Should You Invest in the First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX ETF (FXD)?

Designed to provide broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary - Broad segment of the equity market, the First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX ETF (FXD) is a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on May 8, 2007.

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 19, 2026

Is First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX ETF (FXD) a Strong ETF Right Now?

Launched on 05/08/2007, the First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX ETF (FXD) is a smart beta exchange traded fund offering broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary ETFs category of the market.

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 1, 2026

Q2 2026 U.S. Retail Preview: Broadline Retail Drives Growth

The U.S. consumer remains resilient enough to support earnings growth, but that resilience is increasingly concentrated. The LSEG U.S. Retail and Restaurant Q2 earnings index, which tracks changes in the growth rate of earnings within the sector, is expected to show a 67.0% growth over last year's levels. Of the 185 retailers tracked by LSEG, the Broadline Retail sector, representing a wide variety of consumer goods, is headed for the highest earnings growth rate in the second quarter, recording a 231.1% surge over last year's level.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 17, 2026

Why Investors Shouldn't Count Out Consumer Stocks

Consumer spending has held up well despite economic headwinds. The state of inflation and the labor market will be key to watch.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 9, 2026

Mid-Year 2026 U.S. Retail/Restaurant Outlook

The LSEG Retail/Restaurant Index reported Q1 2026 earnings growth of 27.2%. Retail earnings in the first quarter of 2026 received a significant boost from a historic tax refund season, reinforcing consumer spending at a time when the labor market remained resilient. Q2 2026 earnings are currently expected to mark the weakest growth rate of the year, with consensus forecasts calling for a gradual improvement during the second half of the year.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 7, 2026

More Fed Rate Cuts in 2026? ETFs to Play the Opportunities

Softer inflation and dovish signals point to more 2026 rate cuts. These ETFs can help investors ride potential gains.

Zacks Investment Research • Dec 19, 2025

FXD: Factor-Based Consumer Discretionary ETF You Should Avoid

FXD is a highly volatile consumer discretionary ETF with a high 0.61% expense ratio and $1.43 billion in assets. The ETF holds 120 securities based on growth and value features. The Index weights securities in tiers, but it's close to equal-weighted, making RSPD an appropriate benchmark. Unfortunately, FXD has lagged behind this alternative since its May 2007 launch. The difference in returns is even more substantial when compared to broad-market funds like XLY and VCR, which FXD was designed to outperform on a risk-adjusted basis.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 9, 2024

U.S. Retail Earnings Update - August 13, 2024

To date, 145 of the 199 companies in our Retail/Restaurant Index have reported their EPS results for Q2 2024, representing 73% of the index. The blended revenue growth estimate for the 199 companies in this index is 3.5% for Q2 2024. Home Depot reported better-than-expected Q2 earnings and revenue.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 14, 2024

ETFs in Focus Post Disappointing Retail Sales Data

After disappointing retail sales data in May, look into ETFs to navigate the uncertain landscape better.

Zacks Investment Research • Jun 20, 2024

Consumer Discretionary ETF (FXD) Hits New 52-Week High

For investors seeking momentum, First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX ETF FXD is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up 29.42% from its 52-week low price of $46.74/share.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 21, 2024