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What Is the FSZ ETF? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings and Alternative ETFs

Updated August 17, 2026 · First published August 17, 2026

The First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ ETF) tracks the Swiss equity market by selecting stocks on growth and value factors. Country concentration, currency exposure, and the semiannual distribution and dividend policy are the key points to review when approaching Swiss equities.

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What Is the First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund ETF?

The FSZ ETF is a passive product that tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Switzerland Index. It selects stocks from a Swiss base index according to growth and value characteristics, then adjusts weights under set rules to provide access to a single-country equity market.

It suits investors who want country-level exposure to the Swiss market and understand how a rules-based selection method differs from a market-cap-weighted index.

It is an ETF managed by First Trust using a passive (index-tracking) approach.

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How Does the First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund Invest?

ItemDetails
Tracked indexNASDAQ AlphaDEX Switzerland Index
Management stylePassive index tracking
Rebalancing frequencySemiannual reconstitution and rebalancing
Distribution frequencySemiannual distributions
Total expense ratio0.80%
ManagerFirst Trust

The product evaluates growth-related and value-related factors separately within a Swiss base index, then builds the portfolio by weighting the stocks selected under its rules. Because the index is reconstituted periodically, its holdings can differ from those of a simple market-cap-weighted tracker.

  • A rules-based selection method that reflects both growth and value factors
  • Regional exposure concentrated in the Swiss single-country equity market
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First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)

Assets under management (AUM) are $36.6M, and the total expense ratio is 0.80% per year.

Because the FSZ ETF combines single-country Swiss exposure with factor-based selection, it is advisable to check the bid-ask spread and tracking characteristics relative to the base index before trading.

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First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund Performance and Trends

1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
Dividend Yield 1.99%
Annual Dividend (TTM) $1.64
1Y Return +6.5%
Next Ex-Dividend Date 6/25/2026
52-Week Price Range
$82
Low $75 High $86
vs. low +9.18% vs. high -4.93%

Performance can vary with the overall direction of the Swiss stock market, as well as with market preferences for growth and value factors, earnings expectations in the sectors held, and currency conditions. Because of the rules-based selection structure, short-term performance may diverge from that of broad Swiss market indexes.

Fund flows into country-specific products can be influenced by the Swiss economy, the European market environment, and shifts in international investors' regional preferences. When market uncertainty rises, it is necessary to watch the Swiss franc exchange rate and European geopolitical variables together.

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First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund Pros and Cons

A rules-based approach to the Swiss market is a strength, but country concentration, factor selection, trading conditions, and currency movements are key points to review.

💪 Key Strengths

Country-specific access
It concentrates on the Swiss stock market while using a rules-based selection method that reflects both growth and value factors.
Factor-based construction
Unlike a typical market-cap-weighted approach, the index's stock selection and weight adjustment rules are reflected in the portfolio.
Regular index maintenance
The index is reconstituted on a set schedule, so selection criteria and sector constraints are reflected in the portfolio.

⚠️ Points to Watch

Country concentration risk
Changes in the Swiss economy and stock market environment can directly affect the value of the product.
Factor selection risk
In environments where growth and value factors fall out of favor, the performance gap versus broad market indexes can widen.
Trading conditions
Depending on market conditions, bid-ask spreads may widen or execution at the desired time may differ.
Currency exposure
Investors who measure returns in Korean won should consider how movements in the Swiss franc and the dollar affect returns.
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Alternative ETFs and Related Products to the First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund

Among the similar products in the table, the QQH ETF features a defensive index composition, while the TRIO ETF uses a buffered structure, so both take different approaches from the FSZ ETF. The FGM ETF and FKU ETF belong to the same AlphaDEX family but each focuses on a different country market, and the TRND ETF should be compared in terms of its fund-of-funds structure and trend-based management style. These products differ in fees, asset size, and distribution characteristics, so rather than treating them as direct substitutes for single-country Swiss exposure, investors should first clarify their investment objective. Based on the available information, comparable listed fund data beyond the table is limited.

Peer Comparison ETFs
TickerNamePriceChangeAUMTotal Expense RatioDividend Yield1Y
QQHQQHHCM Defender 100 Index ETF$84.08-1.7%$756.5M0.98%0.2%+2.3%
TRIOTRIOMC Trio Equity Buffered ETF$66.30+0.1%$124.0M0.70%-+9.7%
FGMFGMFirst Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund$58.29+1.4%$86.1M0.80%1.84%-0.9%
TRNDTRNDPacer Trendpilot Fund of Funds ETF$36.65-0.1%$62.5M0.77%2.13%+6.7%
FKUFKUFirst Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund$55.06+0.9%$35.4M0.80%3.76%+13.8%
Top Holdings
TickerNameWeightPriceChangeMarket CapP/EDividend Yield
UBSUBS Group AG0.06%$48.13+3.1%$147.4B15.92.61%
EMISEMISEmmis Acquisition Corp0.05%$10.31-0.2%$162.6M56.1-
NVSNovartis AG ADR0.05%$161.10+3.2%$294.9B30.82.7%
AMRZAMRZAmrize Ltd0.05%$41.61+4.0%$22.8B18.81.39%
ALCAlcon Inc0.01%$71.13+1.9%$34.3B54.50.51%
LOGILOGILogitech International SA0.01%$98.96+0.7%$13.6B17.91.68%
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First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund Investor Checkpoints

When evaluating the FSZ ETF, it is worth separating your view on the Swiss market itself from the characteristics of the AlphaDEX selection method. Country concentration, trading conditions, distribution policy, and the currency effect for investors measuring returns in won are key items to check together before buying.

CheckpointWhat to CheckCurrent Status
Index methodCheck how the AlphaDEX selection rules differ from the base indexRules-based tracking
Country concentrationAssess how Swiss exposure affects overall asset allocationCountry-concentrated exposure
Trading conditionsCheck the bid-ask spread and likelihood of execution before placing an orderCheck required
Distribution policyCheck distribution variability and tax effectsSemiannual distributions

Because the fund concentrates on a single country's stock market, the regional economy and policy environment, volatility in European markets, and changes in the sector mix of the companies held can affect the value of the product. A factor-based selection method can produce a different performance path from products that track the whole market by market-cap weight, and currency movements and trading conditions are additional risk factors.

The FSZ ETF is an index-based product worth considering for those who want factor-based access to the Swiss stock market. However, it is advisable to compare its stock selection method, which differs from simple market-tracking products, along with country concentration, currency exposure, and trading conditions, and then decide its weight within your overall asset allocation.

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Disclaimer: 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 August 17, 2026.

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