# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001424212
**File Stem:** 0001445546-23-001642
**Filing Date:** 2023-2
**Character Count:** 2872868
**Document Hash:** 1f1b34394bffb4fadf71a103698ff9f6
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001445546-23-001642.hdr.sgml**: 20230228

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001445546-23-001642

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485BPOS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 39

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230228

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230228

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20230301

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND III
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001424212
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-22245
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23686933

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 120 EAST LIBERTY DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 400
- **CITY:** WHEATON
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60187
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 630-765-8000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 120 EAST LIBERTY DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 400
- **CITY:** WHEATON
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60187

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20160419

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** First Trust Exchange Traded Fund III
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20080116
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** FIRST TRUST EXCHANGE-TRADED FUND III
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001424212
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-176976
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23686932

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 120 EAST LIBERTY DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 400
- **CITY:** WHEATON
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60187
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 630-765-8000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 120 EAST LIBERTY DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 400
- **CITY:** WHEATON
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60187

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20160419

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** First Trust Exchange Traded Fund III
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20080116

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF (Series ID: S000034980)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                      | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000107588 | First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF | FPE             |

### First Trust Managed Municipal ETF (Series ID: S000044373)

| Class ID   | Class Name                        | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000138174 | First Trust Managed Municipal ETF | FMB             |

### First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (Series ID: S000045700)

| Class ID   | Class Name                        | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000142474 | First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF | FTLS            |

### First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (Series ID: S000046751)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                           | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000146034 | First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF | FEMB            |

### First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (Series ID: S000052736)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                                 | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000165608 | First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | RFDI            |

### First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (Series ID: S000052737)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000165609 | First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | RFEM            |

### First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (Series ID: S000052738)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000165610 | First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | RFEU            |

### First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF (Series ID: S000058182)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                                    | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000190801 | First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF | FPEI            |

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? EDGAR HTML

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2023

1933 Act Registration No. 333-176976

1940 Act Registration No. 811-22245

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form N-1A

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Registration Statement Under the Securities Act of 1933 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-Effective Amendment No. __ | &nbsp;&nbsp;[ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[X] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;and/or | &nbsp;&nbsp;and/or |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Registration Statement Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Amendment No. 131 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[X] |

---

First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (800) 621-1675

W. Scott Jardine, Esq., Secretary

First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III

First Trust Advisors L.P.

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copy to:

Eric F. Fess, Esq.

Chapman and Cutler LLP

320 South Canal Street

Chicago, Illinois 60606

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

[X] on March 1, 2023 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. 130

This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and contents:

The Facing Sheet

Part A - Prospectus for First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF; Prospectus for First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF; Prospectus for First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF; Prospectus for First Trust Managed Municipal ETF; Prospectus for First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF; Prospectus for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF, First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF

Part B - Statement of Additional Information for First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF; Statement of Additional Information for First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF; Statement of Additional Information for First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF; Statement of Additional Information for First Trust Managed Municipal ETF; Statement of Additional Information for First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF; Statement of Additional Information for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF, First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF

Part C - Other Information

Signatures

Index to Exhibits

Exhibits

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](img476dac1c1.gif)

Prospectus

First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF

Ticker Symbol: FEMB <br> Exchange: Nasdaq

First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (the *"Fund"*) lists and principally trades its shares on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (*"Nasdaq"* or the *"Exchange"*). Market prices may differ to some degree from the net asset value of the shares. Unlike mutual funds, the Fund issues and redeems shares at net asset value, only in large specified blocks of shares called *"Creation Units."* 

The Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*) and an actively managed exchange-traded fund organized as a separate series of a registered management investment company.

**Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.**

**The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of 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**

March 1, 2023

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Summary Information](#xx_5ec86872-fc24-4b50-9e16-1ca9362063cc_1) | 3 |
| [Additional Information on the Fund's Investment Objective and Strategies](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_1) | 14 |
| [Fund Investments](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_1) | 14 |
| [Risks of Investing in the Fund](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_3) | 16 |
| [Fund Organization](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_14) | 27 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_15) | 28 |
| [How to Buy and Sell Shares](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_16) | 29 |
| [Dividends, Distributions and Taxes](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_17) | 30 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_17) | 30 |
| [Distribution Plan](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_19) | 32 |
| [Net Asset Value](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_19) | 32 |
| [Fund Service Providers](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_20) | 33 |
| [Premium/Discount Information](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_20) | 33 |
| [Total Return Information](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_21) | 34 |
| [Financial Highlights](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_22) | 35 |
| [Other Information](#xx_4a6cfcc8-3284-41a7-a107-d53b40845b8f_23) | 36 |

---

------

**Summary Information**

**Investment Objective**

The First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF's (the "*Fund*") investment objective is to seek maximum total return and current income.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **Investors may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.**

**Shareholder Fees**

(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees | 0.85% |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.00% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.85% |

---

***Example***

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then hold 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 at current levels. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| $87 | $271 | $471 | $1049 |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 43% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

In implementing the Fund's investment strategy, First Trust Global Portfolios Limited ("*First Trust Global*" or the *"Sub-Advisor"*), the Fund's investment sub-advisor, seeks to provide current income and enhance capital, while minimizing volatility. The Sub-Advisor continually reviews fundamental economic and structural themes that impact long and medium term asset returns in emerging markets. The Sub-Advisor also considers shorter term market drivers such as valuations, liquidity conditions and sentiment to determine the appropriate positioning of the Fund's investments. The Sub-Advisor will adjust

------

the portfolio's country allocations, duration and individual security positioning to reflect what it believes to be the most attractive opportunities on a continuous basis.

The Sub-Advisor considers emerging market countries to be countries that are characterized by developing commercial and financial infrastructure with significant potential for economic growth and increased capital market participation by foreign investors. The Sub-Advisor considers a variety of factors when determining whether a country should be considered an emerging market, including whether it is classified by the World Bank in the lower, lower-middle or upper-middle income designation for one of the past three years. As of the date of this prospectus, the Sub-Advisor considers emerging market countries to include any country other than Canada, the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. This list of emerging market countries may be expanded or exceptions may be made depending on the evolution of market and economic conditions. The Fund's exposure to any single country generally will be limited to 20% of the Fund's net assets, although this percentage may change from time to time in response to economic events. The percentage of Fund assets invested in a specific region, country or issuer will change from time to time. As of January 31, 2023, the Fund had significant investments in issuers located in Asia and in Latin America, and may be expected to invest significantly in European issuers although this may change from time to time. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a given jurisdiction or investment sector, the Fund may be exposed to the risks associated with that jurisdiction or investment sector.

The Fund may invest in Bonds of any credit quality, including unrated securities, high-yield (also known as "junk") bonds, and with effective or final maturities of any length. The Fund will invest only in Bonds that, at the time of purchase, are performing, and not in default or distressed. However, the Fund may invest in Bonds which become non-performing, distressed or defaulted subsequent to purchase and the Fund may continue to hold such Bonds. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund's net assets that are invested in Bonds will be invested in Bonds that are issued by issuers with outstanding debt of at least $200 million, or the foreign currency equivalent thereof.

The Fund may invest in foreign currencies and derivative instruments, including swap agreements, exchange-listed futures contracts, exchange-listed options, exchange-listed options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, non-deliverable forward currency contracts and exchange-listed currency options. The Fund uses foreign currencies and derivative instruments primarily to hedge interest rate risk and actively manage interest rate exposure and to hedge foreign currency risk and actively manage foreign currency exposure. The Fund may also use derivative instruments to enhance returns, as a substitute for, or to gain exposure to, a position in an underlying asset, to reduce transaction costs, to maintain full market exposure, to manage cash flows or to preserve capital. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments will not be used to seek to achieve a multiple or inverse multiple of an index. Under normal market conditions, no more than 20% of the value of the Fund's net assets will be invested in derivative instruments. To the extent that the Fund invests in derivative instruments as a substitute for, or to gain exposure to, a position in an underlying asset, such investments shall be (a) counted towards the 80% test set forth above and valued according to their market, and not notional, value

**Principal Risks**

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be achieved. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**ASIA RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of Asian issuers. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. Some Asian economies are highly dependent on trade, and economic conditions in other countries within and outside Asia can impact these economies. Certain of these economies may be adversely affected by trade or policy disputes with its major trade partners. There is also a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Certain Asian countries have experienced and may in the future experience expropriation and nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, currency manipulation, political instability, armed conflict and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic, socio-economic and/or political unrest. In particular, escalated tensions involving North Korea and any outbreak of hostilities involving North Korea could have a severe adverse effect on Asian economies. Governments of certain Asian countries have exercised, and continue to exercise, substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, the government owns or controls many companies, including the largest in the country. Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on the issuers of the Fund's securities or on economic conditions generally. Recent developments in

------

relations between the U.S. and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on the economy of Asian countries and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount (the difference between the market price of the Fund's shares and the Fund's net asset value) and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread (the difference between the price that someone is willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a specific point in time versus the price at which someone is willing to sell) on the Fund's shares may widen.

**CALL RISK.** Some debt securities may be redeemed, or "called," at the option of the issuer before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund's income.

**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund will effect some or all of its creations and redemptions for cash rather than in-kind. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects all of its creations and redemptions in-kind. Because the Fund may effect redemptions for cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. A sale of portfolio securities may result in capital gains or losses and may also result in higher brokerage costs.

**COUNTERPARTY RISK.** Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty's financial condition (*i.e.*, financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty's inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed.

**CREDIT RATING AGENCY RISK.** Credit ratings are determined by credit rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Services, Inc. and Fitch Inc., and are only the opinions of such entities. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risk or the liquidity of securities. Any shortcomings or inefficiencies in credit rating agencies' processes for determining credit ratings may adversely affect the credit ratings of securities held by the Fund and, as a result, may adversely affect those securities' perceived or actual credit risk.

**CREDIT RISK.** An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer's ability or unwillingness to make such payments.

**CREDIT SPREAD RISK.** From time to time, spreads (*i.e.*, the difference in yield between debt securities that have different credit qualities or other differences) may increase, which may reduce the market value of some of the Fund's debt securities. While the Fund may employ strategies to mitigate credit spread risk, these strategies may not be successful.

**CURRENCY RISK.** Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, and therefore the value of such investments in the Fund's portfolio. The Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems through "hacking" or malicious software coding but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, custodian, or sub-advisor, as applicable, can also subject

------

the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Although the Fund has established risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

**DEBT SECURITIES RISK.** Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

**DISTRESSED SECURITIES RISK.** Distressed debt securities are speculative and involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield securities that are not in default. In some instances, will not receive interest payments from the distressed securities it holds, and there is a substantial risk that the principal will not be repaid. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding related to a distressed debt security, may lose its entire investment in the security.

**EMERGING MARKETS RISK.** Investments in securities issued by governments and companies operating in emerging market countries involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in securities and instruments issued by U.S. companies or by companies operating in other developed market countries. Investments in emerging markets securities are generally considered speculative in nature and are subject to the following heightened risks: smaller market capitalization of securities markets which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; possible repatriation of investment income and capital; rapid inflation; and currency convertibility issues. Emerging market countries also often have less uniformity in accounting, auditing and reporting requirements, unsettled securities laws, unreliable securities valuation and greater risk associated with custody of securities. Financial and other reporting by companies and government entities also may be less reliable in emerging market countries. Shareholder claims that are available in the U.S., as well as regulatory oversight and authority that is common in the U.S., including for claims based on fraud, may be difficult or impossible for shareholders of securities in emerging market countries or for U.S. authorities to pursue. For funds that track an index or are managed based upon a benchmark, the index may not weight the securities in emerging market countries on the basis of investor protection limitations, financial reporting quality or available oversight mechanisms. Furthermore, investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies.

**EUROPE RISK.** The Fund may invest significantly in European issuers. The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of European issuers. Political or economic disruptions in European countries, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, may adversely affect security values and thus the Fund's holdings. A significant number of countries in Europe are member states in the European Union (the *"EU"*), and the member states no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. In these member states, the authority to direct monetary policies, including money supply and official interest rates for the Euro, is exercised by the European Central Bank.

------

In a 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the EU (*"Brexit"*). After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. As the second largest economy among EU members, the implications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal are difficult to gauge and cannot be fully known. Its departure may negatively impact the EU and Europe as a whole by causing volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU (thereby perpetuating political instability in the region).

**EXTENSION RISK.** Extension risk is the risk that, when interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the issuer (or other obligated party) more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these debt securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of debt securities, making their market value more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term debt securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term debt securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value.

**FORWARD CONTRACTS RISK.** A forward contract is an over-the-counter derivative transaction between two parties to buy or sell a specified amount of an underlying reference at a specified price (or rate) on a specified date in the future. Forward contracts are negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized or traded on exchanges. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated and can experience lengthy periods of illiquidity, unusually high trading volume and other negative impacts, such as political intervention, which may result in volatility or disruptions in such markets. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. Forward contracts can increase the Fund's risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, currency risk, market risk, and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk, among others.

**FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS RISK.** In connection with its trading in forward foreign currency contracts, the Fund will contract with a foreign or domestic bank, or a foreign or domestic securities dealer, to make or take future delivery of a specified amount of a particular currency. There are no limitations on daily price moves in such forward contracts, and banks and dealers are not required to continue to make markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain banks or dealers have refused to quote prices for such forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which the bank or dealer is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell. Governmental imposition of credit controls might limit any such forward contract trading. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts involve certain risks, including the risk of failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and the risk that the use of forward contracts may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the underlying currencies increase. In addition, because forward currency exchange contracts are privately negotiated transactions, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have flexibility to roll-over a forward foreign currency exchange contract upon its expiration if it desires to do so.

**FUTURES CONTRACTS RISK.** Futures contracts are typically exchange-traded contracts that call for the future delivery of an asset by one party to another at a certain price and date, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. The risk of a position in a futures contract may be very large compared to the relatively low level of margin the Fund is required to deposit. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. In the event no secondary market exists for a particular contract, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions, and the Fund will be unable to terminate the derivative. If the Fund uses futures contracts for hedging purposes, there is a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the derivatives and movements in the securities or index underlying the derivatives or movements in the prices of the Fund's investments that are the subject of such hedge. The prices of futures contracts may not correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying them.

**HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK.** High yield securities, or "junk" bonds, are subject to greater market fluctuations, are less liquid and provide a greater risk of loss than investment grade securities, and therefore, are considered to be highly speculative. In

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general, high yield securities may have a greater risk of default than other types of securities and could cause income and principal losses for the Fund.

**INCOME RISK.** The Fund's income may decline when interest rates fall or if there are defaults in its portfolio. This decline can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding securities as debt securities in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional debt securities.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking exchange-traded funds or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity in the Fund's shares.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline.

**INTEREST RATE RISK.** Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the debt securities in the Fund's portfolio will decline because of rising market interest rates. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term debt securities and higher for longer-term debt securities. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates and a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security's expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security's yield, interest payments and final maturity. In general, duration represents the expected percentage change in the value of a security for an immediate 1% change in interest rates. For example, the price of a debt security with a three-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 3% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates. Therefore, prices of debt securities with shorter durations tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than debt securities with longer durations. As the value of a debt security changes over time, so will its duration.

**LATIN AMERICA RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of Latin American issuers. The economies of Latin American countries have in the past experienced considerable difficulties, including high inflation rates, high interest rates, high unemployment, government overspending and political instability. International economic conditions, particularly those in the United States, Europe and Asia, as well as world prices for oil and other commodities may also influence the development of Latin American economies. Many Latin American countries are highly reliant on the exportation of commodities and their economies may be significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices and the global demand for certain commodities. Investments in Latin American countries may be subject to currency risks, such as restrictions on the flow of money in and out of a country, extreme volatility relative to the U.S. dollar, and devaluation, all of which could decrease the value of investments in Latin American companies. Other Latin American investment risks may include inadequate investor protection, less developed regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial standards, unfavorable changes in laws or regulations, natural disasters, corruption and military activity. The governments of many Latin American countries may also exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, and any such exercise could have a significant effect on companies in which the Fund invests. Securities of companies in Latin America may also be subject to significant price volatility.

**LEVERAGE RISK.** Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rates of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the value of the Fund's shares to be volatile and sensitive to market swings.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Fund may hold certain investments that may be subject to restrictions on resale, trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or lack an active trading market. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to sell or close out of such investments at favorable times or prices (or at all), or at the prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value.

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**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK.** 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 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 Code of 1986, as amended. The Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers, experience increased volatility and be highly invested in certain issuers.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** Non-U.S. securities are subject to higher volatility than securities of domestic issuers due to possible adverse political, social or economic developments, restrictions on foreign investment or exchange of securities, capital controls, lack of liquidity, currency exchange rates, excessive taxation, government seizure of assets, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, different legal or accounting standards, and less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges in foreign countries.

**OPERATIONAL RISK.** The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**OPTIONS RISK.** The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions and depends on the ability of the Fund's portfolio managers to forecast market movements correctly. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. The effective use of options also depends on the Fund's ability to terminate option positions at times deemed desirable to do so. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to effect closing transactions at any particular time or at an acceptable price. In addition,

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there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values of options and their underlying securities and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options.

**OTC DERIVATIVES RISK.** The Fund may utilize derivatives that are traded over-the-counter, or "OTC." In general, OTC derivatives are subject to the same risks as derivatives generally, as described throughout. However, because OTC derivatives do not trade on an exchange, the parties to an OTC derivative face heightened levels of counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk. To the extent that the Fund utilizes OTC derivatives, its counterparty risk will be higher if it only trades with a single or small number of counterparties. The secondary market for OTC derivatives may not be as deep as for other instruments and such instruments may experience periods of illiquidity. In addition, some OTC derivatives may be complex and difficult to value.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. The Fund's investment advisor cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Fund's investment advisor believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**PREPAYMENT RISK.** Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt security will repay principal prior to the scheduled maturity date. Debt securities allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates, as the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment at lower interest rates. These factors may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to change.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**SOVEREIGN AND QUASI-SOVEREIGN DEBT SECURITIES RISK.** Sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt securities that are issued or guaranteed by foreign governmental entities. Investments in such securities are subject to the risk that the relevant sovereign government or governmental entity may delay or refuse to pay interest or repay principal on its debt. Such delays or refusals may be due to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the size of its debt relative to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies. There is no legal process for collecting sovereign debt that is not repaid, nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the unpaid sovereign debt may be collected.

**SWAP AGREEMENTS RISK.** Swap agreements may involve greater risks than direct investment in securities as they may be leveraged and are subject to credit risk, counterparty risk and valuation risk. A swap agreement could result in losses if the underlying reference or asset does not perform as anticipated. In addition, many swaps trade over-the-counter and may be considered illiquid. It may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The sale price the Fund could receive for a security may differ from the Fund's valuation of the security, particularly for securities that trade in low volume or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Unlike

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publicly traded securities that trade on national securities exchanges, there is no central place or exchange for trading most debt securities. Debt securities generally trade on an "over-the-counter" market. Due to the lack of centralized information and trading, and variations in lot sizes of certain debt securities, the valuation of debt securities may carry more uncertainty and risk than that of publicly traded securities. Debt securities are commonly valued by third-party pricing services that utilize a range of market-based inputs and assumptions, including readily available market quotations obtained from broker-dealers making markets in such securities, cash flows and transactions for comparable instruments. However, because the available information is less reliable and more subjective, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation of debt securities than for other types of securities. Different pricing services may incorporate different assumptions and inputs into their valuation methodologies, potentially resulting in different values for the same securities. As a result, if the Advisor were to change its valuation policies, or if the Fund were to change pricing services, or if a pricing service were to change its valuation methodology, there could be a material impact, either positive or negative, on the Fund's net asset value. Additionally, pricing services generally price debt securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional "round lot" size, but some trades may occur in smaller, "odd lot" sizes, often at lower prices than institutional round lot trades. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell a portfolio security at the price established by the pricing service, which could result in a loss to the Fund. In addition, the value of the debt securities in the Fund's portfolio may change on days or during time periods when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell the Fund's shares. Authorized Participants who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received had the Fund not fair-valued securities or used a different valuation methodology. Net asset value calculation may also be impacted by operational risks arising from factors such as failures in systems and technology.

**VOLATILITY RISK.** Volatility is the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The Fund may invest in securities or financial instruments that exhibit more volatility than the market as a whole. Such exposures could cause the Fund's net asset value to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time.

**Annual Total Return**

The bar chart and table below illustrate the annual calendar year returns of the Fund based on net asset value as well as the average annual Fund returns. 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 based on net asset value compared to those of two market indices. See "Total Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund. The Fund's performance information is accessible on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.

**First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF**

**Calendar Year Total Returns as of 12/31**

![](img6bcf78b62.jpg)

During the periods shown in the chart above:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Best Quarter** |  | **Worst Quarter** |  |
| 12.61% | December 31, 2020 | -16.51% | March 31, 2020 |

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The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

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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 indices 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.

**Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022** 

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Since**<br> **Inception**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **Date**<br>|
| Return Before Taxes | -9.96% | -3.61% | -2.22% | 11/4/2014 |
| Return After Taxes On Distributions | -12.16% | -5.81% | -4.47% |  |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -5.89% | -3.46% | -2.45% |  |
| Bloomberg Emerging Markets Local Currency Government - <br> 10% Country Capped Index (reflects no deduction for fees, <br> expenses or taxes)<br>| -10.26% | -1.54% | -0.59% |  |
| JP Morgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index (reflects no <br> deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<br>| -11.69% | -2.51% | -1.46% |  |

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**Management**

***Investment Advisor*** 

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"* or the *"Advisor"*)

***Investment Sub-Advisor***

First Trust Global Portfolios Limited (*"First Trust Global"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*)

***Portfolio Managers***

The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Derek Fulton, Chief Executive Officer, First Trust Global Portfolios Limited

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Leonardo Da Costa, Portfolio Manager, First Trust Global Portfolios Limited

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Anthony Beevers, Portfolio Manager, First Trust Global Portfolios Limited

The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Each portfolio manager has managed the Fund since 2014, except for Anthony Beevers, who has served as a member of the portfolio management team since 2019.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large blocks of shares called "Creation Units." Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since shares of the Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, the Fund's shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund's net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the *"bid-ask spread"*). Recent information, including the Fund's net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, bid-ask spreads and the median bid-ask spread for the Fund's most recent fiscal year, is available online at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

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**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on shares held in a tax-deferred account, while not immediately taxable, will be subject to tax when the shares are no longer held in a tax-deferred account.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, bank or other financial intermediary (collectively, "intermediaries"), First Trust and First Trust Portfolios L.P., the Fund's distributor, may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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**Additional Information on the Fund's Investment Objective and Strategies**

The Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III and is regulated as an "investment company" under the 1940 Act. The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to track the performance of an index. The Fund's investment objective is fundamental and may not be changed without approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless an investment policy is identified as being fundamental, all investment policies included in this prospectus and the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the *"Board"*) without shareholder approval. If there is a material change to the Fund's principal investment strategies, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

The Fund has adopted a fundamental investment policy pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (the *"Name Policy"*), whereby the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in bonds, notes and bills issued or guaranteed by entities incorporated or domiciled in emerging market countries that are denominated in the local currency of the issuer. The Name Policy may not be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

**Fund Investments**

**Principal Investments**

**Bonds**

**High Yield Bonds**

Bonds that are rated below investment grade (or securities that are unrated and determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality) are commonly referred to as *"high yield"* or *"junk"* bonds. High yield bonds typically offer higher yields than investment grade bonds with similar maturities but involve greater risks, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy, and increased market price volatility.

**Derivative Instruments**

The Fund may invest in foreign currencies and derivative instruments, including swap agreements, exchange-listed futures contracts, exchange-listed options, exchange-listed options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, non-deliverable forward currency contracts and exchange-listed currency options. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to, among other things, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates.

A forward currency contract, which involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract, reduces the Fund's exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will deliver and increases its exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will receive for the duration of the contract. Certain foreign currency transactions (*i.e.,* non-deliverable forward currency contracts) may also be settled in cash rather than the actual delivery of the relevant currency. The effect on the value of the Fund is similar to selling securities denominated in one currency and purchasing securities denominated in another currency. A contract to sell foreign currency would limit any potential gain which might be realized if the value of the hedged currency increases. The Fund may enter into these contracts to hedge against foreign exchange risk, to increase exposure to a foreign currency, or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments will be consistent with the Fund's investment objective and the 1940 Act and will not be used to seek to achieve a multiple or inverse multiple of an index.

To the extent the Fund enters into derivatives transactions, it will do so pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to implement certain policies and procedures designed to manage its derivatives risks, dependent upon the Fund's level of exposure to derivative instruments.

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**Non-Principal Investments**

**Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments**

Under normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in short-term debt securities that are not included within the meaning of the term "Bonds," such as money market funds and other cash equivalents, or it may hold cash. Short-term debt securities are securities from issuers having a long-term debt rating of at least A by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (*"S&P Ratings"*), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (*"Moody's"*), or Fitch Ratings (*"Fitch"*) and having a maturity of one year or less. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing ratings parameters do not apply to Bonds.

Short-term debt securities in which the Fund may invest include the following: (1) fixed rate and floating rate 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; (2) short-term securities issued or guaranteed by non-U.S. governments or by their agencies or instrumentalities; (3) certificates of deposit issued against funds deposited in a bank or savings and loan association; (4) bankers' acceptances, which are short-term credit instruments used to finance commercial transactions; (5) repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities; (6) 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; (7) commercial paper, which is short-term unsecured promissory notes; and (8) other securities that are similar to the foregoing.

The percentage of the Fund invested in these types of holdings varies and depends on several factors, including market conditions. For temporary defensive purposes and during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, the Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or it may hold cash. During such periods, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective. The Fund may adopt a defensive strategy when the portfolio managers believe securities in which the Fund normally invests have elevated risks due to political or economic factors and in other extraordinary circumstances. For more information on eligible short-term investments, see the Fund's SAI.

**Illiquid Investments**

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities and other instruments that are, at the time of investment, illiquid (determined using the Securities and Exchange Commission's standard applicable to investment companies, *i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For this purpose, illiquid investments may include, but are not limited to, certain restricted securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted under the federal securities laws), certain securities that may only be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, that are deemed to be illiquid, and certain repurchase agreements.

**Investment Companies and Other Pooled Investment Vehicles**

The Fund may invest securities of other investment companies, including ETFs that invest primarily in Bonds or short-term debt securities and, except for these investments in other investment companies, the Fund will not invest directly in equity securities. ETFs trade on a securities exchange and their shares may, at times, trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. As a stockholder in an investment company or other pooled vehicle, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's or vehicle's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's or vehicle's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested.

The Fund's ability to invest in other investment companies is limited by the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations. The Fund has adopted a policy that it will not invest in other investment companies in excess of 1940 Act limits in reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.

**Loans**

The Fund may invest in loans by purchasing assignments on all or a portion of loans or loan participations from third parties. These loans are made by or issued to corporations primarily to finance acquisitions, refinance existing debt, support organic growth or pay out dividends, and are typically originated by large banks and then syndicated out to institutional investors as well as to other banks. Loans typically bear interest at a floating rate although some loans pay a fixed rate.

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**Non-U.S. Corporate Bonds**

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in non-U.S. corporate bonds. The Fund will invest only in corporate bonds that the Advisor and/or the Sub-Advisor deems to be sufficiently liquid.

**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**

The Fund's portfolio holdings are available on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com. A description of the policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is included in the Fund's SAI, which is also available on the Fund's website.

**Risks of Investing in the Fund**

Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in the Fund involves risk, including the risk that you may lose all or part of your investment. There can be no assurance that the Fund will meet its stated objective. Before you invest, you should consider the following disclosure pertaining to the Principal Risks set forth above as well as additional Non-Principal Risks set forth below in this prospectus. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**Principal Risks**

**ASIA RISK.** The Fund invests significantly in the securities of Asian issuers. Such investments subject the Fund to certain risks associated specifically with investments in securities of Asian issuers, including distinct legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. Some Asian economies are highly dependent on trade, and economic conditions in other countries within and outside Asia can impact these economies. Certain of these economies may be adversely affected by trade or policy disputes with its major trade partners. There is also a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Certain Asian countries have experienced and may in the future experience expropriation and nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, currency manipulation, political instability, armed conflict and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic, socio-economic and/or political unrest. In particular, escalated tensions involving North Korea and any outbreak of hostilities involving North Korea could have a severe adverse effect on Asian economies. Governments of certain Asian countries have exercised, and continue to exercise, substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, the government owns or controls many companies, including the largest in the country. Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on the issuers of the Fund's securities or on economic conditions generally. Issuers in Asia may not be subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as U.S. companies and if their securities are not listed on a U.S. exchange, they may not be subject to the same corporate governance standards as U.S. issuers. In addition, satisfactory custodial services for investment securities may not be available in some Asia countries, which may result in the Fund incurring additional costs and delays in providing transportation and custody services for such securities outside such countries. Recent developments in relations between the U.S. and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on the economy of Asian countries and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. However, participants are not obligated to make a market in the Fund's shares or submit purchase and redemption orders for creation units. To the extent that these institutions exit the business, reduce their role or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount to the Fund's net asset value and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**CALL RISK.** Some debt securities may be redeemed at the option of the issuer, or "called," before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund's income. Such redemptions and subsequent reinvestments would also increase the Fund's portfolio turnover. If a called debt security was purchased by the Fund at a premium, the value of the premium may be lost in the event of a redemption.

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**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund will effect some or all of its creations and redemptions for cash rather than in-kind. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects its creations and redemptions only in-kind. ETFs are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid being taxed on gains on the distributed portfolio securities at the fund level. A Fund that effects redemptions for cash may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. Any recognized gain on these sales by the Fund will generally cause the Fund to recognize a gain it might not otherwise have recognized, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required if it were to distribute portfolio securities only in-kind. The Fund intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than if they had made an investment in a different ETF. Moreover, cash transactions may have to be carried out over several days if the securities market is relatively illiquid and may involve considerable brokerage fees and taxes. These brokerage fees and taxes, which will be higher than if the Fund sold and redeemed its shares entirely in-kind, will be passed on to those purchasing and redeeming Creation Units in the form of creation and redemption transaction fees. In addition, these factors may result in wider spreads between the bid and the offered prices of the Fund's shares than for ETFs that distribute portfolio securities in-kind.

**COUNTERPARTY RISK.** The Fund is subject to counterparty risk. If the Fund enters into an investment or transaction that depends on the performance of another party, the Fund becomes subject to the credit risk of that counterparty. The Fund's ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions depends on the willingness and ability of the Fund's counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, the Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Fund. The Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization proceeding involving a counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If the Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Under applicable law or contractual provisions, including if the Fund enters into an investment or transaction with a financial institution and such financial institution (or an affiliate of the financial institution) experiences financial difficulties, then the Fund may in certain situations be prevented or delayed from exercising its rights to terminate the investment or transaction, or to realize on any collateral and may result in the suspension of payment and delivery obligations of the parties under such investment or transactions or in another institution being substituted for that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. Further, the Fund may be subject to "bail-in" risk under applicable law whereby, if required by the financial institution's authority, the financial institution's liabilities could be written down, eliminated or converted into equity or an alternative instrument of ownership. A bail-in of a financial institution may result in a reduction in value of some or all of securities and, if the Fund holds such securities or has entered into a transaction with such a financial security when a bail-in occurs, the Fund may also be similarly impacted.

**CREDIT RATING AGENCY RISK.** Credit ratings are determined by credit rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Services, Inc. and Fitch Inc., and are only the opinions of such entities. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risk or the liquidity of securities. Any shortcomings or inefficiencies in credit rating agencies' processes for determining credit ratings may adversely affect the credit ratings of securities held by the Fund and, as a result, may adversely affect those securities' perceived or actual credit risk.

**CREDIT RISK.** An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer's ability or unwillingness to make such payments. Debt securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk which are often reflected in credit ratings. The credit rating of a debt security may be lowered if the issuer or other obligated party suffers adverse changes to its financial condition. These adverse changes may lead to greater volatility in the price of the debt security and affect the security's liquidity. High yield and comparable unrated debt securities, while generally offering higher yields than investment grade debt with similar maturities, involve greater risks, including the possibility of dividend or interest deferral, default or bankruptcy, and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay dividends or interest and repay principal. To the extent that the Fund holds debt securities that are secured or guaranteed by financial institutions, changes in credit quality of such financial institutions could cause values of the debt security to deviate.

**CREDIT SPREAD RISK.** Credit spread risk is the risk that credit spreads (*i.e.*, the difference in yield between debt securities that have differences in credit quality or other factors) may increase, which may reduce the market values of the Fund's debt securities. While the Fund may employ strategies to mitigate credit spread risk, these strategies may not be successful. Credit

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spreads often increase more for lower rated and unrated securities than for investment grade securities. In addition, when credit spreads increase, reductions in market value will generally be greater for debt securities with longer maturities.

**CURRENCY RISK.** The Fund may invest in securities denominated in a non-U.S. currency. Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, the value of dividends and interest earned from such securities and gains and losses realized on the sale of such securities. The Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. Changes in currency exchange rates may affect the Fund's net asset value, the value of dividends and interest earned, and gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may cause the value of the Fund to decline. Certain non-U.S. currencies may be particularly volatile, and non-U.S. governments may intervene in the currency markets, causing a decline in value or liquidity in the Fund's non-U.S. holdings whose value is tied to the affected non-U.S. currency. Additionally, the prices of non-U.S. securities that are traded in U.S. dollars are often indirectly influenced by currency fluctuations.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. These risks typically are not covered by insurance. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (*e.g.*, through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (*i.e.*, efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber security failures by or breaches of the systems of the Advisor, distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, sub-advisors, index providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses; interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value; disclosure of confidential trading information; impediments to trading; submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders; the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; or additional compliance costs. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified and that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants. However, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, and the Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**DEBT SECURITIES RISK.** Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a centralized securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock. The values of debt securities may also increase or decrease as a result of market fluctuations, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments or illiquidity in debt securities markets generally.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes

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in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

**DISTRESSED SECURITIES RISK.** Distressed securities are speculative and involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities that are not in default. In some instances, will not receive interest payments from the distressed securities it holds and may incur additional expenses to protect its investment. These securities may present a substantial risk of default and there is a substantial risk that the principal will not be repaid. may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or of interest on its portfolio holdings. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio company, may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than its original investment. Distressed securities and any securities received in exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale.

**EMERGING MARKETS RISK.** Investments in securities issued by governments and companies operating in emerging market countries involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in securities and instruments issued by U.S. companies or by companies operating in other developed market countries. This is due to, among other things, the potential for greater market volatility, lower trading volume, a lack of liquidity, potential for market manipulation, higher levels of inflation, political and economic instability, greater risk of a market shutdown and more governmental limitations on foreign investments in emerging market countries than are typically found in more developed market countries. Moreover, emerging market countries often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements, unsettled securities laws, less reliable securities valuations and greater risks associated with custody of securities than developed markets. In addition, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain emerging market countries. Emerging market countries often have greater risk of capital controls through such measures as taxes or interest rate control than developed markets. Certain emerging market countries may also lack the infrastructure necessary to attract large amounts of foreign trade and investment. Local securities markets in emerging market countries may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible. Settlement procedures in emerging market countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the U.S. and other developed market countries. In addition, significant delays may occur in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for the Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Investing in emerging market countries involves a higher risk of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested by certain emerging market countries. Enforcing legal rights may be made difficult, costly and slow in emerging markets as there may be additional problems enforcing claims against non-U.S. governments. As such, the rights and remedies associated with emerging market investment securities may be different than those available for investments in more developed markets. For example, it may be more difficult for shareholders to bring derivative litigation or for U.S. regulators to bring enforcement actions against issuers in emerging markets.

In addition, due to the differences in regulatory, accounting, audit and financial recordkeeping standards, including financial disclosures, less information about emerging market companies is publicly available and information that is available may be unreliable or outdated. This may affect the Index Provider's ability to compute and construct the Index and may further impede the Advisor's ability to accurately evaluate the index data provided. This potential for error in index construction and index data could affect the overall performance of the Fund.

**EUROPE RISK.** The Fund may invest significantly in the securities of European issuers. Therefore, in addition to the risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities generally, the Fund is subject to certain risks associated specifically with investments in securities of European issuers. Political or economic disruptions in European countries, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, may adversely affect security values and thus the Fund's holdings. A significant number of countries in Europe are member states in the EU, and the member states no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. In these member states, the authority to direct monetary policies, including money supply and official interest rates for the Euro, is exercised by the European Central Bank. In a 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the EU. After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. As the second largest economy among

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EU members, the implications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal are difficult to gauge and cannot be fully known. Trade between the United Kingdom and the EU is highly integrated through supply chains and trade in services, as well as through multinational companies. The United Kingdom's departure may negatively impact the EU and Europe as a whole by causing volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU (thereby perpetuating political instability in the region).

**EXTENSION RISK**. Extension risk is the risk that, when interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the issuer (or other obligated party) more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these debt securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of debt securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term debt securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term debt securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value. Extension risk is particularly prevalent for a callable debt security where an increase in interest rates could result in the issuer of that security choosing not to redeem the debt security as anticipated on the security's call date. Such a decision by the issuer could have the effect of lengthening the debt security's expected maturity, making it more vulnerable to interest rate risk and reducing its market value.

**FORWARD CONTRACTS RISK.** A forward contract is an over-the-counter derivative transaction between two parties to buy or sell a specified amount of an underlying reference at a specified price (or rate) on a specified date in the future. Forward contracts are negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized or traded on exchanges. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated and can experience lengthy periods of illiquidity, unusually high trading volume and other negative impacts, such as political intervention, which may result in volatility or disruptions in such markets. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. Forward contracts can increase the Fund's risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, currency risk, market risk, and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk, among others.

**FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS RISK.** In connection with its trading in forward foreign currency contracts, the Fund will contract with a foreign or domestic bank, or a foreign or domestic securities dealer, to make or take future delivery of a specified amount of a particular currency. There are no limitations on daily price moves in such forward contracts, and banks and dealers are not required to continue to make markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain banks or dealers have refused to quote prices for such forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which the bank or dealer is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell. Governmental imposition of credit controls might limit any such forward contract trading. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts involve certain risks, including the risk of failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and the risk that the use of forward contracts may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the underlying currencies increase. In addition, because forward currency exchange contracts are privately negotiated transactions, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have flexibility to roll-over a forward foreign currency exchange contract upon its expiration if it desires to do so.

**FUTURES CONTRACTS RISK.** The Fund may enter into futures contracts. Futures contracts are typically exchange-traded contracts that call for the future delivery of an asset by one party to another at a certain price and date, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. The risk of a position in a futures contract may be very large compared to the relatively low level of margin the Fund is required to deposit. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. The ability to establish and close out positions in futures contracts is subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. If the Fund uses futures contracts for hedging purposes, there is a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the derivatives and movements in the securities or index underlying the derivatives or movements in the prices of the Fund's investments that are the subject of such hedge. The prices of futures contracts, for a number of reasons, may not correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying them. For example, participants in the futures markets are subject to margin deposit requirements less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets in general. As a result, futures markets may attract more speculators than the securities markets. Increased participation by speculators in those markets may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion, even a correct forecast of general market trends by the Fund's portfolio managers still may not result in a successful derivatives activity over a very short time period. The and the various exchanges have established limits referred to as "speculative position limits" on the maximum net long or net short positions that any person and certain affiliated entities may hold or control in a particular

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futures contract. It is possible that, as a result of such limits, the Fund will be precluded from taking positions in certain futures contracts it might have otherwise taken to the disadvantage of shareholders.

**HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK.** The Fund's investment in high yield securities, or "junk" bonds, may entail increased credit risks and the risk that the value of the Fund's assets will decline, and may decline precipitously, with increases in interest rates. In recent years there have been wide fluctuations in interest rates and therefore in the value of debt securities generally. High yield securities are, under most circumstances, subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than are investments in lower-yielding, higher-rated debt securities. As interest rates rise, the value of high yield securities may decline precipitously. Increased rates may also indicate a slowdown in the economy which may adversely affect the credit of issuers of high yield securities resulting in a higher incidence of defaults among such issuers. A slowdown in the economy, or a development adversely affecting an issuer's creditworthiness, may result in the issuer being unable to maintain earnings or sell assets at the rate and at the prices, respectively, that are required to produce sufficient cash flow to meet its interest and principal requirements. The Fund's portfolio managers cannot predict future economic policies or their consequences or, therefore, the course or extent of any similar market fluctuations in the future. In addition, high yield securities are generally less liquid than investment grade securities.

**INCOME RISK.** The Fund's income may decline when interest rates fall. This decline can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding securities as debt securities in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional debt securities. In addition, the Fund's income could decline when the Fund experiences defaults on the debt securities it holds.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking ETFs or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund's shares. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity. To the extent buying or selling activity increases, the Fund can be exposed to increased brokerage costs and adverse tax consequences and the market price of the Fund can be negatively affected.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline. This risk is more prevalent with respect to debt securities held by the Fund. Inflation creates uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of an investment. Inflation rates may change frequently and drastically as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy, and the Fund's investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund investors.

**INTEREST RATE RISK**. The value of debt securities held by the Fund will fluctuate in value with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will increase in value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates rise. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term investments and higher for longer term investments. Duration is a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security's expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security's yield, interest payments and final maturity. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. The longer the duration of a debt security, the greater the debt security's price sensitivity is to changes in interest rates. Rising interest rates also may lengthen the duration of debt securities with call features, since exercise of the call becomes less likely as interest rates rise, which in turn will make the securities more sensitive to changes in interest rates and result in even steeper price declines in the event of further interest rate increases. An increase in interest rates could also cause principal payments on a debt security to be repaid at a slower rate than expected. This risk is particularly prevalent for a callable debt security where an increase in interest rates could cause the issuer of that security

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to not redeem the security as anticipated on the call date, effectively lengthening the security's expected maturity, in turn making that security more vulnerable to interest rate risk and reducing its market value. When interest rates fall, the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds from the sale, redemption or early prepayment of a debt security at a lower interest rate.

