First Trust Advisors Announces Monthly Distribution Declarations for Select Exchange-Traded Funds
First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”), a federally registered investment adviser, has announced the declaration of monthly cash distributions for a group of exchange-traded funds under its advisory platform, reinforcing its continued commitment to income-oriented investment strategies across multiple asset classes, market exposures, and outcome-focused structures. The distribution announcement covers several actively managed ETFs designed to provide recurring income while seeking to balance market participation, downside mitigation, and portfolio diversification for investors navigating complex market environments.
Key Distribution Dates Applicable to the Current Declaration
All distributions announced under this declaration are subject to a standardized timetable that governs eligibility and payment processing. The expected ex-dividend date for the declared distributions is February 2, 2026, which is also the official record date, meaning investors must be shareholders of record as of that date to be entitled to receive the distributions. The payable date for the distributions is scheduled for February 3, 2026, at which point the cash amounts will be delivered to eligible shareholders through customary brokerage and custodial channels.
Overview of Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Funds Included
The current distribution declaration applies exclusively to actively managed exchange-traded funds advised by First Trust Advisors L.P., reflecting the firm’s broader strategy of combining active portfolio management with ETF efficiency, transparency, and liquidity. These funds span alternative strategies, income-focused fixed income exposures, outcome-oriented equity structures, and commodity-linked investment approaches, each designed to address specific investor objectives within a diversified portfolio framework.
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund – Strategy and Distribution Summary
Within the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund trust, two actively managed funds are included in the current monthly distribution announcement. The FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF, trading under the ticker DFII on NYSE Arca, declared a monthly ordinary income distribution of $0.2494 per share, reflecting its strategy of generating income while maintaining exposure to bitcoin-related instruments through a structured, risk-managed approach. The FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF®, trading under the ticker IGLD on the Cboe BZX Exchange, declared a monthly ordinary income distribution of $0.5544 per share, highlighting its income-oriented framework designed to combine gold-linked exposure with derivative-based income generation.
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV – Fixed Income and Treasury Target Income Strategies
The First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV trust includes three funds in the current distribution declaration, each focused on distinct segments of the fixed income and interest rate markets. The FT Vest High Yield & Target Income ETF, trading under the ticker HYTI on NYSE Arca, declared a monthly distribution of $0.1649 per share, aligning with its objective of providing income while managing credit risk through an actively structured approach. The FT Vest Investment Grade & Target Income ETF, trading under the ticker LQTI on NYSE Arca, declared a monthly distribution of $0.1467 per share, reflecting its focus on higher-quality fixed income securities combined with income-enhancing strategies. The FT Vest 20+ Year Treasury & Target Income ETF, trading under the ticker LTTI on NYSE Arca, declared a monthly distribution of $0.1396 per share, underscoring its exposure to long-duration U.S. Treasury securities paired with income-oriented portfolio techniques.
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII – Equity Buffer and Premium Income Series
The First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII trust includes a series of equity buffer and premium income ETFs, each aligned with a specific annual outcome period and designed to provide defined return characteristics subject to caps and buffers. The FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF – December, trading under the ticker XIDE on the Cboe BZX Exchange, declared a monthly ordinary income distribution of $0.1562 per share. The FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF – June, trading under the ticker XIJN on the Cboe BZX Exchange, declared a monthly distribution of $0.1788 per share. The FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF – March, trading under the ticker XIMR on the Cboe BZX Exchange, declared a monthly distribution of $0.1636 per share. The FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF – September, trading under the ticker XISE on the Cboe BZX Exchange, declared a monthly distribution of $0.1517 per share, collectively illustrating the breadth of outcome-based strategies available within the FT Vest lineup.
Role of First Trust Advisors and Corporate Structure
First Trust Advisors L.P. serves as the investment adviser to each of the funds included in the distribution declaration and is responsible for portfolio management, investment strategy execution, and ongoing risk oversight. FTA operates as an affiliate of First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”), a FINRA-registered broker-dealer that sponsors unit investment trusts and acts as distributor for mutual fund shares and ETF creation units. Together, FTA and FTP are privately held companies headquartered in Wheaton, Illinois, providing a broad range of investment products and services across multiple vehicle types.
