. If the income from a Fund is not
"effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the non-U.S.
shareholder, distributions of investment company taxable income will generally
be subject to a U.S. tax of 30% (or lower treaty rate), which tax is generally
withheld from such distributions.
Distributions of capital gain dividends and any amounts retained by a
Fund which are designated as undistributed capital gains will not be subject to
U.S. tax at the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate) unless the non-U.S.
shareholder is a nonresident alien individual and is physically present in the
United States for more than 182 days during the taxable year and meets certain
other requirements. However, this 30% tax on capital gains of nonresident alien
individuals who are physically present in the United States for more than the
182 day period only applies in exceptional cases because any individual present
in the United States for more than 182 days during the taxable year is generally
treated as a resident for U.S. income tax purposes; in that case, he or she
would be subject to U.S. income tax on his or her worldwide income at the,
graduated rates applicable to U.S. citizens, rather than the 30% U.S. tax. In
the case of a non-U.S. shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual, the
Funds may be required to withhold U.S. income tax from distributions of net
capital gain unless the non-U.S. shareholder certifies his or her non-U.S.
status under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption. If a
non-U.S. shareholder is a nonresident alien individual, any gain such
shareholder realizes upon the sale or exchange of such shareholder's shares of
the Funds in the United States will ordinarily be exempt from U.S. tax unless
the gain is U.S. source income and such shareholder is physically present in the
United States for more than 182 days during the taxable year and meets certain
other requirements.
INCOME EFFECTIVELY CONNECTED. If the income from a Fund is "effectively
connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by a non-U.S. shareholder,
then distributions of investment company taxable income and capital gain
dividends, any amounts retained by the Funds which are designated as
undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of
shares of the Funds will be subject to U.S. income tax at the graduated rates
applicable to U.S. citizens, residents and domestic corporations. Non-U.S.
corporate shareholders may also be subject to the branch profits tax imposed by
the Code. The tax consequences to a non-U.S. shareholder entitled to claim the
benefits of an applicable tax treaty may differ from those described herein.
Non-U.S. shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect
to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Funds.
-69-
OTHER TAXATION
Fund shareholders may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes on
their Fund distributions. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax
advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an
investment in the Funds.
DETERMINATION OF NAV
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Net Asset Value."
The per share NAV of a Fund is determined by dividing the total value
of the securities and other assets, less liabilities, by the total number of
Shares outstanding. A Fund's NAV may not be calculated on days during which a
Fund receives no orders to purchase shares and no shares are tendered for
redemption. In determining NAV, portfolio securities for a Fund for which
accurate market quotations are readily available will be valued by the Fund
accounting agent as follows:
(1) Common stocks and other equity securities listed on any
national or foreign exchange will be valued at the last sale price on
the exchange or system in which they are principally traded on the
valuation date and at the official closing price for securities listed
on NASDAQ(R). If there are no transactions on the valuation day,
securities traded principally on an exchange will be valued at the mean
between the most recent bid and ask prices.
(2) Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are
valued at their closing bid prices.
(3) Exchange traded options and Futures Contracts will be
valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are
principally traded. Over-the-counter options and Futures Contracts will
be valued at their closing bid prices.
(4) Forward foreign currency exchange contracts which are
traded in the United States on regulated exchanges will be valued by
calculating the mean between the last bid and asked quotations supplied
to a pricing service by certain independent dealers in such contracts.
In addition, the following types of securities will be valued as
follows:
(1) Fixed income securities with a remaining maturity of 60
days or more will be valued by the fund accounting agent using a
pricing service. When price quotes are not available, fair market value
is based on prices of comparable securities.
(2) Fixed income securities maturing within 60 days are
valued by the fund accounting agent on an amortized cost basis.
-70-
(3) Repurchase agreements will be valued as follows.
Overnight repurchase agreements will be valued at cost. Term repurchase
agreements (i.e., those whose maturity exceeds seven days) will be
valued by First Trust at the average of the bid quotations obtained
daily from at least two recognized dealers.
The value of any portfolio security held by a Fund for which market
quotations are not readily available will be determined by First Trust in a
manner that most fairly reflects fair market value of the security on the
valuation date, based on a consideration of all available information.
Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established
pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Board of Trustees or its
delegate at fair value. These securities generally include but are not limited
to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without
registration under the 1933 Act) for which a pricing service is unable to
provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a
security whose market price is not available from a pre-established pricing
source; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to
materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but
before the calculation of Fund NAV (as may be the case in foreign markets on
which the security is primarily traded) or make it difficult or impossible to
obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by
the pricing service, does not reflect the security's "fair value." As a general
principle, the current "fair value" of an issue of securities would appear to be
the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for them upon
their current sale. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the
fair value of such securities.
A Fund may suspend the right of redemption for the Fund only under the
following unusual circumstances: (a) when the NYSE is closed (other than
weekends and holidays) or trading is restricted; (b) when trading in the markets
normally utilized is restricted, or when an emergency exists as determined by
the SEC so that disposal of a Fund's investments or determination of its net
assets is not reasonably practicable; or (c) during any period when the SEC may
permit.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes."
GENERAL POLICIES. With respect to the MicroCap Fund, IPOX Fund, Equal
Weighted Fund, Technology Fund, Biotech Fund, Internet Fund, Strategic Value
Fund, Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Fund, Ex-Technology Fund, Clean Edge(R)
Fund, S&P REIT Fund, ISE Water Fund, ISE Gas Fund, ISE Chindia Fund and Value
Line(R) 100 Fund, dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and
paid semi-annually. With respect to the Dividend Leaders Fund and Value Line(R)
Dividend Fund, dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and
paid quarterly. Distributions of net realized securities gains, if any,
generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Trust may make
distributions on a more frequent basis. The Trust reserves the right to declare
special distributions if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary
-71-
or advisable to preserve the status of a Fund as a RIC or to avoid imposition of
income or excise taxes on undistributed income.
Dividends and other distributions of Fund Shares are distributed, as
described below, on a pro rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such Shares.
Dividend payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received from the Funds.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT SERVICE. No reinvestment service is provided by
the Trust. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend
Reinvestment Service for use by Beneficial Owners of the Funds for reinvesvent
of their dividend distributions. Beneficial Owners should contact their brokers
in order to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details
of participation therein. Brokers may require Beneficial Owners to adhere to
specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used,
dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically
reinvested in additional whole Shares of each Fund purchased in the secondary
market.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Counsel. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60603, is counsel to the Trust.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM. Deloitte & Touche LLP,
111 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as the Funds'
independent registered public accounting firm. The firm audits each Fund's
financial statements and performs other related audit services.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements and notes thereto for the Funds,
contained in the Annual Report to Shareholders dated December 31, 2007, are
incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information and have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting
firm, whose report also appears in the Annual Report and is also incorporated by
reference herein. No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated by
reference herein. The Annual Report is attached to this Statement of Additional
Information.
-72-
[LOGO OMITTED] FIRST TRUST
ADVISORS L.P.
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund
Annual Report
December 31, 2007
Front Cover
TABLE OF CONTENTS
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund
December 31, 2007
Shareholder Letter 2
Market Overview 3
Fund Performance Overview
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund 4
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 6
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 8
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund 10
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 12
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund 14
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund 16
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 18
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 20
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 22
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 24
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund 26
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 28
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 30
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 32
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 34
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund 36
Notes to Fund Performance Overview 38
Understanding Your Fund Expenses 39
Portfolio of Investments
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund 41
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 45
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 47
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund 49
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 51
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund 52
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund 53
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 54
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 55
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 58
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 61
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund 63
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 64
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 66
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 67
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 68
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund 70
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 72
Statements of Operations 76
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 80
Financial Highlights 86
Notes to Financial Statements 96
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 106
Additional Information 107
Board of Trustees and Officers 110
Risk Considerations 112
|
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. Forward-looking statements include
statements regarding the goals, beliefs, plans or current expectations of First
Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust" or the "Advisor") and its respective
representatives, taking into account the information currently available to
them. Forwardlooking statements include all statements that do not relate solely
to current or historical fact. For example, forward-looking statements include
the use of words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "expect,"
"believe," "plan," "may," "should," "would" or other words that convey
uncertainty of future events or outcomes.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund (the "Trust") to be materially different from
any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements. When evaluating the information included in this
report, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which reflect the judgment of the Advisor and its respective
representatives only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to
publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events and
circumstances that arise after the date hereof.
PERFORMANCE AND RISK DISCLOSURE
There is no assurance that any Fund (each, individually a "Fund" and
collectively, the "Funds") of the Trust will achieve its investment objective.
Each Fund of the Trust is subject to market risk, which is the possibility that
the market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline and that the
value of the Fund shares may therefore be less than what you paid for them.
Accordingly, you can lose money investing in a Fund.
Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of
future results, and current performance may be lower or higher than the figures
shown. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please visit
http://www.ftportfolios.com or speak with your financial advisor. Investment
returns, net asset value and share price will fluctuate and Fund shares may be
worth more or less than their original cost.
HOW TO READ THIS REPORT
This report contains information that may help you evaluate your investment. It
includes details about the portfolios and presents data and analysis that
provide insight into each Fund's performance and investment approach.
By reading the portfolio commentary by Robert F. Carey, Chief Investment Officer
of the Advisor, you may obtain an understanding of how the market environment
affected the performance of each Fund. The statistical information that follows
may help you understand each Fund's performance compared to that of relevant
market benchmarks.
It is important to keep in mind that the opinions expressed by Mr. Carey are
just that: informed opinions. They should not be considered to be promises or
advice. The opinions, like the statistics, cover the period through the date on
the cover of this report. The risks of investing in each Fund are spelled out in
its prospectus.
Page 1
SHAREHOLDER LETTER
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
ANNUAL REPORT
DECEMBER 31, 2007
Dear Shareholders:
We believe investment opportunities abound, both here and abroad,
affording the potential for exceptional returns for investors. At First
Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust"), we realize that we must be mindful
of the complexities of the global economy and at the same time address
the needs of our customers through the types of investments we bring to
market. We are single-minded about providing a range of investment
products, including our family of exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), to help
First Trust meet the challenge of maximizing our customers' financial
opportunities. Translating investment ideas into products which can
deliver performance over the long term while continuing to support our
current product line remains a focus for First Trust as we head into the
future.
Over the past 12 months, we have added 7 ETFs to our First Trust
Exchange-Traded Fund, one or more of which you may have purchased: First
Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund ("QQXT"), First Trust
NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund ("QCLN"), First
Trust S&P REIT Index Fund ("FRI"), First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund
("FNI"), First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund ("FCG"), First
Trust ISE Water Index Fund ("FIW") and First Trust Value Line(R) 100
Exchange-Traded Fund ("FVL"), which converted from a closed-end fund in
June 2007. We are proud to bring these unique investments to our
customers, and are pleased you have chosen one or more of our ETFs for a
portion of your investment portfolio. The report you hold will give you
detailed information about your investment in the First Trust
Exchange-Traded Fund for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2007. I
encourage you to read this report and discuss it with your financial
advisor. First Trust is pleased that our ETFs are a part of your
financial portfolio and we will continue to offer you current information
about your investment, as well as new opportunities to the financial
marketplace, through your financial advisor. We value our relationship
with you and appreciate the opportunity to assist you in achieving your
financial goals.
Sincerely,
/s/ James A. Bowen
James A. Bowen
President of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund
|
Page 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET OVERVIEW
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
ANNUAL REPORT
DECEMBER 31, 2007
[PHOTO OMITTED] ROBERT F. CAREY, CFA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
FIRST TRUST ADVISORS L.P.
Mr. Carey is responsible for the overall management of
research and analysis of the First Trust product line.
Mr. Carey has 21 years of experience as an Equity and
Fixed-Income Analyst and is a recipient of the
Chartered Financial Analyst ("CFA") designation. He is
a graduate of the University of Illinois at
Champaign-Urbana with a B.S. in Physics. He is also a
member of the Investment Analysts Society of Chicago
and the CFA Institute. Mr. Carey has appeared as a
guest on such programs as Bloomberg TV, CNBC, and WBBM
Radio, and has been quoted by several publications,
including The Wall Street Journal, The Wall Street
Reporter, Bloomberg News Service, and Registered Rep.
|
U.S. STOCKS AND BONDS
U.S. stocks posted positive returns for the 12-month period ended
December 31, 2007 as most major large-cap indices delivered gains in the
5.0% to 11.0% range. Mid-cap stocks outpaced both large- and small-caps,
though large-caps did manage to eclipse small-caps, something they have
generally struggled to do over the past eight years. Companies continued
to deliver better than expected earnings. Sixty-five percent of companies
exceeded their earnings estimates over the three quarters through and
including the third quarter of 2007, according to SeekingAlpha.com. The
percentage of firms topping their estimates since the end of 2001
fluctuated between 59% (third quarter of 2002) and 73% (third quarter of
2006). In addition, with respect to cash holdings, the nonfinancial
companies alone in the S&P 500 Index held $609.7 billion in cash and
equivalents at the end of December 2007, which is in the vicinity of the
all-time high of $640.1 billion, according to Standard & Poor's ("S&P").
This is encouraging news considering that over the past eleven quarters
through the third quarter of 2007, the S&P 500 Index companies combined
spent $1.12 trillion on stock buybacks; $1.24 trillion on capital
expenditures; and $594 billion on stock dividends, according to S&P.
U.S. debt securities, with the exception of municipal bonds, generally
also delivered solid returns in 2007. Most of the major taxable
investment-grade debt groups returned between 5.0% and 9.0%, according to
data from Lehman Brothers. The top-performing group was Treasuries, due
in large part, we believe, to the aggressive rate cuts initiated by the
Federal Reserve in September and October, 2007. It lowered the Federal
funds rate by a combined 75 basis points in these two months. Treasury
Bonds, as well as other highquality debt groups, also potentially
benefited from a "flight to quality" situation beginning in late July in
response to the start of the subprime mortgage meltdown.
FOREIGN STOCKS AND BONDS
The global growth story is not only driving foreign stock and bond
valuations higher but commodities as well. Some emerging markets, such as
India and China, are growing their economies at three to four times the
pace of U.S. growth. Foreign stocks and bonds of developed countries and
emerging market equities outperformed U.S. stock and bond averages for
the 12-month period ended December 2007. U.S. investors who owned foreign
securities over that one-year period saw their total returns enhanced by
the 10% decline in the U.S. dollar against a basket of major currencies
created by the Federal Reserve. The drop in the dollar accelerated in
September-October of 2007 due to the reduction in the Federal funds rate
from 5.25% to 4.50%. The rate cuts were viewed by foreign investors as
potentially inflationary moving forward. In our opinion, the spike in the
price of gold bullion in September-October, a hard asset characterized as
an inflation-hedge, supports that claim.
STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Despite many challenges, the U.S. economy has generally remained
resilient during this 12-month period, in our opinion. The economy has
been bolstered by strength in the following areas: job creation, personal
income levels growing at roughly twice the rate of inflation, high
productivity and a strong manufacturing sector. Some of the areas of the
U.S. economy that have been a drag on growth are as follows: high price
of oil, housing slump, subprime mortgage foreclosures and tighter lending
standards. In an effort to mitigate these concerns, the Federal Reserve
has cut short-term rates to help make capital more readily available.
While lower rates will not necessarily help the majority of homeowners
with adjustable-rate mortgages resetting in 2008, we believe that lower
rates could act as a positive catalyst for the stock market. We believe
this is potentially good for the economy since rising stock prices could
help offset some of the decline in real estate values for homeowners. The
consensus forecast from the Blue Chip Economic Indicators newsletter
released in December 2007 calls for 2.1% real Gross Domestic Product
growth for the U.S. in the year 2008. The current expansion entered its
seventh year in December 2007. The last two expansions lasted 7.7 and 10
years, respectively.
Page 3
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW
FDM - FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
The First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund (the "Fund") seeks
investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the
Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Dow Jones Select
MicroCap Index(SM) (the "Index"). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of
its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. The Index measures
the performance of selected U.S. micro-capitalization companies chosen from all
common stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE(R)"), the American
Stock Exchange, Inc. ("AMEX") and The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ(R)")
that are comparatively liquid and have strong fundamentals relative to the
micro-capitalization segment as a whole. The Fund's shares are listed for
trading on the AMEX. The first day of secondary market trading in shares of the
Fund was 09/30/05.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (09/27/05) Inception (09/27/05)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV -6.02% 5.47% 12.78%
Market Price -5.97% 5.55% 12.98%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) -5.29% 6.27% 14.74%
Russell 2000 Index -1.56% 8.23% 19.57%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. The industrials sector was the biggest contributor to portfolio
performance over the period covered by this report, led by Lindsay Corp.
Materials stocks turned in the best performance in the portfolio, adding to
portfolio returns. The consumer discretionary and financials sectors (with a
combined weight of over 30% in the portfolio over the period) hurt performance
as they were the two worst-performing sectors over the period.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund over the twelve months ended December
31, 2007, by percentage gain, were Blue Nile, Inc., Lindsay Corp., Genco
Shipping & Trading Ltd., Geo Group, Inc. and Perini Corp. The worst-performing
stocks, by percentage loss, were Alliance One International, Inc., Skechers USA,
Inc., First Cash Financial Services, Inc., Casual Male Retail Group, Inc. and
Strum Ruger & Co.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Industrials 21.74%
Consumer Discretionary 16.48
Health Care 13.43
Information Technology 12.98
Financials 12.97
Energy 6.57
Materials 6.30
Consumer Staples 4.99
Telecommunication Services 2.68
Utilities 2.13
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.27)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Darling International, Inc. 0.95%
ManTech International Corp., Class A 0.89
Chart Industries, Inc. 0.87
DCP Midstream Partners LP 0.79
CIRCOR International, Inc. 0.79
Lindsay Corp. 0.78
NBT Bancorp, Inc. 0.78
PrivateBancorp, Inc. 0.73
Dynamic Materials Corp. 0.71
Raven Industries, Inc. 0.71
---------
Total 8.00%
=========
_________________________
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Dow Jones and Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) are trademarks of Dow
Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use. The Fund, based on
the Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM), is not sponsored, endorsed, sold
or promoted by Dow Jones, and Dow Jones makes no representation regarding
the advisability of trading in the Fund.
Page 4
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FDM - FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
September 27, 2005 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust The Dow Jones
Dow Jones Select Select MicroCap
MicroCap Index(SM) Fund Index(SM) Russell 2000 Index
----------------------- --------------- ------------------
9/27/2005 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2005 10,374 10,397 10,254
12/31/2006 12,002 12,115 12,146
12/31/2007 11,279 11,474 11,956
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 28 3 4 0
9/30/2007 25 7 1 0
6/30/2007 32 1 0 0
3/31/2007 40 1 0 0
12/31/2006 45 0 0 0
9/30/2006 38 6 2 0
6/30/2006 17 1 0 0
3/31/2006 25 1 0 0
12/31/2005* 31 1 3 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 22 2 5 0
9/30/2007 29 1 0 0
6/30/2007 30 0 0 0
3/31/2007 19 1 0 0
12/31/2006 18 0 0 0
9/30/2006 17 0 0 0
6/30/2006 45 0 0 0
3/31/2006 36 0 0 0
12/31/2005* 29 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on September 30, 2005.
|
Page 5
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FDL - FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND
The First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund (the "Fund")
seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield
(before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index (the "Index"). The Fund will normally
invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the
Index. The objective of the Index is to offer investors a benchmark for dividend
portfolios as well as a means to invest in a portfolio of stocks that have a
consistent record of growing dividends as well as the ability to sustain them.
The Index consists of the top 100 stocks, based on dividend yield, of the
securities listed on one of the three major exchanges (the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE(R)"), the American Stock Exchange, Inc. ("AMEX") or The NASDAQ
Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ(R)")) that have been selected through the
application of Morningstar, Inc.'s proprietary multi-step screening process. The
Index is rebalanced four times annually in March, June, September and December.
The Fund's shares are listed for trading on the AMEX. The first day of secondary
market trading in shares of the Fund was 03/15/06.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (03/09/06) Inception (03/09/06)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV -10.64% 4.30% 7.93%
Market Price -10.03% 4.66% 8.61%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index -10.24% 4.71% 8.70%
S&P 500 Index 5.49% 10.26% 19.39%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. Telecommunication services and utilities were the biggest
contributors to performance on an absolute basis. AT&T and Verizon
Communications produced solid returns in the telecommunications sector, while
Dominion Resources was the biggest contributor to portfolio returns in the
utilities sector. Financials, the largest sector weighting at a 44.8% average
weight over the period, was the worst-performing sector as deteriorating credit
market conditions dragged down shares.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund over the twelve months ended December
31, 2007, by percentage gain, were AT&T Inc., Altria Group, Inc., Verizon
Communications, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc. and Dominion Resources, Inc. The
worst-performing stocks, by percentage loss, were Citigroup, Inc., Washington
Mutual, Inc., Bank of America Inc., Wachovia Corp. and National City Corp.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Financials 53.31%
Telecommunication Services 13.21
Utilities 12.54
Health Care 10.11
Consumer Staples 6.78
Materials 2.91
Industrials 0.80
Consumer Discretionary 0.12
Net Other Assets and Liabilities 0.22
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Bank of America Corp. 9.98%
Citigroup, Inc. 9.22
AT&T, Inc. 8.18
Pfizer, Inc. 7.20
Altria Group, Inc. 5.95
Verizon Communications, Inc. 5.03
Wachovia Corp. 4.84
Wells Fargo & Co. 4.17
U.S. Bancorp 3.33
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 2.91
---------
Total 60.81%
=========
_________________________
|
Morningstar is a service mark of Morningstar, Inc. and has been licensed for
use. The First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund is not
sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by Morningstar, Inc., nor does
this company make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in
the Fund.
Page 6
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FDL - FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
March 9, 2006 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust Morningstar(R) Morningstar(R)
Dividend Leaders(SM) Dividend Leaders
Index Fund Index(SM) S&P 500 Index
-------------------------- ---------------- -------------
3/9/2006 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2006 12,080 12,110 11,317
12/31/2007 10,795 10,870 11,938
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 24 4 5 0
9/30/2007 32 1 0 0
6/30/2007 35 1 0 0
3/31/2007 31 0 0 0
12/31/2006 47 0 0 0
9/30/2006 34 0 0 0
6/30/2006 24 8 3 0
3/31/2006* 11 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 21 9 1 0
9/30/2007 29 1 0 0
6/30/2007 27 0 0 0
3/31/2007 30 0 0 0
12/31/2006 16 0 0 0
9/30/2006 29 0 0 0
6/30/2006 28 0 0 0
3/31/2006* 2 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on March 15, 2006.
|
Page 7
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FPX - FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND
The First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund (the "Fund") seeks investment results that
correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees and
expenses) of an equity index called the IPOX-100 U.S. Index (the "Index"). The
Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Index is a modified value-weighted price index measuring
the performance of the top 100 U.S. companies ranked quarterly by market
capitalization in the IPOX Global Composite Index. The Index utilizes a 10%
capping on all constituents and includes the 100 largest, typically best
performing and most liquid initial public offerings ("IPOs") of the U.S.
companies in the IPOX Global Composite Index. The IPOX Global Composite Index is
reconstituted regularly with IPOs being added to the IPOX Global Composite Index
at their seventh trading day upon "going public" and automatically exiting after
1,000 trading days or approximately four years thereafter. The Index is
reconstituted quarterly to reflect changes in the stock market values of the
IPOX Global Composite Index constituents and IPO activity during the past
quarter with potential new companies entering the Index while other companies
reach 1,000 days in the Index and automatically drop out. The Fund's shares are
listed for trading on the AMEX. The first day of secondary market trading on
shares of the Fund was 04/13/06.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (04/12/06) Inception (04/12/06)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 14.53% 14.97% 27.12%
Market Price 15.08% 15.23% 27.62%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
IPOX-100 U.S. Index 15.15% 15.66% 28.44%
Russell 3000 Index 5.24% 9.28% 16.49%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. Information technology, led by Google, was the biggest contributor
to portfolio returns over the period. Industrials, led by solar industry
companies First Solar and SunPower, posted the highest sector return and
contributed positively to portfolio performance. The financials, consumer
staples, consumer discretionary and telecommunication services sectors all
posted negative returns in the portfolio over the period, thus hurting portfolio
results.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund over the twelve months ended December
31, 2007, by percentage gain, were Google, Inc., First Solar, Inc., MasterCard,
Inc., SunPower, Inc. and CF Industries Holdings, Inc. The worst-performing
stocks, by percentage loss, were Time Warner Cable, Inc., MetroPCS
Communications, Inc., NYSE Euronext, Genworth Financial, Inc. and Discover
Financial Services.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Information Technology 28.48%
Consumer Discretionary 16.50
Financials 15.88
Industrials 13.33
Energy 9.77
Health Care 6.89
Materials 4.47
Telecommunication Services 3.07
Consumer Staples 0.92
Utilities 0.87
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.18)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Google, Inc., Class A 9.98%
Viacom, Inc., Class B 5.34
MasterCard, Inc., Class A 5.25
Time Warner Cable, Inc., Class A 4.99
NYSE Euronext 4.31
Covidien Ltd. 4.08
First Solar, Inc. 3.86
Tyco Electronics Ltd. 3.42
Western Union Co. 3.38
Spectra Energy Corp. 3.02
---------
Total 47.63%
=========
_________________________
|
IPOX is a trademark of IPOX Schuster LLC, IPOX IPO Indexes and Derivatives
(patent pending).
Page 8
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FPX - FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
April 12, 2006 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust
IPOX-100 Index Fund IPOX-100 U.S. Index Russell 3000 Index
------------------- ------------------- ------------------
4/12/2006 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2006 11,100 11,154 11,069
12/31/2007 12,713 12,844 11,649
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 19 3 4 0
9/30/2007 30 5 0 1
6/30/2007 19 1 0 0
3/31/2007 28 0 0 0
12/31/2006 25 0 0 0
9/30/2006 2 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 10 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 33 4 1 0
9/30/2007 26 1 0 0
6/30/2007 43 0 0 0
3/31/2007 33 0 0 0
12/31/2006 38 0 0 0
9/30/2006 61 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 45 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on April 13, 2006.
|
Page 9
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
QQEW - FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND
The First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund (the "Fund") seeks
investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield
(before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) (the "Index"). The Fund will normally
invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise
the Index. The Index is the equal-weighted version of the NASDAQ-100
Index(R) which includes 100 of the largest non-financial securities
listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ(R)") based on market
capitalization. The Index contains the same securities as the NASDAQ-100
Index(R) but each of the securities is initially set at a weight of 1.00%
of the Index and is rebalanced quarterly. The Fund's shares are listed
for trading on the NASDAQ(R). The first day of secondary market trading
in shares of the Fund was 04/25/06.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (04/19/06) Inception (04/19/06)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 9.74% 5.99% 10.40%
Market Price 10.80% 6.52% 11.35%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) 10.35% 6.56% 11.42%
NASDAQ-100 Index(R) 19.24% 11.99% 21.24%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. Health care stocks posted strong returns in the portfolio over the
period, gaining more than the health care sector in the broader market. The
telecommunication services and energy sectors both posted negative returns for
the period, although minimal weightings in both sectors (3.2% and 0.9% average
weights, respectively), limited their impact on overall portfolio performance.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund over the twelve months ended December
31, 2007, by percentage gain, were Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Research In Motion
Ltd., Amazon.com, Inc., Apple Computer, Inc. and Millicom International Cellular
S.A. The worstperforming stocks, by percentage loss, were Sepracor, Inc.,
Starbucks Corp., Virgin Media, Inc., Network Appliance, Inc. and Level 3
Communications, Inc.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Information Technology 45.67%
Consumer Discretionary 19.36
Health Care 14.91
Industrials 11.15
Telecommunication Services 4.10
Consumer Staples 2.94
Materials 2.17
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.30)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Leap Wireless International, Inc. 1.23%
Research In Motion Ltd. 1.18
Activision, Inc. 1.15
Joy Global, Inc. 1.15
Steel Dynamics, Inc. 1.13
Hologic, Inc. 1.10
Oracle Corp. 1.09
Intuit, Inc. 1.08
Logitech International S.A. 1.07
Apple Computer, Inc. 1.07
---------
Total 11.25%
=========
_________________________
|
NASDAQ(R), NASDAQ-100, NASDAQ-100 Index(R), and NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted
Index(SM) are trademarks of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (which with its
affiliates is referred to as the Corporations) and are licensed for use
by First Trust Advisors L.P. The Fund has not been passed on by the
Corporations as to its legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued,
endorsed, sold, or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO
WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
Page 10
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
QQEW - FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
April 19, 2006 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust NASDAQ-100
Equal Weighted NASDAQ-100 Equal
Index(SM) Fund Weighted Index(SM) NASDAQ-100 Index(R)
---------------------- -------------------- -------------------
4/19/2006 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2006 10,060 10,097 10,168
12/31/2007 11,040 11,142 12,124
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and
do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on
Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is
a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or
sector. Unlike the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of
securities and therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund.
These expenses negatively impact the performance of the Fund.
The Fund's past performance is no guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 39 0 3 0
9/30/2007 32 0 0 0
6/30/2007 50 0 0 0
3/31/2007 30 0 0 0
12/31/2006 40 0 1 0
9/30/2006 43 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 22 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 22 0 0 0
9/30/2007 31 0 0 0
6/30/2007 13 0 0 0
3/31/2007 31 0 0 0
12/31/2006 22 0 0 0
9/30/2006 20 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 26 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on April 25, 2006.
|
Page 11
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
QTEC - FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
The First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund (the "Fund") seeks
investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the
Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the NASDAQ-100 Technology
Sector Index(SM) (the "Index"). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of
its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. The Index is an
equal-weighted index based on the securities of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that are
classified as "technology" according to the Industry Classification Benchmark
classification system. The NASDAQ-100 Index(R) includes 100 of the largest
domestic and international nonfinancial companies listed on The NASDAQ Stock
Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ(R)") based on market capitalization. The Fund's shares are
listed for trading on the NASDAQ(R). The first day of secondary market trading
in shares of the Fund was 04/25/06.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (04/19/06) Inception (04/19/06)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 7.66% 4.34% 7.50%
Market Price 7.82% 4.37% 7.55%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM) 8.25% 4.90% 8.47%
S&P 500 Information Technology Index 16.30% 11.17% 19.74%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. Research in Motion was the biggest contributor to portfolio
performance over the period as sales of the firm's Blackberry devices surpassed
expectations. Apple also posted strong performance due to strong Mac sales and
the launch of the much anticipated iPhone. Network Appliance was the biggest
drag on portfolio performance as sales and profits from the company's data
storage devices trailed estimates.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund over the twelve months ended December
31, 2007, by percentage gain, were Research In Motion Ltd., Apple Computer,
Inc., Juniper Networks, Inc., VeriSign, Inc. and Google, Inc. The
worst-performing stocks, by percentage loss, were Network Appliance, Inc., L.M.
Ericsson Telephone Co., Tellabs, Inc., Akamai Technologies, Inc. and Marvell
Technology, Inc.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Information Technology 100.35%
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.35)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Research In Motion Ltd. 3.00%
Oracle Corp. 2.77
Intuit, Inc. 2.76
Logitech International S.A. 2.73
Apple Computer, Inc. 2.72
Microsoft Corp. 2.70
Microchip Technology, Inc. 2.69
Infosys Technologies Ltd. ADR 2.68
Baidu.com ADR 2.67
Linear Technology Corp. 2.65
---------
Total 27.37%
=========
_________________________
|
NASDAQ(R), NASDAQ-100, NASDAQ-100 Index(R), and NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector
Index(SM) are trademarks of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (which with its
affiliates is referred to as the Corporations) and are licensed for use by First
Trust Advisors L.P. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to
its legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold, or promoted
by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY
WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
Page 12
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
QTEC - FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
April 19, 2006 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust NASDAQ-100 S&P 500
NASDAQ-100-Technology Technology Information
Sector Index(SM) Fund Sector Index(SM) Technology Index
--------------------- ---------------- -----------------
4/19/2006 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2006 9,985 10,020 10,296
12/31/2007 10,750 10,847 11,974
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 38 0 0 0
9/30/2007 39 0 0 0
6/30/2007 47 0 0 0
3/31/2007 29 0 0 0
12/31/2006 38 1 0 0
9/30/2006 33 0 1 1
6/30/2006* 32 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 26 0 0 0
9/30/2007 24 0 0 0
6/30/2007 16 0 0 0
3/31/2007 32 0 0 0
12/31/2006 24 0 0 0
9/30/2006 28 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 16 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on April 25, 2006.
|
Page 13
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FBT - FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND
The First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund (the "Fund") seeks investment
results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees
and expenses) of an equity index called the Amex(R) Biotechnology Index(SM) (the
"Index"). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in
common stocks that comprise the Index. The Index is an equal dollar-weighted
index designed to measure the performance of a cross section of companies in the
biotechnology industry that are primarily involved in the use of biological
processes to develop products or provide services. Such processes include, but
are not limited to, recombinant DNA technology, molecular biology, genetic
engineering, monoclonal antibody-based technology, lipid/liposome technology,
and genomics. This Index is rebalanced quarterly based on closing prices on the
third Friday in January, April, July and October to ensure that each component
stock continues to represent approximately equal weight in the Index. The Fund's
shares are listed for trading on the AMEX. The first day of secondary market
trading in shares of the Fund was 06/23/06.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (06/19/06) Inception (06/19/06)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 3.65% 13.87% 22.05%
Market Price 3.99% 14.20% 22.60%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Amex(R) Biotechnology Index(SM) 4.28% 14.57% 23.20%
NASDAQ(R) Biotechnology Index 4.64% 10.34% 16.30%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. Medimmune was the biggest contributor to the portfolio return over
the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, as it was acquired by AstraZeneca at
a 47% announced premium. ImClone also posted strong returns aided by positive
data on Erbitux, its biggest drug. InterMune had the most negative impact on
returns after the company announced it would stop advanced clinical trials for
its pulmonary fibrosis drug.
The top three performing stocks in the Fund over the period covered by this
report, by percentage gain, were Medimmune, ImClone Systems, Inc. and Invitrogen
Corp. The worst-performing stocks, by percentage loss, were InterMune, Inc.,
Nektar Therapeutics and Amgen, Inc.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Health Care 99.43%
Net Other Assets and Liabilities 0.57
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 6.94%
OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 6.94
Invitrogen Corp. 5.92
Human Genome Sciences, Inc. 5.92
Gilead Sciences, Inc. 5.74
Genzyme Corp. 5.45
Applera Corp. - Celera Group 5.44
Nektar Therapeutics 5.38
Millipore Corp. 4.92
Cephalon, Inc. 4.90
---------
Total 57.55%
=========
_________________________
|
The Amex(R) Biotechnology Index(SM) is a trademark of the American Stock
Exchange LLC and is licensed for use by First Trust Advisors L.P. The Fund is
not sponsored or endorsed by the American Stock Exchange LLC. American Stock
Exchange LLC makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the
owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in the Fund or the ability of the Fund to track the performance of the
various sectors represented in the stock market. American Stock Exchange LLC has
no obligation to take the needs of the owners of the Fund into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the Index. American Stock Exchange LLC is
not responsible for and has not participated in any determination or calculation
made with respect to issuance or redemption of the Fund.
Page 14
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FBT - FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
June 19, 2006 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust Amex(R) Amex(R)
Biotechnology Biotechnology NASDAQ(R)
Index Fund Index(SM) Biotechnology Index
------------------- ------------- --------------------
6/19/2006 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2006 11,775 11,815 11,114
12/31/2007 12,205 12,321 11,630
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 34 5 1 0
9/30/2007 47 1 0 0
6/30/2007 44 1 0 0
3/31/2007 37 1 0 0
12/31/2006 38 0 0 0
9/30/2006 20 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 6 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 21 2 1 0
9/30/2007 15 0 0 0
6/30/2007 18 0 0 0
3/31/2007 22 1 0 0
12/31/2006 25 0 0 0
9/30/2006 43 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 0 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on June 23, 2006.
|
Page 15
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FDN - FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND
The First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund (the "Fund") seeks
investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield
(before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Dow
Jones Internet Composite Index(SM) (the "Index"). The Fund will normally
invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise
the Index. The Index represents companies that generate the majority of
their revenues via the Internet. The Index was designed and is maintained
according to a set of rules that were devised with the goal of providing
clear and accurate views of the growing Internet market segment. The
Index aims to consistently represent 80% of the float-adjusted Internet
equity universe. The Index contains two sub-indexes, the Dow Jones
Internet Commerce Index and the Dow Jones Internet Services Index. For
its stock to be eligible for the "universe," a company must generate at
least 50% of annual sales/revenues from the Internet, and be currently
included in the Dow Jones U.S. Index. The Fund's shares are listed for
trading on the AMEX. The first day of secondary market trading on shares
of the Fund was 06/23/06.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (06/19/06) Inception (06/19/06)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 11.17% 15.93% 25.45%
Market Price 11.55% 16.26% 26.00%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Dow Jones Internet Composite Index(SM) 11.81% 16.57% 26.52%
S&P 500 Index 5.49% 13.77% 21.89%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. Amazon.com was the biggest contributor to the portfolio return over
the period as the firm benefited from strong gains in sales and profits. Google
was the second largest contributor to returns as consistent growth and continued
product expansion were the key factors in the company's positive performance.