**LATIN AMERICA RISK.** The Fund invests significantly in Latin American issuers. The economies of Latin American countries have in the past experienced considerable difficulties, including high inflation rates, high interest rates, high unemployment, government overspending and political instability. International economic conditions, particularly those in the United States, Europe and Asia, as well as world prices for oil and other commodities may also influence the development of Latin American economies. Many Latin American countries are highly reliant on the exportation of commodities and their economies may be significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices and the global demand for certain commodities. In the past, certain Latin American economies have been influenced by changing supply and demand for a particular currency, monetary policies of governments (including exchange control programs, restrictions on local exchanges or markets and limitations on foreign investment in a country or on investment by residents of a country in other countries), and currency devaluations and revaluations. Other Latin American investment risks may include inadequate investor protection, less developed regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial standards, unfavorable changes in laws or regulations, natural disasters, corruption and military activity. The governments of many Latin American countries may also exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, and any such exercise could have a significant effect on companies in which the Fund invests. Securities of companies in Latin America may also be subject to significant price volatility.

**LEVERAGE RISK.** Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rates of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the value of the Fund's portfolio and the Fund's shares to be volatile and sensitive to market swings. Certain instruments have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Fund may have investments that it may not be able to dispose of or close out readily at a favorable time or price (or at all), or at a price approximating the Fund's valuation of the investment. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for the Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. If the Fund needed to sell a large block of illiquid securities to meet shareholder redemption request or to raise cash, these sales could further reduce the securities' prices and adversely affect performance of the Fund. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective(s), meet relevant benchmarks or perform as well as other funds with similar objectives.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting

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global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. Additionally, in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine which has caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain Fund investments as well as Fund performance. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK.** The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the 1940 Act. As a "non-diversified" fund, the Fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities than many other funds and may be more sensitive to any single economic, business, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers due to the high percentage of the Fund's assets invested in that security, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of the Fund's shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in non-U.S. securities. An investment in securities of non-U.S. companies involves risks not associated with domestic issuers. Investment in non-U.S. securities may involve higher costs than investment in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by non-U.S. governments. Non-U.S. investments may also involve risks associated with the level of currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity, more market volatility and political instability. Future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on dividend income, the possible seizure or nationalization of non-U.S. holdings, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, the possible establishment of capital controls, exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency or the adoption of other governmental restrictions might adversely affect an investment in non-U.S. securities. Additionally, non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less stringent regulation, and to different accounting, auditing and recordkeeping requirements. The U.S. and non-U.S. markets often rise and fall at different times or by different amounts due to economic or other regional developments particular to a given country or region.

**OPERATIONAL RISK**. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**OPTIONS RISK.** The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions and depends on the ability of portfolio manager to forecast market movements correctly. The prices of options are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As the seller (writer) of a call option, the seller will tend to lose money if the value of the reference index or security rises above the strike price. As the buyer of a option, the buyer risks losing the entire premium invested in the option if the buyer does not exercise the option. The effective use of options also depends on the ability to terminate option positions at times deemed desirable to do so. There is no assurance that the will be able to effect closing transactions at any particular time or at an acceptable price. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values of options and their underlying securities and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options. Options may also involve the use of leverage, which could result in greater price volatility than other markets.

**OTC DERIVATIVES RISK.** The Fund may utilize derivatives that are traded over-the-counter, or "OTC." In general, OTC derivatives are subject to the same risks as derivatives generally, as described throughout. However, because OTC derivatives do not trade on an exchange, the parties to an OTC derivative face heightened levels of counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk. To the extent that the Fund utilizes OTC derivatives, its counterparty risk will be higher if it only trades with a single or small number of counterparties. The secondary market for OTC derivatives may not be as deep as for other instruments and such instruments may experience periods of illiquidity. In addition, some OTC derivatives may be complex and difficult to value. Under certain market conditions it may not be economically feasible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position in time to

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avoid a loss or take advantage of an opportunity. If a particular derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. First Trust cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), First Trust believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained absent disruptions to the creation and redemption mechanism, extreme market volatility or potential lack of authorized participants. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**PREPAYMENT RISK.** Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt security will repay principal (in part or in whole) prior to the scheduled maturity date. Debt securities allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates, as the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment at lower interest rates, reducing its income. If the Fund purchased the debt securities at a premium, prepayments on the securities could cause the Fund to lose a portion of its principal investment. These factors may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to change. The impact of prepayments on the price of a debt security may be difficult to predict and may increase the security's volatility.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development that affected a particular asset class, region or industry may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater volatility and market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**SOVEREIGN AND QUASI-SOVEREIGN DEBT SECURITIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt securities. Sovereign debt securities are issued or guaranteed by foreign governmental entities. Investments in such securities are subject to the risk that the relevant sovereign government or governmental entity may delay or refuse to pay interest or repay principal on its debt. Such delays or refusals may be due to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the size of its debt relative to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies. A governmental entity may default on its obligations or may require renegotiation as to maturity or interest rate units of debt payments. Any restructuring of a sovereign debt obligation held by the Fund will likely have a significant adverse effect on the value of the obligation. A restricting or default of sovereign debt security may cause additional impacts on financial markets such as downgrades to credit ratings, disruptions in trading markets, reduced liquidity and increase volatility. Additionally, the Fund may be unable to pursue legal action against the sovereign issuer or to realize on collateral securing the debt. The sovereign debt of many non-U.S. governments, including their sub-divisions and instrumentalities, is rated below investment-grade.

**SWAP AGREEMENTS RISK.** The Fund may enter in swap agreements. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into for a set period of time in which the parties agree to exchange payments based on some underlying reference or asset (such as interest rates). The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques, risk analyses and tax planning different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. These transactions can result in sizeable realized and unrealized capital gains and losses relative to the gains and losses from the Fund's direct investments in the reference assets. Transactions in swaps can involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested directly in the reference asset since, in addition to general market risks, swaps may be leveraged and are also subject to credit risk, counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk. Because they are two-party contracts and may have terms of greater than seven days, certain swap transactions may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap counterparty. Some swaps may be complex and difficult to value. Swaps may also be subject to pricing or "basis" risk, which exists when a particular swap becomes extraordinarily expensive relative to historical prices or the price of corresponding cash market instruments. Under certain

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market conditions it may not be economically feasible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position in time to avoid a loss or take advantage of an opportunity. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. The prices of swaps can be very volatile, and a variance in the degree of volatility or in the direction of the price of the reference asset from the sub-adviser's expectations may produce significant losses in the Fund's investments in swaps. In addition, a perfect correlation between a swap and an investment position may be impossible to achieve. As a result, the Fund's use of swaps may not be effective in fulfilling the Fund's investment strategies and may contribute to losses that would not have been incurred otherwise. Certain swaps are not bilateral agreements but are centrally-cleared and are exchange-traded. Central clearing tends to decrease credit risk and improve liquidity but many regulations regarding centrally-cleared swaps have not been fully implemented and the scope of the risks remain unclear. As central clearing does not make the agreements risk-free and there is no guarantee that the Fund would consider all centrally-cleared or exchange-traded swaps to be liquid.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The sale price the Fund could receive for a security may differ from the Fund's valuation of the security, particularly for securities that trade in low volume or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Unlike publicly traded securities that trade on national securities exchanges, there is no central place or exchange for trading most debt securities. Debt securities generally trade on an "over-the-counter" market. Due to the lack of centralized information and trading, and variations in lot sizes of certain debt securities, the valuation of debt securities may carry more uncertainty and risk than that of publicly traded securities. Debt securities are commonly valued by third-party pricing services that utilize a range of market-based inputs and assumptions, including readily available market quotations obtained from broker-dealers making markets in such securities, cash flows and transactions for comparable instruments. However, because the available information is less reliable and more subjective, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation of debt securities than for other types of securities. Different pricing services may incorporate different assumptions and inputs into their valuation methodologies, potentially resulting in different values for the same securities. As a result, if the Advisor were to change its valuation policies, or if the Fund were to change pricing services, or if a pricing service were to change its valuation methodology, there could be a material impact, either positive or negative, on the Fund's net asset value. Additionally, pricing services generally price debt securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional "round lot" size, but some trades may occur in smaller, "odd lot" sizes, often at lower prices than institutional round lot trades. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell a portfolio security at the price established by the pricing service, which could result in a loss to the Fund. In addition, the value of the debt securities in the Fund's portfolio may change on days or during time periods when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell the Fund's shares. Authorized Participants who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received had the Fund not fair-valued securities or used a different valuation methodology. Net asset value calculation may also be impacted by operational risks arising from factors such as failures in systems and technology.

**VOLATILITY RISK.** Volatility is the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The Fund may invest in securities or financial instruments that exhibit more volatility than the market as a whole. Such exposures could cause the Fund's net asset value to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time. Volatility can be caused by many factors, including changes in the economy or financial markets or for reasons specific to a particular issuer.

**Non-Principal Risks**

**AFRICA RISK.** The Fund may invest significantly in African issuers. A fund that invests in securities issued by African issuers is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of African issuers. Investing in the economies of African countries involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed economies, countries or geographic regions that may negatively affect the value of investments in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest or widespread outbreaks of disease. The securities markets in Africa are underdeveloped and are often

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considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than markets located in more developed economies, countries or geographic regions. Securities markets in African countries are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Moreover, trading on African securities markets may be suspended altogether. Certain governments in African countries may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in those countries. Moreover, certain countries in Africa may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investment by foreign investors; may limit the amount of investment by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer; may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domestic investors of those countries; and/or may impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in countries in Africa significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries.

**BANK LOANS RISK.** The Fund may invest in secured and unsecured participations in bank loans and assignments of such loans. In making investments in such loans, which are made by banks or other financial intermediaries to borrowers, the Fund will depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and interest which will expose the Fund to the credit risk of the underlying borrower. Participations by the Fund in a lender's portion of a bank loan typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with such lender, not with the borrower. The Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling a loan participation and only upon receipt by such lender of such payments from the borrower, which exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the lender. In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other lenders through set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. There is also the risk that the value of any collateral securing a loan may decline and that the collateral may be insufficient to cover the amount owed on the loan, particularly for second lien loans or other junior or subordinated loans held by the Fund; provided, however, that some loans are not secured by any collateral. The secondary market for bank loans may not be highly liquid, and the Fund may have difficulty selling bank loans (other than at a discount) and it may experience settlement delays with respect to bank loan trades (in some cases longer than 7 days.) Further, loans held by the Fund may not be considered securities and, therefore, purchasers, such as the Fund, may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws and would be forced to rely upon the contractual persons in the loan agreement and states law to enforce its rights to repayment. Many of the loans in which the Fund may invest or obtain exposure to may be "covenant-lite" loans. The amount of public information available with respect to bank loans may be less extensive than available for registered or exchange-traded securities. Covenant-lite loans may contain fewer or no maintenance covenants compared to other loans and may not include terms which allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. The Fund may experience relatively greater realized or unrealized losses or delays in enforcing its rights on its holdings of covenant-lite loans than its holdings of loans with the usual covenants.

**BORROWING AND LEVERAGE RISK.** If the Fund borrows money, it must pay interest and other fees, which may reduce the Fund's returns. Any such borrowings are intended to be temporary. However, under certain market conditions, including periods of decreased liquidity, such borrowings might be outstanding for longer periods of time. As prescribed by the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain specified asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to any bank borrowing immediately following such borrowing and at all times thereafter. The Fund may be required to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms if market fluctuations or other factors reduce the Fund's asset coverage to less than the prescribed amount.

**DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL RISK.** The Sub-Advisor is dependent upon the experience and expertise of the Fund's portfolio managers in providing advisory services with respect to the Fund's investments. If the Sub-Advisor were to lose the services of any of these portfolio managers, its ability to service the Fund could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for any of the portfolio managers in the event of their death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of the Sub-Advisor.

**FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY RISK.** If, in any year, the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the applicable tax laws, the Fund would be taxed as an ordinary corporation. In such circumstances, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.

**INTERNATIONAL CLOSED MARKET TRADING RISK.** Because securities held by the Fund will trade on non-U.S. exchanges that are closed when the Fund's primary listing exchange is open, there are likely to be deviations between the current price

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of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (*i.e.*, the Fund's quote from the closed foreign market) used for purposes of calculating the Fund's net asset value, resulting in premiums or discounts to the Fund's net asset value that may be greater than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds. However, because shares can be created and redeemed in Creation Units at the Fund's net asset value, it is not expected that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of the Fund will be sustained over the long term (unlike shares of many closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset values). In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase and sell shares of the Fund on days when the net asset value of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant foreign markets.

**INVESTMENT COMPANIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies. As a shareholder in another investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of exchange-traded investment companies.

**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.

**LEGISLATION/LITIGATION RISK.** From time to time, various legislative initiatives are proposed in the United States and abroad, which may have a negative impact on certain securities in which the Fund invests. In addition, litigation regarding any of the issuers of the securities owned by the Fund, or industries represented by these issuers, may negatively impact the value of the securities. Such legislation or litigation may cause the Fund to lose value or may result in higher portfolio turnover if the Sub-Advisor determines to sell such a holding.

**RESTRICTED SECURITIES RISK.** Restricted securities are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Restricted securities include private placement securities that have not been registered under the applicable securities laws, such as Rule 144A securities, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued pursuant to Regulation S. Private placements are generally subject to strict restrictions on resale. Restricted securities may be illiquid as they generally are not listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. The Fund may be unable to sell a restricted security on short notice or may be able to sell them only at a price below current value. It may be more difficult to determine a market value for a restricted security. Also, the Fund may get limited information about the issuer of a restricted security, so it may be less able to predict a loss. In addition, if Fund management receives material non-public information about the issuer, the Fund may as a result be unable to sell the securities. Certain restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.

**SUPRANATIONAL BONDS RISK.** Investments in supranational bonds are subject to the overall condition of the supranational entities that issue such bonds. Certain securities in which the Fund may invest are obligations issued or backed by supranational entities. Obligations of supranational organizations are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support. If an issuer of supranational bonds defaults on payments of principal and/or interest, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuer. A supranational entity's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the relative size of the debt service burden to the entity as a whole and the political constraints to which a supranational entity may be subject. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of supranational bonds, and the Fund's NAV, may be more volatile than prices of other fixed income securities, which may result in losses.

**Fund Organization**

The Fund is a series of the Trust, an investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund is treated as a separate fund with its own investment objective and policies. The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Board is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Trust. The Board elects the Trust's officers and approves all significant agreements, including those with the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, distributor, custodian and fund administrative and accounting agent.

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**Management of the Fund**

First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Fund. In this capacity, First Trust is responsible for overseeing the Sub-Advisor in the investment of the Fund's assets, managing the Fund's business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services.

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 James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Fund.

First Trust serves as advisor or sub-advisor for 9 mutual fund portfolios, 10 exchange-traded funds consisting of 201 series and 14 closed-end funds. It is also the portfolio supervisor of certain unit investment trusts sponsored by First Trust Portfolios L.P. (*"FTP"*), an affiliate of First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. FTP specializes in the underwriting, trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities. FTP is the principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund.

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and First Trust have retained First Trust Global Portfolios Limited, an affiliate of First Trust, to serve as investment sub-advisor pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement (the *"Sub-Advisory Agreement"*). In this capacity, First Trust Global is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio. First Trust Global, located at 8 Angel Court, London, United Kingdom, EC2R 7HJ, manages portfolios for institutional clients, is authorized and regulated by the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fixed income investment team at First Trust Global has over 30 years combined experience in managing developed and emerging market sovereign debt portfolios.

Derek Fulton, Leonardo Da Costa and Anthony Beevers are the Fund's portfolio managers and are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's investment portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Derek Fulton is a Director and CEO of First Trust Global Portfolios Limited. Derek has been managing global portfolios with a focus on fixed income since 1996. Prior to joining First Trust in Europe in 2011, Derek was founder and principal of a boutique fixed income manager in Paris managing global bond funds. Derek joined Aberdeen Asset Management after leaving university and spent 12 years with the firm holding positions as Head of Asian Fixed Income in Singapore and Head of Global Fixed Income strategies in London. At First Trust Global Portfolios Limited, he is responsible for development and distribution of actively managed and smart beta strategies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Leonardo Da Costa, CFA, is a Director and Portfolio Manager at First Trust Global Portfolios Limited where he focuses on global fixed income and is a specialist in emerging markets. Leonardo joined First Trust Global Portfolios Limited from a boutique French asset manager where he was portfolio manager on the fixed income team. Previously, he worked for Hydra Capital Management, a specialist emerging market fund manager, on the firm's long/short and long only emerging market fixed income products. He started his career as a member of the Global Emerging Market Debt team at Aberdeen Asset Management. The team was responsible for managing $2.5 billion of emerging market fixed income assets across total return, income, and closed end products. Leonardo has a B.Comm (Honors) in Investment and Financial Management from the University of Pretoria (South Africa) and is a CFA Charterholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Anthony Beevers is a Portfolio Manager at First Trust Global Portfolios Limited where he focuses on quantitative strategies across global fixed income and multi-asset solutions. Prior to joining First Trust Global Portfolios Limited, he was a Senior Analyst on the Portfolio Management team at FQS Capital Partners, a specialized quantitative investment firm investing in hedge funds across fixed income, FX and equity markets. Anthony graduated with first class Honors from the ICMA Centre at the Henley Business School and is a CFA Charterholder.

For additional information concerning First Trust and the Sub-Advisor, including a description of the services provided to the Fund, see the Fund's SAI. Additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares in the Fund is provided in the SAI.

**Management Fee**

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the *"Investment Management Agreement"*), First Trust oversees First Trust Global's management of the Fund's assets and pays First Trust Global

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for its services as Sub-Advisor. First Trust is paid an annual unitary management fee by the Fund equal to 0.85% of the Fund's average daily net assets and is responsible for the Fund's expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, but excluding fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to First Trust will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets *("breakpoints"*). See the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for more information on the breakpoints.

A discussion regarding the Board's approval of the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022.

**How to Buy and Sell Shares**

Most investors buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the secondary market on one or more national securities exchanges. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no minimum investment when buying shares on the Exchange. 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, investors should expect to pay brokerage commissions, investors may receive less than the net asset value of the shares because shares are bought and sold at market prices rather than at net asset value, and investors may pay some or all of the bid-ask spread for each transaction (purchase or sale) of Fund shares. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per share.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will pay out redemption proceeds to a redeeming authorized participant within two days after the authorized participant's redemption request is received, in accordance with the process set forth in the Fund's SAI and in the agreement between the authorized participant and the Fund's distributor. However, the Fund reserves the right, including under stressed market conditions, to take up to seven days after the receipt of a redemption request to pay an authorized participant, all as permitted by the 1940 Act. If the Fund has foreign investments in a country where a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents the Fund from delivering such foreign investments to an authorized participant in response to a redemption request, the Fund may take up to 15 days after the receipt of the redemption request to deliver such investments to the authorized participant.

For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is treated as a registered investment company, and the acquisition of shares by other registered investment companies and companies relying on Sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act is subject to the restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations.

**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 Fund 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 price of shares of the Fund on the secondary market is based on market price and may differ from the Fund's daily net asset value and can be affected by market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors.

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**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of the Fund's Shares** 

The Fund imposes 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 Fund's shareholders. The Board considered that the Fund's shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (*i.e.*, authorized participants ("*APs*")) and that the vast majority of trading in the Fund's shares occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not involve the 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 the Fund's trading costs and the realization of capital gains. With respect to trades directly with the Fund, to the extent effected in-kind (*i.e.*, for securities), those trades do not cause any of the harmful effects that may result from frequent cash trades. To the extent that the Fund may effect the purchase or redemption of Creation Units in exchange wholly or partially for cash, the Board noted that such trades could result in dilution to the Fund and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact the 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 net asset value. In addition, the Fund imposes fixed and variable transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation Units to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. Finally, the Advisor monitors purchase and redemption orders from APs for patterns of abusive trading and the Fund reserves the right to not accept orders from APs that the Advisor has determined may be disruptive to the management of the Fund.

**Dividends, Distributions and Taxes**

Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid monthly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least 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.

**Federal Tax Matters**

This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning shares of the Fund. 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 Fund. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure 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 advisor.

**Fund Status**

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a "regulated investment company" (a *"RIC"*) under the federal tax laws. If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes its income as required by the tax law, the Fund generally will not pay federal income taxes.

**Distributions**

The Fund's distributions are generally taxable. After the end of each year, you will receive a tax statement that separates the distributions of the Fund into two categories: ordinary income distributions and capital gain dividends. Ordinary income distributions are generally taxed at your ordinary tax rate. Generally, you will treat all capital gain dividends as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your shares.

To determine your actual tax liability for your capital gain 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; however, such distributions may reduce your tax basis in your shares, which could result in you having to pay higher taxes in the future when shares are sold, even if you sell the shares at a loss from your original investment.A "return of capital" is a return, in whole or in part, of the funds that you previously invested in the Fund. A return of capital distribution should not be considered part

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of a Fund's dividend yield or total return of an investment in Fund shares. The tax status of your distributions from the Fund is not affected by whether you reinvest your distributions in additional shares or receive them in cash. The income from the 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.

Income from the Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to your net investment income if your adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals.

**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 RICs.

**Capital Gains and Losses**

If you are an individual, the maximum marginal stated federal tax rate for net capital gain is generally 20% (15% or 0% for taxpayers with taxable income below certain thresholds). Some capital gains, including some portion of your capital gain dividends may be taxed at a higher maximum stated tax rate. Capital gains may also be subject to the Medicare tax described above.

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 the Fund and sell your share 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 of 1986, as amended, treats certain capital gains as ordinary income in special situations.

An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

**Sale of Shares**

If you sell or redeem 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 brokerage fees, if any. In some cases, however, you may have to adjust your tax basis after you purchase your shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

If you exchange 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 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 IRS, 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.