Assets Under Management and Platform Scale
As of December 31, 2025, First Trust Advisors L.P. reported collective assets under management or supervision of approximately $309 billion, encompassing unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds, and separate managed accounts. This scale reflects the firm’s long-standing presence in the asset management industry and its continued expansion across active ETF strategies, outcome-oriented products, and income-focused investment solutions.
Investor Considerations and Prospectus Disclosure
Investors are encouraged to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with each fund prior to investing. Comprehensive information regarding fund strategies, costs, and risk factors is available in the prospectuses, which may be obtained free of charge by calling 1-800-621-1675 or by visiting the First Trust website. Reading the prospectus thoroughly is essential to understanding how each fund operates and the potential implications for an investor’s financial goals.
General Investment Risk Disclosure
An investment in any fund involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and shares of a fund are not deposits of a bank nor are they insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that a fund’s stated investment objectives will be achieved, and market conditions may materially affect performance outcomes over time.
Market Volatility and Performance Considerations
Past performance does not guarantee future results, and the investment return and market value of fund shares may fluctuate due to changing market conditions, interest rate movements, economic developments, and geopolitical events. When shares are sold, they may be worth more or less than their original cost, and investors should be prepared for periods of volatility.
ETF Structure and Secondary Market Trading Risks
ETF shares are bought and sold on secondary markets through brokerage accounts and may be subject to customary brokerage commissions. Shares may trade at prices above or below their net asset value, and only authorized participants may redeem shares directly from a fund in large creation and redemption units. In certain market conditions, ETF shares may experience liquidity constraints or face delisting risk.
Income Distribution Characteristics and Return of Capital Risk
Funds typically distribute income they earn, but distributions may be reduced if insufficient income is generated. Distributions exceeding a fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a return of capital, which reduces an investor’s tax basis and may result in higher capital gains upon sale. Certain market or portfolio management circumstances may also cause distributions to be classified partially or entirely as return of capital.
Derivatives, FLEX Options, and Target Outcome Strategy Risks
Funds utilizing FLEX Options and other derivatives may experience risks distinct from traditional securities investing, including reduced liquidity, expiration without value, and magnified losses. Target Outcome strategies are designed to achieve specific return profiles only if shares are purchased at the beginning of an outcome period and held through expiration, and deviations from this holding period may result in materially different outcomes.
Commodity, Fixed Income, and Interest Rate Exposure Risks
Exposure to commodities such as gold or bitcoin-linked instruments may result in rapid and unpredictable price fluctuations, while fixed income securities are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, inflation risk, and prepayment risk. Changes in interest rates may negatively impact bond values and income streams, particularly for longer-duration securities.
Operational, Cybersecurity, and Third-Party Service Risks
Funds face operational risks related to cybersecurity breaches, system failures, and reliance on third-party service providers. While controls and procedures are in place to mitigate such risks, no system is immune, and operational disruptions may result in financial loss, reputational harm, or regulatory consequences.
Regulatory, Structural, and Subsidiary Investment Risks
Certain funds may invest through wholly owned subsidiaries organized under Cayman Islands law, which are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are subject to different regulatory frameworks. Changes in U.S. or international regulations may affect a fund’s ability to operate as intended and may reduce available investor protections.
Trademarks, Licensing, and Third-Party Disclaimers
The Target Outcome registered trademarks are owned by Vest Financial LLC, and certain funds reference third-party indices or trusts solely for licensing purposes. These third parties do not sponsor, endorse, or promote the funds and make no representations regarding the advisability of investing in the funds or expected performance outcomes.
Final Advisory and Fiduciary Disclaimer
The information provided is not intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation for any specific individual or entity. First Trust is not acting in a fiduciary capacity by providing this information, and financial professionals are responsible for independently evaluating investment risks and determining suitability for their clients based on individual circumstances and regulatory requirements.