E*TRADE Financial was the biggest drag on portfolio performance as a
deteriorating mortgage portfolio and tough credit market conditions weighed on
its shares.
The top three performing stocks in the Fund over the twelve months ended
December 31, 2007, by percentage gain, were Amazon.com, Inc., Google, Inc. and
VeriSign, Inc. The worst-performing stocks, by percentage loss, were E*TRADE
Financial Corp., Akamai Technologies, Inc. and IAC/InterActiveCorp.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Information Technology 67.96%
Consumer Discretionary 18.92
Financials 5.67
Industrials 3.31
Health Care 3.12
Money Market Funds 0.30
Net Other Assets and Liabilities 0.72
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Amazon.com, Inc. 10.35%
eBay, Inc. 10.07
Google, Inc., Class A 9.96
Yahoo!, Inc. 9.80
VeriSign, Inc. 7.40
BEA Systems, Inc. 4.92
Akamai Technologies, Inc. 4.86
IAC/InterActiveCorp. 4.73
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. 4.32
Priceline.com,Inc. 3.51
---------
Total 69.92%
=========
_________________________
|
Dow Jones and Dow Jones Internet Composite Index(SM) are trademarks of Dow Jones
& Company, Inc. and have been licensed for use. The Fund, based on the Dow Jones
Internet Composite Index(SM), is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by
Dow Jones, and Dow Jones makes no representation regarding the advisability of
trading in the Fund.
Page 16
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FDN - FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
June 19, 2006 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust
Dow Jones Internet Dow Jones Internet
Index(SM) Fund Composite Index(SM) S&P 500 Index
------------------ ------------------- -------------
6/19/2006 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2006 11,285 11,316 11,554
12/31/2007 12,546 12,652 12,188
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 20 4 3 0
9/30/2007 39 1 0 0
6/30/2007 32 1 0 0
3/31/2007 39 1 3 0
12/31/2006 33 0 0 0
9/30/2006 33 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 5 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 30 5 2 0
9/30/2007 23 0 0 0
6/30/2007 30 0 0 0
3/31/2007 18 0 0 0
12/31/2006 30 0 0 0
9/30/2006 30 0 0 0
6/30/2006* 1 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on June 23, 2006.
|
Page 17
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FDV - FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND
The First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund (the "Fund") seeks investment
results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees
and expenses) of an equity index called the Deutsche Bank CROCI(R) US+ Index(TM)
(the "Index"). The objective of the Index is to identify companies that may be
undervalued based upon their "economic" price/earnings ratios. The Index is an
equal dollar-weighted index which is intended to reflect the total return
performance of 40 stocks with the lowest CROCI(R) Economic Price Earnings Ratios
determined by taking the 251 stocks with the highest market capitalization in
the S&P 500(R) Index and then excluding any stocks issued by financial
companies. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in
common stocks that comprise the Index. The Fund's shares are listed for trading
on the AMEX. The first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund was
07/11/06.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (07/06/06) Inception (07/06/06)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 10.26% 14.37% 22.10%
Market Price 10.61% 14.71% 22.66%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Deutsche Bank CROCI(R) US+ Index(TM) 10.85% 14.76% 22.73%
S&P 500 Value Index 2.03% 10.02% 15.27%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. The energy sector was the biggest contributor to portfolio return of
the Fund over the period covered by this report. The sector posted strong
returns as sustained global economic activity led to rising crude oil prices
throughout the year. Industrials also posted strong returns over the period.
Consumer discretionary stocks were the biggest drag on portfolio performance as
concerns about the strength of consumer spending weighed on shares in the sector
over the second half of the year. Telecommunication services was the only other
sector to post a negative return for the period.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund over the twelve months ended December
31, 2007, by percentage gain, were Apache Corp., Occidental Petroleum Corp.,
Biogen Idec, Inc., EOG Resources, Inc. and Hess Corp. The worst-performing
stocks, by percentage loss, were Amgen, Inc., Home Depot, Inc., Sprint Nextel,
Inc., Harley-Davidson, Inc. and Lowe's Cos.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Consumer Discretionary 24.58%
Energy 24.24
Health Care 19.41
Industrials 12.20
Information Technology 10.04
Materials 4.90
Consumer Staples 2.50
Telecommunication Services 2.14
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.01)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Apache Corp. 2.77%
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. 2.76
Occidental Petroleum Corp. 2.74
ConocoPhillips 2.73
Noble Corp. 2.70
Marathon Oil Corp. 2.68
Texas Instruments, Inc. 2.67
Exxon Mobil Corp. 2.64
Chevron Corp. 2.63
CBS Corp., Class B 2.59
---------
Total 26.91%
=========
_________________________
|
"Deutsche Bank" and "Deutsche Bank CROCI(R) US+ Index(TM)" are service marks of
Deutsche Bank AG ("Deutsche Bank"). Deutsche Bank has no relationship to First
Trust or the Fund, other than the licensing of the Index and its service marks
for use in connection with the Fund.
Page 18
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FDV - FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
July 6, 2006 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust The Deutsche
DB Strategic Bank CROCI(R)
Value Index Fund US+ Index(TM) S&P 500 Value Index
---------------- ------------- -------------------
7/6/2006 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2006 11,074 11,072 11,298
12/31/2007 12,210 12,273 11,527
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 23 5 3 0
9/30/2007 32 2 1 0
6/30/2007 36 4 0 0
3/31/2007 30 4 0 0
12/31/2006 30 1 0 0
9/30/2006* 33 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 30 3 0 0
9/30/2007 28 0 0 0
6/30/2007 20 2 0 1
3/31/2007 22 3 2 0
12/31/2006 32 0 0 0
9/30/2006* 25 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on July 11, 2006.
|
Page 19
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FVI - FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND
The First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund (the "Fund") seeks
investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the
Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Value Line(R) Equity
Allocation Index (the "Index"). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of
its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. The Index is designed
to objectively identify and select those stocks from the 1,700-stock Value
Line(R) universe across market capitalizations and investment styles for growth
and value that appear to have the greatest potential for capital appreciation.
The Index is rebalanced on a semi-annual basis on the fourth business day of the
week containing the third Friday of February and August. The Fund's shares are
listed for trading on the AMEX. The first day of secondary market trading in
shares of the Fund was 12/07/06.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (12/05/06) Inception (12/05/06)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 4.65% 3.26% 3.50%
Market Price 4.85% 3.59% 3.85%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index 5.07% 3.71% 3.98%
Russell 3000 Index 5.24% 4.96% 5.33%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. Energy and materials were the best performing sectors and biggest
contributors to portfolio performance. Both sectors benefited from sustained
global economic growth over the period, which generally pushed up commodity
prices worldwide. The financials sector was the worst performing sector in the
portfolio as the fallout from deteriorating credit markets weighed on shares of
companies in this sector. Consumer discretionary stocks also held back
performance as concerns about slowing consumer spending hurt stock performance
especially in the second half of the year.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund over the twelve months ended December
31, 2007, by percentage gain, were Research In Motion Ltd., ALCAN, Inc., Nokia
Corp., Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. and Southern Copper Corp. The
worst-performing stocks, by percentage loss, were Moody's Corp., Ambac Financial
Group, Inc., Bear Stearns Cos., XL Capital Ltd. and Qwest Communications
International, Inc.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Industrials 19.54%
Energy 18.91
Financials 12.65
Consumer Discretionary 12.35
Information Technology 10.63
Utilities 8.79
Materials 7.53
Consumer Staples 4.43
Health Care 3.42
Telecommunication Services 2.13
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.38)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Research In Motion Ltd. 1.90%
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. 1.70
Transocean, Inc. 1.54
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B 1.50
CNH Global NV 1.50
Nokia Oyj ADR 1.48
Imperial Oil Ltd. 1.47
Apollo Group, Inc., Class A 1.41
British American Tobacco PLC ADR 1.39
Marathon Oil Corp. 1.38
---------
Total 15.27%
=========
_________________________
|
"Value Line(R)" and "Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index" are trademarks of
Value Line(R), Inc. and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First
Trust on behalf of the Fund. The Fund, based on the Value Line(R) Equity
Allocation Index, is not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by Value
Line(R), Inc., and Value Line(R) makes no representation regarding the
advisability of investing in the Fund.
Page 20
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FVI - FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
December 5, 2006 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust
Value Line(R) Equity Value Line(R)
Allocation Equity
Index Fund Allocation Index Russell 3000 Index
-------------------- ---------------- ------------------
12/5/2006 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2006 9,890 9,897 10,008
12/31/2007 10,350 10,399 10,532
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 21 4 2 0
9/30/2007 19 0 0 0
6/30/2007 20 1 0 0
3/31/2007 20 1 0 0
12/31/2006* 7 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 32 4 1 0
9/30/2007 44 0 0 0
6/30/2007 42 0 0 0
3/31/2007 39 1 0 0
12/31/2006* 9 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on December 7, 2006.
|
Page 21
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FVD - FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND
The First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund (the "Fund") seeks investment
results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees
and expenses) of an equity index called the Value Line(R) Dividend Index (the
"Index"). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in
common stocks that comprise the Index. The Index is designed to objectively
identify and select those stocks from the universe of stocks of which Value
Line, Inc.(R) gives a Safety(TM) Ranking of #1 or #2 in the Value Line(R)
Safety(TM) Ranking System and have the potential to pay above-average dividend
and capital appreciation. The Index is rebalanced on a monthly basis. The Fund's
shares are listed for trading on the AMEX.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (08/19/03) Inception (08/19/03)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV -3.42% 10.70% 55.85%
Market Price -3.05% 10.78% 56.35%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Value Line(R) Dividend Index -2.68% N.A. N.A.
S&P 500 Index 5.49% 11.14% 58.66%
|
On December 15, 2006, the Fund acquired the assets and adopted the
financial and performance history of First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend
Fund (the "Predecessor FVD Fund," a closed-end fund), which had an
inception date of August 19, 2003. The inception date total returns at
NAV include the sales load of $0.675 per share on the initial offering.
The investment goals, strategies and policies of the Fund are
substantially similar to those of the Predecessor FVD Fund. The
inception date of the Index was July 3, 2006. Returns for the Index are
only disclosed for those periods in which the Index was in existence for
the entire period. The cumulative total returns for the period from the
reorganization date (12/15/06) through (12/31/07) were -3.67% and -2.88%
at NAV and market price, respectively. That compares to an Index return
of -2.89% for that same period.
Prior to December 15, 2006, the price used to calculate market return
was the AMEX closing market price of the Predecessor FVD Fund. NAV and
market returns assume that all dividend distributions have been
reinvested in the Fund at NAV and Market Price, respectively. Prior to
December 15, 2006, NAV and market returns assumed that all dividend
distributions were reinvested at prices obtained by the Dividend
Reinvestment Plan of the Predecessor FVD Fund.
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. The utilities and consumer staples sectors were the biggest
contributors to portfolio performance over the period on an absolute basis. The
energy sector also performed well; however, a small share weight (3.4% average
weight over the period) limited their impact on portfolio performance. The
financials sector was the biggest drag on the performance as deteriorating
credit market conditions weighed on shares of companies in this sector. The
sector had the largest weight in the portfolio (33.1% average weight over the
period) and also turned in the worst performance. Consumer discretionary stocks
also turned in performance that was behind the overall market generally.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund over the twelve months ended December
31, 2007, by percentage gain, were PPL Corp., Constellation Energy Group, Inc.,
Unilever PLC, Mercantile Bankshares Corporation and ConocoPhillips. The
worst-performing stocks, by percentage loss, were McClatchy Co., National City
Corp., First Horizon National Corp., Freddie Mac and Zions Bancorp.
"Value Line(R)" and "Value Line(R) Dividend Index" are trademarks of Value
Line(R), Inc. and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust
on behalf of the Fund. The Fund, based on the Value Line(R) Dividend Index, is
not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by Value Line(R), Inc., and Value
Line(R) makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the
Fund.
Page 22
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FVD - FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Financials 33.20%
Utilities 22.07
Consumer Staples 12.10
Industrials 8.86
Consumer Discretionary 7.73
Health Care 4.93
Materials 3.88
Energy 3.39
Telecommunication Services 2.23
Information Technology 1.63
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.02)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Bemis Co., Inc. 0.58%
Freddie Mac 0.58
Portland General Electric Co. 0.58
Teleflex, Inc. 0.58
AGL Resources, Inc. 0.57
Avery Dennison Corp. 0.57
Enbridge, Inc. 0.57
Health Care Property Investors, Inc. 0.57
Total SA ADR 0.57
TransCanada Corp. 0.57
---------
Total 5.74%
=========
|
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
August 19, 2003 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust Value Line(R)
Dividend Index Fund S&P 500 Index
------------------------- -------------
8/19/2003 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2003 10,612 11,166
12/31/2004 12,605 12,381
12/31/2005 13,436 12,989
12/31/2006 16,137 15,040
12/31/2007 15,586 15,865
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 25 5 3 0
9/30/2007 15 0 0 0
6/30/2007 11 1 0 0
3/31/2007 5 0 0 0
12/31/2006* 0 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 23 7 1 0
9/30/2007 46 2 0 0
6/30/2007 51 0 0 0
3/31/2007 56 0 0 0
12/31/2006* 7 1 1 0
* Trading commenced on December 18, 2006.
|
Page 23
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
QQXT - FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
The First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund (the "Fund")
seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield
(before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the NASDAQ-100
Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM) (the "Index"). The Fund will normally invest at least
90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. The Index
contains securities of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R) that are not classified as
"technology" according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB)
classification system and, as a result, is a subset of the NASDAQ-100 Index(R).
The NASDAQ-100 Index(R) includes 100 of the largest domestic and international
non-financial companies listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ(R)")
based on market capitalization. The Index is equally-weighted and is rebalanced
four times annually in March, June, September and December. The Fund\'s shares
are listed for trading on the NASDAQ(R). The first day of secondary market
trading in shares of the Fund was 02/15/07.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS
Inception (02/08/07)
to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 5.95%
Market Price 6.00%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM) 6.53%
Russell 1000 Index 2.84%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. Health care stocks were the biggest contributors to portfolio
performance over the period since inception (02/08/07). In addition to being a
large weight in the portfolio (24.9% average weight over the period), the
portfolio's holdings in the health care sector outperformed the health care
sector in the broader market. Materials stocks posted the biggest gains over the
period since inception; however, a small weight (1.8% average weight over the
period) limited their impact on overall portfolio performance. The technology
sector was the second biggest contributor to portfolio performance. The
telecommunications services sector was the biggest drag on performance as the
sector posted double digit negative returns over the period.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund since inception (02/8/07), by
percentage gain, were Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., Medimmune,
Garmin Ltd. and Express Scripts. The worst-performing stocks, by percentage
loss, were Sepracor, Inc., Level 3 Communications, Inc., Monster Worldwide,
Inc., Sears Holdings Corp. and Virgin Media, Inc.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR (1) % OF NET ASSETS
Consumer Discretionary 31.82%
Health Care 24.51
Industrials 18.34
Information Technology 10.23
Telecommunication Services 6.73
Consumer Staples 4.83
Materials 3.56
Money Market 2.53
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (2.55)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Leap Wireless International, Inc. 2.03%
Joy Global, Inc. 1.89
Activision, Inc. 1.88
Steel Dynamics, Inc. 1.86
Hologic, Inc. 1.81
Electronic Arts, Inc. 1.75
Patterson Cos., Inc. 1.75
Focus Media Holding Ltd. ADR 1.73
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. 1.73
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ADR 1.73
---------
Total 18.16%
=========
|
(1) The above sector allocation is based on Standard & Poor's Global Industry
Classification Standard (GICS), and is different than the industry sector
classification system used by the Index to select securities, which is the
Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) system, the joint classification system
of Dow Jones Indexes and FTSE Group.
NASDAQ, NASDAQ-100, NASDAQ-100 Index(R), and NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM)
are trademarks of the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (which with its affiliates is
referred to as the Corporations) and are licensed for use by First Trust
Advisors L.P. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its
legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold, or promoted by
the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH
RESPECT TO THE FUND.
Page 24
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
QQXT - FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
February 8, 2007 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust
NASDAQ-100 NASDAQ-100
Ex-Technology Ex-Tech
Sector Index(SM) Fund Sector Index(SM) Russell 1000 Index
--------------------- ---------------- ------------------
02/08/2007 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2007 10,595 10,653 10,284
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 28 0 0 3
9/30/2007 31 0 0 0
6/30/2007 46 0 0 0
3/31/2007* 5 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 29 0 1 3
9/30/2007 30 1 1 0
6/30/2007 17 0 0 0
3/31/2007* 27 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on February 15, 2007.
|
Page 25
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
QCLN - FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND
The First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund (the
"Fund") seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the
NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index (the "Index"). The Fund will
normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise
the Index. All component securities of the Index are included in the Clean
Edge(R) Index, an equity index designed to track the performance of clean energy
companies that are publicly traded in the United States and includes companies
engaged in manufacturing, development, distribution and installation of emerging
clean-energy technologies including, but not limited to, solar photovoltaics,
biofuels and advanced batteries. The Index is a modified market capitalization
weighted index and under the Index's weighting methodology, in contrast to the
Clean Edge(R) Index, larger companies receive a larger Index weighting. The
Index weighting methodology also includes caps to prevent high concentrations
among larger alternative energy stocks. The Index is reconstituted semi-annually
in March and September and rebalanced quarterly. The Fund's shares are listed
for trading on the NASDAQ(R). The first day of secondary market trading in
shares of the Fund was 02/14/07.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS
Inception (02/08/07)
to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 54.30%
Market Price 54.30%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index 55.22%
Russell 2000 Index -5.10%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. The portfolio produced strong gains over the period since inception
(02/08/07) as rising global energy prices and demand for cleaner fuels helped to
push shares higher. Growth in the solar industry powered portfolio returns as
three of the four top performers were solar focused companies (First Solar,
SunPower, and Suntech). Oversupply and rising corn prices pressured shares of
companies in the ethanol industry. Pacific Ethanol and VeraSun were among the
biggest drags on performance over the period since inception.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund since inception, by percentage gain,
were First Solar, Inc., SunPower Corp., MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc., Suntech
Power Holdings Co. Ltd. and GrafTech International Ltd. The worst-performing
stocks, by percentage loss, were International Rectifier Corp., Power-One, Inc.,
Pacific Ethanol, Inc., VeraSun Energy Corp. and LDK Solar Co. Ltd.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Information Technology 44.82%
Industrials 43.04
Energy 4.78
Utilities 2.83
Materials 2.17
Health Care 1.22
Consumer Discretionary 0.75
Consumer Staples 0.19
Net Other Assets and Liabilities 0.20
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
First Solar, Inc. 8.45%
Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. ADR 8.02
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. 7.94
Linear Technology Corp. 7.66
SunPower Corp., Class A 6.35
Itron, Inc. 3.64
ON Semiconductor Corp. 3.22
International Rectifier Corp. 3.06
Cree, Inc. 2.91
Hexcel Corp. 2.88
---------
Total 54.13%
=========
_________________________
|
NASDAQ(R) and Clean Edge(R) are the registered trademarks (the "Marks") of The
NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ(R)") and Clean Edge, Inc. ("Clean Edge(R)")
respectively. NASDAQ(R) and Clean Edge(R) are, collectively with their
affiliates, the "Corporations." The Marks are licensed for use by First Trust
Advisors L.P. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its
legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold, or promoted by
the Corporations. The Fund should not be construed in any way as investment
advice by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO
LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
Page 26
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
QCLN - FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES
INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
February 8, 2007 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust NASDAQ(R)
NASDAQ(R) Clean Clean Edge(R)
Edge(R) U.S. Liquid U.S. Liquid
Series Index Fund Series Index Russell 2000 Index
--------------------- ---------------- ------------------
02/08/2007 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2007 15,430 15,522 9,490
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 16 0 4 1
9/30/2007 11 0 0 1
6/30/2007 8 0 0 1
3/31/2007* 4 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 43 0 0 0
9/30/2007 51 0 0 0
6/30/2007 54 0 0 0
3/31/2007* 28 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on February 14, 2007.
|
Page 27
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FRI - FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND
The First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (the "Fund") seeks investment results that
correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees and
expenses) of an equity index called the S&P REIT Composite Index (the "Index").
The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks
that comprise the Index. The Index measures the securitized U.S. real estate
investment trust ("REIT") market and is comprised of 100 companies and covers
approximately 89% of the U.S. REIT market (based on capitalization) and
maintains a constituency that reflects the composition of the overall REIT
market. The Index contains securities selected for market representation
according to geography and property type. All securities in the Index satisfy
the Index's liquidity, price, and market capitalization requirements. The
Standard & Poor's Index Committee, a team of Standard & Poor's economists and
index analysts, maintains the Index. The S&P Index Committee makes constituent
changes on an as-needed basis. Share adjustments that exceed 5% are made at the
time of the change. Share adjustments of less than 5% are made on a quarterly
basis. The Fund's shares are listed for trading on the AMEX. The first day of
secondary market trading in shares of the Fund was 05/10/07.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS
Inception (05/08/07)
to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV -19.08%
Market Price -19.22%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
S&P REIT Composite Index -19.04%
Russell 3000 Index -1.89%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. REIT shares were under pressure for most of the period since the
Fund's inception (05/08/07). Industrial REITs had the best relative performance
over the period as growth in rents and global trade benefited that segment of
the REIT market. Mortgage REITs, hurt by deteriorating credit market conditions,
were the worst performing sub-industry in the portfolio.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund since inception, by percentage gain,
were Archstone-Smith Trust, Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc., HCP, Inc.,
Rayonier, Inc. REIT and Equity Inns. The worst-performing stocks, by percentage
loss, were General Growth Properties, Inc., Simon Property Group, Vornado Realty
Trust, Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. and Developers Diversified Realty Corp.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Financials 99.26%
Money Market Funds 8.44
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (7.70)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Simon Property Group, Inc. 7.14%
ProLogis 6.01
J.P. Morgan Institutional Treasury
Money Market Fund 5.27
Vornado Realty Trust 4.34
Boston Properties, Inc. 4.04
General Growth Properties, Inc. 3.70
Equity Residential 3.64
Kimco Realty Corp. 3.39
Public Storage 3.37
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. 3.28
---------
Total 44.18%
=========
_________________________
|
Standard & Poor's(R), S&P(R) and S&P REIT Composite Index are registered
trademarks of Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
and have been licensed for use by First Trust Advisors L.P. The Fund is not
sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P and S&P makes no representation,
warranty or condition regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.
Page 28
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FRI - FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
May 8, 2007 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust S&P REIT
S&P REIT Composite
Index Fund Index Russell 3000 Index
--------------------- ---------------- ------------------
05/08/2007 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2007 8,092 8,096 9,811
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 13 10 1 1
9/30/2007 25 1 3 0
6/30/2007* 8 2 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 28 8 3 0
9/30/2007 31 1 2 0
6/30/2007* 26 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on May 10, 2007.
|
Page 29
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FIW - FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND
The First Trust ISE Water Index Fund (the "Fund") seeks investment results that
correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees and
expenses) of an equity index called the ISE Water Index(TM) (the "Index"). The
Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Index is a modified market capitalization weighted index
comprised of 36 stocks that derive a substantial portion of their revenues from
the potable and wastewater industries. The Index is rebalanced on a semi-annual
basis. The Fund's shares are listed for trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. The first
day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund was 05/11/07.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS
Inception (05/08/07)
to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 12.12%
Market Price 12.12%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
ISE Water Index(TM) 12.60%
Russell 3000 Index -1.89%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. The portfolio produced solid returns in the period since inception
(05/08/07) as the global demand for water and water infrastructure drove
earnings on the underlying stocks higher. Companies focused on producing the
technology and infrastructure to support the growth of the water industry fared
the best over the period. Water utilities posted returns that trailed those of
the portfolio as a whole; however, they still outpaced water utilities in the
broader market.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund since inception, by percentage gain,
were Calgon Carbon Corp., Flowserve Corp., Lindsay Corp., Itron, Inc. and
Valmont Industries, Inc. The worst-performing stocks, by percentage loss, were
Mueller Water Products, Ashland, Inc., Watts Water Technologies, Inc.,
Insituform Technologies, Inc. and Mueller Industries, Inc.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Industrials 61.29%
Utilities 19.44
Materials 11.45
Information Technology 4.17
Health Care 3.76
Money Market Funds 0.54
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.65)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Itron, Inc. 4.17%
ITT Corp. 4.15
Nalco Holding Co. 4.13
Veolia Environnement ADR 4.03
Danaher Corp. 3.99
Companhia de Saneamento Basico do
Estado de Sao Paulo ADR 3.95
Pentair, Inc. 3.95
Pall Corp. 3.88
Roper Industries, Inc. 3.81
Flowserve Corp. 3.77
---------
Total 39.83%
=========
_________________________
|
"International Securities Exchange(TM)", "ISE(TM)" and "ISE Water Index(TM)" are
trademarks of the International Securities Exchange(TM) and have been licensed
for use for certain purposes by First Trust Advisors L.P. The Fund, based on the
ISE Water Index(TM), is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the
International Securities Exchange(TM) and the International Securities
Exchange(TM) makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in
such products.
Page 30
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FIW - FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
May 8, 2007 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust
ISE Water ISE Water
Index Fund Index(TM) Russell 3000 Index
--------------------- ---------------- ------------------
05/08/2007 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2007 11,212 11,260 9,811
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend
distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a
shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of
Fund shares. An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified
financial market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the indices do not actually
hold a portfolio of securities and therefore do not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses negatively impact the performance of
the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 27 0 0 0
9/30/2007 13 0 0 1
6/30/2007* 11 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 36 0 1 0
9/30/2007 49 0 0 0
6/30/2007* 24 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on May 11, 2007.
|
Page 31
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FCG - FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND
The First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund (the "Fund") seeks investment
results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees
and expenses) of an equity index called the ISE-REVERE Natural Gas Index(TM)
(the "Index"). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in
common stocks that comprise the Index. The Index is an equal-weighted index
comprised of exchange-listed companies that derive a substantial portion of
their revenues from the exploration and production of natural gas. The Index is
constructed by establishing the universe of stocks listed in the U.S. of
companies involved in the natural gas exploration and production industries and
then eliminates stocks whose natural gas proven reserves do not meet certain
requirements. The Index then ranks all candidate stocks using four different
methods and, often averaging the rankings, selects the top 30 stocks based on
the final rank. The Index is rebalanced on a quarterly basis. The Fund's shares
are listed for trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. The first day of secondary market
trading in shares of the Fund was 05/11/07.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS
Inception (05/08/07)
to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 11.67%
Market Price 11.62%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
ISE-REVERE Natural Gas Index(TM) 12.13%
Russell 3000 Index -1.89%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. The Fund posted strong returns in the period since inception
(05/08/07). Natural gas prices over the period were relatively flat with the
nearest futures contract month for Nymex natural gas declining from
$7.779/Million British Thermal Units ("MMbtu") in the beginning of the return
period to $7.483/MMbtu as of 12/31/2007. Baker Hughes reported that natural gas
rig counts also declined slightly to 1452 from 1462 in the same time period.
While natural gas fundamentals were soft, many natural gas companies did well
due to their related exposure to petroleum. The nearest futures month Nymex WTI
crude oil gained 46% over the period increasing from $65.71 per barrel to $95.98
per barrel by the end of 2007. Apache Corp., Range Resource Corp. and Noble
Energy were the top three contributors to the performance of the Fund; all three
have some operations in crude.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund since inception, by percentage gain,
were Apache Corp., Range Resources Corp., Noble Energy, Inc., Delta Petroleum
Corp. and Quicksilver Resources, Inc. The worst-performing stocks, by percentage
loss, were NGAS Resources, Inc., Rosetta Resources, Inc., Compton Petroleum
Corp., EV Energy Partners L.P. and GMX Resources, Inc.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Energy 90.45%
Utilities 9.55
Money Market Funds 0.64
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.64)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Delta Petroleum Corp. 4.17%
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. 3.51
Petrohawk Energy Corp. 3.50
Rosetta Resources, Inc. 3.50
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. 3.41
EXCO Resources, Inc. 3.41
Forest Oil Corp. 3.40
Pioneer Natural Resources Co. 3.38
Noble Energy, Inc. 3.38
Edge Petroleum Corp. 3.37
---------
Total 35.03%
=========
_________________________
|
"International Securities Exchange(TM)", "ISE(TM)" and "ISE-REVERE Natural Gas
Index(TM)" are trademarks of the International Securities Exchange(TM) and have
been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust Advisors L.P. The
Fund, based on the ISE-REVERE Natural Gas Index(TM), is not sponsored, endorsed,
sold or promoted by the International Securities Exchange(TM) and the
International Securities Exchange(TM) makes no representation regarding the
advisability of trading in such products.
Page 32
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FCG - FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
May 8, 2007 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust ISE-REVERE
ISE-Revere Natural Natural Gas
Gas Index Fund Index(TM) Russell 3000 Index
--------------------- ---------------- ------------------
05/08/2007 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2007 11,167 11,213 9,811
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 19 0 0 1
9/30/2007 18 0 0 1
6/30/2007* 12 0 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 43 1 0 0
9/30/2007 43 1 0 0
6/30/2007* 23 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on May 11, 2007.
|
Page 33
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FNI - FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND
The First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund (the "Fund") seeks investment results
that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees and
expenses) of an equity index called the ISE ChIndia Index(TM) (the "Index"). The
Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that
comprise the Index. The Index is a non-market capitalization weighted portfolio
of 50 American Depositary Receipts, American Depositary Shares and/or stocks
selected from a universe of all listed ADRs, ADSs, and/or stocks of companies
from China and India currently trading on a U.S. exchange. The Index is
rebalanced on a semi-annual basis. The Fund's shares are listed for trading on
the NYSE Arca, Inc. The first day of secondary market trading in shares of the
Fund was 05/11/07.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS
Inception (05/08/07)
to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 38.73%
Market Price 38.78%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
ISE ChIndia Index(TM) 39.52%
Russell 3000 Index -1.89%
|
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. The portfolio produced strong returns in the period since inception
(05/08/07) as generally strong economic growth in both China and India drove
equity returns. On a relative basis, Chinese stocks outperformed Indian stocks
over the period as evidenced by the fact that the top five contributors to
performance were all Chinese firms.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund since inception, by percentage gain,
were China Mobile Ltd., Baidu.com, Inc., CNOOC Ltd., China Life Insurance Co.
Ltd. and PetroChina Co. Ltd. The worst-performing stocks, by percentage loss,
were WNS Holdings Ltd., Infosys Technologies Ltd., Wipro Ltd., Patni Computer
Systems and Qiao Xing Universal Telephone, Inc.
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Information Technology 26.73%
Energy 16.72
Financials 14.72
Telecommunication Services 12.08
Materials 11.41
Industrials 8.30
Consumer Discretionary 5.31
Health Care 3.43
Utilities 0.70
Consumer Staples 0.68
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.08)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Infosys Technologies Ltd. ADR 7.39%
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. ADR 7.24
China Mobile Ltd. ADR 6.92
ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR 6.90
Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd. ADR 6.86
PetroChina Co., Ltd. ADR 6.70
Wipro Ltd. ADR 4.06
Satyam Computer Services Ltd. ADR 3.99
Baidu.com ADR 3.94
HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR 3.93
---------
Total 57.93%
=========
_________________________
|
"International Securities Exchange(TM)", "ISE(TM)" and "ISE ChIndia
Index(TM)" are trademarks of the International Securities Exchange(TM) and
have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust Advisors
L.P. The Fund, based on the ISE ChIndia Index(TM), is not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by the International Securities Exchange(TM) and
the International Securities Exchange(TM) makes no representation regarding
the advisability of trading in such products.
Page 34
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FNI - FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND (CONTINUED)
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
May 8, 2007 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust
ISE Chindia ISE ChIndia
Index Fund Index(TM) Russell 3000 Index
--------------------- ---------------- ------------------
05/08/2007 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/2007 13,873 13,952 9,811
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 41 1 0 1
9/30/2007 29 0 0 1
6/30/2007* 12 1 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 21 0 0 0
9/30/2007 33 0 0 0
6/30/2007* 22 0 0 0
* Trading commenced on May 11, 2007.
|
Page 35
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FVL - FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
The First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund (the "Fund") is an
exchange-traded index fund. In accordance with the terms of the Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") adopted by the Board of Trustees of the
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund (the "Predecessor FVL Fund," a closed-end
fund) on January 17, 2007 and approved by the Predecessor FVL Fund shareholders
on May 17, 2007, the Predecessor FVL Fund was reorganized with and into the Fund
effective June 15, 2007. Pursuant to the Plan, the shares of the Predecessor FVL
Fund ceased trading on the American Stock Exchange, Inc. ("AMEX") on Friday,
June 15, 2007 and the Fund began trading on the AMEX on Monday, June 18, 2007
under the ticker symbol "FVL," the same ticker symbol previously used by the
Predecessor FVL Fund. The assets of the Predecessor FVL Fund were transferred
to, and the liabilities of the Predecessor FVL Fund were assumed by the Fund in
exchange for shares of the Fund on a one-for-one share basis. Fund shares were
distributed to the Predecessor FVL Fund shareholders, on a tax-free basis for
federal income tax purposes, and the Predecessor FVL Fund has been terminated.
The objective of the Fund is to seek investment results that correspond
generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an
equity index called the Value Line(R) 100 Index (the "Index"). The Fund will
normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise
the Index. The Index is an equal-dollar weighted index that is designed to
objectively identify and select 100 stocks from the universe of stocks to which
Value Line(R) assigns a #1 ranking in the Value Line(R) TimelinessTM Ranking
System (the "Ranking System"). At any one time, only 100 stocks are assigned a
#1 ranking in the Ranking System. The Index is rebalanced quarterly.
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
AVERAGE ANNUAL CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURNS TOTAL RETURNS
12 Months Ended Inception (06/12/03) Inception (06/12/03)
12/31/07 to 12/31/07 to 12/31/07
FUND PERFORMANCE
NAV 19.91% 13.15% 75.63%
Market Price 30.58% 13.23% 76.22%
INDEX PERFORMANCE
Russell 3000 Index 5.24% 11.57% 64.66%
|
On June 15, 2007, the Fund acquired the assets and adopted the financial
and performance history of the Predecessor FVL Fund, which had an
inception date of June 12, 2003. The inception date total returns at NAV
include the sales load of $0.675 per share on the initial offering.
The investment goals, strategies and policies of the Fund are
substantially similar to those of the Predecessor FVL Fund. The
inception date of the Index was January 16, 2007. Returns for the Index
will only be disclosed for those periods in which the Index was in
existence for the entire period. The cumulative total returns for the
period from the reorganization date (06/15/07) through period end
(12/31/07) were 6.61% and 6.96% at NAV and market price, respectively.
That compares to an Index return of 7.02% for that same period. Prior to
June 15, 2007, the price used to calculate market return was the AMEX
closing market price of the Predecessor FVL Fund. Prior to June 15,
2007, NAV and market returns assumed that all dividend distributions
were reinvested at prices obtained by the Dividend Reinvestment Plan of
the Predecessor FVL Fund.
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 38.)
FUND RECAP. The portfolio produced strong returns over the period since the
Fund's reorganization from a closed-end fund into an exchange-traded fund
(06/15/07) as the growth-oriented momentum stocks in the portfolio outpaced the
broader market. Consumer discretionary stocks were the biggest contributors to
portfolio performance on an absolute basis. The portfolio benefited from both
strong returns along with a large weighting in the consumer discretionary
sector. Materials and industrials stocks also produced strong returns. The
telecommunication services sector produced the smallest gain in the portfolio;
however, the performance was still inline with the overall market.
The top five performing stocks in the Fund since inception, by percentage gain,
were Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc., Research In Motion Ltd., Priceline.com,
Inc., Flir Systems, Inc. and Apple Computer, Inc. The worst-performing stocks,
by percentage loss, were Sepracor, Inc., ValueClick, Inc., Penford Corp.,
CryoLife, Inc. and Moldflow Corp.
"Value Line(R)" and "Value Line(R) 100 Index" are trademarks of Value Line(R),
Inc. and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust on
behalf of the Fund. The Fund, based on the Value Line(R) 100 Index, is not
sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by Value Line(R), Inc., and Value Line(R)
makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.