**Treatment of Fund Expenses**

Expenses incurred and deducted by the Fund will generally not be treated as income taxable to you.

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**Non-U.S. Tax Credit**

Because the Fund invests in non-U.S. securities, the tax statement that you receive may include an item showing non-U.S. taxes the Fund paid to other countries. In this case, dividends taxed to you will include your share of the taxes the 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 the Fund will be characterized as dividends for federal income tax purposes (other than dividends which the Fund properly reports 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 the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. Distributions from the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. investors, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

Distributions may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax of 30% in the case of distributions to (i) certain non-U.S. financial institutions that have not entered into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose certain information and are not resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury and (ii) certain other non-U.S. entities that do not provide certain certifications and information about the entity's U.S. owners. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**Distribution Plan**

FTP serves as the distributor of Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis. FTP does not maintain a secondary market in shares.

The Board has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 plan, the Fund is authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of its 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.

The Fund does not currently pay 12b-1 fees, and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024. However, in the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because these fees are paid out of the Fund's 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**

The Fund's net asset value is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Net asset value is calculated for the 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 net asset value per share. All valuations are subject to review by the Board or its delegate.

The Fund's investments are valued daily in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board, and in accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act requires the fair valuation of all portfolio investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has appointed the Advisor as its valuation designee for all portfolio investments. Certain securities in which the Fund may invest

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are not listed on any securities exchange or board of trade. Such securities are typically bought and sold by institutional investors in individually negotiated private transactions that function in many respects like an over the counter secondary market, although typically no formal market makers exist. Certain securities, particularly debt securities, have few or no trades, or trade infrequently, and information regarding a specific security may not be widely available or may be incomplete. Accordingly, determinations of the fair value of debt securities may be based on infrequent and dated information. Because there is less reliable, objective data available, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation of debt securities than for other types of securities. Typically, debt securities are valued using information provided by a third-party pricing service. The third-party pricing service primarily uses broker quotes to value the securities.

The Fund's investments are valued daily at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value, in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board and in accordance with the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. Securities listed on Nasdaq or the AIM are valued at the official closing price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities. For portfolio securities traded on an exchange that provides both an official closing price and a last sale price, the Advisor, at its discretion, shall determine to use either the last sale price or the official closing price, depending on which price reflects the appropriate market value. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities trading on Nasdaq or the AIM, are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at the last trade price. Short-term investments that mature in less than 60 days when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discount, provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer-specific conditions existing at the time of determination. Net asset value may change on days when investors may not sell or redeem Fund shares.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Advisor at fair value. The use of fair value pricing by the Fund is governed by valuation procedures approved by the Board and in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, certain 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 or fair value 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 the Fund's net asset value 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, in the opinion of the Advisor, 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 portfolio investment upon the measurement date under current market conditions. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from the current market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities. See the Fund's SAI for details.

Because foreign securities exchanges may be open on different days than the days during which an investor may purchase or sell shares of the Fund, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when investors are not able to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

**Fund Service Providers**

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, acts as the administrator, accounting agent, custodian and transfer agent for the Fund. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as legal counsel to the Fund. First Trust serves as the fund reporting agent for the Fund.

**Premium/Discount Information** 

Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund's shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund's net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter), is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

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**Total Return Information** 

The table below compares the total return of the Fund to two market indices. The information presented for the Fund is for the period indicated.

"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 return information shown under "Annual Total Return" in the Fund's summary prospectus represents the average annual total returns of the Fund as of the calendar year end, while the information presented below is as of the Fund's fiscal year end. The net asset value per share of the Fund 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 liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of outstanding shares. The net asset value return is based on the net asset value per share of the Fund and the market return is based on the market price per share of the Fund. The price used to calculate market return (*"Market Price"*) is determined by using the midpoint of the national best bid and offer price (*"NBBO"*) as of the time that the Fund's net asset value is calculated. Under SEC rules, the NBBO consists of the highest displayed buy and lowest sell prices among the various exchanges trading the Fund at the time the Fund's net asset value is calculated. Prior to January 1, 2019, the price used was the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the stock exchange on which shares of the Fund were listed for trading as of the time that the Fund's net asset value was calculated. Since the shares of the Fund typically do not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund's inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund, the net asset value of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns. Market and net asset value returns assume that all distributions have been reinvested in the Fund at Market Price and net asset value, respectively. An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike the Fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does 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 reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index. 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 the Fund. 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.

**First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (FEMB)**

**Total Returns as of October 31, 2022** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Cumulative** | **Cumulative** |
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(11/4/2014)**<br>| **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(11/4/2014)**<br>|
| **Fund Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net Asset Value | -18.71% | -4.67% | -3.30% | -21.25% | -23.50% |
| Market Price | -19.09% | -4.81% | -3.37% | -21.85% | -23.94% |
| **Index Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Bloomberg Emerging Markets Local Currency <br> Government - 10% Country Capped Index<br>| -18.28% | -2.58% | -1.70% | -12.24% | -12.84% |
| JP Morgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index | -20.27% | -3.54% | -2.59% | -16.49% | -18.92% |

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**Financial Highlights** 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the periods shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of the Fund. The total returns represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the 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, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022 and is incorporated by reference in the Fund's SAI, which is available upon request.

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

**Financial Highlights**

**For a share outstanding throughout each period** 

**First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (FEMB)** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $32.00 | $34.36 | $38.45 | $36.11 | $41.55 |
| **Income from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss) | 1.74 | 1.84 | 1.66 | 2.25 | 1.80 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (7.55) | (2.25) | (3.72) | 2.16 | (4.76) |
| Total from investment operations | (5.81) | (0.41) | (2.06) | 4.41 | (2.96) |
| **Distributions paid to shareholders from:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income |  | (1.48) | (0.04) | (1.94) | (0.79) |
| Return of capital | (1.70) | (0.47) | (1.99) | (0.13) | (1.69) |
| Total distributions | (1.70) | (1.95) | (2.03) | (2.07) | (2.48) |
| **Net asset value, end of period** | $24.49 | $32.00 | $34.36 | $38.45 | $36.11 |
| **Total Return** <sup>(a)</sup> | (18.71)% | (1.53)% | (5.37)% | 12.46% | (7.55)% |
| **Ratios/supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $116331 | $259230 | $180385 | $148045 | $55976 |
| **Ratios to average net assets:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.85% <sup>(b)</sup> |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 4.75% | 4.55% | 4.82% | 4.91% | 4.63% <sup>(b)</sup> |
| Portfolio turnover rate <sup>(c)</sup> | 43% | 42% | 59% | 25% | 61% |

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*(a)* *Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. 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. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.* 

*(b)* *Includes excise tax.* 

*(c)* *Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions.*

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**Other Information**

**Continuous Offering** 

The Fund issues, 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 the 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(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. 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(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(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.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](img476dac1c1.gif)

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF

**For More Information** 

For more detailed information on the Fund, several additional sources of information are available to you. The SAI, incorporated by reference into this prospectus, contains detailed information on the Fund's policies and operation. Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund's annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly impacted the Fund's performance during the last fiscal year. The Fund's most recent SAI, annual and semi-annual reports and certain other information are available free of charge by calling the Fund at (800) 621-1675, on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com or through your financial advisor. Shareholders may call the toll-free number above with any inquiries.

You may obtain this and other information regarding the Fund, including the SAI and 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 online EDGAR database at www.sec.gov. You may also request information regarding the Fund by sending a request (along with a duplication fee) to the SEC by sending an electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.

First Trust Advisors L.P.

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

(800) 621-1675

www.ftportfolios.com

SEC File #: 333-176976

811-22245

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](img1aa350c21.gif)

Prospectus

First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF

Ticker Symbol: FPEI <br> Exchange: NYSE Arca

First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF (the *"Fund"*) lists and principally trades its shares on NYSE Arca, Inc. (*"NYSE Arca"* or the *"Exchange"*). Market prices may differ to some degree from the net asset value of the shares. Unlike mutual funds, the Fund issues and redeems shares at net asset value, only in large specified blocks of shares called *"Creation Units."* 

The Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*) and an actively managed exchange-traded fund organized as a separate series of a registered management investment company.

**Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.**

**The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of 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**

March 1, 2023

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**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Summary Information](#xx_093e5dec-bb42-411c-8d36-706b3a1e7fd7_1) | 3 |
| [Additional Information on the Fund's Investment Objective and Strategies](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_1) | 14 |
| [Fund Investments](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_1) | 14 |
| [Risks of Investing in the Fund](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_5) | 18 |
| [Fund Organization](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_16) | 29 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_16) | 29 |
| [How to Buy and Sell Shares](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_18) | 31 |
| [Dividends, Distributions and Taxes](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_19) | 32 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_19) | 32 |
| [Distribution Plan](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_21) | 34 |
| [Net Asset Value](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_22) | 35 |
| [Fund Service Providers](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_23) | 36 |
| [Premium/Discount Information](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_23) | 36 |
| [Total Return Information](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_23) | 36 |
| [Financial Highlights](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_25) | 38 |
| [Other Information](#xx_83989210-084a-48c4-baf0-9d762c9a71ee_26) | 39 |

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**Summary Information**

**Investment Objective**

The First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF's (the "*Fund*") investment objective is to seek total return and to provide current income.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **Investors may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.**

**Shareholder Fees**

(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees | 0.85% |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.00% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.85% |

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***Example***

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then hold 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 at current levels. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| $87 | $271 | $471 | $1049 |

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**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in institutional preferred securities and income-producing debt securities (*"Income Securities"*). Preferred securities are a type of equity security that have preference over common stock in the payment of distributions and the liquidation of a company's assets, but are generally junior to all forms of the company's debt, including both senior and subordinated debt. The Fund's investments in preferred securities will primarily be in institutional preferred securities. Institutional preferred securities are targeted to institutional, rather than retail, investors, are generally traded over-the-counter and may also be known as "$1,000 par preferred securities." They are typically issued in large, institutional lot sizes by U.S. and non-U.S. financial services companies and other companies. While all income-producing debt securities will be categorized as "Income Securities" for purposes of the 80% test above, the Income Securities in which the Fund intends to invest as part of its principal investment strategy include hybrid capital securities, contingent capital securities, U.S. and non-U.S. corporate bonds and convertible securities.

In selecting securities for the Fund, the investment strategy of the Fund's sub-advisor is driven by comprehensive analysis of institutional preferred securities and Income Securities with a goal of investing in securities representing the best relative value in the market. The style of active management by the Fund's sub-advisor combines a bottom-up and top-down approach to security selection that encompasses three significant areas of analysis: credit fundamentals; relative value; and technical

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aspects of the securities, which may include, but are not limited to, interest rate sensitivity, call features, maturities, trading volumes, liquidity and pricing inefficiencies. The bottom-up analysis focuses on individual security analysis, idiosyncratic risks, credit fundamentals and opportunistic trading. The top-down analysis focuses on sector and industry analysis, duration and interest rate analysis, capital structure positioning and systemic risks.

In general, the preferred securities held by the Fund are expected to be issued by companies in the financial, communications, consumer, government, utilities, energy, materials, industrial and technology sectors. However, because the issuers of institutional preferred securities are often financial companies, the Fund concentrates its investments by investing at least 25% of its total assets in the group of industries that comprise the financial sector, which includes banks, thrifts, brokerage firms, broker-dealers, investment banks, finance companies and companies involved in the insurance industry. Although the Fund may invest in individual issues of institutional preferred securities with market capitalizations as low as $50 million, the Fund generally does not invest in individual issues of institutional preferred securities if the issuer has a total market capitalization of less than $500 million. The Fund may also invest in preferred securities issued by real estate investment trusts (*"REITs"*).

Additionally, the Fund may invest in Income Securities that have certain characteristics similar to preferred securities. These securities include hybrid capital securities, contingent capital securities and other types of securities that resemble preferred securities but that do not have the traditional features described above. Hybrid capital securities possess varying combinations of features of both debt and traditional preferred securities and as such they may constitute senior debt, junior debt or preferred shares in an issuer's capital structure. Contingent convertible securities (*"CoCos"*) are issued primarily by non-U.S. financial institutions that have loss absorption mechanisms benefitting the issuer built into their terms. These loss absorption mechanisms may include automatic conversion into the issuer's common stock or an automatic write down of the security's principal amount upon the occurrence of specific triggers. Certain CoCos may be considered to be high-yield securities (a.k.a. "*junk*" bonds) and, to the extent a CoCo held by the Fund undergoes a write down, the Fund may lose some or all of its original investment in the CoCo.

The Fund may also invest in floating-rate and fixed-to-floating rate securities as well. Floating-rate and fixed-to-floating rate securities may be traditional preferred or hybrid capital securities. Floating-rate securities pay a rate of income that resets periodically based on short and/or longer-term interest rate benchmarks. If the associated interest rate benchmark rises, the coupon offered by the floating-rate security may rise as well, making such securities less sensitive to rising interest rates (or yields). Similarly, a fixed-to-floating rate security may be less price-sensitive to rising interest rates (or yields), because it has a rate of payment that is fixed for a certain period (typically five, ten or thirty years when first issued), after which period a floating-rate of payment applies.

Additional Income Securities held by the Fund may include corporate bonds and convertible securities. The broad category of corporate debt securities includes debt issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies of all kinds, including those with small-, mid-and large-capitalizations. Corporate debt may carry fixed or floating rates of interest. The Fund may invest without limitation in, preferred securities, hybrid capital securities and Income Securities rated below investment grade (BB+/Ba1 or lower) at the time of purchase, which are commonly referred to as high yield securities or "junk bonds." The Fund may invest in Income Securities of any duration and does not target an overall duration for its portfolio of Income Securities.

The Fund may invest in U.S. and non-U.S. debt and equity securities that are traded over-the-counter or are listed on an exchange. The Fund may have exposure to certain emerging markets through its investments in non-U.S. securities. The Fund may also hold investments that are denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or in securities that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in such currencies. The Fund may also invest U.S. dollar-denominated depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign securities. As of January 31, 2023, the Fund had significant investments in financial companies and European issuers, although this may change from time to time. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a given jurisdiction or investment sector, the Fund may be exposed to the risks associated with that jurisdiction or investment sector.

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The Fund may have significant investments in securities that are offered pursuant Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"Securities Act"*). Rule 144A securities are considered restricted securities because they may not be sold to the general public without an effective registration statement under the Securities Act. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. The restriction on public sale may make it more difficult to value such securities, limit the Fund's ability to dispose of them and lower the amount the Fund could realize upon their sale. Because they are not registered, restricted securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. To the extent privately placed securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the Securities Act. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Fund's illiquidity.

**Principal Risks**

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be achieved. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount (the difference between the market price of the Fund's shares and the Fund's net asset value) and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread (the difference between the price that someone is willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a specific point in time versus the price at which someone is willing to sell) on the Fund's shares may widen.

**BANKS RISK.** Banks are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession, currency exchange rates, government regulation, decreases in the availability of capital, 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. In addition, banks are subject to extensive regulation at both the federal and state level, which may affect permissible activities, profitability and the amount of capital that they must maintain.

**CALL RISK.** Some debt securities may be redeemed, or "called," at the option of the issuer before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund's income.

**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund will effect some or all of its creations and redemptions for cash rather than in-kind. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects all of its creations and redemptions in-kind. Because the Fund may effect redemptions for cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. A sale of portfolio securities may result in capital gains or losses and may also result in higher brokerage costs.

**CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK.** CoCos are hybrid securities most commonly issued by banking institutions that present risks similar to debt securities and convertible securities. CoCos are distinct in that they are intended to either convert into equity or have their principal written down upon the occurrence of certain "triggers." When an issuer's capital ratio falls below a specified trigger level, or in a regulator's discretion depending on the regulator's judgment about the issuer's solvency prospects, a CoCo may be written down, written off or converted into an equity security. Due to the contingent write-down, write-off and conversion feature, CoCos may have substantially greater risk than other securities in times of financial stress. If the trigger level is breached, the issuer's decision to write down, write off or convert a CoCo may be outside its control, and the Fund may suffer a complete loss on an investment in CoCos with no chance of recovery even if the issuer remains in existence. The value of CoCos is unpredictable and may be influenced by many factors including, without limitation: the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in such issuer's applicable capital ratios; supply and demand for CoCos; general market conditions and available liquidity; and economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, its particular market or the financial markets in general.

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**CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK.** A convertible security has characteristics of both equity and debt securities and, as a result, is exposed to risks that are typically associated with both types of securities. The value of convertible securities may rise and fall with the market value of the underlying stock or, like a debt security, vary with changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer. A convertible security tends to perform more like a stock when the underlying stock price is high relative to the conversion price and more like a debt security when the underlying stock price is low relative to the conversion price.

**CREDIT RATING AGENCY RISK.** Credit ratings are determined by credit rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Services, Inc. and Fitch Inc., and are only the opinions of such entities. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risk or the liquidity of securities. Any shortcomings or inefficiencies in credit rating agencies' processes for determining credit ratings may adversely affect the credit ratings of securities held by the Fund and, as a result, may adversely affect those securities' perceived or actual credit risk.

**CREDIT RISK.** An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer's ability or unwillingness to make such payments.

**CREDIT SPREAD RISK.** From time to time, spreads (*i.e.*, the difference in yield between debt securities that have different credit qualities or other differences) may increase, which may reduce the market value of some of the Fund's debt securities. While the Fund may employ strategies to mitigate credit spread risk, these strategies may not be successful.

**CURRENCY RISK.** Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, and therefore the value of such investments in the Fund's portfolio. The Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems through "hacking" or malicious software coding but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, custodian, or sub-advisor, as applicable, can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Although the Fund has established risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

**DEBT SECURITIES RISK.** Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock.

**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK**. Depositary receipts represent equity interests in a foreign company that trade on a local stock exchange. Depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert the equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause the equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.

**EMERGING MARKETS RISK.** Investments in securities issued by governments and companies operating in emerging market countries involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in

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securities and instruments issued by U.S. companies or by companies operating in other developed market countries. Investments in emerging markets securities are generally considered speculative in nature and are subject to the following heightened risks: smaller market capitalization of securities markets which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; possible repatriation of investment income and capital; rapid inflation; and currency convertibility issues. Emerging market countries also often have less uniformity in accounting, auditing and reporting requirements, unsettled securities laws, unreliable securities valuation and greater risk associated with custody of securities. Financial and other reporting by companies and government entities also may be less reliable in emerging market countries. Shareholder claims that are available in the U.S., as well as regulatory oversight and authority that is common in the U.S., including for claims based on fraud, may be difficult or impossible for shareholders of securities in emerging market countries or for U.S. authorities to pursue. Furthermore, investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies.

**EQUITY SECURITIES RISK.** The value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting an issuer occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market.

**EUROPE RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of European issuers. Political or economic disruptions in European countries, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, may adversely affect security values and thus the Fund's holdings. A significant number of countries in Europe are member states in the European Union (the *"EU"*), and the member states no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. In these member states, the authority to direct monetary policies, including money supply and official interest rates for the Euro, is exercised by the European Central Bank. In a 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the EU (*"Brexit"*). After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. As the second largest economy among EU members, the implications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal are difficult to gauge and cannot be fully known. Its departure may negatively impact the EU and Europe as a whole by causing volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU (thereby perpetuating political instability in the region).

**EXTENSION RISK.** Extension risk is the risk that, when interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the issuer (or other obligated party) more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these debt securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of debt securities, making their market value more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term debt securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term debt securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value.

**FINANCIAL COMPANIES RISK.** Financial companies, such as retail and commercial banks, insurance companies and financial services companies, are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession, currency exchange rates, extensive government regulation, decreases in the availability of capital, volatile interest rates, portfolio concentrations in geographic markets, industries or products (such as commercial and residential real estate loans), competition from new entrants and blurred distinctions in their fields of business.

**FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE SECURITIES RISK.** Fixed-to-floating rate securities are securities that have a fixed dividend rate for an initial term that converts to a floating dividend rate upon the expiration of the initial term. Securities with a floating or variable interest rate component can be less sensitive to interest rate changes than securities with fixed interest rates but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. While fixed-to-floating rate securities can be less sensitive to interest rate risk than fixed-rate securities they generally carry lower yields than similar fixed-rate securities.

**FLOATING RATE SECURITIES RISK.** Floating rate securities are structured so that the security's coupon rate fluctuates based upon the level of a reference rate. As a result, the coupon on floating rate securities will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment, causing the Fund to experience a reduction in the income it receives from the security. A floating rate security's coupon rate resets periodically according to the terms of the security. Consequently, in a rising interest rate environment, floating rate securities with coupon rates that reset infrequently may lag behind the changes in market interest

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rates. Floating rate securities may also contain terms that impose a maximum coupon rate the issuer will pay, regardless of the level of the reference rate which would decrease the value of the security.

**HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK.** High yield securities, or "junk" bonds, are subject to greater market fluctuations, are less liquid and provide a greater risk of loss than investment grade securities, and therefore, are considered to be highly speculative. In general, high yield securities may have a greater risk of default than other types of securities and could cause income and principal losses for the Fund.

**HYBRID CAPITAL SECURITIES RISK.** Hybrid capital securities are subject to the risks of equity securities and debt securities. The claims of holders of hybrid capital securities of an issuer are generally subordinated to those of holders of traditional debt securities in bankruptcy, and thus hybrid capital securities may be more volatile and subject to greater risk than traditional debt securities, and may in certain circumstances be even more volatile than traditional equity securities. At the same time, hybrid capital securities may not fully participate in gains of their issuer and thus potential returns of such securities are generally more limited than traditional equity securities, which would participate in such gains. The terms of hybrid capital securities may vary substantially and the risks of a particular hybrid capital security will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the credit risk of the issuer, as well as liquidity risk, since they often are customized to meet the needs of an issuer or a particular investor, and therefore the number of investors that buy such instruments in the secondary market may be small.

