AFGR ETF Explained: Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) selects stocks using factors, with the Russell 1000 Growth Index as its reference universe. The key points of comparison with similar growth ETFs such as IWF and QQQ are differences in strategy and fees.
SubscribeWhat Is the First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF?
This is an actively managed large-cap growth ETF that selects stocks through multi-factor evaluation from the universe of Russell 1000 Growth Index constituents. It diversifies across US large-cap growth stocks while adjusting weights based on factor criteria.
It suits investors who want large-cap growth exposure but prefer a factor-based selection strategy over simple index tracking.
It is an ETF managed by First Trust using an active management approach.
How Does the First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Reference Universe | Russell 1000 Growth Index |
| Management Style | Active (factor-based stock selection) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Regular rebalancing |
| Dividend Frequency | To be confirmed |
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% |
The fund uses the constituents of the Russell 1000 Growth Index as its base universe, then takes an active approach, adjusting stock weights through multi-factor evaluation that includes momentum and quality. Its core feature is selection based on factor scores rather than simple market-cap weighting.
- Active, factor-based stock selection
- Concentrated exposure to large-cap growth stocks
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Expense Ratio)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $88.0M, and the Expense Ratio is 0.65% per year.
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeThe fund tends to move in line with the broader large-cap growth segment, and its volatility can widen as the tech-heavy market environment shifts. Active factor adjustments may produce a somewhat different trajectory from the market.
It is classified in the large-cap growth active ETF category, and interest tends to rise when growth stocks are in favor. Given the nature of factor strategies, fund flows may fluctuate depending on the market phase.
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF Pros and Cons
Its strength is active, factor-based stock selection, while its weaknesses are the fee burden of active management and the uncertainty of strategy performance.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF Alternative ETFs and Related Products
In the same large-cap growth category, there are low-fee alternatives such as IWF, which passively tracks the Russell 1000 Growth Index, and QQQ, which tracks the Nasdaq 100. They differ from an active factor selection strategy in that they replicate the index as is, without factor adjustments. Investors who want a strategy focused on narrower factors within growth (quality, momentum) can also compare other factor-based ETFs.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | $694.81 | -1.8% | $1.06T | 0.03% | 1.07% | +11.1% |
 IVV | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF | $759.18 | -1.8% | $886.1B | 0.03% | 1.11% | +11.1% |
 SPY | SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust | $755.72 | -1.8% | $813.6B | 0.09% | 1% | +11.2% |
 VTI | Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF | $371.57 | -1.8% | $701.3B | 0.03% | 1.06% | +11.2% |
 QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 | $690.49 | -3.5% | $480.9B | 0.18% | 0.45% | +10.3% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp | 0.35% | $204.64 | -4.2% | $4.93T | 25.9 | 0.38% |
| GOOG | Alphabet Inc | 0.17% | $278.22 | -1.4% | $3.41T | 14.5 | 0.31% |
| GOOGL | Alphabet Inc | 0.05% | $279.84 | -1.4% | $3.41T | 14.6 | 0.31% |
 MSBT | Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust | 0.05% | $21.99 | -4.9% | $0.0M | - | - |
| MSFT | Microsoft Corp | 0.10% | $521.91 | -1.6% | $3.88T | 27.3 | 0.74% |
| AMZN | Amazon.com Inc | 0.05% | $240.35 | -1.4% | $2.59T | 19.4 | - |
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF Investor Checkpoints
These are the points to review before investing in AFGR. You should check in advance the characteristics of an active factor strategy, which differ from passive index ETFs, as well as its cost structure and the possibility of performance dispersion.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check the fee level that comes with active management | Higher than passive |
| 🎯 Factor Strategy | Understand the stock selection criteria and rebalancing method | Multi-factor-based management |
| 📊 Growth Stock Concentration | Check the weight of large-cap tech and growth stocks | Big Tech weight present |
| 📈 Track Record | Review the performance history of the active strategy | Relatively short track record |
Given the nature of an active factor strategy, performance relative to the index may diverge depending on the market phase, and large weights in large-cap growth and tech stocks expose the fund to related volatility. The fee burden relative to passive funds should also be considered.
It suits investors who prefer active, factor-based selection over simple index tracking. If minimizing costs is the priority, passive alternatives such as IWF and QQQ can also be considered.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of July 2, 2026.
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