Page 36
FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
FVL - FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND (CONTINUED)
PORTFOLIO SECTOR ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECTOR % OF NET ASSETS
Information Technology 24.15%
Industrials 23.30
Health Care 18.35
Consumer Discretionary 11.96
Materials 9.31
Financials 5.13
Energy 4.11
Consumer Staples 3.09
Telecommunication Services 1.03
Net Other Assets and Liabilities (0.43)
---------
Total 100.00%
=========
|
TOP TEN PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
SECURITY % OF NET ASSETS
Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. 1.07%
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. 1.07
Agrium, Inc. 1.06
ArthroCare Corp. 1.06
Mosaic (The) Co. 1.06
Robbins & Myers, Inc. 1.06
Learning Tree International, Inc. 1.06
Amazon.com, Inc. 1.05
Deere & Co. 1.05
Cubic Corp. 1.05
---------
Total 10.59%
=========
|
Growth of a $10,000 Initial Investment
June 12, 2003 - December 31, 2007
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
EDGARIZATION OF DATA POINTS
First Trust
Value Line(R) 100
Exchange-Traded Fund Russell 3000 Index
---------------------- ------------------
06/12/03 $10,000 $10,000
12/31/03 11,591 11,382
12/31/04 13,104 12,742
12/31/05 14,658 13,522
12/31/06 15,331 15,646
12/31/07 17,562 16,464
|
Performance figures assume reinvestment of all dividend distributions and do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. An index is a
statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike
the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. The Fund's past performance is no
guarantee of future results.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF DISCOUNTS AND PREMIUMS
BID/ASK MIDPOINT VS. NAV AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007
The following Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums charts are
provided to show the frequency at which the bid/ask midpoint price for
the Fund was at a discount or premium to the daily NAV. The following
tables are for comparative purposes only and represent the periods
indicated.
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint At/Above NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 18 5 4 0
9/30/2007 21 3 0 0
6/30/2007* 0 1 0 0
Number of Days Bid/Ask Midpoint Below NAV
Quarter Ended 0-49 Basis Points 50-99 Basis Points 100-199 Basis Points >= 200 Basis Points
12/31/2007 28 7 2 0
9/30/2007 38 1 0 0
6/30/2007* 8 1 0 0
* Trading commenced on June 18, 2007.
|
Page 37
NOTES TO FUND PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW
Total returns for the periods since inception are calculated from the inception
date of each Fund. "Average annual total returns" respresent the average annual
change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. "Cumulative total
returns" represent the total change in value of an investment over the periods
indicated. The total returns would have been lower if certain fees had not been
waived and expenses reimbursed by the Advisor.
The Fund's per share net asset value ("NAV") is the value of one share of the
Fund and is computed by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including
accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued
expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of outstanding
shares. The price used to calculate market return ("Market Price") is determined
by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the stock
exchange on which shares of the Fund are listed for trading as of the time that
the Fund's NAV is calculated. Since shares of the Fund did not trade in the
secondary market until after the Fund's inception, for the period from inception
to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund, the NAV of
the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate
market returns. NAV and market returns assume that all dividend distributions
have been reinvested in the Fund at NAV and Market Price, respectively. An index
is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector.
Unlike the Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and
therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the Fund. Also, market returns do not
include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market
transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be
lower. The total returns presented reflect the reinvestment of dividends on
securities in the indices. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of
taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or
sale of Fund shares. The investment return and principal value of shares of the
Fund will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares of the Fund may be
worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in
the market. The Fund's past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Page 38
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND EXPENSES
DECEMBER 31, 2007
As a shareholder of First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund, First
Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund, First Trust IPOX-100 Index
Fund, First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund, First Trust
NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology
Index Fund, First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund, First Trust DB
Strategic Value Index Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index
Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund, First Trust NASDAQ-100
Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S.
Liquid Series Index Fund, First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund, First Trust ISE Water
Index Fund, First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund, First Trust ISE
Chindia Index Fund, or First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund
(collectively, the "Funds"), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction
costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or
service fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you
understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to
compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the
period and held through the six-month period ended December 31, 2007.
ACTUAL EXPENSES
The first line in the following table provides information about actual account
values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together
with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the
six-month period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an
$8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the
number in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During the
Six-Month Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this
six-month period.
HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES
The second line in the following table provides information about hypothetical
account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund's actual expense
ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not
each Fund's actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not
be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for
the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of
investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical
example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports
of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your
ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as brokerage
commissions paid on purchases and sales of Fund shares. Therefore the second
line in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help
you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition,
if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
ANNUALIZED
EXPENSE RATIO
BEGINNING ENDING BASED ON THE EXPENSES PAID
ACCOUNT VALUE ACCOUNT VALUE SIX-MONTH DURING THE
JULY 1, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2007 PERIOD (A) SIX-MONTH PERIOD (B)
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $884.70 0.60% $2.85
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $870.60 0.45% $2.12
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.94 0.45% $2.29
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $1,026.40 0.60% $3.06
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $999.10 0.60% $3.02
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $984.00 0.60% $3.00
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
Page 39
|
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND EXPENSES (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
ANNUALIZED
EXPENSE RATIO
BEGINNING ENDING BASED ON THE EXPENSES PAID
ACCOUNT VALUE ACCOUNT VALUE SIX-MONTH DURING THE
JULY 1, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2007 PERIOD (A) SIX-MONTH PERIOD (B)
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $1,008.30 0.60% $3.04
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM) FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $966.90 0.60% $2.97
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $981.10 0.65% $3.25
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.93 0.65% $3.31
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $975.40 0.70% $3.49
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.68 0.70% $3.57
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $941.00 0.70% $3.42
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.68 0.70% $3.57
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $1,013.40 0.60% $3.05
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $1,313.80 0.60% $3.50
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $881.70 0.50% $2.37
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.69 0.50% $2.55
FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $1,030.00 0.60% $3.07
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $1,100.20 0.60% $3.18
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $1,266.90 0.60% $3.43
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,022.18 0.60% $3.06
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
Actual $1,000.00 $1,073.70 0.70% $3.66
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) $1,000.00 $1,021.68 0.70% $3.57
(a) These expense ratios reflect expense caps.
(b) Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio as indicated in
the table multiplied by the average account value over the period (July
1, 2007 through December 31, 2007), multiplied by 184/365.
|
Page 40
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.3%
Aerospace & Defense--0.8%
1,682 American Science & Engineering,
Inc. $ 95,453
1,617 LMI Aerospace, Inc. (b) 42,867
-------------
138,320
-------------
Air Freight & Logistics--0.2%
1,564 Park-Ohio Holdings Corp. (b) 39,256
-------------
Airlines--0.7%
2,546 Allegiant Travel Co. (b) 81,829
3,385 Pinnacle Airlines Corp. (b) 51,621
-------------
133,450
-------------
Auto Components--1.2%
3,998 Aftermarket Technology Corp. (b) 108,986
5,521 Spartan Motors, Inc. 42,180
3,984 Superior Industries International,
Inc. 72,389
-------------
223,555
-------------
Beverages--0.5%
1,881 Boston Beer (The) Co., Inc.,
Class A (b) 70,820
1,886 MGP Ingredients, Inc. 17,766
-------------
88,586
-------------
Building Products--0.6%
5,119 Gibraltar Industries, Inc. 78,935
3,114 Insteel Industries, Inc. 36,527
-------------
115,462
-------------
Capital Markets--1.2%
3,921 Calamos Asset Management, Inc.,
Class A 116,768
6,411 TradeStation Group, Inc. (b) 91,100
-------------
207,868
-------------
Chemicals--3.5%
4,597 A. Schulman, Inc. 99,065
3,389 American Vanguard Corp. 58,799
3,093 Flotek Industries, Inc. (b) 111,472
4,761 ICO, Inc. (b) 61,131
2,853 Koppers Holdings, Inc. 123,365
4,446 Landec Corp. (b) 59,576
2,738 LSB Industries, Inc. (b) 77,266
1,632 Penford Corp. 41,763
-------------
632,437
-------------
Commercial Banks--6.6%
2,316 Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. 60,679
3,961 Cascade Bancorp 55,137
4,132 Chemical Financial Corp. 98,300
3,021 City Holding Co. 102,231
3,523 CoBiz Financial, Inc. 52,387
5,500 Community Bank System, Inc. 109,285
2,189 Greene BancShares, Inc. 42,029
Commercial Banks (Continued)
2,538 Independent Bank Corp. $ 69,084
4,086 Nara Bancorp, Inc. 47,684
6,128 NBT Bancorp, Inc. 139,840
4,047 PrivateBancorp, Inc. 132,135
3,895 Renasant Corp. 84,015
2,798 Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida 28,763
4,754 Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (b) 86,761
2,853 West Coast Bancorp 52,781
-------------
1,161,111
-------------
Commercial Services & Supplies--7.4%
2,898 American Ecology Corp. 68,045
4,908 Bowne & Co., Inc. 86,381
9,502 CBIZ, Inc. (b) 93,215
2,402 CDI Corp. 58,273
2,473 COMSYS IT Partners, Inc. (b) 39,024
1,850 Cornell Cos., Inc. (b) 43,142
2,046 Courier Corp. 67,538
2,021 CRA International, Inc. (b) 96,219
4,673 Ennis, Inc. 84,114
4,610 Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (b) 38,770
1,239 ICF International, Inc. (b) 31,297
5,095 Innerworkings, Inc. (b) 87,940
7,637 Kforce, Inc. (b) 74,461
4,643 LECG Corp. (b) 69,924
6,462 On Assignment, Inc. (b) 45,299
3,192 Pike Electric Corp. (b) 53,498
1,966 Schawk, Inc. 30,512
10,400 Spherion Corp. (b) 75,712
3,312 Team, Inc. (b) 121,152
1,218 Waste Industries USA, Inc. 44,213
-------------
1,308,729
-------------
Communications Equipment--1.4%
2,800 Anaren, Inc. (b) 46,172
2,814 EMS Technologies, Inc. (b) 85,095
6,785 Ixia (b) 64,322
3,740 Oplink Communications, Inc. (b) 57,409
-------------
252,998
-------------
Computers & Peripherals--0.7%
3,840 STEC, Inc. (b) 33,562
3,842 Stratasys, Inc. (b) 99,277
-------------
132,839
-------------
Construction & Engineering--0.8%
1,894 Integrated Electrical Services,
Inc. (b) 35,588
1,279 Michael Baker Corp. (b) 52,567
1,643 Northwest Pipe Co. (b) 64,307
-------------
152,462
-------------
Consumer Finance--0.4%
5,098 First Cash Financial Services,
Inc. (b) 74,839
-------------
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 41
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (Continued)
Diversified Consumer
Services--0.5%
977 CPI Corp. $ 23,008
4,379 Universal Technical Institute,
Inc. (b) 74,443
-------------
97,451
-------------
Diversified Financial
Services--0.3%
1,992 ASTA Funding, Inc. 52,668
-------------
Diversified Telecommunication
Services--2.3%
7,854 Alaska Communications Systems
Group, Inc. 117,811
1,753 Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. 59,216
4,286 Consolidated Communications
Holdings, Inc. 85,291
5,058 FairPoint Communications, Inc. 65,855
5,776 Iowa Telecommunications Services,
Inc. 93,918
-------------
422,091
-------------
Electrical Equipment--0.7%
2,173 Azz, Inc. (b) 61,605
3,684 LSI Industries, Inc. 67,048
-------------
128,653
-------------
Electronic Equipment &
Instruments--3.7%
6,598 CTS Corp. 65,518
2,806 FARO Technologies, Inc. (b) 76,267
15,397 Kemet Corp. (b) 102,082
3,446 LoJack Corp. (b) 57,927
6,870 Methode Electronics, Inc. 112,943
3,403 Park Electrochemical Corp. 96,101
3,032 SYNNEX Corp. (b) 59,427
7,771 TTM Technologies, Inc. (b) 90,610
-------------
660,875
-------------
Energy Equipment & Services--4.9%
4,784 Bronco Drilling Co., Inc. (b) 71,042
1,312 Dawson Geophysical Co. (b) 93,756
2,043 Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc. 64,784
4,889 Matrix Service Co. (b) 106,679
16,434 Newpark Resources, Inc. (b) 89,565
840 OYO Geospace Corp. (b) 63,302
9,114 Pioneer Drilling Co. (b) 108,275
2,746 Superior Well Services, Inc. (b) 58,270
2,237 T-3 Energy Services, Inc. (b) 105,161
2,318 Trico Marine Services, Inc. (b) 85,812
2,125 Union Drilling, Inc. (b) 33,511
-------------
880,157
-------------
Food & Staples Retailing--1.4%
2,465 Nash Finch Co. 86,965
Food & Staples Retailing (Continued)
2,263 PriceSmart, Inc. $ 68,026
3,919 Spartan Stores, Inc. 89,549
-------------
244,540
-------------
Food Products--1.1%
14,844 Darling International, Inc. (b) 171,596
1,532 Imperial Sugar Co. 28,756
-------------
200,352
-------------
Gas Utilities--0.7%
3,719 Laclede Group (The), Inc. 127,339
-------------
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies--4.8%
2,019 Aspect Medical Systems, Inc. (b) 28,266
1,533 Cynosure, Inc. (b) 40,563
2,355 Datascope Corp. 85,722
2,329 ICU Medical, Inc. (b) 83,867
3,350 IRIS International, Inc. (b) 65,727
1,681 Kensey Nash Corp. (b) 50,296
2,707 Medical Action Industries, Inc. (b) 56,441
3,260 Natus Medical, Inc. (b) 63,081
5,647 Quidel Corp. (b) 109,947
5,942 Symmetry Medical, Inc. (b) 103,569
1,490 Vital Signs, Inc. 76,169
3,681 Zoll Medical Corp. (b) 98,356
-------------
862,004
-------------
Health Care Providers &
Services--6.3%
1,969 Air Methods Corp. (b) 97,800
4,520 Alliance Imaging, Inc. (b) 43,482
2,293 American Dental Partners, Inc. (b) 22,999
2,161 Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc. (b) 70,621
5,438 Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (b) 77,437
1,700 Emergency Medical Services Corp. (b) 49,776
4,763 Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (b) 90,688
3,943 Matria Healthcare, Inc. (b) 93,725
2,378 Medcath Corp. (b) 58,404
2,209 MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. (b) 88,360
6,033 Odyssey HealthCare, Inc. (b) 66,725
2,137 Providence Service (The) Corp. (b) 60,135
3,210 RehabCare Group, Inc. (b) 72,418
4,648 Res-Care, Inc. (b) 116,944
7,015 Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. (b) 120,447
-------------
1,129,961
-------------
Health Care Technology--0.2%
1,874 Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. 42,615
-------------
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure--3.7%
5,222 AFC Enterprises (b) 59,113
3,320 BJ'S Restaurants, Inc. (b) 53,983
2,825 Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. (b) 65,597
5,346 California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (b) 83,237
|
Page 42 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
Common Stocks (Continued)
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (Continued)
3,940 Marcus (The) Corp. $ 60,873
2,714 McCormick & Schmick's Seafood
Restaurants, Inc. (b) 32,378
2,162 Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (b) 52,061
2,045 Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc. (b) 19,080
2,553 Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc. (b) 74,216
2,853 Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (b) 91,267
4,760 Steak N Shake (The) Co. (b) 51,884
2,462 Town Sports International Holdings,
Inc. (b) 23,537
-------------
667,226
-------------
Household Durables--1.1%
5,221 Helen of Troy Ltd. (b) 89,488
1,654 Lifetime Brands, Inc. 21,469
2,639 Universal Electronics, Inc. (b) 88,248
-------------
199,205
-------------
Household Products--0.6%
2,922 WD-40 Co. 110,948
-------------
Industrial Conglomerates--0.7%
3,326 Raven Industries, Inc. 127,685
-------------
Insurance--2.9%
9,776 American Equity Investment Life
Holding Co. 81,043
1,777 American Physicians Capital, Inc. 73,674
2,786 First Mercury Financial Corp. (b) 67,978
6,610 Meadowbrook Insurance Group,
Inc. (b) 62,200
5,114 OneBeacon Insurance Group Ltd. 109,952
2,866 Seabright Insurance Holdings (b) 43,219
3,142 Stewart Information Services Corp. 81,975
-------------
520,041
-------------
Internet & Catalog Retail--1.2%
3,617 FTD Group, Inc. 46,587
2,547 Gaiam, Inc. (b) 75,595
4,472 PetMed Express, Inc. (b) 54,111
3,253 Stamps.com, Inc. (b) 39,622
-------------
215,915
-------------
Internet Software & Services--1.8%
3,769 Greenfield Online, Inc. (b) 55,065
5,320 Perficient, Inc. (b) 83,737
11,419 SonicWALL, Inc. (b) 122,411
4,896 Vignette Corp. (b) 71,531
-------------
332,744
-------------
IT Services--1.9%
9,824 Ciber, Inc. (b) 60,025
6,130 infoUSA, Inc. 54,741
3,669 ManTech International Corp.,
Class A (b) 160,775
IT Services (Continued)
2,410 SI International, Inc. (b) $ 66,203
-------------
341,744
-------------
Leisure Equipment & Products--1.4%
5,191 Jakks Pacific, Inc. (b) 122,559
3,485 RC2 Corp. (b) 97,824
4,163 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (b) 34,470
-------------
254,853
-------------
Life Sciences Tools & Services--1.2%
4,314 Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (b) 62,035
5,312 Cambrex Corp. 44,515
2,356 Kendle International, Inc. (b) 115,255
-------------
221,805
-------------
Machinery--8.6%
4,830 Altra Holdings, Inc. (b) 80,323
1,663 American Railcar Industries, Inc. 32,013
1,370 Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp. 52,238
2,268 Badger Meter, Inc. 101,947
6,999 Blount International, Inc. (b) 86,158
5,067 Chart Industries, Inc. (b) 156,569
3,061 CIRCOR International, Inc. 141,908
3,442 Columbus McKinnon Corp. (b) 112,278
2,178 Dynamic Materials Corp. 128,284
1,961 Gehl Co. (b) 31,454
2,787 Greenbrier Cos., Inc. 62,039
2,105 Hardinge, Inc. 35,322
974 Hurco Cos., Inc. (b) 42,515
2,557 Kadant, Inc. (b) 75,866
1,931 L.B. Foster Co., Class A (b) 99,891
1,983 Lindsay Corp. 140,178
2,157 Sun Hydraulics, Corp. 54,421
845 Twin Disc, Inc. 59,801
5,613 Wabash National Corp. 43,164
-------------
1,536,369
-------------
Marine--0.4%
1,976 TBS International Ltd. (b) 65,327
-------------
Media--2.3%
5,873 Cox Radio, Inc., Class A (b) 71,357
2,781 DG Fastchannel, Inc. (b) 71,305
10,970 Entravision Communications Corp.,
Class A (b) 85,895
8,665 Journal Communications, Inc.,
Class A 77,465
3,781 Playboy Enterprises, Inc.,
Class B (b) 34,483
9,712 Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.,
Class A 79,736
-------------
420,241
-------------
Metals & Mining--0.7%
3,224 A.M. Castle & Co. 87,661
1,853 Claymont Steel Holdings, Inc. (b) 43,268
-------------
130,929
-------------
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 43
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES SELECT MICROCAP INDEX(SM) FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (Continued)
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels--1.7%
3,097 DCP Midstream Partners LP (c) $ 142,307
7,870 PetroQuest Energy, Inc. (b) 112,541
1,677 TransMontaigne Partners LP (c) 47,610
-------------
302,458
-------------
Paper & Forest Products--2.1%
7,187 Buckeye Technologies, Inc. (b) 89,838
8,235 Glatfelter 126,077
2,715 Neenah Paper, Inc. 79,142
2,871 Schweitzer-Mauduit International,
Inc. 74,388
-------------
369,445
-------------
Personal Products--1.0%
5,000 Elizabeth Arden, Inc. (b) 101,750
1,731 Inter Parfums, Inc. 31,106
6,450 Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (b) 48,246
-------------
181,102
-------------
Pharmaceuticals--0.9%
2,525 Bradley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 49,743
2,337 Obagi Medical Products, Inc. (b) 42,744
8,671 Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (b) 68,327
-------------
160,814
-------------
Road & Rail--0.4%
4,351 Celadon Group, Inc. (b) 39,855
2,770 Marten Transport Ltd. (b) 38,642
-------------
78,497
-------------
Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment--1.8%
14,756 Cirrus Logic, Inc. (b) 77,912
3,882 Cohu, Inc. 59,395
9,392 Mattson Technology, Inc. (b) 80,395
4,989 Rudolph Technologies, Inc. (b) 56,475
3,553 Ultra Clean Holdings (b) 43,347
-------------
317,524
-------------
Software--1.6%
11,095 Actuate Corp. (b) 86,208
1,547 Interactive Intelligence, Inc. (b) 40,763
4,471 Radiant Systems, Inc. (b) 77,035
7,107 Tyler Technologies, Inc. (b) 91,610
-------------
295,616
-------------
Specialty Retail--2.8%
3,720 A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. (b) 51,150
3,811 Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. 54,955
6,740 Casual Male Retail Group, Inc. (b) 34,913
5,635 Cato (The) Corp., Class A 88,244
2,192 Conn's, Inc. (b) 37,505
3,309 Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. (b) 94,141
2,712 Midas, Inc. (b) 39,758
Specialty Retail (Continued)
3,700 Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. $ 72,113
2,631 West Marine, Inc. (b) 23,626
-------------
496,405
-------------
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury
Goods--2.2%
3,436 Maidenform Brands, Inc. (b) 46,489
3,545 Movado Group, Inc. 89,653
2,126 Perry Ellis International, Inc. (b) 32,698
3,370 Steven Madden Ltd. (b) 67,400
2,573 True Religion Apparel, Inc. (b) 54,934
2,631 UniFirst Corp. 99,978
-------------
391,152
-------------
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance--1.8%
3,524 Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin, Inc. 82,884
9,671 Bank Mutual Corp. 102,223
5,771 Dime Community Bancshares 73,696
1,160 WSFS Financial Corp. 58,232
-------------
317,035
-------------
Tobacco--0.4%
17,591 Alliance One International, Inc. (b) 71,595
-------------
Trading Companies &
Distributors--0.5%
4,775 Rush Enterprises, Inc., Class A (b) 86,810
-------------
Water Utilities--1.4%
3,133 American States Water Co. 118,051
2,386 SJW Corp. 82,723
4,425 Southwest Water Co. 55,401
-------------
256,175
-------------
Wireless Telecommunication
Services--0.3%
4,247 USA Mobility, Inc. 60,732
-------------
Total Investments--100.3%
(Cost $19,454,663) 18,041,010
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(0.3%) (48,209)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 17,992,801
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Master limited partnership ("MLP").
Page 44 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--99.8%
Building Products--0.8%
22,949 Masco Corp. $ 495,928
-------------
Chemicals--2.7%
38,347 Dow Chemical (The) Co. 1,511,639
3,759 Olin Corp. 72,661
6,407 RPM International, Inc. 130,062
-------------
1,714,362
-------------
Commercial Banks--29.2%
7,755 Associated Banc-Corp. 210,083
3,869 BancorpSouth, Inc. 91,347
39,957 BB&T Corp. 1,225,481
1,416 Chemical Financial Corp. 33,687
8,984 Citizens Banking Corp. 130,358
11,654 Colonial BancGroup (The), Inc. 157,795
12,960 Comerica, Inc. 564,149
1,678 Community Bank System, Inc. 33,342
5,599 F.N.B. Corp. 82,305
44,814 Fifth Third Bancorp. 1,126,176
1,280 First Charter Corp. 38,221
3,282 First Financial Bancorp 37,415
16,945 First Horizon National Corp. 307,552
2,830 First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. 86,598
6,119 FirstMerit Corp. 122,441
13,198 Fulton Financial Corp. 148,082
38,824 Huntington Bancshares, Inc. 573,042
33,479 KeyCorp 785,083
75,251 National City Corp. 1,238,631
2,666 National Penn Bancshares, Inc. 40,363
1,513 NBT Bancorp, Inc. 34,527
5,422 Old National Bancorp 81,113
2,991 Pacific Capital Bancorp 60,209
924 Park National Corp. 59,598
18,351 PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. 1,204,743
22,910 Popular, Inc. 242,846
2,630 Provident Bankshares Corp. 56,256
1,410 S&T Bancorp., Inc. 38,972
4,466 South Financial Group (The), Inc. 69,804
20,043 SunTrust Banks, Inc. 1,252,487
4,171 Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. 76,913
9,107 TCF Financial Corp. 163,289
2,672 Trustmark Corp. 67,762
67,764 U.S. Bancorp 2,150,829
2,353 United Bankshares, Inc. 65,931
7,723 Valley National Bancorp 147,200
24,958 W Holding Co., Inc. 30,698
82,339 Wachovia Corp. 3,131,351
89,398 Wells Fargo & Co. 2,698,925
1,316 WesBanco, Inc. 27,110
4,311 Whitney Holding Corp. 112,733
3,748 Wilmington Trust Corp. 131,930
-------------
18,937,377
-------------
Commercial Services &
Supplies--0.0%
1,622 Kimball International, Inc. $ 22,221
-------------
Diversified Financial
Services--19.2%
156,334 Bank of America Corp. 6,450,341
202,403 Citigroup, Inc. 5,958,744
-------------
12,409,085
-------------
Diversified Telecommunication
Services--13.2%
127,179 AT&T, Inc. 5,285,559
74,423 Verizon Communications, Inc. 3,251,541
-------------
8,537,100
-------------
Electric Utilities--5.2%
2,729 Cleco Corp. 75,866
5,506 DPL, Inc. 163,253
2,359 Empire District Electric (The) Co. 53,738
6,765 Great Plains Energy, Inc. 198,350
1,252 Otter Tail Corp. 43,319
9,559 Pepco Holdings, Inc. 280,365
6,861 Pinnacle West Capital Corp. 290,975
17,977 Progress Energy, Inc. 870,626
35,597 Southern Co. 1,379,384
-------------
3,355,876
-------------
Gas Utilities--1.1%
4,906 AGL Resources, Inc. 184,661
5,839 Atmos Energy Corp. 163,726
1,224 Laclede Group (The), Inc. 41,910
2,704 Nicor, Inc. 114,514
3,697 Piedmont Natural Gas Co., Inc. 96,714
2,877 WGL Holdings, Inc. 94,251
-------------
695,776
-------------
Household Durables--0.1%
2,249 Tupperware Brands Corp. 74,285
-------------
Insurance--1.4%
6,499 Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. 157,211
8,160 Cincinnati Financial Corp. 322,647
2,645 Commerce Group (The), Inc. 95,167
1,524 Mercury General Corp. 75,910
2,707 Unitrin, Inc. 129,909
2,533 Zenith National Insurance Corp. 113,301
-------------
894,145
-------------
Metals & Mining--0.3%
2,871 Nucor Corp. 170,021
-------------
Multi-Utilities--6.3%
13,600 Ameren Corp. 737,256
1,695 Black Hills Corp. 74,750
1,085 CH Energy Group, Inc. 48,326
18,020 Consolidated Edison, Inc. 880,277
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 45
FIRST TRUST MORNINGSTAR(R) DIVIDEND LEADERS(SM) INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (Continued)
Multi-Utilities (Continued)
13,516 Dominion Resources, Inc. $ 641,334
10,975 DTE Energy Co. 482,461
10,020 Energy East Corp. 272,644
5,352 NSTAR 193,849
4,834 OGE Energy Corp. 175,426
5,867 Puget Energy, Inc. 160,932
6,054 SCANA Corp. 255,176
4,671 Vectren Corp. 135,506
-------------
4,057,937
-------------
Pharmaceuticals--10.1%
70,822 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 1,878,199
204,903 Pfizer, Inc. 4,657,446
-------------
6,535,645
-------------
Real Estate Investment
Trusts--0.3%
4,674 Rayonier, Inc. 220,800
-------------
Thrifts & Mortgage
Finance--3.1%
5,526 Astoria Financial Corp. 128,590
4,412 Corus Bankshares, Inc. 47,076
7,075 First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. 85,183
1,528 Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. 10,650
4,792 Washington Federal, Inc. 101,159
119,923 Washington Mutual, Inc. 1,632,152
-------------
2,004,810
-------------
Tobacco--6.8%
50,877 Altria Group, Inc. 3,845,283
9,767 UST, Inc. 535,232
-------------
4,380,515
-------------
Total Investments--99.8%
(Cost $76,588,671) 64,505,883
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--0.2% 144,606
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 64,650,489
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
Page 46 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.2%
Aerospace & Defense--1.6%
2,812 DynCorp International, Inc.,
Class A (b) $ 75,587
6,879 Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc.,
Class A (b) 237,325
2,328 TransDigm Group, Inc. (b) 105,155
-------------
418,067
-------------
Biotechnology--0.2%
3,005 Theravance, Inc. (b) 58,598
-------------
Building Products--0.3%
3,401 Goodman Global, Inc. (b) 83,461
-------------
Capital Markets--5.5%
11,441 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. 630,513
1,451 GFI Group, Inc. (b) 138,890
1,331 Greenhill & Co., Inc. 88,485
5,321 Lazard Ltd., Class A 216,458
5,902 MF Global Ltd. (b) 185,736
3,658 Och-Ziff Capital Management
Group, Class A 96,132
3,107 optionsXpress Holdings, Inc. 105,079
-------------
1,461,293
-------------
Chemicals--4.5%
7,461 Celanese Corp., Class A 315,749
2,756 CF Industries Holding, Inc. 303,325
10,953 Huntsman Corp. 281,492
7,048 Nalco Holding Co. 170,421
3,644 Rockwood Holdings, Inc. (b) 121,054
-------------
1,192,041
-------------
Commercial Services &
Supplies--1.1%
4,292 EnergySolutions, Inc. (b) 115,841
3,091 IHS, Inc., Class A (b) 187,191
-------------
303,032
-------------
Communications Equipment--0.2%
3,388 Starent Networks Corp. (b) 61,831
-------------
Construction & Engineering--1.7%
4,851 Aecom Technology Corp. (b) 138,593
8,358 KBR, Inc. (b) 324,290
-------------
462,883
-------------
Consumer Finance--1.3%
23,560 Discover Financial Services 355,285
-------------
Diversified Financial Services--4.4%
794 MSCI, Inc., Class A (b) 30,490
13,074 NYSE Euronext 1,147,505
-------------
1,177,995
-------------
Diversified Telecommunication
Services--1.4%
7,539 Embarq Corp. $ 373,407
-------------
Electric Utilities--0.5%
2,110 ITC Holdings Corp. 119,046
-------------
Electrical Equipment--5.9%
3,846 First Solar, Inc. (b) 1,027,420
4,135 SunPower Corp., Class A (b) 539,163
-------------
1,566,583
-------------
Electronic Equipment &
Instruments--4.4%
5,446 Dolby Laboratories, Inc.,
Class A (b) 270,775
24,529 Tyco Electronics Ltd. 910,762
-------------
1,181,537
-------------
Energy Equipment &
Services--1.5%
5,166 Cal Dive International, Inc. (b) 68,398
3,601 Complete Production Services,
Inc. (b) 64,710
4,234 Dresser-Rand Group, Inc. (b) 165,337
4,383 Hercules Offshore, Inc. (b) 104,228
-------------
402,673
-------------
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies--5.0%
24,564 Covidien Ltd. 1,087,939
5,142 ev3, Inc. (b) 65,355
2,696 Masimo Corp. (b) 106,357
1,732 NuVasive, Inc. (b) 68,449
-------------
1,328,100
-------------
Health Care Providers &
Services--0.9%
5,013 Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. 142,419
2,058 WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (b) 87,280
-------------
229,699
-------------
Hotels, Restaurants &
Leisure--3.1%
6,671 Burger King Holdings, Inc. 190,190
1,929 Life Time Fitness, Inc. (b) 95,833
9,240 Tim Hortons, Inc. 341,233
8,778 Wyndham Worldwide Corp. 206,810
-------------
834,066
-------------
Independent Power Producers &
Energy Traders--0.4%
2,048 Ormat Technologies, Inc. 112,660
-------------
Insurance--3.7%
2,981 Allied World Assurance Holdings Ltd. 149,557
3,341 Assured Guaranty Ltd. 88,670
21,641 Genworth Financial Inc., Class A 550,763
4,912 OneBeacon Insurance Group Ltd. 105,608
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 47
FIRST TRUST IPOX-100 INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (Continued)
Insurance (Continued)
3,661 Validus Holdings Ltd. (b) $ 95,113
-------------
989,711
-------------
Internet Software &
Services--11.4%
2,097 DealerTrack Holdings, Inc. (b) 70,187
3,845 Google, Inc., Class A (b) 2,658,741
2,943 Omniture, Inc. (b) 97,972
2,155 VistaPrint Ltd. (b) 92,342
2,834 WebMD Health Corp., Class A (b) 116,392
-------------
3,035,634
-------------
IT Services--10.9%
10,448 Genpact Ltd. (b) 159,123
6,500 MasterCard, Inc., Class A 1,398,800
3,794 NeuStar, Inc., Class A (b) 108,812
8,232 SAIC, Inc. (b) 165,628
4,020 VeriFone Holdings, Inc. (b) 93,465
37,047 Western Union Co. 899,501
1,962 Wright Express Corp. (b) 69,631
-------------
2,894,960
-------------
Machinery--0.7%
1,846 Bucyrus International, Inc.,
Class A 183,474
-------------
Marine--0.3%
1,424 Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. 77,978
-------------
Media--11.8%
5,255 Cinemark Holdings, Inc. 89,335
4,917 DreamWorks Animation SKG,
Inc., Class A (b) 125,580
2,171 Morningstar, Inc. (b) 168,795
48,196 Time Warner Cable, Inc., Class A (b) 1,330,210
32,376 Viacom, Inc., Class B (b) 1,421,954
-------------
3,135,874
-------------
Oil, Gas & Consumable
Fuels--8.3%
3,237 Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (b) 105,138
1,327 Atlas America, Inc. 78,532
2,217 Bill Barrett Corp. (b) 92,826
3,737 Concho Resources, Inc. (b) 77,020
8,291 Continental Resources, Inc. (b) 216,644
2,088 Copano Energy LLC 75,899
4,250 CVR Energy, Inc. (b) 105,995
5,155 EXCO Resources, Inc. (b) 79,799
2,230 Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc. 117,075
6,998 SandRidge Energy, Inc. (b) 250,948
31,195 Spectra Energy Corp. 805,454
3,761 W&T Offshore, Inc. 112,680
3,359 Western Refining, Inc. 81,321
-------------
2,199,331
-------------
Personal Products--0.9%
4,496 Bare Escentuals, Inc. (b) $ 109,028
3,354 Herbalife Ltd. 135,099
-------------
244,127
-------------
Pharmaceuticals--0.8%
12,362 Warner Chilcott Ltd., Class A (b) 219,178
-------------
Real Estate Management &
Development--0.9%
11,354 CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc.,
Class A (b) 244,679
-------------
Road & Rail--1.0%
15,873 Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (b) 252,222
-------------
Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment--1.2%
2,802 Atheros Communications (b) 85,573
1,529 Hittite Microwave Corp. (b) 73,025
2,961 SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc. (b) 74,410
2,361 Tessera Technologies, Inc. (b) 98,218
-------------
331,226
-------------
Software--0.3%
3,195 Solera Holdings, Inc. (b) 79,172
-------------
Specialty Retail--0.6%
3,033 J. Crew Group, Inc. (b) 146,221
-------------
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury
Goods--1.0%
4,068 Crocs, Inc. (b) 149,744
4,697 Hanesbrands, Inc. (b) 127,617
-------------
277,361
-------------
Trading Companies &
Distributors--0.8%
3,869 Aircastle Ltd. 101,871
2,588 UAP Holding Corp. 99,897
-------------
201,768
-------------
Wireless Telecommunication
Services--1.7%
8,099 Clearwire Corp., Class A (b) 111,037
17,141 MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (b) 333,393
-------------
444,430
-------------
Total Investments--100.2%
(Cost $24,691,056) 26,679,603
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(0.2%) (46,872)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 26,632,731
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
Page 48 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.3%
Air Freight & Logistics--2.0%
6,008 C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. $ 325,153
6,770 Expeditors International of
Washington, Inc. 302,484
-------------
627,637
-------------
Airlines--2.0%
8,171 Ryanair Holdings PLC ADR (b) 322,264
8,064 UAL Corp. (b) 287,562
-------------
609,826
-------------
Beverages--1.0%
6,705 Hansen Natural Corp. (b) 296,964
-------------
Biotechnology--7.6%
6,316 Amgen, Inc. (b) 293,315
8,277 Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 306,249
4,169 Biogen Idec, Inc. (b) 237,299
6,266 Celgene Corp. (b) 289,552
4,134 Cephalon, Inc. (b) 296,656
4,351 Genzyme Corp. (b) 323,889
6,852 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (b) 315,261
12,480 Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 289,910
-------------
2,352,131
-------------
Chemicals--1.0%
5,876 Sigma-Aldrich Corp. 320,830
-------------
Commercial Services &
Supplies--3.0%
9,396 Cintas Corp. 315,893
9,155 Monster Worldwide, Inc. (b) 296,622
5,302 Stericycle, Inc. (b) 314,939
-------------
927,454
-------------
Communications Equipment--5.2%
11,210 Cisco Systems, Inc. (b) 303,455
9,641 Juniper Networks, Inc. (b) 320,081
7,818 QUALCOMM, Inc. 307,638
3,213 Research In Motion Ltd. (b) 364,354
45,655 Tellabs, Inc. (b) 298,584
-------------
1,594,112
-------------
Computers & Peripherals--6.0%
1,669 Apple Computer, Inc. (b) 330,596
12,894 Dell, Inc. (b) 316,032