**INCOME RISK.** The Fund's income may decline when interest rates fall or if there are defaults in its portfolio. This decline can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding securities as debt securities in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional debt securities.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking exchange-traded funds or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity in the Fund's shares.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline.

**INTEREST RATE RISK.** Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the debt securities in the Fund's portfolio will decline because of rising market interest rates. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term debt securities and higher for longer-term debt securities. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates and a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security's expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security's yield, interest payments and final maturity. In general, duration represents the expected percentage change in the value of a security for an immediate 1% change in interest rates. For example, the price of a debt security with a three-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 3% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates. Therefore, prices of debt securities with shorter durations tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than debt securities with longer durations. As the value of a debt security changes over time, so will its duration.

**INVESTMENT COMPANIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies. As a shareholder in another investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of exchange-traded investment companies.

**LARGE CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES RISK.** Large capitalization companies may grow at a slower rate and be less able to adapt to changing market conditions than smaller capitalization companies. Thus, the return on investment in securities of large capitalization companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies. The performance of large capitalization companies also tends to trail the overall market during different market cycles.

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**LIBOR TRANSITION RISK.** The United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (*"FCA"*), which regulates LIBOR, intends to cease making LIBOR available as a reference rate over a phase-out period that began on January 1, 2022. However, subsequent announcements by the FCA, the LIBOR administrators, and other regulators indicate that it is possible that the most widely used LIBOR rates may continue until mid-2023. The unavailability or replacement of LIBOR may affect the value, liquidity or return on certain Fund investments and may result in costs incurred in connection with closing out positions and entering into new trades. Any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or on certain instruments in which the Fund invests can be difficult to ascertain, and they may vary depending on a variety of factors. In the United States, it is anticipated that in many instances the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (*"SOFR"*) will replace LIBOR as the reference rate for many of the floating rate instruments held by the Fund. There is no assurance that the composition or characteristics of SOFR, or any alternative reference rate, will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR or that instruments using an alternative rate will have the same volume or liquidity. As a result, the transition process might lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates; a reduction in the value of some LIBOR-based investments; increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of any applicable hedging strategies against instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR; and/or costs incurred in connection with temporary borrowings and closing out positions and entering into new agreements. Any such effects (as well as other unforeseen effects) of the transition away from LIBOR and the adoption of alternative reference rates could result in losses to the Fund.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Fund may hold certain investments that may be subject to restrictions on resale, trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or lack an active trading market. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to sell or close out of such investments at favorable times or prices (or at all), or at the prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** Non-U.S. securities are subject to higher volatility than securities of domestic issuers due to possible adverse political, social or economic developments, restrictions on foreign investment or exchange of securities, capital controls, lack of liquidity, currency exchange rates, excessive taxation, government seizure of assets, the imposition of sanctions

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by foreign governments, different legal or accounting standards, and less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges in foreign countries.

**OPERATIONAL RISK.** The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK.** Preferred securities combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Generally, holders of preferred securities have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may obtain limited rights. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may defer payment on the securities and, in some cases, redeem the securities prior to a specified date. Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than other securities, including common stock.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. The Fund's investment advisor cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Fund's investment advisor believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**PREPAYMENT RISK.** Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt security will repay principal prior to the scheduled maturity date. Debt securities allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates, as the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment at lower interest rates. These factors may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to change.

**REIT RISK.** REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities. REITs may have also a relatively small market capitalization which may result in their shares experiencing less market liquidity and greater price volatility than larger companies. 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.

**RESTRICTED SECURITIES RISK.** Restricted securities are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. The Fund may be unable to sell a restricted security on short notice or may be able to sell them only at a price below current value.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

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**SMALLER COMPANIES RISK.** Small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more vulnerable 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, fewer 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.

**SUBORDINATED DEBT RISK.** Perpetual subordinated debt is a type of hybrid instrument that has no maturity date for the return of principal and does not need to be redeemed by the issuer. These investments typically have lower credit ratings and lower priority than other obligations of an issuer during bankruptcy, presenting a greater risk for nonpayment. This risk increases as the priority of the obligation becomes lower. Payments on these securities may be subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations of subsidiaries and associated companies of an issuer. Additionally, some perpetual subordinated debt does not restrict the ability of an issuer's subsidiaries to incur further unsecured indebtedness.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

**Annual Total Return**

The bar chart and table below illustrate the annual calendar year returns of the Fund based on net asset value as well as the average annual Fund returns. 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 based on net asset value compared to those of a blended benchmark and a market index. See "Total Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund. The Fund's performance information is accessible on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.

**First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF**

**Calendar Year Total Returns as of 12/31**

![](img03cc021d2.jpg)

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During the periods shown in the chart above:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Best Quarter** |  | **Worst Quarter** |  |
| 12.73% | June 30, 2020 | -14.95% | March 31, 2020 |

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The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

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 indices 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.

**Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Since**<br> **Inception**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **Date**<br>|
| Return Before Taxes | -8.34% | 2.85% | 8/22/2017 |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | -10.21% | 0.76% |  |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -4.93% | 1.29% |  |
| Blended Benchmark<sup>(1)</sup> (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | -11.21% | 2.62% |  |
| ICE BofA US Investment Grade Institutional Capital Securities Index (reflects <br> no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<br>| -10.19% | 2.48% |  |

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*(1)* *The Blended Benchmark consists of a 45/40/15 blend of the ICE BofA US Investment Grade Institutional Capital Securities Index, the ICE USD Contingent Capital Index and the ICE BofA US High Yield Institutional Capital Securities Index. The Blended Benchmark is intended to reflect the proportional market cap of each segment within the institutional market. The Blended Benchmark returns are calculated by using the monthly returns of the three indices during each period shown above. At the beginning of each month the three indices are rebalanced to a 45/40/15 ratio to account for divergence from that ratio that occurred during the course of each month. The monthly returns are then compounded for each period shown above, giving the performance for the Blended Benchmark for each period shown above.*

**Management**

***Investment Advisor*** 

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"* or the *"Advisor"*)

***Investment Sub-Advisor***

Stonebridge Advisors LLC (*"Stonebridge"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*)

***Portfolio Managers***

The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Scott T. Fleming, Chief Executive Officer and President, Stonebridge Advisors LLC

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Robert Wolf, Chief Investment Officer, Executive Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, Stonebridge Advisors LLC

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Eric Weaver, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategist and Portfolio Manager, Stonebridge Advisors LLC

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Angelo Graci, CFA, Executive Vice President, Head of Credit Research and Portfolio Manager, Stonebridge Advisors LLC

The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Each portfolio manager has served as part of the portfolio management team of the Fund since 2017, except for Eric Weaver and Angelo Graci, who have served as members of the portfolio management team since 2020 and 2022, respectively.

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**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large blocks of shares called "Creation Units." Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since shares of the Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, the Fund's shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund's net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the *"bid-ask spread"*). Recent information, including the Fund's net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, bid-ask spreads and the median bid-ask spread for the Fund's most recent fiscal year, is available online at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on shares held in a tax-deferred account, while not immediately taxable, will be subject to tax when the shares are no longer held in a tax-deferred account.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, bank or other financial intermediary (collectively, "intermediaries"), First Trust and First Trust Portfolios L.P., the Fund's distributor, may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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**Additional Information on the Fund's Investment Objective and Strategies**

The Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III and is regulated as an "investment company" under the 1940 Act. The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to track the performance of an index. The Fund's investment objective is fundamental and may not be changed without approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless an investment policy is identified as being fundamental, all investment policies included in this prospectus and the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the *"Board"*) without shareholder approval. If there is a material change to the Fund's principal investment strategies, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

The Fund has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (the *"Name Policy"*), whereby the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in institutional preferred securities and incoming producing debt securities. The Name Policy may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval upon 60 days' prior written notice.

**Fund Investments**

**Principal Investments**

**Preferred Securities**

Preferred securities, which generally pay fixed or adjustable-rate dividends or interest to investors and have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends or interest and the liquidation of a company's assets, which means that a company typically must pay dividends or interest on its preferred securities before paying any dividends on its common stock. Preferred securities are generally junior to all forms of the company's debt, including both senior and subordinated debt.

While some preferred securities are issued with a final maturity date, others are perpetual in nature. In certain instances, a final maturity date may be extended and/or the final payment of principal may be deferred at the issuer's option for a specified time without any adverse consequence to the issuer. No redemption can typically take place unless all cumulative payment obligations to preferred security investors have been met, although issuers may be able to engage in open-market repurchases without regard to any cumulative dividends or interest payable. A portion of the portfolio may include investments in non-cumulative preferred securities, whereby the issuer does not have an obligation to make up any arrearages to holders of such securities. Should an issuer default on its obligations under such a security, the amount of income earned by the Fund may be adversely affected.

Institutional preferred securities are targeted to institutional, rather than retail, investors, generally traded over the counter and may also be known as "$1,000 par preferred securities." They are typically issued in large, institutional lot sizes by U.S. and non-U.S. financial services companies and other companies. In recent years, the most common coupon structure for institutional preferred securities has been the "fixed-to-floating-rate" structure. Securities with this structure carry a fixed interest rate for a specific period, usually until a first call date in 5-10 years, after which if they are not called, they convert to a floating rate that adjusts periodically at a predefined spread over a specific floating index for the remaining life of the security.

Preferred securities may be issued by trusts or other special purpose entities established by operating companies, and therefore may not be direct obligations of operating companies. At the time a trust or special purpose entity sells its preferred securities to investors, the trust or special purpose entity generally purchases debt of the operating company (with terms comparable to those of the trust or special purpose entity securities). The trust or special purpose entity, as the holder of the operating company's debt, has priority with respect to the operating company's earnings and profits over the operating company's common shareholders, but is typically subordinated to other classes of the operating company's debt. Typically a preferred security has a rating that is below that of its corresponding operating company's senior debt securities due to its subordinated nature.

**Hybrid Capital Securities**

Hybrid capital securities have the characteristics of both preferred securities and debt securities. Hybrid capital securities may be issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes with preferred securities characteristics, or by an affiliated trust or partnership of the corporation, generally in the form of preferred interests in subordinated debentures

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or similarly structured securities. The hybrid capital securities market consists of both fixed and floating coupon rate securities that are typically issued with a final maturity date, although some are perpetual in nature. In certain instances, a final maturity date may be extended and/or the final payment of principal may be deferred at the issuer's option for a specified time without default. No redemption can typically take place unless all cumulative payment obligations have been met, although issuers may be able to engage in open-market repurchases without regard to whether all payments have been paid. Examples of hybrid capital securities include, but are not limited to, trust preferred securities, monthly income preferred securities, quarterly income bond securities, quarterly income debt securities, quarterly income preferred securities, corporate trust securities and public income notes.

Hybrid capital securities are typically junior and fully subordinated liabilities of an issuer or the beneficiary of a guarantee that is junior and fully subordinated to the other liabilities of the guarantor. In addition, hybrid capital securities typically permit an issuer to defer the payment of income for 18 months or more without triggering an event of default. Generally, the maximum deferral period is five years. Because of their subordinated position in the capital structure of an issuer, the ability to defer payments for extended periods of time without default consequences to the issuer, and certain other features (such as restrictions on common dividend payments by the issuer or ultimate guarantor when full cumulative payments on the preferred securities have not been made), these hybrid capital securities are often treated as close substitutes for traditional preferred securities, both by issuers and investors. Hybrid capital securities have many of the key characteristics of equity because of their subordinated position in an issuer's capital structure and because their quality and value are heavily dependent on the profitability of the issuer rather than on any legal claims to specific assets or cash flows.

Certain hybrid capital securities are issued by trusts or other special purpose entities established by operating companies, such as bank holding companies in the case of trust preferred securities, and are not direct obligations of the operating company. At the time the trust or special purpose entity sells such preferred securities to investors, it purchases debt of the operating company (with terms comparable to those of the trust or special purpose entity securities), which enables the operating company to deduct for tax purposes the interest paid on the debt held by the trust or special purpose entity. An issuer of hybrid capital securities may be permitted to defer the payment of income for a specified time, typically up to five years, without triggering an event of default. In the case of many hybrid capital securities, if the operating company fails to make its payments after this deferral period, an event of default and acceleration occurs, giving holders of the hybrid capital securities the right to take hold of the junior subordinated debt issued by the operating company to the trust. At this time, the operating company's obligation to pay principal and interest on the underlying junior subordinated debt accelerates and becomes immediately due and payable.

Within the category of hybrid capital securities are senior debt instruments that trade in the broader preferred securities market. These debt instruments, which are sources of long-term capital for the issuers, have structural features similar to preferred securities such as maturities ranging from 30 years to perpetuity, call features, exchange listings and the inclusion of accrued interest in the trading price. Similar to other hybrid capital securities, these debt instruments usually do not offer equity capital treatment.

**Contingent Convertible Securities**

CoCos are a common type of hybrid capital security. CoCos (which generally provide for conversion under certain circumstances) are distinguished as a subset of convertible securities. Similar to mandatory convertible securities (and unlike traditional convertible securities), some CoCos provide for mandatory conversion under certain circumstances. The mandatory conversion might be automatically triggered, for instance, if a company fails to meet the minimum amount of capital described in the security, the company's regulator makes a determination that the security should convert or the company receives specified levels of extraordinary public support. Since the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in these instruments could experience a reduced income rate, potentially to zero, and conversion would deepen the subordination of the investor, hence worsening standing in a bankruptcy. Further, some CoCos have a set stock conversion rate that would cause a reduction in value of the security if the price of the stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date. In addition, various CoCos may contain features that limit an investor's ability to convert the security unless certain conditions are met.

**Floating Rate and Fixed-to-Floating Rate Securities**

Floating-rate and fixed-to-floating rate securities may be traditional preferred or hybrid capital securities. Floating-rate securities pay a rate of income that resets periodically based on short and/or longer-term interest rate benchmarks. If the associated interest rate benchmark rises, the coupon offered by the floating-rate security may rise as well, making such securities less sensitive to rising interest rates (or yields). Similarly, a fixed-to-floating rate security may be less price sensitive to rising interest

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rates (or yields), because it has a rate of payment that is fixed for a certain period (typically five, ten or thirty years when first issued), after which period a floating-rate of payment applies.

**Convertible Securities**

Convertible securities combine the investment characteristics of both debt and equity securities. Convertible securities typically consist of debt securities or preferred securities that may be converted within a specified period of time (typically for the entire life of the security) into a certain amount of common stock or other equity security of the same or a different issuer at a predetermined price. They also include debt securities with warrants or common stock attached and derivatives combining the features of debt securities and equity securities. Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt, or dividends paid or accrued on preferred securities, until the securities mature or are redeemed, converted or exchanged.

**Restricted Securities**

The Fund may invest in restricted securities, which are securities that may not be sold to the public without an effective registration statement under the Securities Act. The restriction on public sale may make it more difficult to value such securities, limit the Fund's ability to dispose of them and lower the amount the Fund could realize upon their sale. Because they are not registered, restricted securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. In recognition of the increased size and liquidity of the institutional market for unregistered securities and the importance of institutional investors in the formation of capital, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent privately placed securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the Securities Act. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Fund's illiquidity.

**Corporate Debt Securities**

Corporate debt securities are fixed-income securities issued by businesses to finance their operations. Notes, bonds, debentures and commercial paper are the most common types of corporate debt securities, with the primary difference being their maturities and secured or unsecured status. Commercial paper has the shortest term and is usually unsecured. Such debt instruments are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of (i) beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities or (ii) more senior debt securities that pay income and trade in a manner similar to preferred securities. The broad category of corporate debt securities includes debt issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies of all kinds, including those with small-, mid- and large-capitalizations. Corporate debt may be rated investment grade or below investment grade and may carry fixed or floating rates of interest.

**High Yield Securities**

Securities that are rated below investment grade (or securities that are unrated and determined by the Sub-Advisor to be of comparable quality) are commonly referred to as "high yield" or "junk" securities. High yield securities typically offer higher yields than investment grade securities with similar maturities but involve greater risks, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy, and increased market price volatility.

**Non-U.S. Investments**

The Fund may invest in securities issued by non-U.S. companies that are traded over-the-counter or listed on an exchange.

**Real Estate Investment Trusts**

The Fund may invest in preferred shares of REITs. REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors' capital to purchase or finance real estate. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable tax requirements.

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**Non-Principal Investments**

**Baby Bonds**

Baby bonds are subordinated or senior debt that are designed to trade like preferred securities. They trade in $25 par amounts, pay quarterly interest, and are typically callable five years after issuance. Unlike the other structures, the issuer generally cannot skip or defer payments on senior notes without entering into default. These bonds rank higher in the capital structure than hybrids, trust preferred securities and traditional preferred securities. The payments on baby bonds are generally cumulative, in that the issuer must make good on all missed payments before making any payout on a junior ranking security such as a hybrid capital security, trust preferred security or perpetual preferred security.

**Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments**

Normally, the Fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. The Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities with maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or it may hold cash. The percentage of the Fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on several factors, including market conditions. For temporary defensive purposes and during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, the Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities, or it may hold cash. During such periods, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective. The Fund may adopt a defensive strategy when the portfolio managers believe securities in which the Fund normally invests have elevated risks due to political or economic factors and in other extraordinary circumstances. For more information on eligible short-term investments, see the SAI.

**Derivative Instruments**

The Fund may invest in exchange-traded and over-the-counter interest rate swaps, exchange-listed options on Eurodollar futures contracts, exchange-listed options on U.S. Treasury futures contracts, exchange-listed options on exchange-traded funds, exchange-listed U.S. Treasury futures contracts, exchange-listed Eurodollar futures contracts and exchange-traded and OTC non-U.S. currency swaps. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to, among other things, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments will be consistent with the Fund's investment objective and the 1940 Act and will not be used to seek to achieve a multiple or inverse multiple of an index.

To the extent the Fund enters into derivatives transactions, it will do so pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to implement certain policies and procedures designed to manage its derivatives risks, dependent upon the Fund's level of exposure to derivative instruments.

**Illiquid Investments**

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities and other instruments that are, at the time of investment, illiquid (determined using the Securities and Exchange Commission's standard applicable to investment companies, *i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For this purpose, illiquid investments may 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 Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"Securities Act"*), that are deemed to be illiquid, and certain repurchase agreements.

**Investment Companies**

The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, including ETFs and closed-end funds. ETFs and closed-end funds trade on a securities exchange and their shares may, at times, trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. As a stockholder in an investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested.

The Fund's ability to invest in other investment companies is limited by the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations. The Fund has adopted a policy that it will not invest in other investment companies in excess of 1940 Act limits in reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.

**Other Debt Securities**

Although not a part of the Fund's principal investment strategies, the Fund may invest in senior loans, second lien loans, loan participations, payment-in-kind securities, zero coupon bonds, bank certificates of deposit, fixed-time deposits, bankers

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acceptances, U.S. government securities, fixed-income securities issued by non-U.S. governments denominated in U.S. dollars or municipal bonds.

**U.S. Government Securities**

U.S. government securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**

The Fund's portfolio holdings are available on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com. A description of the policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is included in the Fund's SAI, which is also available on the Fund's website.

**Risks of Investing in the Fund**

Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in the Fund involves risk, including the risk that you may lose all or part of your investment. There can be no assurance that the Fund will meet its stated objective. Before you invest, you should consider the following disclosure pertaining to the Principal Risks set forth above as well as additional Non-Principal Risks set forth below in this prospectus. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**Principal Risks**

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. However, participants are not obligated to make a market in the Fund's shares or submit purchase and redemption orders for creation units. To the extent that these institutions exit the business, reduce their role or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount to the Fund's net asset value and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**BANKS RISK.** The Fund invests significantly in banks. Banks are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession, currency exchange rates, government regulation, decreases in the availability of capital, 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. In addition, banks are subject to extensive regulation at both the federal and state level, which may affect permissible activities, profitability and the amount of capital that they must maintain.

**CALL RISK.** Some debt securities may be redeemed at the option of the issuer, or "called," before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund's income. Such redemptions and subsequent reinvestments would also increase the Fund's portfolio turnover. If a called debt security was purchased by the Fund at a premium, the value of the premium may be lost in the event of a redemption.

**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund will effect some or all of its creations and redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects its creations and redemptions only in-kind. ETFs are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid being taxed on gains on the distributed portfolio securities at the fund level. A Fund that effects redemptions for cash may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. Any recognized gain on these sales by the Fund will generally cause the Fund to recognize a gain it might not otherwise have recognized, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required if it were to distribute portfolio securities only in-kind. The Fund intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than if they had made an investment in a different ETF. Moreover, cash transactions may have to be carried out over several days if the securities market is relatively illiquid and may involve considerable brokerage fees and taxes. These brokerage fees and taxes, which will be higher than if the Fund sold and redeemed its shares entirely in-kind, will be passed on to those

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purchasing and redeeming Creation Units in the form of creation and redemption transaction fees. In addition, these factors may result in wider spreads between the bid and the offered prices of the Fund's shares than for ETFs that distribute portfolio securities in-kind.

**CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK.** CoCos are hybrid securities most commonly issued by banking institutions that present risks similar to debt securities and convertible securities. CoCos are distinct in that they are intended to either convert into equity or have their principal written down upon the occurrence of certain "triggers." When an issuer's capital ratio falls below a specified trigger level, or in a regulator's discretion depending on the regulator's judgment about the issuer's solvency prospects, a CoCo may be written down, written off or converted into an equity security. Due to the contingent write-down, write-off and conversion feature, CoCos may have substantially greater risk than other securities in times of financial stress. If the trigger level is breached, the issuer's decision to write down, write off or convert a CoCo may be outside its control, and the Fund may suffer a complete loss on an investment in CoCos with no chance of recovery even if the issuer remains in existence. CoCos are usually issued in the form of subordinated debt instruments to provide the appropriate regulatory capital treatment. If an issuer liquidates, dissolves or winds-up before a conversion to equity has occurred, the rights and claims of the holders of the CoCos (such as the Fund) against the issuer generally rank junior to the claims of holders of unsubordinated obligations of the issuer. In addition, if the CoCos are converted into the issuer's underlying equity securities after a conversion event (*i.e.*, a "trigger"), each holder will be further subordinated. CoCos also may have no stated maturity and have fully discretionary coupons. This means coupon payments can be canceled at the issuer's discretion or at the request of the relevant regulatory authority in order to help the bank absorb losses, without causing a default. In general, the value of CoCos is unpredictable and is influenced by many factors including, without limitation: the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in such issuer's applicable capital ratios; supply and demand for CoCos; general market conditions and available liquidity; and economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, its particular market or the financial markets in general.

**CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK.** Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer, depending on the terms of the securities) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying equity security or sell it to a third party, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. The market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase. However, a convertible security's market value also tends to reflect the market price of the equity security of the issuing company, particularly when the price of the equity security is greater than the convertible security's conversion price (*i.e.*, the predetermined price or exchange ratio at which the convertible security can be converted or exchanged for the underlying equity security). Convertible securities are also exposed to the risk that an issuer will be unable to meet its obligation to make dividend or principal payments when due as a result of changing financial or market conditions. Convertible debt securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar credit quality because of their potential for capital appreciation. Moreover, there can be no assurance that convertible securities will provide current income prior to conversion because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations. If the convertible security has a conversion or call feature that allows the issuer to redeem the security before the conversion date, the potential for capital appreciation may be diminished. In the event that convertible securities are not optional but mandatory based upon the price of the underlying common stock, the Fund may be subject to additional exposure to loss of income in situations where it would prefer to hold debt.

**CREDIT RATING AGENCY RISK.** Credit ratings are determined by credit rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Services, Inc. and Fitch Inc., and are only the opinions of such entities. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risk or the liquidity of securities. Any shortcomings or inefficiencies in credit rating agencies' processes for determining credit ratings may adversely affect the credit ratings of securities held by the Fund and, as a result, may adversely affect those securities' perceived or actual credit risk.

**CREDIT RISK.** An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer's ability or unwillingness to make such payments. Debt securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk which are often reflected in credit ratings. The credit rating of a debt security may be lowered if the issuer or other obligated party suffers adverse changes to its financial condition. These adverse changes may lead to greater volatility in the price of the debt security and affect the security's liquidity. High yield and comparable unrated debt securities, while generally offering higher yields than investment grade debt with similar maturities, involve greater risks, including the possibility of dividend or interest deferral, default or bankruptcy, and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay

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dividends or interest and repay principal. To the extent that the Fund holds debt securities that are secured or guaranteed by financial institutions, changes in credit quality of such financial institutions could cause values of the debt security to deviate.

**CREDIT SPREAD RISK.** Credit spread risk is the risk that credit spreads (*i.e.*, the difference in yield between debt securities that have differences in credit quality or other factors) may increase, which may reduce the market values of the Fund's debt securities. While the Fund may employ strategies to mitigate credit spread risk, these strategies may not be successful. Credit spreads often increase more for lower rated and unrated securities than for investment grade securities. In addition, when credit spreads increase, reductions in market value will generally be greater for debt securities with longer maturities.

**CURRENCY RISK.** The Fund may invest in securities denominated in a non-U.S. currency. Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, the value of dividends and interest earned from such securities and gains and losses realized on the sale of such securities. The Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. Changes in currency exchange rates may affect the Fund's net asset value, the value of dividends and interest earned, and gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may cause the value of the Fund to decline. Certain non-U.S. currencies may be particularly volatile, and non-U.S. governments may intervene in the currency markets, causing a decline in value or liquidity in the Fund's non-U.S. holdings whose value is tied to the affected non-U.S. currency. Additionally, the prices of non-U.S. securities that are traded in U.S. dollars are often indirectly influenced by currency fluctuations.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. These risks typically are not covered by insurance. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (*e.g.*, through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (*i.e.*, efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber security failures by or breaches of the systems of the Advisor, distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, sub-advisors, index providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses; interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value; disclosure of confidential trading information; impediments to trading; submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders; the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; or additional compliance costs. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified and that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants. However, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, and the Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**DEBT SECURITIES RISK.** Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a centralized securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock. The values of debt securities may also increase or decrease as a result of market fluctuations, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments or illiquidity in debt securities markets generally.

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**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK.** The Fund may invest in depositary receipts. Depositary receipts are securities issued by a bank or trust company reflecting ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign company. An investment in depositary receipts involves further risks due to certain unique features. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights pursuant to a deposit agreement between the underlying issuer and the depositary. In certain cases, the depositary will vote the shares deposited with it as directed by the underlying issuer's board of directors. Furthermore, investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipt. Moreover, if depositary receipts are converted into shares, the laws in certain countries may limit the ability of a non-resident to trade the shares and to reconvert the shares to depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be "sponsored" or "unsponsored." Sponsored depositary receipts are established jointly by a depositary and the underlying issuer, whereas unsponsored depositary receipts may be established by a depositary without participation by the underlying issuer. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs associated with establishing the unsponsored depositary receipts. In addition, the issuers of the securities underlying unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the U.S. and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts.

**EMERGING MARKETS RISK.** Investments in securities issued by governments and companies operating in emerging market countries involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in securities and instruments issued by U.S. companies or by companies operating in other developed market countries. This is due to, among other things, the potential for greater market volatility, lower trading volume, a lack of liquidity, potential for market manipulation, higher levels of inflation, political and economic instability, greater risk of a market shutdown and more governmental limitations on foreign investments in emerging market countries than are typically found in more developed market countries. Moreover, emerging market countries often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements, unsettled securities laws, less reliable securities valuations and greater risks associated with custody of securities than developed markets. In addition, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain emerging market countries. Emerging market countries often have greater risk of capital controls through such measures as taxes or interest rate control than developed markets. Certain emerging market countries may also lack the infrastructure necessary to attract large amounts of foreign trade and investment. Local securities markets in emerging market countries may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible. Settlement procedures in emerging market countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the U.S. and other developed market countries. In addition, significant delays may occur in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for the Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Investing in emerging market countries involves a higher risk of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested by certain emerging market countries. Enforcing legal rights may be made difficult, costly and slow in emerging markets as there may be additional problems enforcing claims against non-U.S. governments. As such, the rights and remedies associated with emerging market investment securities may be different than those available for investments in more developed markets. For example, it may be more difficult for shareholders to bring derivative litigation or for U.S. regulators to bring enforcement actions against issuers in emerging markets.

In addition, due to the differences in regulatory, accounting, audit and financial recordkeeping standards, including financial disclosures, less information about emerging market companies is publicly available and information that is available may be unreliable or outdated. This may affect the Index Provider's ability to compute and construct the Index and may further impede the Advisor's ability to accurately evaluate the index data provided. This potential for error in index construction and index data could affect the overall performance of the Fund.

**EQUITY SECURITIES RISK.** The value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market. Additionally, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer.

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**EUROPE RISK.** The Fund may invest significantly in the securities of European issuers. Therefore, in addition to the risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities generally, the Fund is subject to certain risks associated specifically with investments in securities of European issuers. Political or economic disruptions in European countries, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, may adversely affect security values and thus the Fund's holdings. A significant number of countries in Europe are member states in the EU, and the member states no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. In these member states, the authority to direct monetary policies, including money supply and official interest rates for the Euro, is exercised by the European Central Bank. In a 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the EU. After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. As the second largest economy among EU members, the implications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal are difficult to gauge and cannot be fully known. Trade between the United Kingdom and the EU is highly integrated through supply chains and trade in services, as well as through multinational companies. The United Kingdom's departure may negatively impact the EU and Europe as a whole by causing volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU (thereby perpetuating political instability in the region).

**EXTENSION RISK**. Extension risk is the risk that, when interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the issuer (or other obligated party) more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these debt securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of debt securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term debt securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term debt securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value. Extension risk is particularly prevalent for a callable debt security where an increase in interest rates could result in the issuer of that security choosing not to redeem the debt security as anticipated on the security's call date. Such a decision by the issuer could have the effect of lengthening the debt security's expected maturity, making it more vulnerable to interest rate risk and reducing its market value.

**FINANCIAL COMPANIES RISK.** The Fund invests significantly in financial companies. Financial companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation and intervention, which may adversely affect the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge, the amount and types of capital they must maintain and, potentially, their size. Governmental regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences for financial companies, including effects not intended by such regulation. The impact of more stringent capital requirements, or recent or future regulation in various countries, on any individual financial company or on financial companies as a whole cannot be predicted. Certain risks may impact the value of investments in financial companies more severely than those of investments in other issuers, including the risks associated with companies that operate with substantial financial leverage. Financial companies may also be adversely affected by volatility in interest rates, loan losses and other customer defaults, decreases in the availability of money or asset valuations, credit rating downgrades and adverse conditions in other related markets. Insurance companies in particular may be subject to severe price competition and/or rate regulation, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. Financial companies are also a target for cyber attacks and may experience technology malfunctions and disruptions as a result.

**FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE SECURITIES RISK.** Fixed-to-floating rate securities are securities that have a fixed dividend rate for an initial term that converts to a floating dividend rate upon the expiration of the initial term. Securities with a floating or variable interest rate component can be less sensitive to interest rate changes than securities with fixed interest rates but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. While fixed-to-floating rate securities can be less sensitive to interest rate risk than fixed-rate securities they generally carry lower yields than similar fixed-rate securities. The interest rate for a floating rate security resets or adjusts periodically by reference to a benchmark interest rate. The impact of interest rate changes on floating rate investments is typically mitigated by the periodic interest rate reset of the investments. Fixed-to-floating rate securities generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently and their value may be impaired when the Fund needs to liquidate such securities. There is no guarantee or assurance that the Fund will be able to invest in a desired amount of fixed-to-floating rate securities, will be able to buy such securities at a desirable price or that the fixed-to-floating rate securities in which it invests or seeks to invest will be actively traded. Any or all of the foregoing, should they occur, could negatively impact the Fund.

**FLOATING RATE SECURITIES RISK.** Floating rate securities are structured so that the security's coupon rate fluctuates based upon the level of a reference rate. Most commonly, the coupon rate of a floating rate security is set in the loan agreement at the level of a widely followed interest rate, plus a fixed spread. As a result, it is expected that when interest rates change, the value of floating rate securities will fluctuate less than the value fixed rate debt securities. The coupon on floating rate securities will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment, causing the Fund to experience a reduction in the income it receives from the security. A floating rate security's coupon rate resets periodically according to the terms of the security. Consequently,

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in a rising interest rate environment, floating rate securities with coupon rates that reset infrequently may lag behind the changes in market interest rates and may effect the value of the security. Floating rate securities may also contain terms that impose a maximum coupon rate the issuer will pay, regardless of the level of the reference rate which would decrease the value of the security. The secondary market value of a floating rate security is based on the volatility of the reference rate, the time remaining to maturity, the outstanding amount of such securities, market interest rates and the credit quality or perceived financial status of the issuer. Floating rate securities may be less liquid than other types of securities.

**HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK.** The Fund's investment in high yield securities, or "junk" bonds, may entail increased credit risks and the risk that the value of the Fund's assets will decline, and may decline precipitously, with increases in interest rates. In recent years there have been wide fluctuations in interest rates and therefore in the value of debt securities generally. High yield securities are, under most circumstances, subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than are investments in lower-yielding, higher-rated debt securities. As interest rates rise, the value of high yield securities may decline precipitously. Increased rates may also indicate a slowdown in the economy which may adversely affect the credit of issuers of high yield securities resulting in a higher incidence of defaults among such issuers. A slowdown in the economy, or a development adversely affecting an issuer's creditworthiness, may result in the issuer being unable to maintain earnings or sell assets at the rate and at the prices, respectively, that are required to produce sufficient cash flow to meet its interest and principal requirements. The Fund's portfolio managers cannot predict future economic policies or their consequences or, therefore, the course or extent of any similar market fluctuations in the future. In addition, high yield securities are generally less liquid than investment grade securities.

**HYBRID CAPITAL SECURITIES RISK.** Hybrid capital securities are securities which contain characteristics of both debt and equity securities and are subject to many of the same risks as equity and debt securities. The claims of holders of hybrid capital securities of an issuer are generally subordinated to those of holders of traditional debt securities in bankruptcy, and thus hybrid capital securities may be more volatile and subject to greater risk than traditional debt securities, and may in certain circumstances be even more volatile than traditional equity securities. At the same time, hybrid capital securities may not fully participate in gains of their issuer and thus potential returns of such securities are generally more limited than traditional equity securities, which would participate in such gains. Hybrid capital securities may also be more limited in their rights to participate in management decisions of an issuer (such as voting for the board of directors). The terms of hybrid capital securities may vary substantially and the risks of a particular hybrid capital security will depend upon the terms of the instrument. Certain hybrid capital securities may be more thinly traded and less liquid than either publicly issued equity or debt securities, especially hybrid capital securities that are "customized" to meet the needs of particular investors, potentially making it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at a favorable price or at all. Any of these features could cause a loss in market value of hybrid capital securities held by the Fund or otherwise adversely affect the Fund.

**INCOME RISK.** The Fund's income may decline when interest rates fall. This decline can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding securities as debt securities in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional debt securities. In addition, the Fund's income could decline when the Fund experiences defaults on the debt securities it holds.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking ETFs or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund's shares. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity. To the extent buying or selling activity increases, the Fund can be exposed to increased brokerage costs and adverse tax consequences and the market price of the Fund can be negatively affected.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline. This risk is more prevalent with respect to debt securities held by the Fund. Inflation creates uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of an investment. Inflation rates may change frequently and drastically as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy, and the Fund's investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund investors.

**INTEREST RATE RISK**. The value of debt securities held by the Fund will fluctuate in value with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will increase in value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates rise. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically

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low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term investments and higher for longer term investments. Duration is a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security's expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security's yield, interest payments and final maturity. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. The longer the duration of a debt security, the greater the debt security's price sensitivity is to changes in interest rates. Rising interest rates also may lengthen the duration of debt securities with call features, since exercise of the call becomes less likely as interest rates rise, which in turn will make the securities more sensitive to changes in interest rates and result in even steeper price declines in the event of further interest rate increases. An increase in interest rates could also cause principal payments on a debt security to be repaid at a slower rate than expected. This risk is particularly prevalent for a callable debt security where an increase in interest rates could cause the issuer of that security to not redeem the security as anticipated on the call date, effectively lengthening the security's expected maturity, in turn making that security more vulnerable to interest rate risk and reducing its market value. When interest rates fall, the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds from the sale, redemption or early prepayment of a debt security at a lower interest rate.

**LARGE CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in the securities of large capitalization companies. Large capitalization companies may grow at a slower rate and be less able to adapt to changing market conditions than smaller capitalization companies. Thus, the return on investment in securities of large capitalization companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies. The performance of large capitalization companies also tends to trail the overall market during different market cycles.

**LIBOR TRANSITION RISK.** The United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (*"FCA"*), which regulates LIBOR, intends to cease making LIBOR available as a reference rate over a phase-out period that began on January 1, 2022. However, subsequent announcements by the FCA, the LIBOR administrators, and other regulators indicate that it is possible that the most widely used LIBOR rates may continue until mid-2023. The unavailability or replacement of LIBOR may affect the value, liquidity or return on certain Fund investments and may result in costs incurred in connection with closing out positions and entering into new trades. Any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or on certain instruments in which the Fund invests can be difficult to ascertain, and they may vary depending on a variety of factors. In the United States, it is anticipated that in many instances SOFR, will replace LIBOR as the reference rate for many of the floating rate instruments held by the Fund. There is no assurance that the composition or characteristics of SOFR, or any alternative reference rate, will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR or that instruments using an alternative rate will have the same volume or liquidity. As a result, the transition process might lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates; a reduction in the value of some LIBOR-based investments; increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of any applicable hedging strategies against instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR; and/or costs incurred in connection with temporary borrowings and closing out positions and entering into new agreements. Any such effects (as well as other unforeseen effects) of the transition away from LIBOR and the adoption of alternative reference rates could result in losses to the Fund.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Fund may have investments that it may not be able to dispose of or close out readily at a favorable time or price (or at all), or at a price approximating the Fund's valuation of the investment. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for the Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. If the Fund needed to sell a large block of illiquid securities to meet shareholder redemption request or to raise cash, these sales could further reduce the securities' prices and adversely affect performance of the Fund. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective(s), meet relevant benchmarks or perform as well as other funds with similar objectives.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price.

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The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. Additionally, in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine which has caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain Fund investments as well as Fund performance. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** An investment in securities of non-U.S. companies involves risks not associated with domestic issuers. Investment in non-U.S. securities may involve higher costs than investment in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by non-U.S. governments. Non-U.S. investments may also involve risks associated with the level of currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity, more market volatility and political instability. Future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on dividend income, the possible seizure or nationalization of non-U.S. holdings, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, the possible establishment of capital controls, exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency or the adoption of other governmental restrictions might adversely affect an investment in non-U.S. securities. Additionally, non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less stringent regulation, and to different accounting, auditing and recordkeeping requirements. The U.S. and non-U.S. markets often rise and fall at different times or by different amounts due to economic or other regional developments particular to a given country or region.

**OPERATIONAL RISK**. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK.** Preferred securities combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Preferred securities often include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If the Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for federal income tax purposes although it has not yet received such income in cash. Generally, holders of preferred securities have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors to the issuer's board of director. Generally, once the issuer pays all the arrearages, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior to a specified date. For instance, for certain types of preferred securities, a redemption may be triggered by a change in federal income tax or securities laws or a change in regulatory trademark. As with redemption provisions of debt securities, a special redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the preferred security held by the Fund. Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than other securities, including common stock.

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**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. First Trust cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), First Trust believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained absent disruptions to the creation and redemption mechanism, extreme market volatility or potential lack of authorized participants. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**PREPAYMENT RISK.** Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt security will repay principal (in part or in whole) prior to the scheduled maturity date. Debt securities allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates, as the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment at lower interest rates, reducing its income. If the Fund purchased the debt securities at a premium, prepayments on the securities could cause the Fund to lose a portion of its principal investment. These factors may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to change. The impact of prepayments on the price of a debt security may be difficult to predict and may increase the security's volatility.

**REIT RISK.** REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. Additionally, 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 risk of a possible lack of mortgage funds and associated interest rate risks, overbuilding, property vacancies, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to environmental damages, changes in neighborhood values and appeal to purchasers, the possibility of failing to maintain exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act, failure to satisfy the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for maintaining REIT status and, in many cases, relatively small market capitalization, which may result in less market liquidity and greater price volatility for a REIT's shares. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities.

**RESTRICTED SECURITIES RISK.** Restricted securities are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Restricted securities include private placement securities that have not been registered under the applicable securities laws, such as Rule 144A securities, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued pursuant to Regulation S. Private placements are generally subject to strict restrictions on resale. Restricted securities may be illiquid as they generally are not listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. The Fund may be unable to sell a restricted security on short notice or may be able to sell them only at a price below current value. It may be more difficult to determine a market value for a restricted security. Also, the Fund may get limited information about the issuer of a restricted security, so it may be less able to predict a loss. In addition, if Fund management receives material non-public information about the issuer, the Fund may as a result be unable to sell the securities. Certain restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development that affected a particular asset class, region or industry may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater volatility and market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

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**SMALLER COMPANIES RISK.** The stock price of small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more volatile than those of larger companies and therefore the Fund's share price may be more volatile than those of funds that invest a larger percentage of their assets in stocks issued by large capitalization companies. Stock prices of small and/or mid capitalization companies are also generally more vulnerable than those of large capitalization companies to adverse business and economic developments. Securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies may be thinly traded, making it difficult for the Fund to buy and sell them. In addition, small and/or mid capitalization companies are typically less financially stable than larger, more established companies and may reinvest a high proportion of their earnings in their business and may not pay dividends. Small and/or mid capitalization companies may also depend on a small number of essential personnel who may also be less experienced than the management of larger companies, making these companies more vulnerable to experiencing adverse effects due to the loss or inexperience of personnel. Small and/or mid capitalization companies also normally have less diverse product lines than those of large capitalization companies and are more susceptible to adverse developments concerning their products.