9,055 Logitech International S.A. (b) 331,775
11,934 Network Appliance, Inc. (b) 297,873
8,242 SanDisk Corp. (b) 273,387
16,002 Sun Microsystems, Inc. (b) 290,116
-------------
1,839,779
-------------
Construction & Engineering--1.0%
2,003 Foster Wheeler Ltd. (b) 310,505
-------------
Diversified Consumer
Services--1.0%
4,308 Apollo Group, Inc., Class A (b) $ 302,206
-------------
Diversified Telecommunication
Services--0.9%
91,046 Level 3 Communications, Inc. (b) 276,780
-------------
Electronic Equipment &
Instruments--1.0%
26,619 Flextronics International Ltd. (b) 321,025
-------------
Food & Staples Retailing--2.0%
4,490 Costco Wholesale Corp. 313,223
7,318 Whole Foods Market, Inc. 298,574
-------------
611,797
-------------
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies--3.1%
7,073 DENTSPLY International, Inc. 318,426
4,947 Hologic, Inc. (b) 339,562
935 Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (b) 303,408
-------------
961,396
-------------
Health Care Providers &
Services--3.1%
4,449 Express Scripts, Inc. (b) 324,777
5,163 Henry Schein, Inc. (b) 317,008
9,707 Patterson Cos., Inc. (b) 329,553
-------------
971,338
-------------
Hotels, Restaurants &
Leisure--1.9%
14,363 Starbucks Corp. (b) 294,011
2,627 Wynn Resorts Ltd. (b) 294,565
-------------
588,576
-------------
Household Durables--0.9%
2,995 Garmin Ltd. 290,515
-------------
Internet & Catalog Retail--3.9%
3,461 Amazon.com, Inc. (b) 320,627
9,357 Expedia, Inc. (b) 295,868
11,381 IAC/InterActiveCorp (b) 306,377
14,936 Liberty Media Corp. - Interactive,
Class A (b) 284,979
-------------
1,207,851
-------------
Internet Software & Services--6.0%
8,467 Akamai Technologies, Inc. (b) 292,958
830 Baidu.com, Inc. ADR (b) 324,023
9,315 eBay, Inc. (b) 309,165
449 Google, Inc., Class A (b) 310,475
8,229 VeriSign, Inc. (b) 309,493
12,826 Yahoo!, Inc. (b) 298,333
-------------
1,844,447
-------------
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 49
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EQUAL WEIGHTED INDEX(SM) FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (Continued)
IT Services--4.0%
9,269 Cognizant Technology Solutions
Corp., Class A (b) $ 314,590
5,794 Fiserv, Inc. (b) 321,509
7,181 Infosys Technologies Ltd. ADR 325,730
7,928 Paychex, Inc. 287,152
-------------
1,248,981
-------------
Machinery--2.2%
5,404 Joy Global, Inc. 355,691
5,793 PACCAR, Inc. 315,603
-------------
671,294
-------------
Media--7.9%
17,627 Comcast Corp., Class A (b) 321,869
11,756 Discovery Holding Co., Class A (b) 295,546
8,089 EchoStar Communications Corp.,
Class A (b) 305,117
5,726 Focus Media Holding Ltd. ADR (b) 325,293
6,318 Lamar Advertising Co., Class A 303,706
7,829 Liberty Global, Inc., Class A (b) 306,819
90,003 Sirius Satellite Radio, Inc. (b) 272,709
17,597 Virgin Media, Inc. 301,613
-------------
2,432,672
-------------
Metals & Mining--1.1%
5,855 Steel Dynamics, Inc. 348,782
-------------
Multiline Retail--0.9%
2,849 Sears Holdings Corp. (b) 290,740
-------------
Pharmaceuticals--1.1%
6,997 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
Ltd. ADR 325,221
-------------
Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment--11.0%
16,628 Altera Corp. 321,253
17,364 Applied Materials, Inc. 308,385
11,111 Broadcom Corp., Class A (b) 290,442
11,664 Intel Corp. 310,962
6,346 KLA-Tencor Corp. 305,623
6,960 Lam Research Corp. (b) 300,881
10,100 Linear Technology Corp. 321,483
21,195 Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (b) 296,306
10,401 Microchip Technology, Inc. 326,800
9,166 NVIDIA Corp. (b) 311,827
14,168 Xilinx, Inc. 309,854
-------------
3,403,816
-------------
Software--12.5%
11,930 Activision, Inc. (b) 354,320
7,263 Adobe Systems, Inc. (b) 310,348
6,397 Autodesk, Inc. (b) 318,315
19,620 BEA Systems, Inc. (b) 309,604
18,510 Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (b) 314,855
Software (Continued)
14,207 Check Point Software
Technologies Ltd. (b) $ 311,986
8,394 Citrix Systems, Inc. (b) 319,056
5,643 Electronic Arts, Inc. (b) 329,608
10,597 Intuit, Inc. (b) 334,971
9,211 Microsoft Corp. 327,912
14,908 Oracle Corp. (b) 336,622
18,348 Symantec Corp. (b) 296,137
-------------
3,863,734
-------------
Specialty Retail--2.8%
10,182 Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (b) 299,249
11,315 PetSmart, Inc. 266,242
13,270 Staples, Inc. 306,139
-------------
871,630
-------------
Trading Companies &
Distributors--1.0%
7,438 Fastenal Co. 300,644
-------------
Wireless Telecommunication
Services--3.2%
8,184 Leap Wireless International,
Inc. (b) 381,701
2,655 Millicom International Cellular
S.A. (b) 313,131
6,099 NII Holdings, Inc. (b) 294,704
-------------
989,536
-------------
Total Investments--100.3%
(Cost $32,649,125) 31,002,219
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(0.3%) (90,917)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 30,911,302
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
Page 50 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.3%
Communications Equipment--13.1%
21,821 Cisco Systems, Inc. (b) $ 590,694
18,767 Juniper Networks, Inc. (b) 623,064
15,217 QUALCOMM, Inc. 598,789
6,255 Research In Motion Ltd. (b) 709,318
88,869 Tellabs, Inc. (b) 581,203
-------------
3,103,068
-------------
Computers & Peripherals--15.1%
3,249 Apple Computer, Inc. (b) 643,562
25,099 Dell, Inc. (b) 615,176
17,625 Logitech International S.A. (b) 645,781
23,230 Network Appliance, Inc. (b) 579,821
16,044 SanDisk Corp. (b) 532,179
31,147 Sun Microsystems, Inc. (b) 564,695
-------------
3,581,214
-------------
Internet Software & Services--12.6%
16,480 Akamai Technologies, Inc. (b) 570,208
1,615 Baidu.com ADR (b) 630,480
874 Google, Inc., Class A (b) 604,354
16,018 VeriSign, Inc. (b) 602,437
24,966 Yahoo!, Inc. (b) 580,709
-------------
2,988,188
-------------
IT Services--5.3%
18,041 Cognizant Technology Solutions
Corp., Class A (b) 612,312
13,979 Infosys Technologies Ltd. ADR 634,087
-------------
1,246,399
-------------
Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment--28.0%
32,367 Altera Corp. 625,330
33,799 Applied Materials, Inc. 600,270
21,628 Broadcom Corp., Class A (b) 565,356
22,704 Intel Corp. 605,289
12,352 KLA-Tencor Corp. 594,872
13,548 Lam Research Corp. (b) 585,680
19,660 Linear Technology Corp. 625,778
41,257 Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (b) 576,773
20,246 Microchip Technology, Inc. 636,129
17,841 NVIDIA Corp. (b) 606,951
27,579 Xilinx, Inc. 603,153
-------------
6,625,581
-------------
Software--26.2%
14,137 Adobe Systems, Inc. (b) 604,074
12,453 Autodesk, Inc. (b) 619,661
38,190 BEA Systems, Inc. (b) 602,638
36,030 Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (b) 612,870
27,654 Check Point Software
Technologies Ltd. (b) 607,282
16,339 Citrix Systems, Inc. (b) 621,045
20,628 Intuit, Inc. (b) 652,051
Software (Continued)
17,930 Microsoft Corp. $ 638,308
29,019 Oracle Corp. (b) 655,250
35,714 Symantec Corp. (b) 576,424
-------------
6,189,603
-------------
Total Investments--100.3%
(Cost $25,513,950) 23,734,053
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(0.3%) (82,502)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 23,651,551
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 51
FIRST TRUST AMEX(R) BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--99.4%
Biotechnology--78.8%
68,580 Amgen, Inc. (b) $ 3,184,855
84,170 Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 3,114,290
250,983 Applera Corp. - Celera Group (b) 3,983,100
47,915 Biogen Idec, Inc. (b) 2,727,322
54,885 Celgene Corp. (b) 2,536,236
50,052 Cephalon, Inc. (b) 3,591,732
51,210 Genentech, Inc. (b) 3,434,655
53,617 Genzyme Corp. (b) 3,991,249
91,389 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (b) 4,204,808
415,013 Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (b) 4,332,736
83,153 ImClone Systems, Inc. (b) 3,575,579
194,316 InterMune, Inc. (b) 2,590,232
339,465 Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 5,085,185
104,708 OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 5,079,385
191,534 PDL BioPharma, Inc. (b) 3,355,676
125,110 Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 2,906,305
-------------
57,693,345
-------------
Life Sciences Tools &
Services--20.6%
140,447 Affymetrix, Inc. (b) 3,249,944
46,393 Invitrogen Corp. (b) 4,333,570
49,259 Millipore Corp. (b) 3,604,774
587,027 Nektar Therapeutics (b) 3,938,951
-------------
15,127,239
-------------
Total Investments--99.4%
(Cost $78,723,195) 72,820,584
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--0.6% 420,463
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 73,241,047
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
Page 52 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST DOW JONES INTERNET INDEX(SM)
FUND PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--99.0%
Capital Markets--5.7%
138,504 E*TRADE Financial Corp. (b) $ 491,689
78,307 TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. (b) 1,570,839
-------------
2,062,528
-------------
Commercial Services &
Supplies--3.3%
37,139 Monster Worldwide, Inc. (b) 1,203,304
-------------
Health Care Technology--3.1%
17,948 Allscripts Healthcare Solutions,
Inc. (b) 348,550
58,817 HLTH Corp. (b) 788,148
-------------
1,136,698
-------------
Internet & Catalog Retail--18.9%
40,635 Amazon.com, Inc. (b) 3,764,425
6,292 Audible, Inc. (b) 56,125
63,975 IAC/InterActiveCorp. (b) 1,722,207
4,237 Overstock.com, Inc. (b) 65,801
11,109 Priceline.com, Inc. (b) 1,275,980
-------------
6,884,538
-------------
Internet Software &
Services--55.6%
51,060 Akamai Technologies, Inc. (b) 1,766,676
25,573 Ariba, Inc. (b) 285,139
41,407 Art Technology Group, Inc. (b) 178,878
14,072 Autobytel, Inc. (b) 38,698
15,774 CMGI, Inc. (b) 206,482
45,685 CNET Networks, Inc. (b) 417,561
12,806 DealerTrack Holdings, Inc. (b) 428,617
13,011 Digital River, Inc. (b) 430,274
39,024 EarthLink, Inc. (b) 275,900
110,407 eBay, Inc. (b) 3,664,407
5,243 Google, Inc., Class A (b) 3,625,430
10,696 InfoSpace, Inc. 201,085
15,862 Internap Network Services Corp. (b) 132,130
12,761 Interwoven, Inc. (b) 181,461
16,128 j2 Global Communications, Inc. (b) 341,430
7,303 Jupitermedia Corp. (b) 27,897
31,255 RealNetworks, Inc. (b) 190,343
20,133 SonicWALL, Inc. (b) 215,826
21,942 United Online, Inc. 259,354
32,353 ValueClick, Inc. (b) 708,531
71,638 VeriSign, Inc. (b) 2,694,305
8,632 Vignette Corp. (b) 126,114
14,531 Websense, Inc. (b) 246,736
153,379 Yahoo!, Inc. (b) 3,567,596
-------------
20,210,870
-------------
IT Services--1.7%
21,960 CyberSource Corp. (b) 390,229
26,368 Sapient Corp. (b) 232,302
-------------
622,531
-------------
Software--10.7%
113,434 BEA Systems, Inc. (b) $ 1,789,988
58,097 Check Point Software Technologies
Ltd. (b) 1,275,810
17,872 Quest Software, Inc. (b) 329,560
61,783 TIBCO Software, Inc. (b) 498,589
-------------
3,893,947
-------------
Total Common Stocks--99.0%
(Cost $38,881,967) 36,014,416
-------------
Money Market Funds--0.3%
109,845 J.P. Morgan Institutional Treasury
Money Market Fund - 3.09% (c)
(Cost $109,845) 109,845
-------------
Total Investments--99.3%
(Cost $38,991,812) 36,124,261
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--0.7% 261,395
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 36,385,656
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Represents annualized 7-day yield at December 31, 2007.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 53
FIRST TRUST DB STRATEGIC VALUE INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.0%
Biotechnology--2.2%
28,751 Amgen, Inc. (b) $ 1,335,196
-------------
Chemicals--2.4%
37,628 Dow Chemical (The) Co. 1,483,296
-------------
Computers & Peripherals--2.5%
14,454 International Business Machines
Corp. 1,562,477
-------------
Energy Equipment &
Services--5.3%
41,970 Halliburton Co. 1,591,083
29,402 Noble Corp. 1,661,507
-------------
3,252,590
-------------
Food & Staples Retailing--2.5%
32,306 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 1,535,504
-------------
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies--2.5%
22,792 Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (b) 1,507,691
-------------
Health Care Providers &
Services--2.5%
26,110 Cardinal Health, Inc. 1,507,853
-------------
Hotels, Restaurants &
Leisure--2.5%
35,034 Carnival Corp. 1,558,663
-------------
Machinery--9.7%
21,327 Caterpillar, Inc. 1,547,487
30,682 Ingersoll-Rand Co. Ltd., Class A 1,425,793
28,870 PACCAR, Inc. 1,572,837
19,278 Parker Hannifin Corp. 1,451,826
-------------
5,997,943
-------------
Media--7.5%
58,446 CBS Corp., Class B 1,592,654
75,078 News Corp., Class A 1,538,348
91,444 Time Warner, Inc. 1,509,740
-------------
4,640,742
-------------
Metals & Mining--2.5%
25,892 Nucor Corp. 1,533,324
-------------
Multiline Retail--2.3%
30,969 Kohl's Corp. (b) 1,418,380
-------------
Office Electronics--2.4%
90,247 Xerox Corp. 1,461,099
-------------
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels--19.0%
25,802 Anadarko Petroleum Corp. 1,694,933
15,860 Apache Corp. 1,705,585
17,352 Chevron Corp. 1,619,462
19,035 ConocoPhillips 1,680,791
Oil, Gas & Consumable
Fuels (Continued)
17,341 Exxon Mobil Corp. $ 1,624,678
27,110 Marathon Oil Corp. 1,649,915
21,859 Occidental Petroleum Corp. 1,682,924
-------------
11,658,288
-------------
Pharmaceuticals--12.3%
29,402 Eli Lilly & Co. 1,569,773
23,216 Johnson & Johnson 1,548,507
26,649 Merck & Co., Inc. 1,548,573
65,604 Pfizer, Inc. 1,491,179
32,419 Wyeth 1,432,596
-------------
7,590,628
-------------
Road & Rail--2.5%
29,923 Norfolk Southern Corp. 1,509,316
-------------
Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment--5.1%
84,975 Applied Materials, Inc. 1,509,156
49,137 Texas Instruments, Inc. 1,641,176
-------------
3,150,332
-------------
Specialty Retail--9.7%
30,082 Best Buy Co., Inc. 1,583,817
53,769 Home Depot (The), Inc. 1,448,537
63,451 Lowe's Cos., Inc. 1,435,262
63,989 Staples, Inc. 1,476,226
-------------
5,943,842
-------------
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury
Goods--2.5%
24,242 NIKE, Inc., Class B 1,557,306
-------------
Wireless Telecommunication
Services--2.1%
100,420 Sprint Nextel Corp. 1,318,515
-------------
Total Investments--100.0%
(Cost $63,126,173) 61,522,985
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(0.0%) (5,292)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 61,517,693
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
Page 54 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.4%
Aerospace & Defense--2.7%
576 Ceradyne, Inc. (b) $ 27,032
1,977 Northrop Grumman Corp. 155,471
2,789 Raytheon Co. 169,292
-------------
351,795
-------------
Air Freight & Logistics--1.3%
1,108 Forward Air Corp. 34,536
2,001 United Parcel Service, Inc.,
Class B 141,511
-------------
176,047
-------------
Airlines--0.2%
4,223 AirTran Holdings, Inc. (b) 30,237
-------------
Auto Components--0.6%
3,003 Gentex Corp. 53,363
1,180 Tenneco, Inc. (b) 30,763
-------------
84,126
-------------
Automobiles--2.0%
5,026 General Motors Corp. 125,097
1,287 Toyota Motor Corp. ADR 136,641
-------------
261,738
-------------
Beverages--1.7%
1,347 Hansen Natural Corp. (b) 59,659
2,260 PepsiCo, Inc. 171,534
-------------
231,193
-------------
Biotechnology--0.9%
1,270 LifeCell Corp. (b) 54,750
619 United Therapeutics Corp. (b) 60,445
-------------
115,195
-------------
Chemicals--2.3%
1,734 Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. 171,024
3,110 Hercules, Inc. 60,179
1,295 Sigma-Aldrich Corp. 70,707
-------------
301,910
-------------
Commercial Banks--2.0%
3,395 Huntington Bancshares, Inc. 50,110
2,142 Old National Bancorp 32,044
2,175 PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. 142,789
1,644 Whitney Holding Corp. 42,991
-------------
267,934
-------------
Commercial Services &
Supplies--1.6%
701 Advisory Board (The) Co. (b) 44,997
4,839 Allied Waste Industries, Inc. (b) 53,326
1,714 Copart, Inc. (b) 72,931
1,136 HNI Corp. 39,828
-------------
211,082
-------------
Communications Equipment--3.9%
2,579 ADC Telecommunications, Inc. (b) $ 40,103
1,006 Dycom Industries, Inc. (b) 26,810
5,135 Nokia Oyj ADR 197,133
2,225 Research In Motion Ltd. (b) 252,315
-------------
516,361
-------------
Computers & Peripherals--1.1%
1,363 International Business Machines
Corp. 147,340
-------------
Containers & Packaging--1.3%
1,482 Bemis Co., Inc. 40,577
2,626 Crown Holdings, Inc. (b) 67,357
2,162 Sonoco Products Co. 70,654
-------------
178,588
-------------
Distributors--0.4%
2,560 LKQ Corp. (b) 53,811
-------------
Diversified Consumer
Services--2.2%
2,674 Apollo Group, Inc., Class A (b) 187,581
922 Bright Horizons Family Solutions,
Inc. (b) 31,846
390 Strayer Education, Inc. 66,526
-------------
285,953
-------------
Diversified Financial
Services--0.8%
2,807 Moody's Corp. 100,210
-------------
Diversified Telecommunication
Services--2.1%
1,463 CenturyTel, Inc. 60,656
8,805 Cincinnati Bell, Inc. (b) 41,824
18,345 Qwest Communications
International, Inc. (b) 128,598
3,100 Telecom Corp. of New Zealand
Ltd. ADR 51,491
-------------
282,569
-------------
Electric Utilities--3.4%
963 ALLETE, Inc. 38,116
1,825 El Paso Electric Co. (b) 46,665
1,825 Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. 41,555
1,512 Pinnacle West Capital Corp. 64,124
1,473 Portland General Electric Co. 40,920
6,142 Reliant Energy, Inc. (b) 161,166
2,463 Westar Energy, Inc. 63,890
-------------
456,436
-------------
Electronic Equipment &
Instruments--1.4%
1,445 Arrow Electronics, Inc. (b) 56,760
3,975 AVX Corp. 53,345
2,438 FLIR Systems, Inc. (b) 76,309
-------------
186,414
-------------
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 55
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (Continued)
Energy Equipment & Services--9.9%
539 Core Laboratories N.V. (b) $ 67,224
1,593 Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. 226,205
2,675 ENSCO International, Inc. 159,484
2,811 Global Industries Ltd. (b) 60,212
4,621 Halliburton Co. 175,182
1,947 Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 78,016
3,163 Noble Corp. 178,741
1,667 Schlumberger Ltd. 163,983
1,431 Transocean, Inc. 204,848
-------------
1,313,895
-------------
Food Products--0.7%
1,988 Flowers Foods, Inc. 46,539
1,026 Lancaster Colony Corp. 40,732
-------------
87,271
-------------
Gas Utilities--2.3%
2,209 Atmos Energy Corp. 61,940
933 New Jersey Resources Corp. 46,669
853 Northwest Natural Gas Co. 41,507
1,169 South Jersey Industries, Inc. 42,189
2,587 UGI Corp. 70,496
1,237 WGL Holdings, Inc. 40,524
-------------
303,325
-------------
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies--2.1%
781 ArthroCare Corp. (b) 37,527
1,235 Hillenbrand Industries, Inc. 68,826
1,139 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (b) 66,780
1,226 Immucor, Inc. (b) 41,672
1,081 Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (b) 57,898
-------------
272,703
-------------
Household Durables--2.3%
1,542 Garmin Ltd. 149,574
3,091 Leggett & Platt, Inc. 53,907
2,094 Tempur-Pedic International, Inc. 54,381
1,374 Tupperware Brands Corp. 45,383
-------------
303,245
-------------
Industrial Conglomerates--1.1%
1,786 3M Co. 150,596
-------------
Insurance--8.7%
929 Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 23,940
1,707 Assured Guaranty Ltd. 45,304
42 Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B (b) 198,913
639 Everest Re Group Ltd. 64,156
1,463 Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. 67,005
3,466 Loews Corp. 174,478
1,609 MaxCapital Group Ltd. 45,036
2,667 MetLife, Inc. 164,341
622 RLI Corp. 35,323
Insurance (Continued)
976 Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. $ 70,926
3,033 Travelers (The) Cos., Inc. 163,175
2,043 XL Capital Ltd., Class A 102,783
-------------
1,155,380
-------------
Life Sciences Tools &
Services--0.5%
758 Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (b) 66,120
-------------
Machinery--9.5%
1,315 Actuant Corp., Class A 44,723
772 Astec Industries, Inc. (b) 28,711
1,284 Barnes Group, Inc. 42,873
917 Cascade Corp. 42,604
1,052 CLARCOR, Inc. 39,944
3,036 CNH Global N.V. 199,830
1,346 Cummins, Inc. 171,440
1,076 Gardner Denver, Inc. (b) 35,508
1,462 Graco, Inc. 54,474
2,811 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. 150,501
1,279 Joy Global, Inc. 84,184
746 Kaydon Corp. 40,687
830 Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. 59,079
2,240 Parker Hannifin Corp. 168,694
1,080 Toro (The) Co. 58,795
492 Valmont Industries, Inc. 43,847
-------------
1,265,894
-------------
Media--2.4%
6,036 Comcast Corp., Class A (b) 110,217
1,633 Harte-Hanks, Inc. 28,251
2,882 Lee Enterprises, Inc. 42,221
8,246 Time Warner, Inc. 136,142
-------------
316,831
-------------
Metals & Mining--3.9%
2,614 BHP Billiton Ltd. ADR 183,084
913 Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. 92,030
2,041 Fording Canadian Coal Trust 78,783
1,582 Southern Copper Corp. 166,316
-------------
520,213
-------------
Multi-Utilities--3.1%
1,658 Alliant Energy Corp. 67,464
3,034 Ameren Corp. 164,473
1,902 NSTAR 68,890
1,969 OGE Energy Corp. 71,455
1,686 PNM Resources, Inc. 36,165
-------------
408,447
-------------
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels--9.0%
1,139 Berry Petroleum Co., Class A 50,629
2,262 Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. 165,443
1,817 Exxon Mobil Corp. 170,235
1,708 Frontier Oil Corp. 69,311
1,485 Frontline Ltd. 71,280
|
Page 56 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) EQUITY ALLOCATION INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (Continued)
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels
(Continued)
1,054 Holly Corp. $ 53,638
3,563 Imperial Oil Ltd. 195,180
3,018 Marathon Oil Corp. 183,675
2,137 Massey Energy Co. 76,398
3,064 Petro-Canada 164,292
-------------
1,200,081
-------------
Personal Products--0.3%
1,614 NBTY, Inc. (b) 44,224
-------------
Real Estate Investment Trusts--1.2%
2,484 ProLogis 157,436
-------------
Road & Rail--2.3%
3,267 CSX Corp. 143,683
1,316 Union Pacific Corp. 165,316
-------------
308,999
-------------
Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment--2.8%
7,018 Applied Materials, Inc. 124,640
2,810 Brooks Automation, Inc. (b) 37,120
1,764 Lam Research Corp. (b) 76,258
4,323 Linear Technology Corp. 137,601
-------------
375,619
-------------
Software--1.4%
820 Advent Software, Inc. (b) 44,362
2,805 SAP AG ADR 143,195
-------------
187,557
-------------
Specialty Retail--2.0%
1,913 Aeropostale, Inc. (b) 50,695
1,246 Barnes & Noble, Inc. 42,925
1,240 Guess?, Inc. 46,984
2,221 Sherwin-Williams (The) Co. 128,906
-------------
269,510
-------------
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury
Goods--0.5%
431 Deckers Outdoor Corp. (b) 66,831
-------------
Tobacco--1.7%
2,355 British American Tobacco PLC ADR 185,009
814 Universal Corp. 41,693
-------------
226,702
-------------
Trading Companies & Distributors--0.8%
1,368 Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. 39,699
711 W.W. Grainger, Inc. 62,227
-------------
101,926
-------------
Total Investments--100.4%
(Cost $12,674,262) $ 13,341,744
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(0.4%) (50,378)
-------------
|
Net Assets--100.0% $ 13,291,366
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 57
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.0%
Air Freight & Logistics--0.5%
13,790 United Parcel Service, Inc.,
Class B $ 975,229
-------------
Auto Components--0.6%
18,804 Autoliv, Inc. 991,159
-------------
Automobiles--1.1%
30,077 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ADR 996,752
9,445 Toyota Motor Corp. ADR 1,002,775
-------------
1,999,527
-------------
Beverages--1.1%
18,906 Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc. 989,540
16,026 Coca-Cola (The) Co. 983,516
-------------
1,973,056
-------------
Building Products--0.6%
46,681 Masco Corp. 1,008,776
-------------
Capital Markets--1.1%
23,999 Federated Investors, Inc., Class B 987,799
18,794 Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. 1,008,862
-------------
1,996,661
-------------
Chemicals--1.7%
21,312 Ashland, Inc. 1,010,828
22,396 E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. 987,440
14,108 PPG Industries, Inc. 990,805
-------------
2,989,073
-------------
Commercial Banks--15.3%
35,807 Associated Banc-Corp. 970,012
19,495 Bank of Hawaii Corp. 996,974
17,737 Bank of Montreal 1,003,914
19,593 Bank of Nova Scotia 989,447
31,361 BB&T Corp. 961,842
13,922 Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce 994,448
16,444 City National Corp. 979,240
22,566 Comerica, Inc. 982,298
22,371 Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 1,003,563
19,503 Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. 988,022
37,490 Fifth Third Bancorp. 942,124
31,596 First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. 966,838
12,278 M&T Bank Corp. 1,001,516
36,769 Marshall & Ilsley Corp. 973,643
58,251 National City Corp. 958,811
64,439 Old National Bancorp 964,007
15,228 PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. 999,718
40,912 Regions Financial Corp. 967,569
19,812 Royal Bank of Canada 1,011,205
16,151 SunTrust Banks, Inc. 1,009,277
41,262 Synovus Financial Corp. 993,589
14,302 Toronto-Dominion Bank (The) 1,000,425
31,130 U.S. Bancorp 988,066
25,465 Wachovia Corp. 968,434
32,467 Wells Fargo & Co. 980,179
Commercial Banks (Continued)
37,925 Whitney Holding Corp. $ 991,739
28,052 Wilmington Trust Corp. 987,430
20,745 Zions Bancorporation 968,584
-------------
27,542,914
-------------
Commercial Services &
Supplies--3.9%
19,332 Avery Dennison Corp. 1,027,303
16,541 Corporate Executive Board
(The) Co. 994,114
27,586 HNI Corp. 967,165
26,428 Pitney Bowes, Inc. 1,005,321
27,063 R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. 1,021,358
31,044 Republic Services, Inc. 973,229
29,979 Waste Management, Inc. 979,414
-------------
6,967,904
-------------
Computers & Peripherals--0.5%
33,487 Diebold, Inc. 970,453
-------------
Construction Materials--0.5%
12,461 Vulcan Materials Co. 985,540
-------------
Containers & Packaging--1.1%
37,911 Bemis Co., Inc. 1,038,003
30,112 Sonoco Products Co. 984,060
-------------
2,022,063
-------------
Distributors--0.5%
20,711 Genuine Parts Co. 958,919
-------------
Diversified Financial
Services--0.6%
23,959 Bank of America Corp. 988,548
-------------
Diversified Telecommunication
Services--2.2%
24,409 AT&T, Inc. 1,014,438
60,189 Telecom Corp. of New Zealand
Ltd. ADR 999,739
10,352 Telefonica S.A. ADR 1,010,252
22,616 Verizon Communications, Inc. 988,093
-------------
4,012,522
-------------
Electric Utilities--8.3%
24,587 ALLETE, Inc. 973,153
49,365 Duke Energy Corp. 995,692
8,438 Entergy Corp. 1,008,510
12,344 Exelon Corp. 1,007,764
13,663 FirstEnergy Corp. 988,381
14,807 FPL Group, Inc. 1,003,618
34,350 Great Plains Energy, Inc. 1,007,142
43,606 Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. 992,909
27,385 Otter Tail Corp. 947,521
23,519 Pinnacle West Capital Corp. 997,441
37,643 Portland General Electric Co. 1,045,722
19,332 PPL Corp. 1,007,004
|
Page 58 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (Continued)
Electric Utilities (Continued)
20,518 Progress Energy, Inc. $ 993,687
25,881 Southern Co. 1,002,889
37,939 Westar Energy, Inc. 984,138
-------------
14,955,571
-------------
Electrical Equipment--1.1%
17,632 Emerson Electric Co. 999,029
19,095 Hubbell, Inc., Class B 985,302
-------------
1,984,331
-------------
Food & Staples Retailing--1.1%
31,459 Sysco Corp. 981,836
24,380 Weis Markets, Inc. 973,737
-------------
1,955,573
-------------
Food Products--7.7%
19,800 Cadbury Schweppes PLC ADR 977,526
27,730 Campbell Soup Co. 990,793
41,618 ConAgra Foods, Inc. 990,092
17,477 General Mills, Inc. 996,189
21,443 H.J. Heinz Co. 1,000,959
25,535 Hershey (The) Co. 1,006,079
19,735 J.M. Smucker (The) Co. 1,015,168
18,895 Kellogg Co. 990,665
30,347 Kraft Foods, Inc., Class A 990,223
24,257 Lancaster Colony Corp. 963,003
25,980 McCormick & Co., Inc. 984,902
62,299 Sara Lee Corp. 1,000,522
26,798 Unilever PLC ADR 1,002,781
16,925 Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. 990,959
-------------
13,899,861
-------------
Gas Utilities--4.9%
27,187 AGL Resources, Inc. 1,023,318
35,222 Atmos Energy Corp. 987,625
20,968 National Fuel Gas Co. 978,786
19,689 New Jersey Resources Corp. 984,844
20,219 Northwest Natural Gas Co. 983,857
36,490 Piedmont Natural Gas Co. 954,578
26,671 South Jersey Industries, Inc. 962,556
37,338 UGI Corp. 1,017,461
29,602 WGL Holdings, Inc. 969,762
-------------
8,862,787
-------------
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies--0.6%
18,089 Hillenbrand Industries, Inc. 1,008,100
-------------
Hotels, Restaurants &
Leisure--0.5%
16,796 McDonald's Corp. 989,452
-------------
Household Durables--1.7%
13,680 Fortune Brands, Inc. 989,885
57,555 Leggett & Platt, Inc. 1,003,759
Household Durables (Continued)
20,852 Snap-on, Inc. $ 1,005,900
-------------
2,999,544
-------------
Household Products--1.1%
15,311 Clorox (The) Co. 997,818
14,506 Kimberly-Clark Corp. 1,005,846
-------------
2,003,664
-------------
Industrial Conglomerates--1.7%
11,743 3M Co. 990,170
26,991 General Electric Co. 1,000,556
16,566 Teleflex, Inc. 1,043,824
-------------
3,034,550
-------------
Insurance--6.0%
19,167 Allstate (The) Corp. 1,001,092
18,384 Chubb (The) Corp. 1,003,399
25,012 Cincinnati Financial Corp. 988,974
18,783 Erie Indemnity Co., Class A 974,650
16,903 Lincoln National Corp. 984,093
24,665 Manulife Financial Corp. 1,005,099
19,921 Mercury General Corp. 992,265
64,439 Old Republic International Corp. 993,005
23,868 Protective Life Corp. 979,065
18,391 Travelers (The) Cos., Inc. 989,436
19,265 XL Capital Ltd., Class A 969,222
-------------
10,880,300
-------------
IT Services--1.1%
22,132 Automatic Data Processing, Inc. 985,538
27,034 Paychex, Inc. 979,171
-------------
1,964,709
-------------
Machinery--1.1%
13,934 Caterpillar, Inc. 1,011,051
18,388 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. 984,494
-------------
1,995,545
-------------
Media--1.7%
25,974 Gannett Co., Inc. 1,012,986
57,951 New York Times (The) Co., Class A 1,015,881
24,725 Thomson (The) Corp. 1,007,544
-------------
3,036,411
-------------
Multi-Utilities--8.9%
24,193 Alliant Energy Corp. 984,413
18,600 Ameren Corp. 1,008,307
20,860 Consolidated Edison, Inc. 1,019,012
20,929 Dominion Resources, Inc. 993,081
37,201 Energy East Corp. 1,012,240
19,480 Integrys Energy Group, Inc. 1,006,921
36,307 MDU Resources Group, Inc. 1,002,436
27,624 NSTAR 1,000,541
27,722 OGE Energy Corp. 1,006,031
22,758 PG&E Corp. 980,642
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 59
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) DIVIDEND INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (Continued)
Multi-Utilities (Continued)
45,384 PNM Resources, Inc. $ 973,487
23,541 SCANA Corp. 992,253
16,061 Sempra Energy 993,855
33,924 Vectren Corp. 984,135
20,394 Wisconsin Energy Corp. 993,392
44,062 Xcel Energy, Inc. 994,479
-------------
15,945,225
-------------
Oil, Gas & Consumable
Fuels--3.4%
13,793 BP PLC ADR 1,009,234
10,722 Chevron Corp. 1,000,684
25,356 Enbridge, Inc. 1,025,143
12,137 Royal Dutch Shell PLC ADR 1,021,935
12,517 Total SA ADR 1,033,904
25,018 TransCanada Corp. 1,023,987
-------------
6,114,887
-------------
Paper & Forest Products--0.5%
30,539 International Paper Co. 988,853
-------------
Pharmaceuticals--4.4%
17,360 Abbott Laboratories 974,764
36,152 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 958,751
18,590 Eli Lilly and Co. 992,520
19,769 GlaxoSmithKline PLC ADR 996,159
14,925 Johnson & Johnson 995,498
43,420 Pfizer, Inc. 986,937
21,640 Sanofi-Aventis ADR 985,269
22,288 Wyeth 984,907
-------------
7,874,805
-------------
Real Estate Investment
Trusts--8.0%
23,757 BRE Properties, Inc. 962,871
37,242 Duke Realty Corp. 971,271
26,067 Equity Residential 950,663
11,957 Federal Realty Investment Trust 982,268
29,533 Health Care Property Investors, Inc. 1,027,159
25,756 Kimco Realty Corp. 937,518
32,719 Liberty Property Trust 942,634
28,615 Mack-Cali Realty Corp. 972,910
21,007 Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc. 967,162
15,990 ProLogis 1,013,446
12,707 Public Storage 932,821
10,810 Simon Property Group, Inc. 938,957
47,335 United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc. 939,600
30,548 Washington Real Estate
Investment Trust 959,513
29,828 Weingarten Realty Investors 937,792
-------------
14,436,585
-------------
Specialty Retail--1.1%
37,504 Home Depot (The), Inc. $ 1,010,357
17,143 Sherwin-Williams (The) Co. 994,980
-------------
2,005,337
-------------
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury
Goods--0.5%
13,724 VF Corp. 942,290
-------------
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance--2.2%
41,532 Astoria Financial Corp. 966,450
31,606 Capitol Federal Financial 979,786
30,752 Freddie Mac 1,047,720
45,961 Washington Federal, Inc. 970,237
-------------
3,964,193
-------------
Tobacco--1.1%
13,057 Altria Group, Inc. 986,848
19,211 Universal Corp. 983,987
-------------
1,970,835
-------------
Total Investments--100.0%
(Cost $189,756,276) 180,195,752
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--0.0% (42,530)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 180,153,222
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
Page 60 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (1)--100.0%
Air Freight & Logistics--3.3%
677 C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. $ 36,639
763 Expeditors International of
Washington, Inc. 34,091
-------------
70,730
-------------
Airlines--3.2%
921 Ryanair Holdings PLC ADR (b) 36,325
908 UAL Corp. (b) 32,379
-------------
68,704
-------------
Beverages--1.6%
755 Hansen Natural Corp. (b) 33,439
-------------
Biotechnology--12.5%
712 Amgen, Inc. (b) 33,065
932 Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 34,484
470 Biogen Idec, Inc. (b) 26,752
706 Celgene Corp. (b) 32,624
466 Cephalon, Inc. (b) 33,440
490 Genzyme Corp. (b) 36,477
772 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (b) 35,520
1,406 Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 32,661
-------------
265,023
-------------
Chemicals--1.7%
662 Sigma-Aldrich Corp. 36,145
-------------
Commercial Services &
Supplies--4.9%
1,059 Cintas Corp. 35,604
1,031 Monster Worldwide, Inc. (b) 33,404
597 Stericycle, Inc. (b) 35,462
-------------
104,470
-------------
Construction & Engineering--1.7%
226 Foster Wheeler Ltd. (b) 35,035
-------------
Diversified Consumer
Services--1.6%
485 Apollo Group, Inc., Class A (b) 34,023
-------------
Diversified Telecommunication
Services--1.5%
10,257 Level 3 Communications, Inc. (b) 31,181
-------------
Electronic Equipment &
Instruments--1.7%
2,999 Flextronics International Ltd. (b) 36,168
-------------
Food & Staples Retailing--3.3%
506 Costco Wholesale Corp. 35,299
824 Whole Foods Market, Inc. 33,619
-------------
68,918
-------------
Health Care Equipment & Supplies--5.1%
797 DENTSPLY International, Inc. 35,881
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies (Continued)
557 Hologic, Inc. (b) $ 38,232
105 Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (b) 34,073
-------------
108,186
-------------
Health Care Providers &
Services--5.2%
501 Express Scripts, Inc. (b) 36,573
582 Henry Schein, Inc. (b) 35,735
1,094 Patterson Cos., Inc. (b) 37,141
-------------
109,449
-------------
Hotels, Restaurants &
Leisure--3.1%
1,618 Starbucks Corp. (b) 33,120
296 Wynn Resorts Ltd. 33,191
-------------
66,311
-------------
Household Durables--1.6%
337 Garmin Ltd. 32,689
-------------
Internet & Catalog Retail--6.4%
390 Amazon.com, Inc. (b) 36,130
1,054 Expedia, Inc. (b) 33,327
1,282 IAC/InterActiveCorp (b) 34,511
1,683 Liberty Media Corp. - Interactive,
Class A (b) 32,112
-------------
136,080
-------------
Internet Software &
Services--1.6%
1,049 eBay, Inc. (b) 34,816
-------------
IT Services--3.2%
653 Fiserv, Inc. (b) 36,235
893 Paychex, Inc. 32,344
-------------
68,579
-------------
Machinery--3.6%
609 Joy Global, Inc. 40,085
653 PACCAR, Inc. 35,575
-------------
75,660
-------------
Media--12.9%
1,986 Comcast Corp., Class A (b) 36,264
1,324 Discovery Holding Co., Class A (b) 33,285
911 EchoStar Communications Corp.,
Class A (b) 34,363
645 Focus Media Holding Ltd. ADR (b) 36,642
712 Lamar Advertising Co., Class A 34,226
882 Liberty Global, Inc., Class A (b) 34,566
10,139 Sirius Satellite Radio, Inc. (b) 30,721
1,982 Virgin Media, Inc. 33,971
-------------
274,038
-------------
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 61
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ-100 EX-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR INDEX(SM) FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (1) (Continued)
Metals & Mining--1.9%
660 Steel Dynamics, Inc. $ 39,316
-------------
Multiline Retail--1.6%
321 Sears Holdings Corp. (b) 32,758
-------------
Pharmaceuticals--1.7%
788 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
Ltd. ADR 36,626
-------------
Software--3.6%
1,344 Activision, Inc. (b) 39,917
636 Electronic Arts, Inc. (b) 37,149
-------------
77,066
-------------
Specialty Retail--4.6%
1,147 Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (b) 33,710
1,275 PetSmart, Inc. 30,001
1,495 Staples, Inc. 34,490
-------------
98,201
-------------
Trading Companies &
Distributors--1.6%
838 Fastenal Co. 33,872
-------------
Wireless Telecommunication
Services--5.3%
922 Leap Wireless International,
Inc. (b) 43,002
299 Millicom International Cellular
S.A. (b) 35,264
687 NII Holdings, Inc. (b) 33,196
-------------
111,462
-------------
Total Common Stocks--100.0%
(Cost $2,327,753) 2,118,945
-------------
Money Market Funds--2.5%
25,000 Federated Treasury Obligation -
3.36% (c) 25,000
28,693 J.P. Morgan Institutional Treasury
Money Market Fund - 3.09% (c) 28,693
-------------
Total Money Market Funds--2.5%
(Cost $53,693) 53,693
-------------
Total Investments--102.5%
(Cost $2,381,446) 2,172,638
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(2.5%) (54,066)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 2,118,572
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Represents annualized 7-day yield at December 31, 2007.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
(1) The industry allocation is based on Standard & Poor's Global Industry
Classification Standard (GICS), and is different than the industry sector
classification system used by the Index to select securities, which is the
Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) system, the joint classification system
of Dow Jones Indexes and FTSE Group.
Page 62 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST NASDAQ(R) CLEAN EDGE(R) U.S. LIQUID SERIES INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--99.8%
Aerospace & Defense--2.9%
60,381 Hexcel Corp. (b) $ 1,466,051
-------------
Auto Components--0.7%
72,383 Ballard Power Systems, Inc. (b) 380,735
-------------
Beverages--0.2%
10,423 MGP Ingredients, Inc. 98,185
-------------
Biotechnology--0.7%
14,167 Metabolix, Inc. (b) 337,175
-------------
Chemicals--2.2%
44,504 Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (b) 188,252
21,358 Zoltek Cos., Inc. (b) 915,617
-------------
1,103,869
-------------
Electrical Equipment--40.1%
25,978 American Superconductor Corp. (b) 710,239
28,987 Baldor Electric Co. 975,702
17,595 Canadian Solar, Inc. (b) 495,299
92,262 Capstone Turbine Corp. (b) 150,387
33,450 China BAK Battery, Inc. (b) 209,063
25,254 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (b) 849,797
64,030 Evergreen Solar, Inc. (b) 1,105,798
16,105 First Solar, Inc. (b) 4,302,289
43,006 FuelCell Energy, Inc. (b) 426,620
64,791 GrafTech International Ltd. (b) 1,150,040
10,628 Hoku Scientific, Inc. (b) 121,159
11,944 JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. ADR (b) 833,811
22,142 Medis Technologies Ltd. (b) 341,651
55,480 Plug Power, Inc. (b) 219,146
55,175 Power-One, Inc. (b) 220,148
24,810 SunPower Corp., Class A (b) 3,234,976
49,626 Suntech Power Holdings Co.
Ltd. ADR (b) 4,085,212
18,769 Vicor Corp. 292,609
18,633 Yingli Green Energy Holding Co.,
Ltd. ADR (b) 721,097
-------------
20,445,043
-------------
Electronic Equipment &
Instruments--8.5%
108,296 AVX Corp. 1,453,332
12,934 Comverge, Inc. (b) 407,292
25,697 Echelon Corp. (b) 530,386
19,332 Itron, Inc. (b) 1,855,292
12,876 Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (b) 106,485
-------------
4,352,787
-------------
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies--0.6%
14,199 Greatbatch, Inc. (b) 283,838
-------------
Independent Power Producers
& Energy Traders--2.8%
26,224 Ormat Technologies, Inc. 1,442,582
-------------
IT Services--1.2%
12,072 EnerNOC, Inc. (b) $ 592,735
-------------
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels--4.8%
26,518 Aventine Renewable Energy
Holdings, Inc. (b) 338,370
69,447 Nova Biosource Fuels, Inc. (b) 201,396
25,648 Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (b) 210,570
50,295 US BioEnergy Corp. (b) 588,954
58,681 VeraSun Energy (b) 896,647
39,861 Verenium Corp. (b) 198,906
-------------
2,434,843
-------------
Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment--35.1%
28,419 Advanced Analogic Technologies,
Inc. (b) 320,566
53,867 Cree, Inc. (b) 1,479,726
32,544 EMCORE Corp. (b) 497,923
78,592 Fairchild Semiconductor International,
Inc. (b) 1,134,083
45,804 International Rectifier Corp. (b) 1,555,962
20,336 IXYS Corp. (b) 163,095
11,372 LDK Solar Co., Ltd. ADR (b) 534,598
122,437 Linear Technology Corp. 3,897,170
45,680 MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (b) 4,042,222
48,833 Microsemi Corp. (b) 1,081,163
23,985 O2Micro International Ltd. ADR (b) 276,787
184,617 ON Semiconductor Corp. (b) 1,639,399
18,708 Power Integrations, Inc. (b) 644,116
11,288 Trina Solar Ltd. ADR (b) 607,294
-------------
17,874,104
-------------
Total Common Stocks--99.8%
(Cost $45,239,978) 50,811,947
-------------
Rights--0.0%
Electrical Equipment--0.0%
1,347 Medis Technologies Ltd.
(Cost $0) 0
-------------
Total Investments--99.8%
(Cost $45,239,978) 50,811,947
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--0.2% 101,088
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 50,913,035
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 63
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--99.3%
Real Estate Investment Trusts--99.3%
187 Acadia Realty Trust $ 4,789
45 Agree Realty Corp. 1,355
186 Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. 18,911
577 AMB Property Corp. 33,212
159 American Campus Communities, Inc. 4,269
41 American Land Lease, Inc. 813
557 Apartment Investment &
Management Co. 19,345
615 Ashford Hospitality Trust 4,422
86 Associated Estates Realty Corp. 812
459 AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 43,210
381 BioMed Realty Trust, Inc. 8,828
695 Boston Properties, Inc. 63,808
506 Brandywine Realty Trust 9,073
296 BRE Properties, Inc. 11,997
324 Camden Property Trust 15,601
383 CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. 9,158
258 Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc. 2,639
60 Cogdell Spencer, Inc. 956
274 Colonial Properties Trust 6,201
276 Corporate Office Properties Trust 8,694
218 Cousins Properties, Inc. 4,818
981 DCT Industrial Trust, Inc. 9,133
716 Developers Diversified Realty Corp. 27,416
552 DiamondRock Hospitality Co. 8,269
377 Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 14,465
848 Duke Realty Corp. 22,116
139 EastGroup Properties, Inc. 5,817
166 Education Realty Trust, Inc. 1,866
164 Entertainment Properties Trust 7,708
142 Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. 6,485
215 Equity One, Inc. 4,951
1,579 Equity Residential 57,586
147 Essex Property Trust, Inc. 14,331
380 Extra Space Storage, Inc. 5,430
330 Federal Realty Investment Trust 27,110
364 FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc. 5,675
260 First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. 8,996
141 First Potomac Realty Trust 2,438
1,420 General Growth Properties, Inc. 58,476
220 Glimcher Realty Trust 3,144
1,260 HCP, Inc. 43,823
495 Health Care REIT, Inc. 22,122
295 Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc. 7,490
240 Hersha Hospitality Trust 2,280
333 Highwoods Properties, Inc. 9,784
194 Home Properties, Inc. 8,701
547 Hospitality Properties Trust 17,624
3,044 Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. 51,870
1,313 HRPT Properties Trust 10,149
340 Inland Real Estate Corp. 4,814
321 Investors Real Estate Trust 2,879
782 iStar Financial, Inc. 20,371
191 Kilroy Realty Corp. 10,497
1,472 Kimco Realty Corp. 53,581
Real Estate Investment Trusts (Continued)
169 Kite Realty Group Trust $ 2,581
234 LaSalle Hotel Properties 7,465
371 Lexington Realty Trust 5,394
533 Liberty Property Trust 15,356
118 LTC Properties, Inc. 2,956
423 Macerich (The) Co. 30,058
396 Mack-Cali Realty Corp. 13,464
293 Medical Properties Trust, Inc. 2,986
149 Mid-America Apartment
Communities, Inc. 6,370
140 Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp. 1,134
137 National Health Investors, Inc. 3,822
419 National Retail Properties, Inc. 9,796
541 Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. 16,971
47 One Liberty Properties, Inc. 863
90 Parkway Properties, Inc. 3,328
227 Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment
Trust 6,737
1,004 Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc. 46,224
255 Post Properties, Inc. 8,956
228 Potlatch Corp. 10,132
1,500 ProLogis 95,069
93 PS Business Parks, Inc. 4,887
725 Public Storage 53,222
108 Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust 2,308
455 Rayonier, Inc. 21,494
589 Realty Income Corp. 15,915
406 Regency Centers Corp. 26,183
63 Saul Centers, Inc. 3,366
517 Senior Housing Properties Trust 11,726
1,299 Simon Property Group, Inc. 112,830
345 SL Green Realty Corp. 32,244
126 Sovran Self Storage, Inc. 5,053
433 Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. 7,244
94 Sun Communities, Inc. 1,981
346 Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. 6,328
102 Supertel Hospitality, Inc. 626
182 Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. 6,863
307 Taubman Centers, Inc. 15,101
761 Thornburg Mortgage, Inc. 7,032
782 UDR, Inc. 15,523
69 Universal Health Realty Income Trust 2,445
129 Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc., Class A 2,000
282 U-Store-It Trust 2,583
781 Vornado Realty Trust 68,688
272 Washington Real Estate Investment
Trust 8,544
441 Weingarten Realty Investors 13,865
297 Winthrop Realty Trust, Inc. 1,571
------------
Total Common Stocks--99.3%
(Cost $1,953,907) 1,569,592
-------------
|
Page 64 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST S&P REIT INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market Funds--8.4%
50,000 Federated Treasury Obligation
- 3.36% (b) $ 50,000
83,403 J.P. Morgan Institutional Treasury
Money Market Fund - 3.09% (b) 83,403
-------------
Total Money Market Funds
(Cost $133,403) 133,403
-------------
Total Investments--107.7%
(Cost $2,087,310) 1,702,995
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(7.7%) (121,717)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 1,581,278
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Represents annualized 7-day yield at December 31, 2007.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 65
FIRST TRUST ISE WATER INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.1%
Building Products--1.8%
2,419 Ameron International Corp. $ 222,911
-------------
Chemicals--11.4%
6,236 Arch Chemicals, Inc. 229,173
8,784 Ashland, Inc. 416,625
16,011 Calgon Carbon Corp. (b) 254,415
21,035 Nalco Holding Co. 508,626
-------------
1,408,839
-------------
Commercial Services &
Supplies--5.1%
5,194 Layne Christensen Co. (b) 255,597
17,230 Tetra Tech, Inc. (b) 370,445
-------------
626,042
-------------
Construction & Engineering--2.8%
11,587 Insituform Technologies, Inc.,
Class A (b) 171,488
4,344 Northwest Pipe Co. (b) 170,024
-------------
341,512
-------------
Electrical Equipment--5.8%
6,513 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 249,253
7,491 Roper Industries, Inc. 468,487
-------------
717,740
-------------
Electronic Equipment &
Instruments--4.2%
5,352 Itron, Inc. (b) 513,631
-------------
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies--3.8%
7,894 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (b) 462,825
-------------
Machinery--45.8%
5,979 Badger Meter, Inc. 268,756
9,571 Crane Co. 410,596
5,594 Danaher Corp. 490,818
16,138 Flow International Corp. (b) 150,406
4,829 Flowserve Corp. 464,550
5,107 Gorman-Rupp (The) Co. 159,338
11,773 IDEX Corp. 425,358
7,743 ITT Corp. 511,349
4,148 Lindsay Corp. 293,222
12,657 Mueller Industries, Inc. 366,926
38,319 Mueller Water Products, Inc., Class B 382,040
11,840 Pall Corp. 477,389
13,958 Pentair, Inc. 485,878
4,220 Valmont Industries, Inc. 376,086
12,525 Watts Water Technologies, Inc.,
Class A 373,245
-------------
5,635,957
-------------
Multi-Utilities--4.0%
5,451 Veolia Environnement ADR $ 495,932
-------------
Water Utilities--15.4%
5,920 American States Water Co. 223,066
19,578 Aqua America, Inc. 415,054
6,450 California Water Service Group 238,779
10,339 Companhia de Saneamento Basico
do Estado de Sao Paulo ADR 485,933
4,917 Consolidated Water Co., Ltd. 123,859
7,279 SJW Corp. 252,363
12,649 Southwest Water Co. 158,365
-------------
1,897,419
-------------
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $11,999,554) 12,322,808
-------------
Money Market Funds--0.5%
66,756 J.P. Morgan Institutional Treasury
Money Market Fund - 3.09% (c)
(Cost $66,756) 66,756
-------------
Total Investments--100.6%
(Cost $12,066,310) 12,389,564
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(0.6%) (79,845)
-------------
|
Net Assets--100.0% $ 12,309,719
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Represents annualized 7-day yield at December 31, 2007.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
Page 66 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST ISE-REVERE NATURAL GAS INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.0%
Gas Utilities--9.6%
5,463 Energen Corp. $ 350,888
7,977 ONEOK, Inc. 357,130
6,609 Questar Corp. 357,548
-------------
1,065,566
-------------
Oil, Gas & Consumable
Fuels--90.4%
5,796 Anadarko Petroleum Corp. 380,739
3,442 Apache Corp. 370,153
46,584 Brigham Exploration Co. (b) 350,312
9,689 Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. 391,144
9,448 Chesapeake Energy Corp. 370,362
8,827 Cimarex Energy Co. 375,412
10,957 Comstock Resources, Inc. (b) 372,538
24,677 Delta Petroleum Corp. (b) 465,160
4,069 Devon Energy Corp. 361,775
63,449 Edge Petroleum Corp. (b) 376,253
5,339 EnCana Corp. 362,838
9,293 Enerplus Resources Fund 372,185
24,593 EXCO Resources, Inc. (b) 380,700
7,464 Forest Oil Corp. (b) 379,470
16,270 Mariner Energy, Inc. (b) 372,258
6,940 Newfield Exploration Co. (b) 365,738
60,881 Ngas Resources, Inc. (b) 342,760
4,738 Noble Energy, Inc. 376,766
22,578 Petrohawk Energy Corp. (b) 390,825
6,139 Petroleum Development Corp. (b) 362,999
7,724 Pioneer Natural Resources Co. 377,240
19,685 Rosetta Resources, Inc. (b) 390,354
8,604 St. Mary Land & Exploration Co. 332,200
12,152 Statoil ASA ADR 370,879
7,949 Stone Energy Corp. (b) 372,888
20,192 Talisman Energy, Inc. 373,956
6,878 XTO Energy, Inc. 353,254
-------------
10,091,158
-------------
Total Common Stocks--100.0%
(Cost $11,135,964) 11,156,724
-------------
Money Market Funds--0.6%
71,890 J.P. Morgan Institutional Treasury
Money Market Fund - 3.09% (c)
(Cost $71,890) 71,890
-------------
Total Investments--100.6%
(Cost $11,207,854) 11,228,614
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(0.6%) (71,230)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 11,157,384
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Represents annualized 7-day yield at December 31, 2007.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 67
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.1%
Airlines--0.8%
12,260 China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd.
ADR (b) $ 802,417
-------------
Chemicals--0.6%
11,198 Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical
Co., Ltd. ADR 683,750
-------------
Commercial Banks--10.8%
31,335 HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR 4,087,651
116,733 ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR 7,179,079
-------------
11,266,730
-------------
Communications Equipment--0.6%
41,200 Comtech Group, Inc. (b) 663,732
-------------
Construction & Engineering--0.7%
23,380 KHD Humboldt Wedag International
Ltd. (b) 700,932
-------------
Diversified Consumer
Services--0.7%
8,960 New Oriental Education &
Technology Group, Inc. ADR (b) 722,086
-------------
Diversified Telecommunication
Services--3.7%
11,500 China Netcom Group Corp.,
Ltd. ADR 683,100
9,791 China Telecom Corp., Ltd. ADR 764,383
63,197 Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. ADR 2,379,999
-------------
3,827,482
-------------
Electrical Equipment--3.5%
10,145 JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd.
ADR (b) 708,222
26,873 Solarfun Power Holdings Co.,
Ltd. ADR (b) 877,403
24,918 Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
ADR (b) 2,051,251
-------------
3,636,876
-------------
Electronic Equipment &
Instruments--0.7%
61,621 Nam Tai Electronics, Inc. 694,469
-------------
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies--1.4%
16,725 China Medical Technologies,
Inc. ADR 742,423
17,006 Mindray Medical International
Ltd. ADR 730,748
-------------
1,473,171
-------------
Hotels, Restaurants &
Leisure--2.0%
11,964 Ctrip.com International Ltd. ADR 687,571
Hotels, Restaurants &
Leisure (Continued)
19,330 Home Inns & Hotels Managment,
Inc. ADR (b) $ 688,921
60,413 Melco PBL Entertainment Ltd.
ADR (b) 698,375
-------------
2,074,867
-------------
Independent Power Producers &
Energy Traders--0.7%
17,575 Huaneng Power International,
Inc. ADR 725,848
-------------
Insurance--3.9%
52,906 China Life Insurance Co. Ltd. ADR 4,047,309
-------------
Internet Software &
Services--5.9%
10,493 Baidu.com ADR (b) 4,096,363
35,414 NetEase.com, Inc. ADR (b) 671,449
14,527 SINA Corp. (b) 643,691
12,650 Sohu.com, Inc. (b) 689,678
-------------
6,101,181
-------------
IT Services--16.8%
169,412 Infosys Technologies Ltd. ADR 7,684,529
42,408 Patni Computer Systems Ltd. ADR 689,978
155,409 Satyam Computer Services Ltd. ADR 4,152,528
284,345 Wipro Ltd. ADR 4,219,680
43,852 WNS Holdings Ltd. ADR (b) 716,980
-------------
17,463,695
-------------
Machinery--2.0%
111,493 Tata Motors Ltd. ADR 2,102,758
-------------
Marine--0.7%
28,021 Seaspan Corp. 686,234
-------------
Media--2.6%
35,666 Focus Media Holding Ltd.
ADR (b) 2,026,185
116,553 Xinhua Finance Media Ltd.
ADR (b) 699,318
-------------
2,725,503
-------------
Metals & Mining--10.8%
80,027 Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd.
ADR 4,052,567
273,616 Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd.
ADR (b) 7,133,169
-------------
11,185,736
-------------
Oil, Gas & Consumable
Fuels--16.7%
50,812 China Petroleum & Chemical
Corp. ADR 7,530,339
12,917 CNOOC Ltd. ADR 2,162,693
39,686 PetroChina Co., Ltd. ADR 6,963,702
|
Page 68 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST ISE CHINDIA INDEX FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks (Continued)
Oil, Gas & Consumable
Fuels (Continued)
7,504 Yanzhou Coal Mining Co.,
Ltd. ADR $ 728,338
-------------
17,385,072
-------------
Personal Products--0.7%
63,957 American Oriental
Bioengineering, Inc. (b) 708,644
-------------
Pharmaceuticals--2.0%
115,039 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
Ltd. ADR 2,089,108
-------------
Road & Rail--0.7%
19,855 Guangshen Railway Co.,
Ltd. ADR 707,632
-------------
Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment--0.7%
14,512 Trina Solar Ltd. ADR (b) 780,746
-------------
Software--2.0%
169,531 CDC Corp., Class A (b) 825,617
19,298 Shanda Interactive Entertainment
Ltd. ADR (b) 643,395
29,392 The9 Ltd. ADR (b) 626,637
-------------
2,095,649
-------------
Wireless Telecommunication
Services--8.4%
82,829 China Mobile Ltd. ADR 7,195,355
36,155 China Unicom Ltd. ADR 809,872
32,447 Hutchison Telecommunications
International Ltd. ADR 734,925
-------------
8,740,152
-------------
Total Investments--100.1%
(Cost $101,640,171) 104,091,779
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(0.1%) (87,479)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 104,004,300
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 69
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
--------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks--100.4%
Aerospace & Defense--2.1%
54,982 Cubic Corp. $ 2,155,295
14,943 Precision Castparts Corp. 2,072,594
-------------
4,227,889
-------------
Beverages--2.0%
33,554 Coca-Cola (The) Co. 2,059,209
62,251 PepsiAmericas, Inc. 2,074,203
-------------
4,133,412
-------------
Biotechnology--3.0%
46,277 LifeCell Corp. (b) 1,995,001
37,269 Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 2,072,902
42,400 OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) 2,056,824
-------------
6,124,727
-------------
Capital Markets--2.1%
83,860 Charles Schwab (The) Corp. 2,142,623
62,879 Janus Capital Group, Inc. 2,065,575
-------------
4,208,198
-------------
Chemicals--4.2%
30,186 Agrium, Inc. 2,179,731
18,544 Monsanto Co. 2,071,179
22,933 Mosaic (The) Co. (b) 2,163,499
15,195 Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. 2,187,473
-------------
8,601,882
-------------
Commercial Services &
Supplies--5.1%
49,891 Copart, Inc. (b) 2,122,862
34,641 FTI Consulting, Inc. (b) 2,135,271
33,972 IHS, Inc., Class A (b) 2,057,344
94,212 Learning Tree International, Inc. (b) 2,163,108
34,441 Stericycle, Inc. (b) 2,045,795
-------------
10,524,380
-------------
Communications
Equipment--3.0%
118,286 Foundry Networks, Inc. (b) 2,072,371
55,091 Nokia Oyj ADR 2,114,944
17,981 Research In Motion Ltd. (b) 2,039,045
-------------
6,226,360
-------------
Computers & Peripherals--4.1%
10,668 Apple Computer, Inc. (b) 2,113,117
111,244 EMC Corp. (b) 2,061,351
81,338 Seagate Technology 2,074,119
70,051 Western Digital Corp. (b) 2,116,241
-------------
8,364,828
-------------
Construction & Engineering--2.0%
14,454 Fluor Corp. $ 2,106,237
21,776 Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. (b) 2,082,003
-------------
4,188,240
-------------
Containers & Packaging--2.1%
42,975 Owens-Illinois, Inc. (b) 2,127,262
74,689 Packaging Corp. of America 2,106,230
-------------
4,233,492
-------------
Distributors--1.0%
94,203 LKQ Corp. (b) 1,980,147
-------------
Diversified Consumer
Services--3.0%
29,351 Apollo Group, Inc., Class A (b) 2,058,973
38,930 DeVry, Inc. 2,022,803
11,876 Strayer Education, Inc. 2,025,808
-------------
6,107,584
-------------
Diversified Financial
Services--1.0%
43,304 Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (b) 2,143,115
-------------
Diversified Telecommunication
Services--1.0%
21,673 Telefonica S.A. ADR 2,115,068
-------------
Electrical Equipment--1.0%
15,331 SunPower Corp., Class A (b) 1,999,009
-------------
Electronic Equipment &
Instruments--3.0%
41,209 Dolby Laboratories, Inc.,
Class A (b) 2,048,911
66,486 FLIR Systems, Inc. (b) 2,081,012
61,693 National Instruments Corp. 2,056,228
-------------
6,186,151
-------------
Energy Equipment & Services--3.1%
43,574 Cameron International Corp. (b) 2,097,217
16,989 Core Laboratories N.V. (b) 2,118,868
28,672 National-Oilwell Varco, Inc. (b) 2,106,245
-------------
6,322,330
-------------
Food Products--1.1%
65,445 Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. (b) 2,197,643
-------------
Health Care Equipment &
Supplies--5.1%
45,305 ArthroCare Corp. (b) 2,176,906
35,678 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (b) 2,091,801
6,353 Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (b) 2,061,549
39,099 Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (b) 2,094,142
51,421 St. Jude Medical, Inc. (b) 2,089,749
-------------
10,514,147
-------------
|
Page 70 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST VALUE LINE(R) 100 EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (A) (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE
Common Stocks (Continued)
Health Care Providers & Services--2.1%
29,342 Express Scripts, Inc. (b) $ 2,141,966
23,655 WellPoint, Inc. (b) 2,075,253
-------------
4,217,219
-------------
Health Care Technology--1.0%
83,500 Eclipsys Corp. (b) 2,113,385
-------------
Household Durables--1.0%
21,039 Garmin Ltd. 2,040,783
-------------
Industrial Conglomerates--2.1%
35,969 McDermott International, Inc. (b) 2,123,250
29,659 Textron, Inc. 2,114,687
-------------
4,237,937
-------------
Insurance--2.0%
33,918 AFLAC, Inc. 2,124,285
42,551 Aon Corp. 2,029,257
-------------
4,153,542
-------------
Internet & Catalog Retail--2.1%
23,286 Amazon.com, Inc. (b) 2,157,215
17,991 Priceline.com, Inc. (b) 2,066,446
-------------
4,223,661
-------------
Internet Software & Services--2.0%
62,044 eBay, Inc. (b) 2,059,240
3,016 Google, Inc., Class A (b) 2,085,504
-------------
4,144,744
-------------
IT Services--1.0%
40,709 Computer Sciences Corp. (b) 2,013,874
-------------
Life Sciences Tools &
Services--4.1%
31,710 Charles River Laboratories
International, Inc. (b) 2,086,518
23,845 Covance, Inc. (b) 2,065,454
22,523 Invitrogen Corp. (b) 2,103,873
27,070 Waters Corp. (b) 2,140,425
-------------
8,396,270
-------------
Machinery--11.0%
30,749 AGCO Corp. (b) 2,090,317
54,089 Axsys Technologies, Inc. (b) 1,982,362
21,135 Bucyrus International, Inc., Class A 2,100,608
32,014 CNH Global N.V. 2,107,161
23,146 Deere & Co. 2,155,356
33,405 Dynamic Materials Corp. 1,967,555
21,356 Flowserve Corp. 2,054,447
28,143 Lindsay Corp. 1,989,429
41,596 Manitowoc (The) Co., Inc. 2,031,133
28,678 Robbins & Myers, Inc. 2,168,916
21,483 Valmont Industries, Inc. 1,914,565
-------------
22,561,849
-------------
Media--1.0%
69,757 Global Sources Ltd. (b) $ 1,968,543
-------------
Metals & Mining--3.0%
59,062 AMCOL International Corp. 2,128,003
29,867 BHP Billiton Ltd. ADR 2,091,885
19,266 Southern Copper Corp. 2,025,435
-------------
6,245,323
-------------
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels--1.0%
59,034 Williams (The) Cos., Inc. 2,112,237
-------------
Pharmaceuticals--3.0%
35,491 Merck & Co., Inc. 2,062,382
32,144 Novo Nordisk A/S ADR 2,084,860
59,548 Perrigo Co. 2,084,775
-------------
6,232,017
-------------
Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment--6.0%
55,940 Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (b) 2,015,518
22,533 MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (b) 1,993,945
59,275 NVIDIA Corp. (b) 2,016,536
37,241 Sigma Designs, Inc. (b) 2,055,703
62,154 Texas Instruments, Inc. 2,075,944
91,463 Zoran Corp. (b) 2,058,832
-------------
12,216,478
-------------
Software--5.0%
50,347 ANSYS, Inc. (b) 2,087,387
81,914 CA, Inc. 2,043,754
83,457 Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. 2,031,343
57,957 Microsoft Corp. 2,063,269
93,178 Oracle Corp. (b) 2,103,960
-------------
10,329,713
-------------
Specialty Retail--2.0%
39,768 Best Buy Co., Inc. 2,093,785
33,515 GameStop Corp., Class A (b) 2,081,617
-------------
4,175,402
-------------
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury
Goods--2.0%
12,887 Deckers Outdoor Corp. (b) 1,998,258
48,192 Fossil, Inc. (b) 2,023,100
-------------
4,021,358
-------------
Total Investments--100.4%
(Cost $183,137,182) 205,802,937
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities--(0.4%) (889,512)
-------------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 204,913,425
=============
|
(a) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net
assets.
(b) Non-income producing security.
ADR - American Depositary Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 71
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
DECEMBER 31, 2007
First Trust First Trust
Dow Jones Select Morningstar(R) First Trust
MicroCap Dividend Leaders(SM) IPOX-100
Index(SM) Fund Index Fund Index Fund
----------------- -------------------- -----------
ASSETS:
Investments at value...................................................... $ 18,041,010 $ 64,505,883 $ 26,679,603
Cash...................................................................... 23,882 -- 12,212
Receivables:
Capital shares sold................................................. 5,072 14,625 --
Investment securities sold.......................................... -- 84,267 --
Dividends........................................................... 19,540 169,668 8,565
Interest............................................................ -- -- --
Reclaims............................................................ -- -- --
From investment advisor............................................. 28,049 28,690 12,371
Other assets.............................................................. -- -- 15,091
------------- -------------- --------------
Total Assets........................................................ 18,117,553 64,803,133 26,727,842
------------- -------------- --------------
LIABILITIES:
Due to Custodian.......................................................... -- 18,234 --
Payables:
Investment securities purchased..................................... 11,095 -- --
Capital shares purchased............................................ 12,270 596 --
Investment advisory fees............................................ 7,330 17,147 8,543
Licensing fees...................................................... 824 25,133 --
Accrued expenses and other liabilities.................................... 93,233 91,534 86,568
------------- -------------- --------------
Total Liabilities................................................... 124,752 152,644 95,111
------------- -------------- --------------
NET ASSETS................................................................ $ 17,992,801 $ 64,650,489 $ 26,632,731
============= ============== ==============
NET ASSETS consist of:
Paid-in capital........................................................... $ 21,947,285 $ 77,672,170 $ 25,988,315
Par value................................................................. 8,050 32,000 10,500
Undistributed net investment income (loss)................................ 4,380 9,502 1,158
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments ...................... (2,553,261) (980,395) (1,355,789)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments................. (1,413,653) (12,082,788) 1,988,547
------------- -------------- --------------
NET ASSETS................................................................ $ 17,992,801 $ 64,650,489 $ 26,632,731
============= ============== ==============
NET ASSET VALUE, per share................................................ $ 22.35 $ 20.20 $ 25.36
============= ============== ==============
Number of shares outstanding
(unlimited number of shares has been authorized, par value $0.01 per share) 805,000 3,200,002 1,050,002
------------- -------------- --------------
Investments at cost....................................................... $ 19,454,663 $ 76,588,671 $ 24,691,056
============= ============== ==============
|
Page 72 See Notes to Financial Statements.