**SUBORDINATED DEBT RISK.** Perpetual subordinated debt is a type of hybrid instrument that has no maturity date for the return of principal and does not need to be redeemed by the issuer. These investments typically have lower credit ratings and lower priority than other obligations of an issuer during bankruptcy, presenting a greater risk for nonpayment. This risk increases as the priority of the obligation becomes lower. Payments on these securities may be subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations of subsidiaries and associated companies of an issuer. Additionally, some perpetual subordinated debt does not restrict the ability of an issuer's subsidiaries to incur further unsecured indebtedness.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

**Non-Principal Risks**

**ASIA RISK.** The Fund may invest in the securities of Asian issuers. Such investments subject the Fund to certain risks associated specifically with investments in securities of Asian issuers, including distinct legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. Some Asian economies are highly dependent on trade, and economic conditions in other countries within and outside Asia can impact these economies. Certain of these economies may be adversely affected by trade or policy disputes with its major trade partners. There is also a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Certain Asian countries have experienced and may in the future experience expropriation and nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, currency manipulation, political instability, armed conflict and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic, socio-economic and/or political unrest. In particular, escalated tensions involving North Korea and any outbreak of hostilities involving North Korea could have a severe adverse effect on Asian economies. Governments of certain Asian countries have exercised, and continue to exercise, substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, the government owns or controls many companies, including the largest in the country. Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on the issuers of the Fund's securities or on economic conditions generally. Issuers in Asia may not be subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as U.S. companies and if their securities are not listed on a U.S. exchange, they may not be subject to the same corporate governance standards as U.S. issuers. In addition,

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satisfactory custodial services for investment securities may not be available in some Asia countries, which may result in the Fund incurring additional costs and delays in providing transportation and custody services for such securities outside such countries. Recent developments in relations between the U.S. and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on the economy of Asian countries and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.

**BORROWING AND LEVERAGE RISK.** If the Fund borrows money, it must pay interest and other fees, which may reduce the Fund's returns. Any such borrowings are intended to be temporary. However, under certain market conditions, including periods of decreased liquidity, such borrowings might be outstanding for longer periods of time. As prescribed by the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain specified asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to any bank borrowing immediately following such borrowing and at all times thereafter. The Fund may be required to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms if market fluctuations or other factors reduce the Fund's asset coverage to less than the prescribed amount.

**DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL RISK.** The Sub-Advisor is dependent upon the experience and expertise of the Fund's portfolio managers in providing advisory services with respect to the Fund's investments. If the Sub-Advisor were to lose the services of any of these portfolio managers, its ability to service the Fund could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for any of the portfolio managers in the event of their death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of the Sub-Advisor.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

**FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY RISK.** If, in any year, the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the applicable tax laws, the Fund would be taxed as an ordinary corporation. In such circumstances, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.

**INVESTMENT COMPANIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies. As a shareholder in another investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of exchange-traded investment companies.

**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.

**LATIN AMERICA RISK.** The Fund may invest in Latin American issuers. The economies of Latin American countries have in the past experienced considerable difficulties, including high inflation rates, high interest rates, high unemployment, government overspending and political instability. International economic conditions, particularly those in the United States, Europe and Asia, as well as world prices for oil and other commodities may also influence the development of Latin American economies. Many Latin American countries are highly reliant on the exportation of commodities and their economies may be significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices and the global demand for certain commodities. In the past, certain Latin American economies have been influenced by changing supply and demand for a particular currency, monetary policies of governments (including exchange control programs, restrictions on local exchanges or markets and limitations on foreign investment in a country or on investment by residents of a country in other countries), and currency devaluations and

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revaluations. Other Latin American investment risks may include inadequate investor protection, less developed regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial standards, unfavorable changes in laws or regulations, natural disasters, corruption and military activity. The governments of many Latin American countries may also exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, and any such exercise could have a significant effect on companies in which the Fund invests. Securities of companies in Latin America may also be subject to significant price volatility.

**LEGISLATION/LITIGATION RISK.** From time to time, various legislative initiatives are proposed in the United States and abroad, which may have a negative impact on certain companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, litigation regarding any of the issuers of the securities owned by the Fund, or industries represented by these issuers, may negatively impact the value of the securities. Such legislation or litigation may cause the Fund to lose value or may result in higher portfolio turnover if the Sub-Advisor determines to sell such a holding.

**U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in U.S. government securities. U.S. government securities are subject to interest rate risk but generally do not involve the credit risks associated with investments in other types of debt securities. As a result, the yields available from U.S. government securities are generally lower than the yields available from other debt securities. U.S. government securities are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and the payment of principal when held to maturity. While securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. federal government agencies (such as Ginnie Mae) are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, securities issued by government sponsored entities (such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are solely the obligation of the issuer and generally do not carry any guarantee from the U.S. government. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to its government sponsored entities or any other agency if not obligated by law to do so.

**Fund Organization**

The Fund is a series of the Trust, an investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund is treated as a separate fund with its own investment objective and policies. The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Board is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Trust. The Board elects the Trust's officers and approves all significant agreements, including those with the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, distributor, custodian and fund administrative and accounting agent.

**Management of the Fund**

First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Fund. In this capacity, First Trust is responsible for overseeing the Sub-Advisor in the investment of the Fund's assets, managing the Fund's business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services.

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 James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Fund.

First Trust serves as advisor or sub-advisor for 9 mutual fund portfolios, 10 exchange-traded funds consisting of 201 series and 14 closed-end funds. It is also the portfolio supervisor of certain unit investment trusts sponsored by First Trust Portfolios L.P. (*"FTP"*), an affiliate of First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. FTP specializes in the underwriting, trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities. FTP is the principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund.

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and First Trust have retained Stonebridge, an affiliate of First Trust, to serve as investment sub-advisor pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement (the *"Sub-Advisory Agreement"*). In this capacity, Stonebridge is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio. Stonebridge is a niche asset management firm that manages portfolios of preferred securities for investors. Stonebridge, formed in December 2004, serves as investment advisor to investment portfolios with approximately $14.408 billion in assets which it managed as of December 31, 2022.

Scott T. Fleming, Robert Wolf, Eric Weaver and Angelo Graci are the Fund's portfolio managers and share responsibilities for the day-to-day management of the Fund's investment portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Scott Fleming serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Stonebridge setting the strategic direction of Stonebridge including operations, business and product development, and marketing strategies. Mr. Fleming

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leads the Investment Committee and oversees investment policies and strategies for all of the company's portfolio management activities. Additionally, Mr. Fleming directs the daily management of preferred stock portfolios. Prior to founding Stonebridge in 2004, Mr. Fleming co-founded Spectrum Asset Management, Inc., an investment advisor that specializes in preferred securities asset management for institutional clients and mutual funds. During his 13-year tenure there, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Under his leadership, Spectrum grew to be the largest preferred securities manager in the country. Mr. Fleming previously served as Vice President, Portfolio Manager for DBL Preferred Management, Inc. in New York City. Mr. Fleming received a B.S. in Accounting from Bentley College in Waltham, MA and his MBA in Finance from Babson College in Wellesley, MA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Robert Wolf serves as Chief Investment Officer, Executive Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Stonebridge. Mr. Wolf is a senior member of Stonebridge Advisors' Investment Committee and oversees investment strategies and portfolio management activities across fund products and separately managed accounts. Mr. Wolf directs the daily management of preferred securities portfolios and performs both credit research and trading functions. Mr. Wolf has over twenty-two years of fixed-income experience in both portfolio management and credit research. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2006, Mr. Wolf was a high-yield fixed-income research analyst at Lehman Brothers. In this role, his responsibilities included detailed credit analysis across multiple sectors, relative value analysis, and developing trade recommendations. Mr. Wolf previously worked for Lehman Brothers' commercial mortgage-backed securities (*CMBS*) trading desk as a credit analyst. Mr. Wolf received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from Villanova University and his MBA in Finance from the New York University Stern School of Business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Eric Weaver serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Stonebridge. Mr. Weaver is a senior member of Stonebridge Advisors' Investment Committee and oversees the investment strategy across all fund products and separately managed accounts. In addition, Mr. Weaver leads the development of proprietary portfolio management, security selection, trading, and operational tools. Mr. Weaver has fourteen years of investment management experience in portfolio management, trading, risks analysis, and research. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2013, Mr. Weaver worked at a private proprietary trading firm as a senior derivatives trader, with OTC and electronic trading experience on the NASDAQ OMX PHLX and CBOE options exchanges. In this role, Mr. Weaver focused on trading, portfolio and risk management, and pricing complex derivatives in a large and diverse portfolio of equities, options, and futures. Mr. Weaver received a B.A. degree in Economics and Mathematics and a MS degree in Economics from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Angelo Graci is Executive Vice President, Head of Credit Research, and Portfolio Manager of Stonebridge Advisors. Mr. Graci is a senior member of the Investment Committee and manages a team of analysts that oversees all of Stonebridge's portfolio investments. His extensive knowledge of global banking, insurance, non-bank finance and REITs brings an impressive level of analytical depth to the Stonebridge research team. Mr. Graci has 27 years of credit and equity research experience with a focus on financials. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2018, Mr. Graci was a global financials credit strategist at Stifel Financial, with a particular focus on hybrid/preferred strategy. Before Stifel, he was a senior analyst at Caxton Associates, responsible for financial sector credit and equity analysis and portfolio management. Prior roles included global financials and hybrid strategy at Citadel Securities and credit analysis and trading at Merrill Lynch. Mr. Graci received a BS in Finance from SUNY Albany and an MBA in Finance from the New York University Stern School of Business. He holds the CFA<sup>®</sup> designation awarded by CFA Institute.

For additional information concerning First Trust and the Sub-Advisor, including a description of the services provided to the Fund, see the Fund's SAI. Additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares in the Fund is provided in the SAI.

**Management Fee**

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the *"Investment Management Agreement"*), First Trust oversees Stonebridge's management of the Fund's assets and pays Stonebridge for its services as Sub-Advisor. First Trust is paid an annual unitary management fee by the Fund equal to 0.85% of the Fund's average daily net assets and is responsible for the Fund's expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, sub-advisory, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, but excluding fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement,

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interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to First Trust will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*). See the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for more information on the breakpoints.

A discussion regarding the Board's approval of the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022.

**How to Buy and Sell Shares**

Most investors buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the secondary market on one or more national securities exchanges. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no minimum investment when buying shares on the Exchange. 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, investors should expect to pay brokerage commissions, investors may receive less than the net asset value of the shares because shares are bought and sold at market prices rather than at net asset value, and investors may pay some or all of the bid-ask spread for each transaction (purchase or sale) of Fund shares. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per share.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will pay out redemption proceeds to a redeeming authorized participant within two days after the authorized participant's redemption request is received, in accordance with the process set forth in the Fund's SAI and in the agreement between the authorized participant and the Fund's distributor. However, the Fund reserves the right, including under stressed market conditions, to take up to seven days after the receipt of a redemption request to pay an authorized participant, all as permitted by the 1940 Act. If the Fund has foreign investments in a country where a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents the Fund from delivering such foreign investments to an authorized participant in response to a redemption request, the Fund may take up to 15 days after the receipt of the redemption request to deliver such investments to the authorized participant.

For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is treated as a registered investment company, and the acquisition of shares by other registered investment companies and companies relying on Sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act is subject to the restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations.

**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 Fund 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 price of shares of the Fund on the secondary market is based on market price and may differ from the Fund's daily net asset value and can be affected by market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of the Fund's Shares** 

The Fund imposes 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 Fund's shareholders. The Board considered that the Fund's shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (*i.e.*, authorized participants

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("*APs*")) and that the vast majority of trading in the Fund's shares occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not involve the 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 the Fund's trading costs and the realization of capital gains. With respect to trades directly with the Fund, to the extent effected in-kind (*i.e.*, for securities), those trades do not cause any of the harmful effects that may result from frequent cash trades. To the extent that the Fund may effect the purchase or redemption of Creation Units in exchange wholly or partially for cash, the Board noted that such trades could result in dilution to the Fund and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact the 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 net asset value. In addition, the Fund imposes fixed and variable transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation Units to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. Finally, the Advisor monitors purchase and redemption orders from APs for patterns of abusive trading and the Fund reserves the right to not accept orders from APs that the Advisor has determined may be disruptive to the management of the Fund.

**Dividends, Distributions and Taxes**

Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid monthly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least 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.

**Federal Tax Matters**

This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning shares of the Fund. 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 Fund. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure 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 advisor.

**Fund Status**

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a "regulated investment company" (a *"RIC"*) under the federal tax laws. If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes its income as required by the tax law, the Fund generally will not pay federal income taxes.

**Distributions**

The Fund's distributions are generally taxable. After the end of each year, you will receive a tax statement that separates the distributions of the Fund into two categories: ordinary income distributions and capital gain 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. Some portion of the ordinary income distributions that are attributable to dividends received by the Fund from shares in certain real estate investment trusts may be designated by the Fund as eligible for a deduction for qualified business income, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied. Generally, you will treat all capital gain dividends as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your shares.

To determine your actual tax liability for your capital gain 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; however, such distributions may reduce your tax basis in your shares, which could result in you having to pay higher taxes in the future when shares are sold, even if you sell the shares at a loss from your original investment. A "return of capital" is a return, in whole or in part, of the funds that you previously invested in the Fund. A return of capital distribution should not be considered part of a Fund's dividend yield or total return of an investment in Fund shares. The tax status of your distributions from the Fund

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is not affected by whether you reinvest your distributions in additional shares or receive them in cash. The income from the 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.

Income from the Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to your net investment income if your adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals.

**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 RICs. However, certain ordinary income dividends on shares that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from certain corporations may be reported by the Fund 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 stated federal tax rate for net capital gain is generally 20% (15% or 0% for taxpayers with taxable incomes below certain thresholds). Some capital gains, including some portion of your capital gain dividends may be taxed at a higher maximum stated tax rate. Capital gain received from assets held for more than one year that is considered "unrecaptured section 1250 gain" (which may be the case, for example, with some capital gains attributable to equity interests in real estate investment trusts that constitute interests in entities treated as real estate investment trusts for federal income tax purposes) is taxed at a maximum marginal stated federal tax rate of 25%. In the case of capital gain dividends, the determination of which portion of the capital gain dividend, if any, is subject to the 25% tax rate, will be made based on rules prescribed by the United States Treasury. Capital gains may also be subject to the Medicare tax described above.

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 the Fund and sell your share 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 of 1986, as amended, treats certain capital gains as ordinary income in special situations.

An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

Ordinary income dividends received by an individual shareholder from a RIC such as the Fund are generally taxed at the same rates that apply to net capital gain (as discussed above), provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied and provided the dividends are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund itself. Distributions with respect to shares in REITs and foreign corporations are qualifying dividends only in limited circumstances. The Fund 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 or redeem 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 brokerage fees, if any. In some cases, however, you may have to adjust your tax basis after you purchase your shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

If you exchange 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 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

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cash redemption amount. The IRS, 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.

**Treatment of Fund Expenses**

Expenses incurred and deducted by the Fund will generally not be treated as income taxable to you.

**Non-U.S. Tax Credit**

Because the Fund invests in non-U.S. securities, the tax statement that you receive may include an item showing non-U.S. taxes the Fund paid to other countries. In this case, dividends taxed to you will include your share of the taxes the 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 the Fund will be characterized as dividends for federal income tax purposes (other than dividends which the Fund properly reports 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 the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. Distributions from the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. investors, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

Distributions may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax of 30% in the case of distributions to (i) certain non-U.S. financial institutions that have not entered into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose certain information and are not resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury and (ii) certain other non-U.S. entities that do not provide certain certifications and information about the entity's U.S. owners. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**Investments in Certain Non-U.S. Corporations**

If the Fund holds an equity interest in any "passive foreign investment companies" ("*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, 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 shareholders. The Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes. The 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, the 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. Dividends paid by PFICs are not treated as qualified dividend income.

**Distribution Plan**

FTP serves as the distributor of Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis. FTP does not maintain a secondary market in shares.

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The Board has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 plan, the Fund is authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of its 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.

The Fund does not currently pay 12b-1 fees, and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024. However, in the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because these fees are paid out of the Fund's 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**

The Fund's net asset value is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Net asset value is calculated for the 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 net asset value per share. All valuations are subject to review by the Board or its delegate.

The Fund's investments are valued daily in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board, and in accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act requires the fair valuation of all portfolio investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has appointed the Advisor as its valuation designee for all portfolio investments. Certain securities in which the Fund may invest are not listed on any securities exchange or board of trade. Such securities are typically bought and sold by institutional investors in individually negotiated private transactions that function in many respects like an over the counter secondary market, although typically no formal market makers exist. Certain securities, particularly debt securities, have few or no trades, or trade infrequently, and information regarding a specific security may not be widely available or may be incomplete. Accordingly, determinations of the fair value of debt securities may be based on infrequent and dated information. Because there is less reliable, objective data available, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation of debt securities than for other types of securities. Typically, debt securities are valued using information provided by a third-party pricing service. The third-party pricing service primarily uses broker quotes to value the securities.

The Fund's investments are valued daily at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value, in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board and in accordance with the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (*"Nasdaq"*) and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. Securities listed on Nasdaq or the AIM are valued at the official closing price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities. For portfolio securities traded on an exchange that provides both an official closing price and a last sale price, the Advisor, at its discretion, shall determine to use either the last sale price or the official closing price, depending on which price reflects the appropriate market value. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities trading on Nasdaq or the AIM, are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at the last trade price. Short-term investments that mature in less than 60 days when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discount, provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer-specific conditions existing at the time of determination. Net asset value may change on days when investors may not sell or redeem Fund shares.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Advisor at fair value. The use of fair value pricing by the Fund is governed by valuation procedures approved by the Board and in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, certain restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under 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 or fair value 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 the Fund's net asset value or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose

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price, as provided by the pricing service, does not, in the opinion of the Advisor, 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 portfolio investment upon the measurement date under current market conditions. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from the current market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities. See the Fund's SAI for details.

Because foreign securities exchanges may be open on different days than the days during which an investor may purchase or sell shares of the Fund, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when investors are not able to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

Preferred, hybrid and fixed income securities will be valued by the fund accounting agent using a pricing service. Fixed income securities with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less when purchased will be valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. When price quotes are not available, fair market value is based on prices of comparable securities.

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 the Advisor at the average of the bid quotations obtained daily from at least two recognized dealers.

Currency-linked notes, credit-linked notes, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, and other similar instruments will be valued by the Fund by using a pricing service or, if the pricing service does not provide a value, by quotes provided by the selling dealer or financial institution. When price quotes are not available, fair market value is based on prices of comparable securities. Absent a material difference between the exit price for these instruments and the market rates for similar instruments, currency-linked notes, credit-linked notes, etc. will be valued at the exit price.

**Fund Service Providers**

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, acts as the administrator, accounting agent, custodian and transfer agent for the Fund. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as legal counsel to the Fund. First Trust serves as the fund reporting agent for the Fund.

**Premium/Discount Information** 

Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund's shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund's net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter), is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Total Return Information** 

The table below compares the total return of the Fund to a blended benchmark and a market index. The information presented for the Fund is for the period indicated.

"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 return information shown under "Annual Total Return" in the Fund's summary prospectus represents the average annual total returns of the Fund as of the calendar year end, while the information presented below is as of the Fund's fiscal year end. The net asset value per share of the Fund 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 liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of outstanding shares. The net asset value return is based on the net asset value per share of the Fund and the market return is based on the market price per share of the Fund. The price used to calculate market return (*"Market Price"*) is determined by using the midpoint of the national best bid and offer price (*"NBBO"*) as of the time that the Fund's net asset value is calculated. Under SEC rules, the NBBO consists of the highest displayed buy and lowest sell prices among the various exchanges trading the Fund at the time the Fund's net asset value is calculated. Prior to January 1, 2019, the price used was the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the stock exchange on which shares of the Fund were listed for trading as of the time that the Fund's net asset value was calculated. Since the shares of the Fund typically do not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund's inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund, the net asset value of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price

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to calculate market returns. Market and net asset value returns assume that all distributions have been reinvested in the Fund at Market Price and net asset value, respectively. An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike the Fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does 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 reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index. 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 the Fund. 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.

**First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF (FPEI)**

**Total Returns as of October 31, 2022** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Cumulative** | **Cumulative** |
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(8/22/2017)**<br>| **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(8/22/2017)**<br>|
| **Fund Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net Asset Value | -11.68% | 1.88% | 2.20% | 9.77% | 11.97% |
| Market Price | -11.70% | 1.91% | 2.24% | 9.91% | 12.17% |
| **Index Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Blended Benchmark<sup>(1)</sup> | -14.90% | 1.50% | 1.85% | 7.75% | 9.96% |
| ICE BofA US Investment Grade Institutional Capital <br> Securities Index<br>| -13.64% | 1.61% | 1.80% | 8.33% | 9.69% |

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<sup>(1)</sup>

 *The Blended Benchmark consists of a 45/40/15 blend of the ICE BofA US Investment Grade Institutional Capital Securities Index, the ICE USD Contingent Capital Index and the ICE BofA US High Yield Institutional Capital Securities Index. The Blended Benchmark is intended to reflect the proportional market cap of each segment within the institutional market. The Blended Benchmark returns are calculated by using the monthly returns of the three indices during each period shown above. At the beginning of each month the three indices are rebalanced to a 45/40/15 ratio to account for divergence from that ratio that occurred during the course of each month. The monthly returns are then compounded for each period shown above, giving the performance for the Blended Benchmark for each period shown above.*

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**Financial Highlights** 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the periods shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of the Fund. The total returns represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the 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, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022 and is incorporated by reference in the Fund's SAI, which is available upon request.