First Trust First Trust First Trust First Trust First Trust First Trust First Trust
NASDAQ-100 NASDAQ-100- Amex(R) Dow Jones DB Strategic Value Line(R) Value Line(R)
Equal Weighted Technology Sector Biotechnology Internet Value Equity Allocation Dividend
Index(SM) Fund Index(SM) Fund Index Fund Index(SM) Fund Index Fund Index Fund Index Fund
---------------- ------------------- ---------------- ------------------ --------------- -------------------- ----------------
$ 31,002,219 $ 23,734,053 $ 72,820,584 $ 36,124,261 $ 61,522,985 $ 13,341,744 $ 180,195,752
10,549 13,252 -- -- 25,010 10,681 960,997
-- -- -- -- -- -- 7,911,342
-- -- 592,115 344,590 -- 1,084 6,532,105
10,192 2,317 -- -- 101,272 13,624 476,585
-- -- -- 841 -- -- --
-- -- -- -- -- 566 3,712
11,299 9,775 20,432 17,141 17,917 15,815 31,747
-- -- -- -- -- -- 8,063
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
31,034,259 23,759,397 73,433,131 36,486,833 61,667,184 13,383,514 196,120,303
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
-- -- 57,783 2,956 -- -- --
-- -- -- -- 14,489 -- 7,466,171
-- -- -- -- -- -- 7,911,342
10,430 8,095 26,303 19,364 23,525 5,696 78,693
7,186 6,011 26,644 3,369 25,980 19,100 300,016
105,341 93,740 81,354 75,488 85,497 67,352 210,859
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
122,957 107,846 192,084 101,177 149,491 92,148 15,967,081
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
$ 30,911,302 $ 23,651,551 $ 73,241,047 $ 36,385,656 $ 61,517,693 $ 13,291,366 $ 180,153,222
============== ============== ============== ============== ============== ============== ================
$ 33,414,132 $ 26,368,424 $ 79,480,565 $ 45,349,633 $ 64,459,655 $ 14,053,511 $ 196,742,615
14,000 11,000 30,000 14,500 25,500 6,500 114,380
-- -- -- -- 22,423 3,164 --
(869,924) (947,976) (366,907) (6,110,926) (1,386,697) (1,439,291) (7,143,249)
(1,646,906) (1,779,897) (5,902,611) (2,867,551) (1,603,188) 667,482 (9,560,524)
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
$ 30,911,302 $ 23,651,551 $ 73,241,047 $ 3 6,385,656 $ 61,517,693 $ 13,291,366 $ 180,153,222
============== ============== ============== ============== ============== ============== ================
$ 22.08 $ 21.50 $ 24.41 $ 25.09 $ 24.12 $ 20.45 $ 15.75
============== ============== ============== ============== ============== ============== ================
1,400,002 1,100,002 3,000,002 1,450,002 2,550,002 650,002 11,437,986
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
$ 32,649,125 $ 25,513,950 $ 78,723,195 $ 38,991,812 $ 63,126,173 $ 12,674,262 $ 189,756,276
============== ============== ============== ============== ============== ============== ================
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 73
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 2007
First Trust First Trust
NASDAQ-100 NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R)
Ex-Technology Sector U.S. Liquid Series
IndexSM Fund Index Fund
----------------------- -----------------------
ASSETS:
Investments at value...................................................... $ 2,172,638 $ 50,811,947
Cash...................................................................... 74,928 179,229
Receivables:
Capital shares sold................................................. -- 3,127,852
Investment securities sold.......................................... 1,065,841 --
Dividends........................................................... 1,126 3,831
Interest............................................................ 217 --
Reclaims............................................................ -- --
From investment advisor............................................. -- --
Other assets.............................................................. 1,867 --
-------------- --------------
Total Assets........................................................ 3,316,617 54,122,859
-------------- --------------
LIABILITIES:
Due to Custodian.......................................................... -- --
Payables:
Investment securities purchased..................................... 69,788 3,131,858
Capital shares purchased............................................ 1,065,169 --
Investment advisory fees............................................ 15,575 16,608
Licensing fees...................................................... 583 8,221
Accrued expenses and other liabilities.................................... 46,930 53,137
-------------- --------------
Total Liabilities................................................... 1,198,045 3,209,824
-------------- --------------
NET ASSETS................................................................ $ 2,118,572 $ 50,913,035
============== ==============
NET ASSETS consist of:
Paid-in capital........................................................... $ 2,386,278 $ 45,780,650
Par value................................................................. 1,000 16,500
Undistributed net investment income (loss)................................ -- --
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments ...................... (59,898) (456,084)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments................. (208,808) 5,571,969
-------------- --------------
NET ASSETS................................................................ $ 2,118,572 $ 50,913,035
============== ==============
NET ASSET VALUE, per share................................................ $ 21.19 $ 30.86
============== ==============
Number of shares outstanding
(unlimited number of shares has been authorized, par value $0.01 per share) 100,002 1,650,002
-------------- --------------
Investments at cost....................................................... $ 2,381,446 $ 45,239,978
============== ==============
|
Page 74 See Notes to Financial Statements.
First Trust First Trust First Trust First Trust
S&P ISE ISE-Revere ISE First Trust
REIT Water Natural Gas Chindia Value Line(R) 100
Index Fund Index Fund Index Fund Index Fund Exchange-Traded Fund
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------------
$ 1,702,995 $ 12,389,564 $ 11,228,614 $ 104,091,779 $ 205,802,937
-- -- -- 4,112 --
-- -- -- -- 54,976,122
-- -- -- -- 37,939,578
15,532 14,221 4,859 12,963 90,235
246 140 234 -- --
-- -- -- -- 9,203
325 -- -- 4,734 20,765
-- -- -- -- 5,998
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
1,719,098 12,403,925 11,233,707 104,113,588 298,844,838
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
37,543 24,920 7,609 -- 170,300
-- -- -- -- 54,478,885
-- -- -- -- 38,855,573
423 9,678 9,646 34,452 79,073
48,493 2,477 3,018 7,497 230,866
51,361 57,131 56,050 67,339 116,716
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
137,820 94,206 76,323 109,288 93,931,413
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
$ 1,581,278 $ 12,309,719 $ 11,157,384 $ 104,004,300 $ 204,913,425
============== ============== ============== ============== ===============
$ 2,012,894 $ 12,016,965 $ 11,235,844 $ 103,452,483 $ 193,321,158
1,000 5,500 5,000 37,500 114,400
-- -- 1,666 1,096 --
(48,301) (36,000) (105,886) (1,938,387) (11,187,888)
(384,315) 323,254 20,760 2,451,608 22,665,755
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
$ 1,581,278 $ 12,309,719 $ 11,157,384 $ 104,004,300 $ 204,913,425
============== ============== ============== ============== ===============
$ 15.81 $ 22.38 $ 22.31 $ 27.73 $ 17.91
============== ============== ============== ============== ===============
100,002 550,002 500,002 3,750,002 11,439,982
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
$ 2,087,310 $ 12,066,310 $ 11,207,854 $ 101,640,171 $ 183,137,182
============== ============== ============== ============== ===============
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 75
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
First Trust First Trust
Dow Jones Select Morningstar(R) First Trust
MicroCap Dividend Leaders(SM) IPOX-100
Index(SM) Fund Index Fund Index Fund
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
For the For the For the
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007
--------------------- ------------------- --------------------
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends (a) .................................................... $ 213,900 $ 3,685,392 $ 206,914
Interest.......................................................... -- -- --
------------- ------------- --------------
Total investment income........................................ 213,900 3,685,392 206,914
------------- ------------- --------------
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fees.......................................... 90,935 255,684 98,443
Audit and tax fees................................................ 35,026 34,918 34,983
Accounting and administration fees................................ 27,788 49,973 20,200
Licensing fees.................................................... 24,999 151,399 61,000
Printing fees..................................................... 19,954 28,366 11,714
Legal fees........................................................ 14,760 8,474 7,102
Custodian fees.................................................... 14,225 19,325 12,282
Listing fees...................................................... 10,643 10,817 10,001
Registration and filing fees...................................... 2,878 6,686 1,128
Trustees' fees and expenses....................................... 1,151 6,552 1,983
Transfer agent fees............................................... 909 4,261 1,231
Other expenses.................................................... 3,038 6,952 1,328
------------- ------------- --------------
Total Expenses................................................. 246,306 583,407 261,395
Less fees waived and expenses reimbursed by the investment
advisor..................................................... (137,185) (199,880) (113,731)
------------- ------------- --------------
Net Expenses................................................... 109,121 383,527 147,664
------------- ------------- --------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)...................................... 104,779 3,301,865 59,250
------------- ------------- --------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments.................................................... (958,976) (923,317) (1,070,153)
In-kind redemptions............................................ 2,194,872 5,852,161 2,969,529
------------- ------------- --------------
Net realized gain (loss).......................................... 1,235,896 4,928,844 1,899,376
------------- ------------- --------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments.................................................... (2,332,891) (17,025,191) 1,187,879
------------- ------------- --------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)........................... (1,096,995) (12,096,347) 3,087,255
------------- ------------- --------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS................................................ $ (992,216) $ (8,794,482) $ 3,146,505
============= ============= ==============
(a) Net of foreign witholding taxes of $348 for the First Trust Morningstar(R)
Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund, $1,280 for the First Trust NASDAQ-100
Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund, $2,145 for the First Trust NASDAQ-100-
Technology Sector(SM) Index Fund, and $3,550 for the First Trust Value
Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund.
|
Page 76 See Notes to Financial Statements.
First Trust First Trust First Trust First Trust First Trust First Trust
NASDAQ-100 NASDAQ-100- Amex(R) Dow Jones DB Strategic Value Line(R)
Equal Weighted Technology Sector Biotechnology Internet Value Equity Allocation
Index(SM) Fund Index(SM) Fund Index Fund Index(SM) Fund Index Fund Index Fund
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ---------------------
For the For the For the For the For the For the
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007
--------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ------------------------------------------
$ 126,764 $ 104,092 $ -- $ 96,406 $ 637,377 $ 261,326
-- -- -- 841 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
126,764 104,092 -- 97,247 637,377 261,326
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
97,177 94,558 201,334 218,892 183,113 75,067
34,624 34,635 34,613 34,595 35,197 32,727
20,175 13,624 27,676 30,673 21,887 13,243
24,294 23,639 40,267 34,143 125,500 24,416
13,823 11,487 21,782 23,174 9,837 15,474
9,766 7,129 7,343 7,343 7,426 11,711
10,301 9,280 12,013 12,526 9,097 9,412
14,339 14,867 10,490 10,544 10,001 10,545
2,041 2,753 2,351 1,791 1,695 2,931
2,060 2,248 5,183 4,830 4,286 988
1,215 1,182 2,517 2,736 1,831 751
1,958 1,923 1,828 1,858 1,053 6,207
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
231,773 217,325 367,397 383,105 410,923 203,472
(86,008) (75,489) (65,395) (54,768) (172,875) (98,378)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
145,765 141,836 302,002 328,337 238,048 105,094
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(19,001) (37,744) (302,002) (231,090) 399,329 156,232
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(646,121) (505,402) (277,758) (6,085,666) (1,466,514) (1,437,666)
3,914,875 3,570,635 7,427,406 12,961,361 5,544,664 1,033,752
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
3,268,754 3,065,233 7,149,648 6,875,695 4,078,150 (403,914)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(1,694,511) (1,702,778) (7,597,605) (4,669,550) (2,024,723) 851,149
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
1,574,243 1,362,455 (447,957) 2,206,145 2,053,427 447,235
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
$ 1,555,242 $ 1,324,711 $ (749,959) $ 1,975,055 $ 2,452,756 $ 603,467
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 77
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
First Trust First Trust First Trust
Value Line(R) NASDAQ-100 NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R)
Dividend Ex-Technology Sector U.S. Liquid Series
Index Fund Index(SM) Fund Index Fund
------------------ -------------------- --------------------------
For the Period For the Period
For the February 8, 2007 (b) February 8, 2007 (b)
Year Ended through through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007
------------------ -------------------- --------------------------
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends (a) .............................................. $ 7,943,435 $ 16,657 $ 51,494
Interest.................................................... 418 303
-------------- ------------- -------------
Total investment income.................................. 7,943,853 16,960 51,494
-------------- ------------- -------------
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fees.................................... 1,293,284 12,216 77,431
Audit and tax fees.......................................... 39,216 29,760 29,743
Accounting and administration fees.......................... 135,704 2,578 11,812
Licensing fees.............................................. 400,565 3,054 19,358
Printing fees............................................... 88,756 10,107 16,957
Legal fees.................................................. 17,204 5,654 8,874
Custodian fees.............................................. 46,628 1,879 4,384
Listing fees................................................ 32,016 9,395 16,498
Registration and filing fees................................ 31,186 4 4
Trustees' fees and expenses................................. 17,641 266 2,850
Transfer agent fees......................................... 12,933 153 968
Other expenses.............................................. 88,359 4,500 4,500
-------------- ------------- -------------
Total Expenses........................................... 2,203,492 79,566 193,379
Less fees waived and expenses reimbursed by the
investment advisor.................................... (392,894) (61,242) (77,233)
-------------- ------------- -------------
Net Expenses............................................. 1,810,598 18,324 116,146
-------------- ------------- -------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)................................ 6,133,255 (1,364) (64,652)
-------------- ------------- -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments................................................. (6,917,739) (59,898) (462,882)
In-kind redemptions......................................... 62,295,122 517,056 5,009,950
-------------- ------------- -------------
Net realized gain (loss).................................... 55,377,383 457,158 4,547,068
-------------- ------------- -------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments.............................................. (65,904,350) (208,808) 5,571,969
-------------- ------------- -------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)..................... (10,526,967) 248,350 10,119,037
-------------- ------------- -------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS.......................................... $ (4,393,712) $ 246,986 $ 10,054,385
============== ============= =============
(a) Net of foreign witholding taxes of $99,984 for the First Trust Value
Line(R) Dividend Index Fund, $101 for the First Trust NASDAQ-100
Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, $3,251 for the First Trust ISE-Revere
Natural Gas Index Fund, and $23,086 for the First Trust Value Line(R) 100
Exchange-Traded Fund.
(b) Inception date.
(c) Results for periods prior to June 18, 2007 are of First Trust Value Line(R)
100 Fund. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Page 78 See Notes to Financial Statements.
First Trust First Trust First Trust First Trust
S&P ISE ISE-Revere ISE First Trust
REIT Water Natural Gas Chindia Value Line(R) 100
Index Fund Index Fund Index Fund Index Fund Exchange-Traded Fund
---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------
For the Period For the Period For the Period For the Period
May 8, 2007 (b) May 8, 2007 (b) May 8, 2007 (b) May 8, 2007 (b) For the
through through through through Year Ended
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 (c)
---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------
$ 43,954 $ 56,126 $ 30,838 $ 216,465 $ 1,482,882
410 140 234 -- --
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
44,364 56,266 31,072 216,465 1,482,882
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
4,118 21,211 13,470 112,487 1,393,727
32,211 29,924 29,925 29,925 42,097
2,536 3,469 2,547 15,524 178,842
48,493 2,651 3,368 22,497 305,385
6,859 8,649 7,367 11,998 46,678
5,343 5,775 5,608 10,927 36,524
1,920 2,362 2,120 5,252 20,144
6,525 7,210 7,210 7,210 20,083
1,110 1,105 1,105 1,105 --
158 725 506 5,316 9,277
69 265 168 1,406 7,743
6,129 6,134 6,134 6,304 52,434
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
115,471 89,480 79,528 229,951 2,112,934
(108,608) (57,664) (59,322) (61,221) (132,258)
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
6,863 31,816 20,206 168,730 1,980,676
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
37,501 24,450 10,866 47,735 (497,794)
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
(48,301) (36,000) (106,407) (1,926,901) 7,734,350
(15,732) 299,879 510,266 4,011,210 44,394,357
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
(64,033) 263,879 403,859 2,084,309 52,128,707
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
(384,315) 323,254 20,760 2,451,608 (5,434,509)
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
(448,348) 587,133 424,619 4,535,917 46,694,198
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
$ (410,847) $ 611,583 $ 435,485 $ 4,583,652 $ 46,196,404
============= ============= ============= ============= ==============
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 79
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
First Trust First Trust
Dow Jones Select Morningstar(R)
MicroCap Dividend Leaders(SM)
Index(SM) Fund Index Fund
------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
For the Period
For the Year For the Year For the Year March 9, 2006 (a)
Ended Ended Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
--------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss).................. $ 104,779 $ 57,986 $ 3,301,865 $ 1,135,197
Net realized gain (loss)...................... 1,235,896 3,858,753 4,928,844 1,133,275
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) (2,332,891) (4,051) (17,025,191) 4,942,403
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations.................. (992,216) 3,912,688 (8,794,482) 7,210,875
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income......................... (101,775) (67,080) (3,182,601) (1,240,001)
Net realized gain............................. -- -- -- --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total distributions to shareholders........... (101,775) (67,080) (3,182,601) (1,240,001)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from shares sold..................... 20,378,526 37,006,899 69,676,425 82,248,231
Value of shares repurchased................... (18,156,774) (63,479,407) (68,286,075) (12,981,883)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting
from shareholder transactions.............. 2,221,752 (26,472,508) 1,390,350 69,266,348
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets......... 1,127,761 (22,626,900) (10,586,733) 75,237,222
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period........................... 16,865,040 39,491,940 75,237,222 --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
End of period................................. $ 17,992,801 $ 16,865,040 $ 64,650,489 $ 75,237,222
============= ============= ============= =============
Undistributed net investment income (loss)
at end of period........................... $ 4,380 $ 1,376 $ 9,502 $ (104,804)
============= ============= ============= =============
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Shares outstanding, beginning of period....... 705,000 1,905,000 3,200,002 --
Shares sold................................... 850,000 1,700,000 2,950,000 3,800,002
Shares repurchased............................ (750,000) (2,900,000) (2,950,000) (600,000)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Shares outstanding, end of period............. 805,000 705,000 3,200,002 3,200,002
============= ============= ============= =============
(a) Inception date.
|
Page 80 See Notes to Financial Statements.
First Trust First Trust
IPOX-100 NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted
Index Fund Index(SM) Fund
--------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
For the Period For the Period
For the Year April 12, 2006 (a) For the Year April 19, 2006 (a)
Ended through Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
----------------- ------------------- ----------------- -------------------
$ 59,250 $ 9,633 $ (19,001) $ (9,563)
1,899,376 (611,993) 3,268,754 521,972
1,187,879 800,668 (1,694,511) 47,605
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
3,146,505 198,308 1,555,242 560,014
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(67,725) -- -- --
-- -- -- --
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(67,725) -- -- --
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
22,872,902 43,915,451 26,192,404 32,413,288
(19,299,601) (24,133,109) (22,994,445) (6,815,201)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
3,573,301 19,782,342 3,197,959 25,598,087
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
6,652,081 19,980,650 4,753,201 26,158,101
19,980,650 -- 26,158,101 --
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
$ 26,632,731 $ 19,980,650 $ 30,911,302 $ 26,158,101
============== ============== ============== ==============
$ 1,158 $ 9,633 $ -- $ --
============== ============== ============== ==============
900,002 -- 1,300,002 --
950,000 2,150,002 1,150,000 1,650,002
(800,000) (1,250,000) (1,050,000) (350,000)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
1,050,002 900,002 1,400,002 1,300,002
============== ============== ============== ==============
|
First Trust First Trust
NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Amex(R) Biotechnology
Index(SM) Fund Index Fund
---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
For the Period For the Period
For the Year April 19, 2006 (a) For the Year June 19, 2006 (a)
Ended through Ended through
Dececember 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------------
$ (37,744) $ (24,769) $ (302,002) $ (78,128)
3,065,233 478,780 7,149,648 1,789,320
(1,702,778) (77,119) (7,597,605) 1,694,994
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
1,324,711 376,892 (749,959) 3,406,186
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
-- -- -- --
-- -- -- --
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
-- -- -- --
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
21,483,865 33,510,515 90,771,660 43,126,529
(27,116,601) (5,927,831) (46,218,394) (17,094,975)
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
(5,632,736) 27,582,684 44,553,266 26,031,554
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
(4,308,025) 27,959,576 43,803,307 29,437,740
27,959,576 -- 29,437,740 --
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
$ 23,651,551 $ 27,959,576 $ 73,241,047 $ 29,437,740
============= ============= ============== ==============
$ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
============= ============= ============== ==============
1,400,002 -- 1,250,002 --
950,000 1,700,002 3,600,000 2,050,002
(1,250,000) (300,000) (1,850,000) (800,000)
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
1,100,002 1,400,002 3,000,002 1,250,002
============= ============= ============== ==============
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 81
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
First Trust First Trust
Dow Jones Internet DB Strategic Value
IndexSM Fund Index Fund
----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
For the Period For the Period
For the Year June 19, 2006 (a) For the Year July 6, 2006 (a)
Ended through Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
------------------ ------------------ ----------------- -----------------
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss).................. $ (231,090) $ (71,540) $ 399,329 $ 88,369
Net realized gain (loss)...................... 6,875,695 1,527,363 4,078,150 905,761
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation)............................. (4,669,550) 1,801,999 (2,024,723) 421,535
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations................. 1,975,055 3,257,822 2,452,756 1,415,665
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income......................... -- -- (394,875) (70,400)
Net realized gain............................. -- -- -- --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total distributions to shareholders........... -- -- (394,875) (70,400)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from shares sold..................... 79,688,355 36,616,435 104,762,439 35,100,009
Value of shares repurchased................... (71,230,802) (13,921,209) (62,952,782) (18,795,119)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting
from shareholder transactions.............. 8,457,553 22,695,226 41,809,657 16,304,890
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets......... 10,432,608 25,953,048 43,867,538 17,650,155
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of Period........................... 25,953,048 -- 17,650,155 --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
End of Period................................. $ 36,385,656 $ 25,953,048 $ 61,517,693 $ 17,650,155
============= ============= ============= =============
Undistributed net investment income (loss)
at end of period........................... $ -- $ -- $ 22,423 $ 17,969
============= ============= ============= =============
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Shares outstanding, beginning of period....... 1,150,002 -- 800,002 --
Shares sold................................... 3,200,000 1,800,002 4,350,000 1,700,002
Shares repurchased............................ (2,900,000) (650,000) (2,600,000) (900,000)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Shares outstanding, end of period............. 1,450,002 1,150,002 2,550,002 800,002
============= ============= ============= =============
(a) Inception date.
(b) Results for periods prior to December 18, 2006 are of First Trust Value
Line(R) Dividend Fund. See Note 1 to Financial Statements.
|
Page 82 See Notes to Financial Statements.
First Trust
First Trust First Trust NASDAQ-100
Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Value Line(R) Dividend Ex-Technology Sector
Index Fund Index Fund Index(SM) Fund
------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
For the Period For the Period For the Period
For the Year December 5, 2006 (a) For the Year June 1, 2006 For the Year February 8, 2007 (a)
Ended through Ended through Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 (b) May 31, 2006 (b) December 31, 2007
------------------- ------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- ----------------- ---------------------
$ 156,232 $ 18,537 $ 6,133,255 $ 7,470,307 $ 13,902,862 $ (1,364)
(403,914) 29,372 55,377,383 56,814,074 48,450,270 457,158
851,149 (183,667) (65,904,350) 10,193,087 (16,192,745) (208,808)
---------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
603,467 (135,758) (4,393,712) 74,477,468 46,160,387 246,986
---------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
(171,605) -- (6,533,096) (8,925,194) (13,527,000) --
-- -- -- (59,311,848) (55,080,000) --
---------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
(171,605) -- (6,533,096) (68,237,042) (68,607,000) --
---------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
25,789,407 20,920,099 177,729,932 37,030,620 -- 8,275,318
(31,723,062) (1,991,182) (438,291,965) (127,887,361) -- (6,403,732)
---------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
(5,933,655) 18,928,917 (260,562,033) (90,856,741) -- 1,871,586
---------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
(5,501,793) 18,793,159 (271,488,841) (84,616,315) (22,446,613) 2,118,572
18,793,159 -- 451,642,063 536,258,378 558,704,991 --
---------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
$ 13,291,366 $ 18,793,159 $ 180,153,222 $ 451,642,063 $ 536,258,378 $ 2,118,572
================ ================ =============== =============== ================ ================
$ 3,164 $ 18,537 $ -- $ -- $ 1,454,887 $ --
================ ================ =============== =============== ================ ================
950,002 -- 26,938,000 32,400,000 32,400,000 --
1,300,000 1,050,002 10,500,000 2,200,000 -- 400,002
(1,600,000) (100,000) (26,000,014) (7,662,000) -- (300,000)
---------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
650,002 950,002 11,437,986 26,938,000 32,400,000 100,002
================ ================ =============== =============== ================ ================
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 83
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
First Trust First Trust First Trust
NASDAQ(R) Clean S&P ISE
Edge(R) U.S. Liquid REIT Water
Series Index Fund Index Fund Index Fund
--------------------- ----------------- -----------------
For the Period For the Period For the Period
February 8, 2007 (a) May 8, 2007 (a) May 8, 2007 (a)
through through through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007
--------------------- ----------------- -----------------
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss)............................... $ (64,652) $ 37,501 $ 24,450
Net realized gain (loss)................................... 4,547,068 (64,033) 263,879
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)....... 5,571,969 (384,315) 323,254
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations 10,054,385 (410,847) 611,583
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income...................................... -- (37,501) (24,475)
Net realized gain.......................................... -- -- --
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total distributions to shareholders........................ -- (37,501) (24,475)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from shares sold.................................. 57,955,176 3,796,816 18,295,951
Value of shares repurchased............................... (17,096,526) (1,767,190) (6,573,340)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
shareholder transactions.............................. 40,858,650 2,029,626 11,722,611
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets...................... 50,913,035 1,581,278 12,309,719
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of Period........................................ -- -- --
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
End of Period.............................................. $ 50,913,035 $ 1,581,278 $ 12,309,719
================ ================ ================
Undistributed net investment income (loss) at end
of period............................................... $ -- $ -- $ --
================ ================ ================
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Shares outstanding, beginning of period.................... -- --
Shares sold................................................ 2,350,002 200,002 850,002
Shares repurchased......................................... (700,000) (100,000) (300,000)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Shares outstanding, end of period.......................... 1,650,002 100,002 550,002
================ ================ ================
(a) Inception date.
(b) Results for periods prior to June 18, 2007 are of First Trust Value
Line(R) 100 Fund. See Note 1 to Financial Statements.
|
Page 84 See Notes to Financial Statements.
First Trust First Trust
ISE-Revere ISE First Trust
Natural Gas Chindia Value Line(R) 100
Index Fund Index Fund Exchange-Traded Fund
----------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------------------------------
For the Period For the Period
May 8, 2007 (a) May 8, 2007 (a) For the Year For the Year
through through Ended Ended
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 (b) December 31, 2006 (b)
----------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------
$ 10,866 $ 47,735 $ (497,794) $ (1,199,513)
403,859 2,084,309 52,128,707 20,416,167
20,760 2,451,608 (5,434,509) (8,499,843)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
435,485 4,583,652 46,196,404 10,716,811
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
(9,200) (58,125) -- --
-- -- (18,451,951) (32,863,710)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
(9,200) (58,125) (18,451,951) (32,863,710)
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
17,272,326 119,626,564 219,100,688 --
(6,541,227) (20,147,791) (319,833,579) --
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
10,731,099 99,478,773 (100,732,891) --
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
11,157,384 104,004,300 (72,988,438) (22,146,899)
-- -- 277,901,863 300,048,762
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
$ 11,157,384 $ 104,004,300 $ 204,913,425 $ 277,901,863
================ ================ ================= =================
$ 1,666 $ 1,096 $ -- $ --
================ ================ ================= =================
-- -- 17,490,000 17,490,000
800,002 4,500,002 12,750,000 --
(300,000) (750,000) (18,800,018) --
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
500,002 3,750,002 11,439,982 17,490,000
================ ================ ================= =================
|
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 85
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund
For the Period
For the For the September 27, 2005 (a)
Year Ended Year Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 December 31, 2005
-------------------- ------------------- ---------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 23.92 $ 20.73 $ 20.00
---------- ---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 0.16 0.06 (e) 0.03 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (1.60) 3.19 (e) 0.72 (e)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment operations (1.44) 3.25 0.75
---------- ---------- ----------
Distributions paid to shareholders from:
Net investment income (0.13) (0.06) (0.02)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 22.35 $ 23.92 $ 20.73
========== ========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) (6.02)% 15.69% 3.74%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 17,993 $ 16,865 $ 39,492
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.35% 1.18% 1.44% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.58% 0.24% 0.51% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 11% 20% 6%
|
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund
For the Period
For the March 9, 2006 (a)
Year Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
-------------------- ---------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 23.51 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 0.92 0.59 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (3.35) 3.52 (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations (2.43) 4.11
---------- ----------
Distributions paid to shareholders from:
Net investment income (0.88) (0.60)
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 20.20 $ 23.51
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) (10.64)% 20.80%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 64,650 $ 75,237
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.68% 0.99% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.45% 0.45% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 3.87% 3.55% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 9% 9%
|
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
Page 86 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund
For the Period
For the April 12, 2006 (a)
Year Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
-------------------- --------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 22.20 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 0.05 0.01 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 3.17 2.19 (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 3.22 2.20
---------- ----------
Distributions paid to shareholders from:
Net investment income (0.06) --
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 25.36 $ 22.20
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 14.53% 11.00%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 26,633 $ 19,981
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.06% 1.44% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.24% 0.07% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 11% 26%
|
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund
For the Period
For the April 19, 2006 (a)
Year Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
---------------------- --------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.12 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) (0.02) (0.01) (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1.98 0.13 (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 1.96 0.12
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 22.08 $ 20.12
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 9.74% 0.60%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 30,911 $ 26,158
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.95% 1.31% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.08)% (0.07)%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 15% 1%
|
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 87
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund
For the Period
For the April 19, 2006 (a)
Year Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
-------------------- --------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 19.97 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) (0.03) (0.03)(f)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1.56 0.00 (e)(f)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 1.53 (0.03)
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 21.50 $ 19.97
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 7.66% (0.15)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 23,652 $ 27,960
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.92% 1.37% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.16)% (0.20)%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 10% 7%
|
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund
For the Period
For the June 19, 2006 (a)
Year Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
-------------------- --------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 23.55 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) (0.10) (0.07)(f)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.96 3.62 (f)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 0.86 3.55
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 24.41 $ 23.55
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 3.65% 17.75%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 73,241 $ 29,438
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.73% 1.22% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.60)% (0.60)%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 11% 4%
|
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
(f) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
Page 88 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund
For the Period
For the June 19, 2006 (a)
Year Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 22.57 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) (0.16) (0.07)(e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.68 2.64 (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 2.52 2.57
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 25.09 $ 22.57
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 11.17% 12.85%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 36,386 $ 25,953
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.70% 1.24% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.42)% (0.55)%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 6% 4%
|
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund
For the Period
For the July 6, 2006 (a)
Year Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
-------------------- --------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 22.06 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 0.20 0.12 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.07 2.03 (e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 2.27 2.15
---------- ----------
Distributions paid to shareholders from:
Net investment income (0.21) (0.09)
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 24.12 $ 22.06
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 10.26% 10.74%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 61,518 $ 17,650
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.12% 2.59% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.65% 0.65% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 1.09% 1.29% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 10% 4%
|
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 89
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund
For the Period
For the December 5, 2006 (a)
Year Ended through
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
-------------------- ----------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 19.78 $ 20.00
---------- ----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 0.24 0.03 (e)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.68 (0.25)(e)
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 0.92 (0.22)
---------- ----------
Distributions paid to shareholders from:
Net investment income (0.25) --
---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 20.45 $ 19.78
========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 4.65% (1.10)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 13,291 $ 18,793
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.36% 3.25% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.70% 0.70% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 1.04% 1.82% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 43% 1%
|
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(e) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
Page 90 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund
For the Period
For the June 1, 2006 For the For the For the
Year Ended through Year Ended Year Ended Period Ended
December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 (a) May 31, 2006 (a) May 31, 2005 (a) May 31, 2004 (a)
----------------- --------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 16.77 $ 16.55 $ 17.24 $ 16.13 $ 14.33 (e)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 0.44 0.24 (i) 0.43 0.41 0.27
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.99) 2.10 (i) 1.00 1.99 1.86
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total from investment operations (0.55) 2.34 1.43 2.40 2.13
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Distributions paid to shareholders
from:
Net investment income (0.47) (0.63) (0.42) (0.37) (0.20)
Net realized gains -- (1.49) (1.70) (0.92) (0.11)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total distributions to shareholders (0.47) (2.12) (2.12) (1.29) (0.31)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Common Shares offering costs
charged to paid-in capital -- -- -- (0.00) (b) (0.02)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 15.75 $ 16.77 $ 16.55 $ 17.24 $ 16.13
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
TOTAL RETURN, BASED ON
NET ASSET VALUE (3.42)% (d) 14.70% (d) 10.26% (c) 16.05% (c) 15.09% (c)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 180,153 $ 451,642 $ 536,258 $ 558,705 $ 522,731
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average
net assets 0.85% 0.94% (f) 0.93% 0.93% 0.93% (f)
Ratio of net expenses to average
net assets 0.70% 0.93% (f)(h) 0.93% 0.93% 0.93% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets 2.37% 2.36% (f) 2.51% 2.45% 2.29% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate (g) 5% 28% 58% 57% 46%
|
(a) The Fund commenced operations on August 19, 2003. Results for periods prior
to December 18, 2006 are of First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Fund. See
Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements.
(b) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
(c) Total return based on net asset value is the combination of reinvested
dividend distributions and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any,
at prices obtained by the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and changes in net
asset value per share and does not reflect sales load.
(d) Total return based on net asset value is calculated assuming an initial
investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period,
reinvestment of all dividend distributions at net asset value during the
period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period.
Prior to December 18, 2006, total return based on net asset value assumed
that all dividend distributions were reinvested at prices obtained by the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan of First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Fund. See
Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been reimbursed by the investment
advisor.
(e) Net of sales load $0.675 per Common Share on initial offering.
(f) Annualized.
(g) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(h) The annualized expense ratio is capped at 0.70% for the first two years from
the date of the reorganization. This ratio of 0.93% includes expenses for a
portion of the period prior to the reorganization for the First Trust Value
Line(R) Dividend Fund.
(i) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 91
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund
For the Period
February 8, 2007 (a)
through
December 31, 2007
-----------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1.20
----------
Total from investment operations 1.19
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 21.19
==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 5.95%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 2,119
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 2.61% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.04)%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 27%
|
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund
For the Period
February 8, 2007 (a)
through
December 31, 2007
-----------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) (0.04)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 10.90
----------
Total from investment operations 10.86
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 30.86
==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 54.30%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 50,913
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.00% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (0.33)%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 4%
|
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
Page 92 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund
For the Period
May 8, 2007 (a)
through
December 31, 2007
-----------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 0.32 (b)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (4.13)(b)
----------
Total from investment operations (3.81)
----------
Distributions paid to shareholders from:
Net investment income (0.38)
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 15.81
==========
TOTAL RETURN (c) (19.08)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 1,581
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 8.41% (d)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.50% (d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 2.73% (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e) 25%
|
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund
For the Period
May 8, 2007 (a)
through
December 31, 2007
-----------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 0.04
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.38
----------
Total from investment operations 2.42
----------
Distributions paid to shareholders from:
Net investment income (0.04)
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 22.38
==========
TOTAL RETURN (c) 12.12%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 12,310
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 1.68% (d)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% (d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.46% (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e) 3%
|
(a) Inception date.
(b) Per share amounts have been calculated using the average share method.
(c) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 93
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund
For the Period
May 8, 2007 (a)
through
December 31, 2007
-----------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 0.03
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.30
----------
Total from investment operations 2.33
----------
Distributions paid to shareholders from:
Net investment income (0.02)
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 22.31
==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 11.67%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 11,157
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 2.36% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.32% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 5%
|
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund
For the Period
May 8, 2007 (a)
through
December 31, 2007
-----------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 20.00
----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 0.02
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 7.73
----------
Total from investment operations 7.75
----------
Distributions paid to shareholders from:
Net investment income (0.02)
----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 27.73
==========
TOTAL RETURN (b) 38.73%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 104,004
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets 0.82% (c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets 0.60% (c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 0.17% (c)
Portfolio turnover rate (d) 2%
|
(a) Inception date.
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net
asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividend
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net
asset value on the last day of the period. Total return calculated for a
period of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have
been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by
the investment advisor.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
Page 94 See Notes to Financial Statements.
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund
For the Period
For the For the For the For the June 12, 2003
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended through
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
2007 (a) 2006 (a) 2005 (a) 2004 (a) 2003 (a)
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 15.89 $ 17.16 $ 18.05 $ 16.61 $ 14.33 (e)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) 1.02 (0.07) (0.08) (0.09) (0.06)
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) 2.06 0.68 2.00 2.19 2.37
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total from investment operations 3.08 0.61 1.92 2.10 2.31
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Distributions paid to shareholders
from:
Net realized gain (1.06) (1.88) (2.81) (0.66) --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Common Shares offering costs
charged to paid-in capital -- -- -- (0.00) (b) (0.03)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net asset value, end of period $ 17.91 $ 15.89 $ 17.16 $ 18.05 $ 16.61
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
TOTAL RETURN 19.91% (d) 4.59% (c) 11.86% (c) 13.05% (c) 15.91% (c)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) $ 204,913 $ 277,902 $ 300,049 $ 315,632 $ 290,464
Ratios to average net assets:
Ratio of total expenses to average
net assets 0.89% 0.97% 0.95% 0.97% 1.02% (f)
Ratio of net expenses to average
net assets 0.83% (h) 0.97% 0.95% 0.97% 1.02% (f)
Ratio of net investment loss to
average net assets (0.21)% (0.40)% (0.43)% (0.52)% (0.75)%(f)
Portfolio turnover rate (g) 111% 234% 240% 220% 144%
|
(a) The Fund commenced operations on June 12, 2003. Results for periods prior to
June 18, 2007 are of First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund. See Note 1 in the
Notes to Financial Statements.
(b) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
(c) Total return based on net asset value is the combination of reinvested
dividend distributions and reinvested capital gains distributions, if any,
at prices obtained by the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and changes in net
asset value per share and does not reflect sales load.
(d) Total return based on net asset value is calculated assuming an initial
investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period,
reinvestment of all dividend distributions at net asset value during the
period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period.
Prior to June 18, 2007, total return based on net asset value assumed that
all dividend distributions were reinvested at prices obtained by the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan of First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund. See Note 1
in the Notes to Financial Statements. Total return calculated for a period
of less than one year is not annualized. The total return would have been
lower if certain fees had not been reimbursed by the investment advisor.
(e) Net of sales load $0.675 per Common Share on initial offering.
(f) Annualized.
(g) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions.
(h) The annualized expense ratio is capped at 0.70% for the first two years from
the date of the reorganization. This ratio of 0.83% includes expenses for a
portion of the period prior to the reorganization for the First Trust Value
Line(R) 100 Fund.
See Notes to Financial Statements. Page 95
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007
1. Organization
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund (the "Trust") is an open-end management
investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on August 8,
2003, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Fund (the "Predecessor FVD Fund"), a
closed-end fund organized as a Massachusetts business trust on June 11, 2003,
reorganized with and into First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund ("FVD"),
an exchange-traded fund and newly created series of the Trust effective Friday,
December 15, 2006. The Predecessor FVD Fund ceased trading on the AMEX on
Friday, December 15, 2006, and FVD began trading on the AMEX on Monday, December
18, 2006 under the ticker symbol "FVD," the same ticker symbol used by the
Predecessor FVD Fund. The assets of the Predecessor FVD Fund were transferred
to, and the liabilities of the Predecessor FVD Fund were assumed by, FVD in
exchange for shares of FVD on a one share for one share basis based upon the net
asset value ("NAV") of the Predecessor FVD Fund on Friday, December 15, 2006.
FVD shares have been distributed to the Predecessor FVD Fund shareholders, on a
tax-free basis for federal income tax purposes, and the Predecessor FVD Fund has
been terminated. The historical results of the Predecessor FVD Fund will survive
for financial reporting purposes.
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund (the "Predecessor FVL Fund"), a closed-end
fund organized as a Massachusetts business trust on April 18, 2003, reorganized
with and into First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund ("FVL"), an
exchange-traded fund and newly created series of the Trust effective Friday,
June 15, 2007. The Predecessor FVL Fund ceased trading on the AMEX on Friday,
June 15, 2007, and FVL began trading on the AMEX on Monday, June 18, 2007 under
the ticker symbol "FVL," the same ticker symbol used by the Predecessor FVL
Fund. The assets of the Predecessor FVL Fund were transferred to, and the
liabilities of the Predecessor FVL Fund were assumed by, FVL in exchange for
shares of FVL on a one share for one share basis based upon the NAV of the
Predecessor FVL Fund on Friday, June 15, 2007. FVL shares have been distributed
to the Predecessor FVL Fund shareholders, on a tax-free basis for federal income
tax purposes, and the Predecessor FVL Fund has been terminated. The historical
results of the Predecessor FVL Fund will survive for financial reporting
purposes.
The Trust currently consists of seventeen funds:
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund - (AMEX ticker "FDM")
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund - (AMEX ticker "FDL")
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund - (AMEX ticker "FPX")
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund - (NASDAQ ticker "QQEW")
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund - (NASDAQ ticker "QTEC")
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund - (AMEX ticker "FBT")
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund - (AMEX ticker "FDN")
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund - (AMEX ticker "FDV")
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund - (AMEX ticker "FVI")
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund - (AMEX ticker "FVD")
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund -
(NASDAQ ticker "QQXT")
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund -
(NASDAQ ticker "QCLN")
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund - (AMEX ticker "FRI")
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund - (NYSE Arca, Inc. ticker "FIW")
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund - (NYSE Arca, Inc. ticker "FCG")
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund - (NYSE Arca, Inc. ticker "FNI")
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund - (AMEX ticker "FVL")
Each fund represents a separate series of beneficial interest in the Trust
(individually, each a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"). Each Fund's shares
are listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX") except for the
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund, the First Trust
NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, the First Trust NASDAQ-100
Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, and the First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R)
U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund, which are listed and traded on The NASDAQ Stock
Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ(R)") and the First Trust ISE Water Index Fund, the First
Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund and the First Trust Chindia Index Fund,
which are listed and traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. ("NYSE Arca"). Unlike
conventional mutual funds, each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous
basis, at NAV, only in large specified blocks consisting of 50,000 shares called
a "Creation Unit." Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind
for securities included in a Fund's relevant index. Except when aggregated in
Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of a Fund. The investment
objective of each Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally
to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of the following
indices:
Page 96
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007
Fund Index
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM)
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund IPOX-100 U.S. Index
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM)
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index(SM)
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund Amex(R) Biotechnology Index(SM)
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund Dow Jones Internet Composite Index(SM)
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund Deutsche Bank CROCI(R) US+ Index(TM)
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund Value Line(R) Dividend Index
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index(SM)
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund S&P REIT Composite Index
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund ISE Water Index(TM)
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund ISE-REVERE Natural Gas Index(TM)
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund ISE ChIndia Index(TM)
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund Value Line(R) 100 Index
|
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. The
preparation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
A. Portfolio Valuation
The NAV of each Fund's shares is determined daily as of the close of regular
trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAV is computed by dividing
the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends),
less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but
unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.
Each Fund's investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of market
value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value according to
procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees. Portfolio securities listed
on any exchange other than the NASDAQ(R) are valued at the last sale price on
the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been
no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent
bid and asked prices on such day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ(R) are valued
at the NASDAQ(R) Official Closing Price as determined by NASDAQ(R). Portfolio
securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last
sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the
close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities.
Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding
securities traded on the NASDAQ(R), are valued at the closing bid prices.
Short-term investments that mature in less than 60 days are valued at amortized
cost.
B. Securities Transactions and Investment Income
Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and
losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis.
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, if any, is
recorded on the accrual basis.
The Funds may hold publicly-traded master limited partnerships and real estate
investment trusts. Distributions from such investments may include a return of
capital component.
C. Dividends and Distribution to Shareholders
Dividends from net investment income of each Fund, if any, are declared and paid
semi-annually, except for First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index
Fund and First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund, which declare and pay
dividends quarterly, or as the Board of Trustees may determine from time to
time. Distributions of net realized gains earned by each Fund, if any, are
distributed at least annually.
Distributions from income and capital gains are determined in accordance with
income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. These differences are primarily due to
differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held
by a Fund, timing differences and differing characterization of distributions
made by a Fund.
Page 97
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007
The tax character of distributions paid by each Fund during the period ended
December 31, 2007 were as follows:
Distributions Distributions Distributions
paid from paid paid from
Ordinary from Capital Return of
Income Gains Capital
----------------- -------------- ---------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund $ 101,775 $ -- $ --
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund (A) 3,792,601 -- --
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 67,725 -- --
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund -- -- --
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund -- -- --
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund -- -- --
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund -- -- --
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 394,875 -- --
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 171,605 -- --
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 6,533,096 -- --
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund -- -- --
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund -- -- --
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 37,501 -- --
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 24,475 -- --
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 9,200 -- --
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 58,125 -- --
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund (B) -- -- --
|
(A) For the tax year ended November 30, 2007, the Fund distributed $2,951,001
from ordinary income. The Fund changed its tax year to December 31, effective
December 1, 2007, and will have a short tax year of December 1 to December 31,
2007. The Fund distributed $841,600 from ordinary income for the period December
1 through December 31, 2007.
(B) All distributions were paid prior to June 18, 2007 and are of First Trust
Value Line(R) 100 Fund. See Note 1 above.
The tax character of distributions paid during the period ended December 31,
2006 was as follows:
Distributions Distributions Distributions
paid from paid paid from
Ordinary from Capital Return of
Income Gains Capital
----------------- -------------- ---------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund $ 67,080 $ -- $ --
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund (A) 630,001 -- --
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 70,400 -- --
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 19,499,734 46,401,234 2,336,074
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund (B) -- -- --
|
(A) This amount is as of November 30, 2006, the Fund's prior tax year-end.
(B) All distributions were paid prior to June 18, 2007 and are of First Trust
Value Line(R) 100 Fund. See Note 1 above.
Page 98
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007
As of December 31, 2007, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis
for each Fund were as follows:
Undistributed Net Unrealized
Ordinary Income Appreciation (Depreciation)
----------------------- ---------------------------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund $ 4,380 $ (1,430,004)
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund (A) 9,502 (12,609,479)
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 1,158 1,958,507
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund -- (1,743,296)
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund -- (1,783,779)
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund -- (6,269,136)
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund -- (3,579,723)
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 22,423 (1,794,979)
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 3,164 667,292
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund -- (10,114,015)
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund -- (226,358)
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund -- 5,269,569
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund -- (413,643)
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund -- 318,303
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 1,666 10,424
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 86,380 1,612,014
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund -- 22,656,895
|
(A) The Fund changed its tax year to December 31, effective December 1, 2007,
and will have a short tax year of December 1 to December 31, 2007.
D. Income Taxes
Each Fund intends to qualify or continue to qualify as a regulated investment
company by complying with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by distributing substantially all of its net
investment income and net realized gains to shareholders. Accordingly, no
provision has been made for federal and state income taxes.
In June 2006, Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48,
"Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes" - an Interpretation of FASB
Statement 109 ("FIN 48") was issued and is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2006. This Interpretation prescribes a minimum threshold for
financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or
expected to be taken in a tax return. As of December 31, 2007, management has
evaluated the application of FIN 48 to each Fund, and has determined that there
is no material impact resulting from the adoption of this Interpretation on each
Fund's financial statements.
At December 31, 2007 for federal income tax purposes, each Fund has capital loss
carryforwards available as shown in the table below, to the extent provided by
regulations, to offset future capital gains through the years indicated. To the
extent that these loss carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains, it
is probable that the capital gains so offset will not be distributed to Fund
shareholders.
Capital Loss Capital Loss Capital Loss
Available Available Available Total
Through Through Through Capital Loss
2013 2014 2015 Available
------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund $ -- $ 1,604,481 $ 910,503 $ 2,514,984
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 52,755 202,279 198,670 453,704
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund -- 303,759 740,683 1,044,442
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund -- 15,480 271,083 286,563
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund -- 95,862 535,229 631,091
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund- -- -- -- --
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund -- -- 15 15
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund -- 45,432 831,336 876,768
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund -- -- 1,439,101 1,439,101
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund -- -- 4,488,019 4,488,019
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund -- -- 7,779 7,779
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund -- -- 141,332 141,332
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund -- -- 10,162 10,162
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund -- -- 592 592
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund -- -- 5,274 5,274
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund -- -- -- --
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund -- -- 6,804,100 6,804,100
|
Page 99
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007
Capital losses incurred after October 31 ("post-October losses") within the
taxable year can be deemed to arise on the first business day of the Funds' next
taxable year.
The following Funds incurred and elected to defer net capital losses as follows:
Post-October Losses
-----------------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund $ 21,926
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund --
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 281,307
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund 486,971
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 313,003
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund 382
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund 5,398,739
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 318,138
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund --
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 2,101,739
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 34,569
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund 12,352
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 8,811
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 30,457
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 90,276
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 1,184,077
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund 4,374,928
|
In order to present paid-in capital and accumulated net realized gains or losses
on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities that more closely represent their
tax character, certain adjustments have been made to additional paid-in capital,
undistributed net investment income and accumulated net realized gains or losses
on investments. For the period ended December 31, 2007, the adjustments of each
Fund were as follows:
Undistributed Undistributed
Net Investment Capital Gains/ Paid-in
Income (Loss) (Accumulated Losses) Capital
---------------- ---------------------- ----------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund $ -- $ (2,183,745) $ 2,183,745
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund (4,958) (6,685,825) 6,690,783
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund -- (2,944,257) 2,944,257
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund 19,001 (3,872,930) 3,853,929
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 37,744 (3,561,366) 3,523,622
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund 302,002 (7,464,003) 7,162,001
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund 231,090 (12,973,854) 12,742,764
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund -- (5,413,876) 5,413,876
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund -- (1,033,752) 1,033,752
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 399,841 (61,254,336) 60,854,495
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 1,364 (517,056) 515,692
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund 64,652 (5,003,152) 4,938,500
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund -- 15,732 (15,732)
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 25 (299,879) 299,854
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund -- (509,745) 509,745
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 11,486 (4,022,696) 4,011,210
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund 497,794 (44,640,291) 44,142,497
|
E. Expenses
Expenses that are directly related to one of the Funds are charged directly to
that Fund. General expenses of the Trust are allocated to all the Funds based
upon the average net assets of each Fund. First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First
Trust" or the "Advisor") has entered into licensing agreements with each of the
following "Licensors" for the respective Funds:
Page 100
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007
Fund Licensor
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund Morningstar, Inc.
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund IPOX Schuster LLC
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund American Stock Exchange LLC
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund Deutsche Bank AG
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund Value Line Publishing, Inc.(R)
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund Value Line Publishing, Inc.(R)
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. / Clean Edge, Inc.
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund Standard & Poor's
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund International Securities Exchange, LLC
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund International Securities Exchange, LLC
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund International Securities Exchange, LLC
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund Value Line Publishing, Inc.(R)
|
The respective license agreements allow for the use by First Trust of certain
trademarks and trade names of the respective Licensors. The Funds are
sub-licensees to the applicable license agreements. The respective Funds are
required to pay licensing fees, which are shown on the Statements of Operations.
F. Accounting Pronouncement
In September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 Fair
Value Measurements ("SFAS 157") was issued by the FASB and is effective for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. SFAS 157 defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about
fair value measurements. At this time, management is evaluating the implications
of SFAS 157 and its impact on the Funds' financial statements, if any, has not
been determined.
3. Investment Advisory Fee and Other Affiliated Transactions
First Trust is a limited partnership with one limited partner, Grace Partners of
DuPage L.P., and one general partner, The Charger Corporation. First Trust
serves as investment advisor to the Funds pursuant to an Investment Management
Agreement. First Trust is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring
of the securities in the Funds' portfolios and certain other services necessary
for the management of the Funds.
For these services, First Trust is entitled to a monthly fee calculated at the
following annual rates:
% of Average
Daily Net Assets
-----------------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund 0.50%
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 0.30%
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 0.40%
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund 0.40%
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 0.40%
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund 0.40%
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund 0.40%
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 0.50%
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 0.50%
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 0.50%
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 0.40%
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund 0.40%
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 0.30%
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 0.40%
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 0.40%
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 0.40%
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund (1) 0.50%
|
(1) Prior to June 18, 2007, First Trust was entitled to a monthly fee calculated
at an annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund's average daily net assets for its
investment advisory services to First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund.
Page 101
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007
The Trust and the Advisor have entered into an Excess Expense Agreement in which
the Advisor has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the Funds to the extent
that the operating expenses of each Fund (excluding interest expense, brokerage
commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses)
exceeded the percentage of average daily net assets per year (the "Expense Cap")
as shown below:
Expense Cap
------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund 0.60%
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 0.45%
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 0.60%
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund 0.60%
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 0.60%
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund 0.60%
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund 0.60%
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 0.65%
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 0.70%
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 0.70%
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 0.60%
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund 0.60%
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 0.50%
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 0.60%
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 0.60%
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 0.60%
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund 0.70%
|
Each Fund's Expense Cap will be in effect for at least two years from its
inception date, except that First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM)
Fund's Expense Cap was extended until May 15, 2008. Expenses borne by the
Advisor are subject to reimbursement by the Funds up to three years from the
date the fee or expense was incurred, but no reimbursement payment will be made
by a Fund if it would result in the Fund exceeding its Expense Cap.
For the period ended December 31, 2007, the advisory fee waivers and
reimbursements of expenses (in order to maintain the Expense Caps) were as
follows:
Advisory Fee Expense
Waivers Reimbursements
------------------- --------------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund $ 90,935 $ 46,250
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 199,880 --
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 98,443 15,288
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund 86,008 --
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 75,489 --
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund 65,395 --
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund 54,768 --
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 172,875 --
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 75,067 23,311
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 392,894 --
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 12,216 49,026
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund 77,233 --
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 4,118 104,490
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 21,211 36,453
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 13,470 45,852
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 61,221 --
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund 132,258 --
|
The Trust has multiple service agreements with The Bank of New York ("BNY").
Under the servicing agreements, BNY will perform custodial, fund accounting,
certain administrative services, and transfer agency services for the Trust. As
custodian, BNY is responsible for the custody of the Trust's assets. As fund
accountant and administrator, BNY is responsible for maintaining the books and
records of the Trust's securities and cash. As transfer agent, BNY is
responsible for performing transfer agency services for the Trust. The Bank of
New York is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a financial
holding company.
Page 102
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007
The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has entered into an agreement with PFPC, Inc.
("PFPC"), whereby PFPC will provide certain administrative services for the
Trust and the Funds in connection with the Board's meetings and other related
matters.
Prior to June 18, 2007, PFPC, an indirect, majority-owned subsidiary of The PNC
Financial Services Group Inc., served as First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund's
Administrator and Transfer Agent in accordance with certain fee arrangements.
PFPC Trust Company, also an indirect, majority-owned subsidiary of The PNC
Financial Services Group Inc., served as First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Fund's
Custodian in accordance with certain fee arrangements.
Effective January 1, 2007, the Trustees approved a revised compensation plan.
Under the revised plan, each Trustee who is not an officer or employee of First
Trust, any sub-advisor or any of their affiliates ("Independent Trustees") is
paid an annual retainer of $10,000 per trust for the first 14 trusts of the
First Trust Fund Complex and an annual retainer of $7,500 per trust for each
subsequent trust added to the First Trust Fund Complex. The annual retainer is
allocated equally among each of the trusts. No additional meeting fees are paid
in connection with board or committee meetings.
Additionally, the Lead Independent Trustee is paid $10,000 annually and the
Audit Committee Chairman is paid $5,000 annually, with such compensation paid by
the trusts in the First Trust Fund Complex and divided among those trusts.
Trustees are also reimbursed by the trusts in the First Trust Fund Complex for
travel and out-of-pocket expenses in connection with all meetings. Prior to
January 1, 2007, the trusts paid each Trustee who is not an officer or employee
of First Trust, any sub-advisor or any of their affiliates an annual retainer of
$10,000, which included compensation for all board and committee meetings.
Effective January 1, 2008, each of the chairmen of the Nominating and Governance
Committee and Valuation Committee will be paid $2,500 annually to serve in such
capacities with such compensation paid by the trusts in the First Trust Fund
Complex and divided among those trusts. Also effective January 1, 2008, each
committee chairman will serve two years before rotating to serve as a chairman
of another committee.
4. Purchases and Sales of Securities
For the period ended December 31, 2007, the cost of purchases and proceeds from
sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments and in-kind
transactions, were as follows:
Purchases Sales
----------------- -----------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund $ 2,026,281 $ 6,452,305
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 7,403,049 12,401,969
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 2,744,316 6,108,089
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund 3,693,046 3,676,209
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 2,432,152 4,566,339
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund 8,022,538 5,649,685
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund 3,310,907 9,200,700
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 3,600,844 9,675,728
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 6,295,765 14,835,215
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 13,083,142 39,505,401
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 1,100,767 938,747
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund 1,042,859 2,103,636
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 551,945 529,675
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 238,065 945,332
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 272,367 1,697,199
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 789,462 11,040,522
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund 263,804,022 348,820,775
|
Page 103
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007
For the period ended December 31, 2007, the cost of in-kind purchases and
proceeds from in-kind sales were as follows:
Purchases Sales
----------------- -----------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund $ 20,717,231 $ 14,036,716
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 66,643,391 59,946,504
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 22,897,265 15,897,966
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund 24,182,946 21,009,227
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 20,846,783 24,389,689
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund 88,117,651 46,556,875
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund 75,755,590 62,076,782
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 104,646,981 56,768,510
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 25,770,324 23,095,306
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 177,415,981 410,789,172
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 8,099,473 6,390,899
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund 57,096,680 15,342,993
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 3,771,996 1,755,034
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 18,286,890 5,843,947
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 16,731,803 4,571,186
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 121,511,994 11,705,072
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund 223,867,759 256,358,692
|
As of December 31, 2007, the costs of investments for federal income tax
purposes and accumulated net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments
were as follows:
Net
Unrealized Gross Gross
Appreciation Unrealized Unrealized
Cost (Depreciation) Appreciation (Depreciation)
------------- -------------- ------------ --------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund $ 19,471,014 $ (1,430,004) $ 982,571 $ (2,412,575)
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 77,115,362 (12,609,479) 1,948,890 (14,558,369)
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 24,721,096 1,958,507 3,765,255 (1,806,748)
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund 32,745,515 (1,743,296) 1,783,253 (3,526,549)
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 25,517,832 (1,783,779) 1,230,556 (3,014,335)
First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund 79,089,720 (6,269,136) 4,180,196 (10,449,332)
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund 39,703,984 (3,579,723) 2,571,492 (6,151,215)
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 63,317,964 (1,794,979) 2,221,119 (4,016,098)
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 12,674,452 667,292 1,383,595 (716,303)
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 190,309,767 (10,114,015) 9,162,686 (19,276,701)
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund 2,398,996 (226,358) 80,792 (307,150)
First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund 45,542,378 5,269,569 7,166,577 (1,897,008)
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund 2,116,638 (413,643) 4,490 (418,133)
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 12,071,261 318,303 770,676 (452,373)
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 11,218,190 10,424 302,858 (292,434)
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 102,479,765 1,612,014 6,594,380 (4,982,366)
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund 183,146,042 22,656,895 24,282,001 (1,625,106)
|
5. Capital
Shares are created and redeemed by each Fund only in Creation Unit size
aggregations of 50,000 shares. Such transactions are generally permitted on an
in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the
daily NAV per Share of each Fund times the number of Shares in a Creation Unit
on the transaction date. Purchasers of Creation Units must pay a standard
creation transaction fee (the "Creation Transaction Fee"), which is based on the
number of different securities in a Creation Unit of each Fund according to the
fee schedule set forth below:
Page 104
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007
Number of
Securities Creation
in a Creation Unit Transaction Fee
---------------------- -------------------
1-100 $500
101-200 $1,000
201-300 $1,500
301-400 $2,000
401-500 $2,500
501-600 $3,000
601-700 $3,500
|
The Creation Transaction Fee is applicable to each purchase transaction
regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased in the transaction. An
additional variable fee of up to three times the Creation Transaction Fee may be
charged to approximate additional expenses incurred by a Fund with respect to
transactions effected outside of the clearing process (i.e., through a DTC
Participant) or to the extent that cash is used in lieu of securities to
purchase Creation Units. The price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily
NAV per Share of a Fund times the number of Shares in a Creation Unit on the
transaction date plus the fees described above and, if applicable, any transfer
taxes.
Parties redeeming Creation Units must pay a standard redemption transaction fee
(the "Redemption Transaction Fee"), which is based on the number of different
securities in a Creation Unit according to the fee scheduled set forth below:
Number of
Securities Redemption
in a Creation Unit Transaction Fee
---------------------- -------------------
1-100 $500
101-200 $1,000
201-300 $1,500
301-400 $2,000
401-500 $2,500
501-600 $3,000
601-700 $3,500
|
The Redemption Transaction Fee is applicable to each redemption transaction
regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed in the transaction. An
additional variable fee of up to three times the Redemption Transaction Fee may
be charged to approximate additional expenses incurred by a Fund with respect to
redemptions effected outside of the clearing process or to the extent that
redemptions are for cash. The Funds reserve the right to effect redemptions in
cash. A shareholder may request a cash redemption in lieu of securities,
however, a Fund may, in its discretion reject any such request.
6. Indemnification
The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has a variety of indemnification obligations
under contracts with its service providers. The Trust's maximum exposure under
these arrangements is unknown. However, the Trust has not had prior claims or
losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Page 105
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund:
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of First
Trust Exchange-Traded Fund, comprising First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCapSM
Index Fund, First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund, First
Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund, First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund,
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, First Trust Amex(R)
Biotechnology Index Fund, First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund, First
Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation
Index Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund, First Trust
NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean
Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund, First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund, First
Trust ISE Water Index Fund, First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund, First
Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund and First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded
Fund (the "Funds"), including the portfolios of investments, as of December 31,
2007, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets and the
financial highlights for the periods presented. These financial statements and
financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds' management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Funds
are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their
internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds' internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation
of securities owned as of December 31, 2007, by correspondence with the Funds'
custodian and brokers. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for
our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First
Trust Exchange-Traded Fund as of December 31, 2007, the results of their
operations, changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the
respective periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 20, 2008
|
Page 106
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how
to vote proxies and information on how the Funds voted proxies relating to
portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, 2007
is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 988-5891; (2) on
the Trust's website located at http://www.ftportfolios.com; and (3) on the
Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov.
Portfolio Holdings
The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the first and third quarters of each fiscal
year on Form N-Q. The Trust's Form N-Q is available (1) by calling (800)
988-5891; (2) on the Trust's website located at http://www.ftportfolios.com; (3)
on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov; and (4) for review and copying at
the SEC's Public Reference Room ("PRR") in Washington, DC. Information regarding
the operation of the PRR may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
Federal Tax Information
For the taxable year ended December 31, 2007, the following percentages of
income dividends paid by the Funds qualify for the dividends received deduction
available to corporations:
Dividends Received Deduction
----------------------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund 100%
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 100%
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 100%
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 100%
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 91%
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 100%
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 100%
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 100%
|
For the taxable year ended December 31, 2007, the following percentages of
income dividends paid by the Funds is hereby designated as qualified dividend
income:
Qualified Dividend Income
-------------------------
First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund 100%
First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund 100%
First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund 100%
First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund 100%
First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund 100%
First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund 100%
First Trust ISE Water Index Fund 100%
First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund 100%
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund 100%
|
Page 107
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
Licensing Information
Dow Jones, Dow Jones Internet Composite Index(SM) and Dow Jones Select MicroCap
Index(SM) are trademarks of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. and have been licensed for
use. The First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund, based on the Dow
Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) and the First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM)
Fund based on the Dow Jones Internet Composite Index(SM) are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by Dow Jones, and Dow Jones makes no representation
regarding the advisability of trading in the Funds.
Morningstar is a service mark of Morningstar, Inc. and has been licensed for
use. The First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund is not
sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by Morningstar, Inc., nor does
this company make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in
the Fund.
IPOX is a trademark of IPOX Schuster LLC. IPOX IPO Indexes and Derivatives
(patent pending).
NASDAQ(R), NASDAQ-100, NASDAQ-100 Index(R), NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector
Index(SM), NASDAQ-100 Equal-Weighted Index(SM), and NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector
Index(SM), are trademarks of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (which with its
affiliates is referred to as the Corporations) and are licensed for use by First
Trust Advisors L.P. The Funds have not been passed on by the Corporations as to
their legality or suitability. The Funds are not issued, endorsed, sold, or
promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO
LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUNDS.
NASDAQ(R) and Clean Edge(R) are the registered trademarks (the "Marks") of The
NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ(R)") and Clean Edge, Inc. ("Clean Edge")
respectively. NASDAQ(R) and Clean Edge(R) are, collectively with their
affiliates, the "Corporations." The Marks are licensed for use by First Trust
Advisors L.P. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its
legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold, or promoted by
the Corporations. The Fund should not be construed in any way as investment
advice by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO
LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
The Amex(R) Biotechnology Index(SM) is a trademark of the American Stock
Exchange LLC and is licensed for use by First Trust Advisors L.P. The Fund is
not sponsored or endorsed by the American Stock Exchange LLC. American Stock
Exchange LLC makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the
owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in the Fund or the ability of the Fund to track the performance of the
various sectors represented in the stock market. American Stock Exchange LLC has
no obligation to take the needs of the owners of the Fund into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the Index. American Stock Exchange LLC is
not responsible for and has not participated in any determination or calculation
made with respect to issuance or redemption of the Fund.
"Deutsche Bank" and "Deutsche Bank CROCI(R) US+ Index" are service marks of
Deutsche Bank AG ("Deutsche Bank"). Deutsche Bank has no relationship to First
Trust or the First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund, other than the licensing
of the Index and its service marks for use in connection with the Fund.
"Value Line(R)", "Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index", "Value Line(R)
Dividend Index" and "Value Line(R) 100 Index" are trademarks of Value Line(R),
Inc. and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust on
behalf of the Funds. The First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund
based on the Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index, the First Trust Value
Line(R) Dividend Index Fund, based on the Value Line(R) Dividend Index and the
First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund, based on the Value Line(R)
100 Index, are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by Value Line(R),
Inc., and Value Line(R) makes no representation regarding the advisability of
investing in the Funds.
Standard & Poor's(R), S&P(R) and S&P REIT Composite Index are registered
trademarks of Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
and have been licensed for use by First Trust Advisors L.P. The Fund is not
sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P and S&P makes no representation,
warranty or condition regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.
"International Securities Exchange(TM)", "ISE(TM)", "ISE Water Index(TM)", "ISE
ChIndia Index(TM)" and the ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index(TM)" are trademarks of
the International Securities Exchange(TM) and have been licensed for use for
certain purposes by First Trust Advisors L.P. Each Fund, based on its
corresponding index, is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the
International Securities Exchange(TM) and the International Securities
Exchange(TM) makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in
such products.
Page 108
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
Privacy Policy
The open-end and closed-end funds advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. (each a
"Fund") consider your privacy an important priority in maintaining our
relationship. We are committed to protecting the security and confidentiality of
your personal information.
Sources of Information
We may collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following
sources:
o Information we receive from you or your broker-dealer, investment
advisor or financial representative through interviews, applications,
agreements or other forms;
o Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates or others;
o Information we receive from your inquiries by mail, e-mail or
telephone; and
o Information we collect on our website through the use of "cookies." For
example, we may identify the pages on our website that your browser
requests or visits.
Information Collected
The type of data we collect may include your name, address, social security
number, age, financial status, assets, income, tax information, retirement and
estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history,
investment objectives, marital status, family relationships and other personal
information.
Disclosure of Information
We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our customers or
former customers to anyone, except as permitted by law. The permitted uses
include the disclosure of such information to unaffiliated companies for the
following reasons:
o In order to provide you with products and services and to effect
transactions that you request or authorize, we may disclose your
personal information as described above to unaffiliated financial
service providers and other companies that perform administrative or
other services on our behalf, such as transfer agents, custodians and
trustees, or that assist us in the distribution of investor materials
such as trustees, banks, financial representatives and printers.
o We may release information we have about you if you direct us to do so,
if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other legally limited
circumstances (for example to protect your account from fraud).
In addition, in order to alert you to our other financial products and services,
we may share your personal information with affiliates of the Fund. Please note,
however, that the California Financial Information Privacy Act contains an "opt
out" mechanism that California consumers may use to prevent us from sharing
nonpublic personal information with affiliates.
Confidentiality and Security
With regard to our internal security procedures, the Fund restricts access to
your nonpublic personal information to those individuals who need to know that
information to provide products or services to you. We maintain physical,
electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal
information.
Policy Updates and Inquiries
As required by federal law, we will notify you of our privacy policy annually.
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time; however, if we do change
it, we will tell you promptly.
For questions about our policy, or for additional copies of this notice, please
contact us at (800) 621-1675.
Page 108
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund
December 31, 2007 (Unaudited)
Each Fund's respective statement of additional information includes additional
information about the Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by
calling (800) 988-5891.
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
THE FIRST TRUST OTHER
TERM OF OFFICE FUND COMPLEX TRUSTEESHIPS OR
NAME, ADDRESS, DATE OF BIRTH AND AND LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS OVERSEEN BY DIRECTORSHIPS
POSITION(S) WITH THE TRUST SERVICE DURING PAST 5 YEARS TRUSTEE HELD BY TRUSTEE
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Richard E. Erickson, Trustee Physician; President, 58 None
c/o First Trust Advisors L.P. o Indefinite Term Wheaton Orthopedics;
1001 Warrenville Road Co-owner and Co-Director
Suite 300 o 2 years, 6 (January 1996 to May
Lisle, IL 60532 months served 2007), Sports Med Center
D.O.B.: 04/51 for Fitness; Limited
Partner, Gundersen Real
Estate Partnership;
Limited Partner, Sportsmed LLC
Thomas R. Kadlec, Trustee Senior Vice President and 58 None
c/o First Trust Advisors L.P. o Indefinite Term Chief Financial Officer
1001 Warrenville Road (May 2007 to Present),
Suite 300 o 2 years, 6 Vice President and Chief
Lisle, IL 60532 months served Financial Officer (1990 to
D.O.B.: 11/57 May 2007), ADM Investor
Services, Inc. (Futures
Commission Merchant);
President (May 2005 to
Present), ADM Derivatives,
Inc.; Registered
Representative (2000 to
Present), Segerdahl &
Company, Inc., a FINRA
member (Broker-Dealer)
Robert F. Keith, Trustee President (2003 to 58 None
c/o First Trust Advisors L.P. o Indefinite Term Present), Hibs Enterprises
1001 Warrenville Road (Financial and Management
Suite 300 o 1 year, 6 Consulting); President
Lisle, IL 60532 months served (2001 to 2003), Aramark
D.O.B.: 11/56 Service Master Management;
President and Chief
Operating Officer (1998 to
2003), Service Master
Management Services
Niel B. Nielson, Trustee President (June 2002 to 58 Director of
c/o First Trust Advisors L.P. o Indefinite Term Present), Covenant College Covenant
1001 Warrenville Road Transport Inc.
Suite 300 o 2 years, 6
Lisle, IL 60532 months served
D.O.B.: 03/54
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
James A. Bowen(1), Trustee, President, First Trust 58 Trustee of
President, Chairman of the Board o Indefinite Term Advisors L.P. and First Wheaton College
and CEO Trust Portfolios L.P.;
1001 Warrenville Road o 2 years, 6 Chairman of the Board of
Suite 300 months served Directors, BondWave LLC
Lisle, IL 60532 (Software Development
D.O.B.: 09/55 Company/Broker-Dealer) and
Stonebridge Advisors LLC
(Investment Advisor)
--------------------
1 Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" of the Funds due to his position
as President of First Trust Advisors L.P., investment advisor of the Funds.
|
Page 110
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (CONTINUED)
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
DECEMBER 31, 2007 (UNAUDITED)
OFFICERS
NAME, ADDRESS POSITION AND OFFICES TERM OF OFFICE AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS
AND DATE OF BIRTH WITH TRUST LENGTH OF SERVICE DURING PAST 5 YEARS
Mark R. Bradley Treasurer, Controller, o Indefinite term Chief Financial Officer,
1001 Warrenville Road, Chief Financial Officer First Trust Advisors L.P. and
Suite 300 and Chief Accounting o 2 years, 6 months First Trust Portfolios L.P.;
Lisle, IL 60532 Officer served Chief Financial Officer,
D.O.B.: 11/57 BondWave LLC (Software
Development Company/Broker-Dealer) and
Stonebridge Advisors LLC
(Investment Advisor)
Kelley A. Christensen Vice President o Indefinite term Assistant Vice President,
1001 Warrenville Road, First Trust Advisors L.P. and
Suite 300 o 1 year served First Trust Portfolios L.P.
Lisle, IL 60532
D.O.B.: 09/70
James M. Dykas Assistant Treasurer o Indefinite term Senior Vice President (April
1001 Warrenville Road, 2007 to Present), Vice
Suite 300 o 2 years served President (January 2005 to
Lisle, IL 60532 April 2007), First Trust
D.O.B.: 01/66 Advisors L.P. and First Trust
Portfolios L.P.; Executive
Director (December 2002 to
January 2005), Vice President
(December 2000 to December
2002), Van Kampen Asset
Management and Morgan Stanley
Investment Management
W. Scott Jardine Secretary and Chief o Indefinite term General Counsel, First Trust
1001 Warrenville Road, Compliance Officer Advisors L.P. and First Trust
Suite 300 o 2 years, 6 months Portfolios L.P.; Secretary,
Lisle, IL 60532 served BondWave LLC (Software
D.O.B.: 05/60 Development Company/Broker-Dealer)
and Stonebridge Advisors LLC
(Investment Advisor)
Daniel J. Lindquist Vice President o Indefinite term Senior Vice President
1001 Warrenville Road, (September 2005 to Present),
Suite 300 o 2 years served Vice President (April 2004 to
Lisle, IL 60532 September 2005), First Trust
D.O.B.: 02/70 Advisors L.P. and First Trust
Portfolios L.P.; Chief
Operating Officer (January
2004 to April 2004), Mina
Capital Management, LLC;
Chief Operating Officer
(April 2000 to January 2004),
Samaritan Asset Management
Services, Inc.
Kristi A. Maher Assistant Secretary o Indefinite term Deputy General Counsel (May
1001 Warrenville Road, 2007 to Present), Assistant
Suite 300 o 2 years, 6 months General Counsel (March 2004
Lisle, IL 60532 served to May 2007), First Trust
D.O.B.: 12/66 Advisors L.P. and First Trust
Portfolios L.P.; Associate
(December 1995 to March
2004), Chapman and Cutler LLP
Roger F. Testin Vice President o Indefinite term Senior Vice President, First
1001 Warrenville Road, Trust Advisors L. P. and
Suite 300 o 2 years, 6 months First Trust Portfolios L.P.
Lisle, IL 60532 served (August 2001 to present);
D.O.B.: 06/66 Analyst (1998-2001), Dolan
Capital Management
Stan Ueland Assistant Vice President o Indefinite term Vice President (August 2005
1001 Warrenville Road, to Present), First Trust
Suite 300 o 1 year served Advisors L.P. and First Trust
Lisle, IL 60532 Portfolios L.P; Vice
D.O.B.: 11/70 President (May 2004 to August
2005), BondWave LLC (Software
Development Company/Broker-Dealer);
Account Executive (January
2003 to May 2004), Mina
Capital Management, LLC and
Samaritan Asset Management
Services, Inc.; Sales
Consultant (January 1997 to
January 2003), Oracle
Corporation
|
Page 111
RISK CONSIDERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
You should consider each Fund's investment objective, risks, charges and
expenses carefully before investing. You can download each Fund's prospectus at
http://www.ftportfolios.com or contact First Trust Portfolios L.P. at
1-800-621-1675 to request a prospectus, which contains this and other
information about the particular Fund. Read it carefully before you invest.
First Trust Portfolios L.P. is the distributor of the First Trust
Exchange-Traded Fund.
Risk Considerations:
Each Fund's shares will change in value, and you could lose money by investing
in a Fund. An investment in a Fund involves risks similar to those of investing
in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange. Investors buying or
selling Fund shares on the secondary market may incur brokerage commissions. In
addition, investors who sell Fund shares may receive less than the shares' net
asset value. Unlike shares of open-end mutual funds, investors are generally not
able to purchase ETF shares directly from a Fund and individual ETF shares are
not redeemable. However, specified large blocks of ETF shares called creation
units can be purchased from, or redeemed to, the Fund.
Each of the Funds is subject to index tracking risk. You should anticipate that
the value of Fund shares will decline, more or less, in correlation with any
decline in the value of the index that the Fund seeks to track.
Each Fund's return may not match the return of the index it seeks to track for a
number of reasons. While First Trust seeks to have a correlation of 0.95 or
better, before expenses, between a Fund's performance and the performance of its
corresponding index, there can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to
achieve such a correlation. Accordingly, each Fund's performance may correlate
to a lesser extent and may possibly vary substantially from the performance of
its corresponding index.
Each Fund is also exposed to additional market risk due to a policy of investing
principally in the securities included in its corresponding index. As a result
of such policies, securities held by each Fund will generally not be bought or
sold in response to market fluctuations and the securities may be issued by
companies concentrated in a particular industry. As a result, each Fund will
generally not sell a stock because the stock's issuer is in financial trouble,
unless that stock is removed or is anticipated to be removed from the index the
Fund seeks to track.
Each Fund relies on a license from an index provider that permits the Fund to
use its corresponding index and associated trade names and trademarks in
connection with the name and investment strategies of the Fund. Such licenses
may be terminated by the respective index provider and, as a result, each Fund
may lose its ability to use such intellectual property. There is also no
guarantee that index provider has all rights to license the respective
intellectual property to First Trust, on behalf of the Fund. Accordingly, in the
event the license is terminated or the index provider does not have rights to
license the particular intellectual property, it may have a significant effect
on the operation of the related Fund.
Each Fund may be concentrated in stocks of companies in an individual industry
or sector if the Fund's corresponding index is concentrated in an individual
industry or sector. You should be aware that an investment in a portfolio that
is concentrated in an individual industry or sector involves additional risk,
including limited diversification.
With the exception of First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund, First Trust
Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund, First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation
Index Fund and First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund, each Fund is
considered to be non-diversified. As a result, those Funds are exposed to
additional market risk. A non-diversified fund may invest a relatively high
percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. As a result, changes in
the market value of a single portfolio security could cause greater fluctuations
in share price than would occur in a diversified fund. Furthermore,
non-diversified funds are more susceptible to any single political, regulatory
or economic occurrence.
The First Trust Dow Jones Select MicroCap Index(SM) Fund invests in
micro-capitalization companies. Such companies may be more vulnerable to adverse
general market or economic developments, may be less liquid, and may experience
greater price volatility than larger, more established companies.
The First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund, the First Trust
Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund and the First Trust Dow Jones Internet
Index(SM) Fund invest in small-cap companies and are subject to additional
risks, as the share prices of small-cap companies may be less liquid and are
often more volatile than those of larger companies.
The First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund invests in the securities of
Internet companies. Internet companies are subject to rapid changes in
technology, worldwide competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services,
loss of patent protections, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry
standards, frequent new product introductions and the considerable risk of
owning small capitalization companies that have recently begun operations.
The First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund, the First Trust
NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund and the First Trust Dow Jones
Internet Index(SM) Fund invest in stocks of companies in the technology sector.
You should be aware that an investment in a portfolio which invests in a
particular sector involves additional risks, including limited diversification.
The companies engaged in the technology sector are subject to fierce competition
and high research and development costs, and their products and services may be
subject to rapid obsolescence.
The First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund is concentrated in stocks of
companies in the biotechnology sector. You should be aware that an investment in
a portfolio which is concentrated in a particular sector involves additional
risks, including limited diversification. The companies engaged in the
biotechnology sector are subject to fierce competition, substantial research and
development costs, governmental regulations and pricing constraints, and their
products and services may be subject to rapid obsolescence.
The First Trust IPOX-100 Fund invests in companies that have recently conducted
an initial public offering. The stocks of such companies are often subject to
extreme price volatility and speculative trading.
The First Trust IPOX-100 Fund also invests in securities of companies in the
financial services industry. Banks, thrifts and their holding companies are
especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession; volatile
interest rates; portfolio concentrations in geographic markets and in commercial
and residential real estate loans; and competition from new entrants in their
fields of business. Although recently enacted legislation repealed most of the
barriers which separated the banking, insurance and securities industries, these
industries are still extensively regulated at both the federal and state level
and may be adversely affected by increased regulations.
Page 112
RISK CONSIDERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
The First Trust IPOX-100 Fund also invests in securities of companies in the
information technology industry. Information technology companies are generally
subject to the risks of rapidly changing technologies; short product life
cycles; fierce competition; and aggressive pricing and reduced profit margins.
The First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund invests in companies in the real estate
industry, including real estate investment trusts ("REITS") and is subject to
the risks associated with investing in real estate (any of which could cause the
value of a REIT's stock price to decline), which may include, but are not
limited to, possible declines in the value of real estate, adverse general and
local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds,
overbuilding in a REIT's market, changes in interest rates and environmental
problems. Furthermore, increases in interest rates typically lower the present
value of a REIT's future earnings stream, and may make financing property
purchases and improvements more costly.
The First Trust Value Line(R) Equity Allocation Index Fund, the First Trust
Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund, the First Trust Value Line(R) 100
Exchange-Traded Fund, the First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund,
the First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Index(SM) Fund, the First Trust NASDAQ-100
Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM) Fund, the NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid
Series Index Fund, the First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund, the First Trust ISE
Water Index Fund, the First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund, the First
Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund and the First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund may invest
in small capitalization and mid-capitalization companies. Such companies'
securities may be less liquid and may experience greater price volatility than
securities of larger, more established companies.
The First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund, the First Trust ISE
Water Index Fund, the First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund and the
First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund invest in non-U.S. securities and such
securities may be denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Non-U.S.
companies, in general, are not subject to the regulatory requirements of U.S.
companies and, as such, there may be less publicly available information about
these companies. Moreover, non-U.S. accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards generally are different from those applicable to U.S. companies.
The NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund invests in renewable
and alternative energy companies. You should be aware that share prices of
renewable and alternative energy companies have been significantly more volatile
than shares of companies operating in other more established industries and the
securities included in the NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S. Liquid Series Index Fund
may be subject to sharp price declines. This industry is relatively nascent and
under-researched in comparison to more established and mature sectors, and
should therefore be regarded as having greater investment risk.
The First Trust ISE Water Index Fund invests in companies in the potable water
and wastewater industries. You should be aware that adverse developments in
these industries may significantly affect the value of the shares of the First
Trust ISE Water Index Fund. Companies involved in the potable water and
wastewater industries are subject to environmental considerations, taxes,
government regulation, price and supply fluctuations, competition and
conservation.
The First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund invests in companies in the
natural gas industry. You should be aware that one of the natural gas industry's
primary risks is the competitive risk associated with the prices of alternative
fuels, such as coal and oil. Additionally, the natural gas industry is sensitive
to increased interest rates because of the industry's capital intensive nature.
Furthermore, there are additional risks and hazards that are inherent in the
natural gas industry that may cause the price of natural gas to widely
fluctuate.
The First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund invests in the securities of Chinese and
Indian companies. You should be aware that investments in such companies are
subject to additional risks, which are associated with possible adverse
economic, political and social developments in those countries.
NOT FDIC INSURED NOT BANK GUARANTEED MAY LOSE VALUE
Page 113
[LOGO OMITTED] FIRST TRUST
ADVISORS L.P.
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
First Trust Advisors L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, IL 60532
ADMINISTRATOR, CUSTODIAN,
FUND ACCOUNTANT &
TRANSFER AGENT
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, NY 10286
BOARD ADMINISTRATOR
PFPC, Inc.
301 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte & Touche LLP
111 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
LEGAL COUNSEL
Chapman and Cutler LLP
111 W. Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Back Cover
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
PART C - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 23. EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
(a) Declaration of Trust of the Registrant. (1)
(b) By-Laws of the Registrant. (2)
(c) (1) Establishment and Designation of Series dated June 10, 2005. (1)
(2) Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series dated January 23, 2006. (3)
(3) Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series dated March 13, 2006.(7)
(4) Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series dated July 26, 2006. (14)
(5) Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series dated January 17, 2007.(19)
(d) (1) Investment Management Agreement dated September 24, 2005, as amended. (3)
(2) Excess Expense Agreement, as amended. (3)
(3) Amendment to Schedule A of the Investment Management Agreement. (6)
(4) Amendment to Appendix I of the Excess Expense Agreement. (6)
(5) Amendment to Schedule A of the Investment Management Agreement. (7)
(6) Amendment to Appendix I of the Excess Expense Agreement. (7)
(7) Amendment to Schedule A of the Investment Management Agreement. (10)
(8) Amendment to Appendix I of the Excess Expense Agreement. (10)
(9) Amendment to Schedule A of the Investment Management Agreement. (11)
(10) Amendment to Appendix I of the Excess Expense Agreement. (11)
(11) Amendment to Schedule A of the Investment Management Agreement. (14)
(12) Expense Reimbursement, Fee Waiver and Recovery Agreement dated July 26, 2006. (18)
(13) Amendment to Schedule A of the Investment Management Agreement. (21)
(14) Amendment to Appendix I of the Excess Expense Agreement. (21).
(15) Amendment to Schedule A of the Investment Management Agreement. (22)
(16) Amended and Restated Expense Reimbursement, Fee Waiver and Recovery Agreement. (22)
(17) Amendment to Schedule A of the Investment Management Agreement. (23)
(18) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Amended and Restated Expense Reimbursement Agreement,
Fee Waiver and Recovery Agreement. (23)
(19) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Amended and Restated Expense Reimbursement Agreement,
Fee Waiver and Recovery Agreement.(27)
(e) (1) Distribution Agreement dated September 24, 2005, as amended. (3)
(2) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Distribution Agreement. (6)
(3) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Distribution Agreement. (7)
(4) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Distribution Agreement. (10)
(5) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Distribution Agreement. (11)
(6) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Distribution Agreement. (14)
(7) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Distribution Agreement. (21)
(8) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Distribution Agreement. (22)
(9) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Distribution Agreement. (23)
(f) Not Applicable.
(g) (1) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York. (2)
(2) Amendment to Schedule II of the Custody Agreement. (3)
(3) Amendment to Schedule II of the Custody Agreement. (6)
(4) Amendment to Schedule II of the Custody Agreement. (7)
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(5) Amendment to Schedule II of the Custody Agreement. (10)
(6) Amendment to Schedule II of the Custody Agreement. (11)
(7) Amendment to Schedule II of the Custody Agreement. (14)
(8) Amendment to Schedule II of the Custody Agreement. (21)
(h) (1) Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York. (2)
(2) Administration and Accounting Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York. (2)
(3) Subscription Agreement. (2)
(4) Participant Agreement. (2)
(5) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Transfer Agency Agreement. (3)
(6) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Administration and Accounting Agreement. (3)
(7) Amendment to Schedule I of the Participant Agreement. (3)
(8) Sublicense Agreement by and among the First Trust Morningstar(R) Dividend Leaders(SM) Index Fund,
Morningstar, Inc. and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated March 14, 2006. (3)
(9) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Transfer Agency Agreement. (6)
(10) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Administration and Accounting Agreement. (6)
(11) Amendment to Schedule I of the Participant Agreement. (6)
(12) Sublicense Agreement by and among the First Trust IPOX-100 Index Fund, IPOX Schuster LLC and
First Trust Advisors L.P. dated April 5, 2006. (6)
(13) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Transfer Agency Agreement. (7)
(14) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Administration and Accounting Agreement. (7)
(15) Amendment to Schedule I of the Participant Agreement. (7)
(16) Sublicense Agreement by and between the First Trust NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index(SM) Fund and
First Trust Advisors L.P. dated April 24, 2006. (7)
(17) Sublicense Agreement by and between the First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index(SM)
Fund and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated April 24, 2006. (7)
(18) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Transfer Agency Agreement.(10)
(19) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Administration and Accounting Agreement. (10)
(20) Amendment to Schedule I of the Participant Agreement. (10)
(21) Sublicense Agreement by and among the First Trust Amex(R) Biotechnology Index Fund, the
American Stock Exchange LLC and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated June 22, 2006. (10)
(22) Sublicense Agreement by and among First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index(SM) Fund, Dow
Jones & Company, Inc. and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated June 22, 2006. (10)
(23) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Transfer Agency Agreement. (11)
(24) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Administration and Accounting Agreement. (11)
(25) Form of Participant Agreement with Amendment to Schedule I attached thereto. (11)
(26) Sublicense Agreement by and among First Trust DB Strategic Value Index Fund, Deutsche
Bank AG, London Branch and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated July 11, 2006. (11)
(27) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Transfer Agency Agreement. (14)
(28) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Administration and Accounting Agreement. (14)
(29) Amendment to Schedule I of the Participant Agreement. (14)
(30) Sublicense Agreement by and between First Trust Value Line(R)Equity Allocation Index
Fund and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated October 4, 2006. (14)
(31) Sublicense Agreement by and between First Trust Value Line(R) Dividend Index Fund
and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated October 4, 2006. (14)
(32) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Transfer Agency Agreement. (21)
(33) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Administration and Accounting Agreement.(21)
(34) Amendment to Schedule I of the Participant Agreement.(21)
(35) Sublicense Agreement by and between First Trust NASDAQ(R) Clean Edge(R) U.S.
Liquid Series Index Fund and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated February 7, 2007. (21)
(36) Sublicense Agreement by and between First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index(SM)
Fund and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated February 7, 2007. (21)
(37) Board Administration Services Agreement among PFPC, Inc., First Trust Exchange-Traded
Fund and First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX(TM) Fund dated as of February 15, 2007.(23)
|
(38) Sublicense Agreement by and between First Trust Value Line(R) 100 Exchange-Traded Fund and
First Trust Advisors L.P. dated February 4, 2007. (22)
(39) Sublicense Agreement by and between First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund and First Trust Advisors
L.P. dated April 26, 2007. (23)
(40) Sublicense Agreement by and between First Trust ISE Chindia Index Fund, International
Securities Exchange, LLC and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated April 25, 2007. (25)
(41) Sublicense Agreement by and between First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund,
International Securities Exchange, LLC and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated April 25, 2007. (25)
(42) Sublicense Agreement by and between First Trust ISE Water Index Fund, International Securities
Exchange, LLC and First Trust Advisors L.P. dated April 25, 2007. (25)
(i) (1) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated September 26, 2005. (3)
(2) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated September 26, 2005. (3)
(3) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated March 15, 2006. (3)
(4) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated March 15, 2006. (3)
(5) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated April 13, 2006. (6)
(6) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated April 13, 2006. (6)
(7) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated April 25, 2006. (7)
(8) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated April 25, 2006. (7)
(9) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated April 28, 2006. (8)
(10) Opinion and Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP dated April 27, 2006. (8)
(11) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated June 23, 2006. (10)
(12) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated June 23, 2006. (10)
(13) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated July 11, 2006. (11)
(14) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated July 11, 2006. (11)
(15) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated October 13, 2006. (14)
(16) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated October 13, 2006. (14)
(17) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated October 13, 2006. (14)
(18) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated December 5, 2006. (16)
(19) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated December 18, 2006. (17)
(20) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated February 14, 2007. (21)
(21) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated February 14, 2007. (21)
(22) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated March 21, 2007. (22)
(23) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated March 21, 2007. (22)
(24) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated April 27, 2007. (23)
(25) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated April 27, 2007. (23)
(26) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated April 30, 2007. (24)
(27) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated May 11, 2007. (25)
(28) Opinion and Consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated May 11, 2007. (25)
(29) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated June 18, 2007. (26)
(30) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP dated April 29, 2008. (27)
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Accounting Firm. (27)
(k) Not Applicable.
(l) Not Applicable.
(m) (1) 12b-1 Service Plan. (2)
(2) Amendment to Exhibit A of the 12b-1 Service Plan. (3)
(3) Amendment to Exhibit A of the 12b-1 Service Plan. (6)
(4) Amendment to Exhibit A of the 12b-1 Service Plan. (7)
(5) Amendment to Exhibit A of the 12b-1 Service Plan. (10)
(6) Amendment to Exhibit A of the 12b-1 Service Plan. (11)
(7) Amendment to Exhibit A of the 12b-1 Service Plan. (14)
(8) Amendment to Exhibit A of the 12b-1 Service Plan. (21)
(9) Amendment to Exhibit A of the 12b-1 Service Plan. (22)
(10) Amendment to Exhibit A of the 12b-1 Service Plan. (23)
(11) Letter Agreement regarding 12b-1 fees, dated May 1, 2007. (26)
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(12) Letter Agreement regarding 12b-1 fees, dated November 13, 2007. (27)
(n) Not Applicable.
(o) Not Applicable.
(p) (1) Code of Ethics of First Trust Advisors L.P. (2)
(2) Code of Ethics of First Trust Portfolios L.P. (2)
(3) Code of Ethics of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund. (2)
(4) First Trust Advisors L.P. Investment Adviser Code of Ethics,amended on May 31, 2006. (9)
(5) First Trust Portfolios L.P. Code of Ethics, amended on May 31, 2006. (9)
(6) First Trust Funds Code of Ethics, amended on May 31, 2006. (9)
(q) Powers of Attorney for Messrs. Bowen, Erickson, Kadlec, Keith and Nielson authorizing, among others, James A. Bowen,
W. Scott Jardine and Eric F. Fess to execute the Registration Statement.(18)
|
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on June 13, 2005.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on September 26, 2005.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on March 15, 2006.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on March 24, 2006.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on April 17, 2006.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on April 13, 2006.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on April 25, 2006.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on April 28, 2006.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on June 21, 2006.
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on June 23, 2006.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on July 11, 2006.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on August 4, 2006.
(13) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on August 10, 2006.
(14) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on October 13, 2006.
(15) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on October 31, 2006.
(16) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on December 5, 2006.
(17) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on December 18, 2006.
(18) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on February 6, 2007
(19) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on February 9, 2007.
(20) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on February 9, 2007.
(21) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on February 14, 2007.
(22) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on March 21, 2007.
(23) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on April 27, 2007.
(24) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on April 30, 2007.
(25) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on May 11, 2007.
(26) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-1A (File No. 333-125751) filed on June 18, 2007.
(27) Filed herewith.
ITEM 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION
Section 5.3 of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust provides
as follows:
Section 5.3. Mandatory Indemnification. (a) Subject to the
exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:
(i) every person who is or has been a Trustee or
officer of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered
Person") shall be indemnified by the Trust against all
liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid
by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit or
proceeding in which that individual becomes involved as a party
or otherwise by virtue of being or having been a Trustee or
officer and against amounts paid or incurred by that individual
in the settlement thereof;
(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit" or
"proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or
proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or other,
including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words
"liability" and "expenses" shall include, without limitation,
attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement
or compromise, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered
Person:
(i) against any liability to the Trust or the
Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication by the court or
other body before which the proceeding was brought that the
Covered Person engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of that individual's office;
(ii) with respect to any matter as to which the
Covered Person shall have been finally adjudicated not to have
acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that that
individual's action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
(iii) in the event of a settlement involving a payment
by a Trustee or officer or other disposition not involving a
final adjudication as provided in paragraph (b)(i) or (b)(ii)
above resulting
in a payment by a Covered Person, unless there has been either
a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of that
individual's office by the court or other body approving the
settlement or other disposition or by a reasonable
determination, based upon a review of readily available facts
(as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) that that individual
did not engage in such conduct:
(A) by vote of a majority of the
Disinterested Trustees (as defined below) acting on
the matter (provided that a majority of the
Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the
matter); or
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(B) by written opinion of (i) the
then-current legal counsel to the Trustees who are not
Interested Persons of the Trust or (ii) other legal
counsel chosen by a majority of the Disinterested
Trustees (or if there are no Disinterested Trustees
with respect to the matter in question, by a majority
of the Trustees who are not Interested Persons of the
Trust) and determined by them in their reasonable
judgment to be independent.
(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be
insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable,
shall not affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or
hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be
a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors
and administrators of such person. Nothing contained herein shall limit
the Trust from entering into other insurance arrangements or affect any
rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel, including Covered
Persons, may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
(d) Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to
any claim, action, suit, or proceeding of the character described in
paragraph (a) of this Section 5.3 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to
final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf
of the Covered Person to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined
that the Covered Person is not entitled to indemnification under this
Section 5.3, provided that either:
(i) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or
some other appropriate security or the Trust shall be insured
against losses arising out of any such advances; or
(ii) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting
on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested
Trustees then in office act on the matter) or legal counsel
meeting the requirement in Section 5.3(b)(iii)(B) above in a
written opinion, shall determine, based upon a review of
readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type
inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the Covered
Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
As used in this Section 5.3 a "Disinterested Trustee" is one
(i) who is not an "Interested Person" of the Trust (including anyone who
has been exempted from being an "Interested Person" by any rule,
regulation or order of the
Commission), and (ii) against whom none of such actions, suits
or other proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding on the
same or similar grounds is then or had been pending.
(e) With respect to any such determination or opinion referred
to in clause (b)(iii) above or clause (d)(ii) above, a rebuttable
presumption shall be afforded that the Covered Person has not engaged in
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person's office in
accordance with pronouncements of the Commission.
ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust") serves as investment
adviser to the Registrant, serves as adviser or sub-adviser to 25 mutual
funds, 36 exchange-traded funds and 14 closed-end funds and is the
portfolio supervisor of certain unit investment trusts. Its principal
address is 1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 300, Lisle, Illinois 60532.
The principal business of certain of First Trust's principal
executive officers involves various activities in connection with the
family of unit investment trusts sponsored by First Trust Portfolios L.P.
("FTP"). FTP's principal address is 1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 300,
Lisle, Illinois 60532.
Information as to other business, profession, vocation or
employment during the past two years of the officers and directors of
First Trust is as follows:
NAME AND POSITION WITH FIRST TRUST EMPLOYMENT DURING PAST TWO YEARS
James A. Bowen, Managing Director/President Managing Director/President, FTP; Chairman of the Board
of Directors, BondWave LLC and Stonebridge Advisors LLC
Ronald D. McAlister, Managing Director Managing Director, FTP
Mark R. Bradley, Chief Financial Officer Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director, FTP; Chief
and Managing Director Financial Officer, BondWave LLC and Stonebridge Advisors LLC
Robert F. Carey, Chief Investment Officer Senior Vice President, FTP
and Senior Vice President
W. Scott Jardine, General Counsel General Counsel, FTP; Secretary of BondWave LLC and
Stonebridge Advisors LLC
Kristi A. Maher, Deputy General Counsel Deputy General Counsel, FTP since May 2007; Assistant General
Counsel, FTP, March 2004 to May 2007
Erin Chapman, Assistant General Counsel Assistant General Counsel, FTP since March 2006
Michelle Quintos, Assistant General Counsel Assistant General Counsel, FTP
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NAME AND POSITION WITH FIRST TRUST EMPLOYMENT DURING PAST TWO YEARS
John Vasko, Assistant General Counsel Senior Counsel, Michaels and May, October 2006 to May
2007; Assistant General Counsel, ARAMARK Corporation
Pamela Wirt, Assistant General Counsel Of Counsel, Vedder, Price, Kaufman and Kammholz, P.C.,
February 2006 to January 2007; Independent Contractor
Attorney SBA Network Services, Inc.
R. Scott Hall, Managing Director Managing Director, FTP
Andrew S. Roggensack, Managing Director Managing Director, FTP
Elizabeth H. Bull, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
Christopher L. Dixon, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
Jane Doyle, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
James M. Dykas, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP since April 2007; Vice
President, FTP from January 2005 to April 2007
Jon C. Erickson, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
Kenneth N. Hass, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
Jason T. Henry, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
Daniel J. Lindquist, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
David G. McGarel, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
Mitchell Mohr, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
Robert M. Porcellino, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
Roger F. Testin, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
|
NAME AND POSITION WITH FIRST TRUST EMPLOYMENT DURING PAST TWO YEARS
Alan M. Rooney, Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, FTP
Kathleen Brown, Chief Compliance Officer COO, FTP since February 2008; COO, William
Blair & Company
James P. Koeneman, Vice President Vice President, FTP
Ronda L. Saeli, Vice President Vice President, FTP
Kirk Sims, Vice President Vice President, FTP
Walter E. Stubbings, Jr., Vice President Vice President, FTP
Richard S. Swiatek, Vice President Vice President, FTP
Stan Ueland, Vice President Vice President, FTP since August 2005
Brad Bradley, Assistant Vice President Assistant Vice President, FTP
Kelley A. Christensen, Assistant Vice President Assistant Vice President, FTP
Katie D. Collins, Assistant Vice President Assistant Vice President, FTP
Kristen Johanneson, Assistant Vice President Assistant Vice President, FTP
Lynae Peays, Assistant Vice President Assistant Vice President, FTP
Omar Sepulveda, Assistant Vice President Assistant Vice President, FTP
John H. Sherren, Assistant Vice President Assistant Vice President, FTP
Michael S. Stange, Assistant Vice President Assistant Vice President, FTP
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ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
(a) FTP serves as principal underwriter of the shares of the
Registrant, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II, First Trust
Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX(TM) Fund and the First Defined Portfolio Fund LLC.
FTP serves as principal underwriter and depositor of the following
investment companies registered as unit investment trusts: the First Trust
Combined Series, FT Series (formerly known as the First Trust Special
Situations Trust), the First Trust Insured Corporate Trust, the First Trust
of Insured Municipal Bonds and the First Trust GNMA. The name of each
director, officer and partner of FTP is provided below.
(b) Positions and Offices with Underwriter.
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND
BUSINESS ADDRESS* WITH UNDERWRITER OFFICES WITH FUND
The Charger Corporation General Partner None
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NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND
BUSINESS ADDRESS* WITH UNDERWRITER OFFICES WITH FUND
Grace Partners of DuPage L.P. Limited Partner None
James A. Bowen Managing Director/President President, Chairman of the Board,
Trustee, Chief Executive Officer
Mark R. Bradley Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer
Managing Director and Chief Accounting Officer
Robert W. Bredemeier Managing Director None
Frank L. Fichera Managing Director None
Russell J. Graham Managing Director None
R. Scott Hall Managing Director None
W.Scott Jardine General Counsel Chief Compliance Officer
and Secretary
Kristi A. Maher Deputy General Counsel Assistant Secretary
Erin Chapman Assistant General Counsel None
Michelle Quintos Assistant General Counsel None
John Vasko Assistant General Counsel None
Pamela Wirt Assistant General Counsel None
Ronald D. McAlister Managing Director None
Richard A. Olson Managing Director None
Andrew S. Roggensack Managing Director None
Elizabeth H. Bull Senior Vice President None
Robert F. Carey Senior Vice President None
Patricia L. Costello Senior Vice President None
Christopher L. Dixon Senior Vice President None
Jane Doyle Senior Vice President None
James M. Dykas Senior Vice President Assistant Treasurer
Jon C. Erickson Senior Vice President None
|
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND
BUSINESS ADDRESS* WITH UNDERWRITER OFFICES WITH FUND
Kenneth N. Hass Senior Vice President None
Thomas V. Hendricks Senior Vice President None
Jason T. Henry Senior Vice President None
Christian D. Jeppesen Senior Vice President None
Christopher A. Lagioia Senior Vice President None
Daniel J. Lindquist Senior Vice President Vice President
David G. McGarel Senior Vice President None
Mark R. McHenney Senior Vice President None
Mitchell Mohr Senior Vice President None
Paul E. Nelson Senior Vice President None
Steve R. Nelson Senior Vice President None
Robert M. Porcellino Senior Vice President None
Steven R. Ritter Senior Vice President None
Alan Rooney Senior Vice President None
Francine Russell Senior Vice President None
Brad A. Shaffer Senior Vice President None
Brian Sheehan Senior Vice President None
James J. Simpson Senior Vice President None
Andrew C. Subramanian Senior Vice President None
Mark P. Sullivan Senior Vice President None
Roger F. Testin Senior Vice President Vice President
Gregory E. Wearsch Senior Vice President None
Patrick Woelfel Senior Vice President None
|
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND
BUSINESS ADDRESS* WITH UNDERWRITER OFFICES WITH FUND
Kathleen Brown Chief Compliance Officer None
Dan Affetto Vice President None
Lance Allen Vice President None
Eric Anderson Vice President None
Carlos Barbosa Vice President None
Michael Bean Vice President None
Rob Biddinger Vice President None
Mike Britt Vice President None
Nathan S. Cassel Vice President None
Robert E. Christensen Vice President None
Will Cobb Vice President None
Joshua Crosley Vice President None
Michael Dawson Vice President None
Michael Durr Vice President None
Albert K. Davis Vice President None
Daren J. Davis Vice President None
Sean Degnan Vice President None
Robert T. Doak Vice President None
Joel D. Donley Vice President None
Brett Egner Vice President None
Mike Flaherty Vice President None
Wendy Flaherty Vice President None
Edward Foley Vice President None
Don Fuller Vice President None
John Gillis Vice President None
Patrick Good Vice President None
|
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND
BUSINESS ADDRESS* WITH UNDERWRITER OFFICES WITH FUND
Matt D. Graham Vice President None
Matt Griffin Vice President None
William M. Hannold Vice President None
Mary Jane Hansen Vice President None
Vance Hicks Vice President None
Rick Johnson Vice President None
Tom Knickerbocker Vice President None
James P. Koeneman Vice President None
Thomas E. Kotcher Vice President None
Daniel Lavin Vice President None
Michael P. Leyden Vice President None
Keith L. Litavsky Vice President None
Stephanie L. Martin Vice President None
Marty McFadden Vice President None
Sean Moriarty Vice President None
John O'Sullivan Vice President None
David Pagano Vice President None
Brian K. Penney Vice President None
Blair R. Peterson Vice President None
Jason Peterson Vice President None
Tom Powell Vice President None
Marisa Prestigiacomo Vice President None
Craig Prichard Vice President None
David A. Rieger Vice President None
Michael Rogers Vice President None
|
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND
BUSINESS ADDRESS* WITH UNDERWRITER OFFICES WITH FUND
Paul Rowe Vice President None
James Rowlette Vice President None
Ronda L. Saeli Vice President None
Jeffrey M. Samuel Vice President None
Peter H. Sandford Vice President None
Timothy Schival Vice President None
Stacy Shearer Vice President None
Nim Short Vice President None
Kirk Sims Vice President None
Edward J. Sistowicz Vice President None
Jonathan L. Steiner Vice President None
Eric Stoiber Vice President None
Walter E. Stubbings, Jr. Vice President None
Terry Swagerty Vice President None
Richard S. Swiatek Vice President None
Brian Taylor Vice President None
John Taylor Vice President None
Kerry Tazakine Vice President None
Timothy Trudo Vice President None
Stanley Ueland Vice President Assistant Vice President
Bryan Ulmer Vice President None
Barbara E. Vinson Vice President None
Dan Waldron Vice President None
Christopher Walsh Vice President None
Jeff Westergaard Vice President None
|
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND
BUSINESS ADDRESS* WITH UNDERWRITER OFFICES WITH FUND
Lewin M. Williams Vice President None
Jeffrey S. Barnum Assistant Vice President None
Owen Birts III Assistant Vice President None
Toby A. Bohl Assistant Vice President None
Brad Bradley Assistant Vice President None
Kelley A. Christensen Assistant Vice President Vice President
Katie D. Collins Assistant Vice President None
Michael DeBella Assistant Vice President None
Ann Marie Giudice Assistant Vice President None
Debbie Del Giudice Assistant Vice President None
Chris Fallow Assistant Vice President None
Anita K. Henderson Assistant Vice President None
James V. Huber Assistant Vice President None
Kristen Johanneson Assistant Vice President None
Daniel C. Keller Assistant Vice President None
Robert J. Madeja Assistant Vice President None
David M. McCammond-Watts Assistant Vice President None
Michelle Parker Assistant Vice President None
Lynae Peays Assistant Vice President None
Debra K. Scherbring Assistant Vice President None
Steve Schwarting Assistant Vice President None
Omar Sepulveda Assistant Vice President None
John H. Sherren Assistant Vice President None
Michael S. Stange Assistant Vice President None
Lee Sussman Assistant Vice President None
|
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND
BUSINESS ADDRESS* WITH UNDERWRITER OFFICES WITH FUND
Christopher J. Thill Assistant Vice President None
Dave Tweeten Assistant Vice President None
Thomas G. Wisnowski Assistant Vice President None
|
* All addresses are
1001 Warrenville Road,
Lisle, IL 60532 unless
otherwise noted.
(c) Not Applicable.
ITEM 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust"), 1001 Warrenville Road, Suite
300, Lisle, Illinois 60532, maintains the Registrant's organizational documents,
minutes of meetings, contracts of the Registrant and all advisory material of
the investment adviser.
The Bank of New York ("BONY"), 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York
10286, maintains all general and subsidiary ledgers, journals, trial balances,
records of all portfolio purchases and sales, and all other requirement records
not maintained by First Trust.
BONY also maintains all the required records in its capacity as transfer,
accounting, dividend payment and interest holder service agent for the
Registrant.
ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS
Not Applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule
485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized in the City of Lisle, in the State of Illinois, on the 29th day
of April, 2008.
FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND
By: /s/ James A. Bowen
-------------------------------
James A. Bowen, President
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated:
SIGNATURE DATE
Treasurer, Controller
and Chief Financial April 29, 2008
/s/ Mark R. Bradley and Accounting Officer
--------------------------
Mark R. Bradley
President, Chief
Executive Officer,
/s/ James A. Bowen Chairman and Trustee April 29, 2008
--------------------------
James A. Bowen
|
)
*/s/ Richard E. Erickson Trustee )
-------------------------- )
Richard E. Erickson )
)
)
*/s/ Thomas R. Kadlec Trustee )
-------------------------- )
Thomas R. Kadlec )
)
*/s/ Robert F. Keith Trustee ) By: /s/ James A. Bowen
-------------------------- ) -------------------
Robert F. Keith ) James A. Bowen
) Attorney-In-Fact
*/s/ Niel B. Nielson Trustee ) April 29, 2008
-------------------------- )
Niel B. Nielson )
|
* Original powers of attorney authorizing James A. Bowen, W. Scott
Jardine and Eric F. Fess to execute Registrant's Registration
Statement, and Amendments thereto, for each of the trustees of the
Registrant on whose behalf this Post-Effective Amendment is filed,
were previously executed and filed and are incorporated by reference
herein.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
(d)(19) Amendment to Exhibit A of the Amended and Restated Expense Reimbursement
Agreement, Fee Waiver and Recovery Agreement
(i)(30) Opinion and Consent of Chapman and Cutler LLP
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(m)(12) Letter Agreement regarding 12b-1 fees
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