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

**Financial Highlights**

**For a share outstanding throughout each period** 

**First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF (FPEI)** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended October 31,** | **Year ended October 31,** | **Year ended October 31,** | **Year ended October 31,** | **Year ended October 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $20.52 | $19.36 | $19.85 | $18.75 | $20.26 |
| **Income from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss) | 0.88 | 0.90 | 1.01 | 1.01 | 0.99 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (3.22) | 1.19 | (0.50) | 1.12 | (1.47) |
| Total from investment operations | (2.34) | 2.09 | 0.51 | 2.13 | (0.48) |
| **Distributions paid to shareholders from:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (0.87) | (0.88) | (0.97) | (1.00) | (1.03) |
| Return of capital | (0.05) | (0.05) | (0.03) | (0.03) |  |
| Total distributions | (0.92) | (0.93) | (1.00) | (1.03) | (1.03) |
| **Net asset value, end of period** | $17.26 | $20.52 | $19.36 | $19.85 | $18.75 |
| **Total Return** <sup>(a)</sup> | (11.68)% | 10.91% | 2.76% | 11.75% | (2.42)% |
| **Ratios/supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $649036 | $492418 | $284519 | $235178 | $93757 |
| **Ratios to average net assets:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.85% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 4.89% | 4.60% | 5.22% | 5.39% | 5.36% |
| Portfolio turnover rate <sup>(b)</sup> | 31% | 22% | 48% | 28% | 25% |

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*(a)* *Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. 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. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.*

*(b)* *Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions.*

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**Other Information**

**Continuous Offering** 

The Fund issues, 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 the 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(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. 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(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(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.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF

**For More Information** 

For more detailed information on the Fund, several additional sources of information are available to you. The SAI, incorporated by reference into this prospectus, contains detailed information on the Fund's policies and operation. Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund's annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly impacted the Fund's performance during the last fiscal year. The Fund's most recent SAI, annual and semi-annual reports and certain other information are available free of charge by calling the Fund at (800) 621-1675, on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com or through your financial advisor. Shareholders may call the toll-free number above with any inquiries.

You may obtain this and other information regarding the Fund, including the SAI and 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 online EDGAR database at www.sec.gov. You may also request information regarding the Fund by sending a request (along with a duplication fee) to the SEC by sending an electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.

First Trust Advisors L.P.

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

(800) 621-1675

www.ftportfolios.com

SEC File #: 333-176976

811-22245

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](imge04bee901.gif)

Prospectus

First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF

Ticker Symbol: FTLS <br> Exchange: NYSE Arca

First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (the *"Fund"*) lists and principally trades its shares on NYSE Arca, Inc. (*"NYSE Arca"* or the *"Exchange"*). Market prices may differ to some degree from the net asset value of the shares. Unlike mutual funds, the Fund issues and redeems shares at net asset value, only in large specified blocks of shares called *"Creation Units."* 

The Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*) and an actively managed exchange-traded fund organized as a separate series of a registered management investment company.

**Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.**

**The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of 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**

March 1, 2023

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**Table of Contents**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Summary Information](#xx_713abd34-f4df-47f6-8e54-9e489658499a_1) | 3 |
| [Additional Information on the Fund's Investment Objective and Strategies](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_1) | 11 |
| [Fund Investments](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_1) | 11 |
| [Risks of Investing in the Fund](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_2) | 12 |
| [Fund Organization](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_9) | 19 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_9) | 19 |
| [How to Buy and Sell Shares](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_10) | 20 |
| [Dividends, Distributions and Taxes](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_11) | 21 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_11) | 21 |
| [Distribution Plan](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_14) | 24 |
| [Net Asset Value](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_14) | 24 |
| [Fund Service Providers](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_15) | 25 |
| [Premium/Discount Information](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_16) | 26 |
| [Total Return Information](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_16) | 26 |
| [Financial Highlights](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_17) | 27 |
| [Other Information](#xx_f32ed110-7761-4580-bb3c-b596b784257d_18) | 28 |

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**Summary Information**

**Investment Objective**

The First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF's (the "*Fund*") investment objective is to seek to provide investors with long-term total return.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **Investors may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.**

**Shareholder Fees**

(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees | 0.95% |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.46% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.41% |

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*(1)* *Other Expenses consist of margin interest expense and dividend expense on investments sold short.*

***Example***

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then hold 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 at current levels. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| $144 | $446 | $771 | $1691 |

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**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 223% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal conditions, the Fund will expose at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) to U.S. exchange-listed equity securities and/or U.S. exchange-traded funds (*"ETFs"*) that provide exposure to U.S. exchange-listed equity securities. The Fund pursues its investment objective by establishing long and short positions in its portfolio of U.S. exchange-listed equity securities and ETFs. The Fund's portfolio may include U.S. exchange-listed equity securities of non-U.S. issuers, including the securities of non-U.S. issuers traded on U.S. exchanges in the form of depositary receipts.

The Fund's portfolio is composed of both long and short positions in equity securities and ETFs. As opposed to taking long positions in which an investor seeks to profit from increases in the price of a security, short selling is a technique that will be used by the Fund to try and profit from the falling price of a security. Short selling involves selling a security that has been borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying an identical security back at a later date to return to that third party. Having both long and short positions in an equity security portfolio is a common way to create returns that are independent of market moves. One advantage of a long and short portfolio is that the long and short positions may offset one another in

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a manner that results in a lower net exposure to the direction of the market. In addition, cash balances arising from the use of short selling typically will be held in money market instruments.

The Fund's investment advisor will manage the Fund's portfolio using an investment process that analyzes fundamental, market-related, technical and statistical attributes of eligible securities to assess total return potential. The Fund's investment advisor will then use this analysis as the basis to establish long and short positions within the Fund's portfolio. The Fund pursues its objective by using a variety of quantitative tools to select securities that the Fund's investment advisor believes will either outperform (the *"long basket"*) or underperform (the *"short basket"*). Preliminary rankings of the positions will rely on the Sabrient Systems Earnings Quality Rank (EQR) model and the proprietary research of the Fund's investment advisor. Long and short baskets are then integrated and optimized to build a final portfolio. The overall portfolio, under normal market conditions, will be 80 to 100% invested in long positions and 0% to 50% invested in short positions. The Fund will not use proceeds from the short positions to add leverage to the long positions, and as such, the Fund will not have a net long exposure of greater than 100%. The Fund's investment advisor may alter the size of the short positions and/or the risk profile of the short positions based upon its assessment of the equity markets. Additionally, the notional position of the short positions may be reduced significantly or eliminated temporarily. The Fund and the ETFs held by the Fund may invest in equity securities of master limited partnerships (*"MLPs"*) and real estate investment trusts (*"REITs"*). As of January 31, 2023, the Fund had significant investments in information technology companies, although this may change from time to time.

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in U.S. exchange-listed equity index futures contracts. These futures contracts will be used to gain long or short exposure to broad based equity indexes.

To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a given jurisdiction or investment sector, the Fund may be exposed to the risks associated with that jurisdiction or investment sector. The Fund may also invest in companies with various market capitalizations.

**Principal Risks**

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be achieved. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount (the difference between the market price of the Fund's shares and the Fund's net asset value) and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread (the difference between the price that someone is willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a specific point in time versus the price at which someone is willing to sell) on the Fund's shares may widen.

**COUNTERPARTY RISK.** Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty's financial condition (*i.e.*, financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty's inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems through "hacking" or malicious software coding but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, custodian, or sub-advisor, as applicable, can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Although the Fund has established risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

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**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK**. Depositary receipts represent equity interests in a foreign company that trade on a local stock exchange. Depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert the equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause the equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

**EQUITY SECURITIES RISK.** The value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting an issuer occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market.

**ETF RISK.** The Fund invests in ETFs, which subjects it to the risks of owning the securities underlying the ETF, as well as the same structural risks faced by an investor purchasing shares of the Fund, including authorized participant concentration risk, market maker risk, premium/discount risk and trading issues risk. As a shareholder in another ETF, the Fund bears its proportionate share of the ETF's expenses, subjecting Fund shareholders to duplicative expenses.

**FUTURES CONTRACTS RISK.** Futures contracts are typically exchange-traded contracts that call for the future delivery of an asset by one party to another at a certain price and date, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. The risk of a position in a futures contract may be very large compared to the relatively low level of margin the Fund is required to deposit. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. In the event no secondary market exists for a particular contract, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions, and the Fund will be unable to terminate the derivative. If the Fund uses futures contracts for hedging purposes, there is a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the derivatives and movements in the securities or index underlying the derivatives or movements in the prices of the Fund's investments that are the subject of such hedge. The prices of futures contracts may not correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying them.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking exchange-traded funds or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity in the Fund's shares.

**INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES RISK.** Information technology companies produce and provide hardware, software and information technology systems and services. These companies may be adversely affected by rapidly changing technologies, short product life cycles, fierce competition, aggressive pricing and reduced profit margins, the loss of patent,

------

copyright and trademark protections, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. In addition, information technology companies are particularly vulnerable to federal, state and local government regulation, and competition and consolidation, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies also heavily rely on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by the loss or impairment of those rights.

**LEVERAGE RISK.** Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rates of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the value of the Fund's shares to be volatile and sensitive to market swings.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Fund may hold certain investments that may be subject to restrictions on resale, trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or lack an active trading market. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to sell or close out of such investments at favorable times or prices (or at all), or at the prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value and the bid/ask spread of the Fund's shares may widen.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**MLP RISK.** Investments in securities of MLPs involve certain risks different from or in addition to the risks of investing in common stocks. MLP common units can be affected by macro-economic factors and other factors unique to the partnership or company and the industry or industries in which the MLP operates. Certain MLP securities may trade in relatively low volumes due to their smaller capitalizations or other factors, which may cause them to have a high degree of price volatility and illiquidity. The structures of MLPs create certain risks, including, for example, risks related to the limited ability of investors to control an MLP and to vote on matters affecting the MLP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an MLP and the MLP's general partner, the risk that an MLP will generate insufficient cash flow to meet its current operating requirements, the risk that an MLP will issue additional securities or engage in other transactions that will have the effect of diluting the interests of existing investors, and risks related to the general partner's right to require unit-holders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. On March 15, 2018, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (*"FERC"*) changed its long-standing tax allowance policy which no longer permits MLPs to include in their cost of service an income tax allowance. This has had a negative impact on the performance of some MLPs affected by this decision. This policy change and any similar policy changes

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in the future could adversely impact an MLP's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and ability to pay cash distributions or dividends.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** Non-U.S. securities are subject to higher volatility than securities of domestic issuers due to possible adverse political, social or economic developments, restrictions on foreign investment or exchange of securities, capital controls, lack of liquidity, currency exchange rates, excessive taxation, government seizure of assets, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, different legal or accounting standards, and less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges in foreign countries.

**OPERATIONAL RISK.** The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RISK.** High portfolio turnover may result in the Fund paying higher levels of transaction costs and may generate greater tax liabilities for shareholders. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than expected.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. The Fund's investment advisor cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Fund's investment advisor believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**REIT RISK.** REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities. REITs may have also a relatively small market capitalization which may result in their shares experiencing less market liquidity and greater price volatility than larger companies. 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.

**SHORT SALES RISK.** In connection with a short sale of a security or other instrument, the Fund is subject to the risk that instead of declining, the price of the security or other instrument sold short will rise. If the price of the security or other instrument sold short increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the security or other instrument borrowed to make the short sale, the Fund will experience a loss, which is theoretically unlimited since there is a theoretically unlimited potential for the market price of a security or other instrument sold short to increase.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

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**SMALLER COMPANIES RISK.** Small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more vulnerable 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, fewer 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.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

**VOLATILITY RISK.** Volatility is the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The Fund may invest in securities or financial instruments that exhibit more volatility than the market as a whole. Such exposures could cause the Fund's net asset value to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time.

**Annual Total Return**

The bar chart and table below illustrate the annual calendar year returns of the Fund based on net asset value as well as the average annual Fund returns. 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 based on net asset value compared to those of a broad-based market index. See "Total Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund. The Fund's performance information is accessible on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.

**First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF**

**Calendar Year Total Returns as of 12/31**

![](imga0868b142.jpg)

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During the periods shown in the chart above:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Best Quarter** |  | **Worst Quarter** |  |
| 9.78% | June 30, 2020 | -12.59% | March 31, 2020 |

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The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

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 indices 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.

**Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022** 

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Since**<br> **Inception**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **Date**<br>|
| Return Before Taxes | -5.19% | 5.16% | 6.78% | 9/8/2014 |
| Return After Taxes On Distributions | -5.50% | 4.90% | 6.48% |  |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -3.07% | 3.89% | 5.27% |  |
| S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or <br> taxes)<br>| -18.11% | 9.42% | 10.22% |  |

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**Management**

***Investment Advisor*** 

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"* or the *"Advisor"*)

***Portfolio Managers***

The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• John Gambla, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager of First Trust

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Rob A. Guttschow, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager of First Trust

The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day to day management of the Fund. Each portfolio manager has served in such capacity for the Fund since 2014.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large blocks of shares called "Creation Units." Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since shares of the Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, the Fund's shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund's net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the *"bid-ask spread"*). Recent information, including the Fund's net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, bid-ask spreads and the median bid-ask spread for the Fund's most recent fiscal year, is available online at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on shares held in a tax-deferred account, while not immediately taxable, will be subject to tax when the shares are no longer held in a tax-deferred account.

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**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, bank or other financial intermediary (collectively, "intermediaries"), First Trust and First Trust Portfolios L.P., the Fund's distributor, may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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**Additional Information on the Fund's Investment Objective and Strategies**

The Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III and is regulated as an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the *"1940 Act"*). The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to track the performance of an index. The Fund's investment objective is fundamental and may not be changed without approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless an investment policy is identified as being fundamental, all investment policies included in this prospectus and the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the *"Board"*) without shareholder approval. If there is a material change to the Fund's principal investment strategies, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

The Fund has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (the *"Name Policy"*), whereby the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in equity securities. The Name Policy may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval upon 60 days prior written notice.

**Fund Investments**

**Principal Investments**

**Equity Securities**

The Fund invests in equity securities, which may include common stocks, preferred securities, warrants to purchase common stocks or preferred securities, securities convertible into common stocks or preferred securities, and other securities with equity characteristics, such as real estate investment trusts, master limited partnerships and depositary receipts. The Fund takes long and short positions in equity securities. Generally, long positions seek to profit from increases in the price of a security, while short selling is a technique that seeks to profit from the falling price of a security. Short selling involves selling a security that has been borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying an identical security back at a later date to return to that third party.

**Exchange-Traded Funds**

ETFs are registered investment companies that trade on a securities exchange and their shares may, at times, trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of ETFs. As a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund will bear its ratable share of the ETF's expenses and will remain subject to payment of the ETF's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of ETFs. Securities of ETFs may be leveraged, in which case the value and/or yield of such securities will tend to be more volatile than securities of unleveraged vehicles.

The Fund's ability to invest in other investment companies is limited by the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations. The Fund has adopted a policy that it will not invest in other investment companies in excess of 1940 Act limits in reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.

**Derivative Instruments**

The Fund may invest up to 20% of the Fund's net assets in derivative instruments, including U.S. exchange-listed equity index futures contracts. The Fund may make margin payments when it takes positions in derivative instruments involving obligations to third parties (*i.e.*, instruments other than purchase options). If the applicable guidelines prescribed under the 1940 Act so require, the Fund will earmark or set aside cash, U.S. government securities, high grade liquid debt securities and/or other liquid assets permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission in a segregated custodial account in the amount prescribed. The Fund will only enter into transactions in derivative instruments with counterparties that the Advisor reasonably believes are capable of performing under the applicable contract. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments will be consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and the 1940 Act and will not be used to seek to achieve a multiple or inverse multiple of an index.

To the extent the Fund enters into derivatives transactions, it will do so pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to implement certain policies and procedures designed to manage its derivatives risks, dependent upon the Fund's level of exposure to derivative instruments.

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**Non-Principal Investments**

**Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments**

Normally, the Fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. The Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities with maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or it may hold cash. The percentage of the Fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on several factors, including market conditions. For temporary defensive purposes and during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, the Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities, or it may hold cash. During such periods, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective. The Fund may adopt a defensive strategy when the portfolio managers believe securities in which the Fund normally invests have elevated risks due to political or economic factors and in other extraordinary circumstances. For more information on eligible short-term investments, see the SAI.

**Illiquid Investments**

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities and other instruments that are, at the time of investment, illiquid (determined using the Securities and Exchange Commission's standard applicable to investment companies, *i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For this purpose, illiquid investments may 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 Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"Securities Act"*), that are deemed to be illiquid, and certain repurchase agreements, among others.

**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**

The Fund's portfolio holdings are available on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com. A description of the policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is included in the Fund's SAI, which is also available on the Fund's website.

**Risks of Investing in the Fund**

Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in the Fund involves risk, including the risk that you may lose all or part of your investment. There can be no assurance that the Fund will meet its stated objective. Before you invest, you should consider the following disclosure pertaining to the Principal Risks set forth above as well as additional Non-Principal Risks set forth below in this prospectus. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**Principal Risks**

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. However, participants are not obligated to make a market in the Fund's shares or submit purchase and redemption orders for creation units. To the extent that these institutions exit the business, reduce their role or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount to the Fund's net asset value and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**COUNTERPARTY RISK.** If the Fund enters into an investment or transaction that depends on the performance of another party, the Fund becomes subject to the credit risk of that counterparty. The Fund's ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions depends on the willingness and ability of the Fund's counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, the Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Fund. The Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization proceeding involving a counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If the Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Under applicable law or contractual provisions, including if the Fund enters into an investment or transaction with a financial institution and such financial institution (or an affiliate of the financial institution) experiences financial difficulties, then the Fund may in certain situations be prevented or delayed from exercising its rights to terminate the investment or transaction, or to realize on any collateral and may result in the suspension of payment and delivery obligations of the parties under such investment or transactions or in another institution being substituted for

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that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. Further, the Fund may be subject to "bail-in" risk under applicable law whereby, if required by the financial institution's authority, the financial institution's liabilities could be written down, eliminated or converted into equity or an alternative instrument of ownership. A bail-in of a financial institution may result in a reduction in value of some or all of securities and, if the Fund holds such securities or has entered into a transaction with such a financial security when a bail-in occurs, the Fund may also be similarly impacted.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. These risks typically are not covered by insurance. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (*e.g.*, through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (*i.e.*, efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber security failures by or breaches of the systems of the Advisor, distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, sub-advisors, index providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses; interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value; disclosure of confidential trading information; impediments to trading; submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders; the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; or additional compliance costs. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified and that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants. However, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, and the Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK.** The Fund invests in depositary receipts. Depositary receipts are securities issued by a bank or trust company reflecting ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign company. An investment in depositary receipts involves further risks due to certain unique features. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights pursuant to a deposit agreement between the underlying issuer and the depositary. In certain cases, the depositary will vote the shares deposited with it as directed by the underlying issuer's board of directors. Furthermore, investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipt. Moreover, if depositary receipts are converted into shares, the laws in certain countries may limit the ability of a non-resident to trade the shares and to reconvert the shares to depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be "sponsored" or "unsponsored." Sponsored depositary receipts are established jointly by a depositary and the underlying issuer, whereas unsponsored depositary receipts may be established by a depositary without participation by the underlying issuer. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs associated with establishing the unsponsored depositary receipts. In addition, the issuers of the securities underlying unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the U.S. and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage.

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Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

**EQUITY SECURITIES RISK.** The value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market. Additionally, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer.

**ETF RISK.** The Fund may invest in ETFs. Most ETFs use a "passive" investment strategy and seek to replicate the performance of a market index. Such ETFs do not take defensive positions in volatile or declining markets their shares may trade below net asset value. While some ETFs seek to achieve the same return as a particular market index, the performance of the ETF may diverge from the performance of the index. Some ETFs are actively managed ETFs and do not track a particular index which indirectly subjects an investor to active management risk. An active secondary market in ETF shares may not develop or be maintained and may be halted or interrupted due to actions by its listing exchange, unusual market conditions or other reasons. There can be no assurance that an ETF's shares will continue to be listed on an active exchange. In addition, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of the Fund's expenses and, indirectly, the ETF's expenses, incurred through the Fund's ownership of the ETF. Because the expenses and costs of an ETF are shared by its investors, redemptions by other investors in the ETF could result in decreased economies of scale and increased operating expenses for such ETF. These transactions might also result in higher brokerage, tax or other costs for the ETF. This risk may be particularly important when one investor owns a substantial portion of the ETF. There is a risk that ETFs in which the Fund invests may terminate due to extraordinary events. For example, any of the service providers to ETFs, such as the trustee or sponsor, may close or otherwise fail to perform their obligations to the ETF, and the ETF may not be able to find a substitute service provider. Also, certain ETFs may be dependent upon licenses to use various indexes as a basis for determining their compositions and/or otherwise to use certain trade names. If these licenses are terminated, the ETFs may also terminate. In addition, an ETF may terminate if its net assets fall below a certain amount.

**FUTURES CONTRACTS RISK.** The Fund may enter into futures contracts. Futures contracts are typically exchange-traded contracts that call for the future delivery of an asset by one party to another at a certain price and date, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. The risk of a position in a futures contract may be very large compared to the relatively low level of margin the Fund is required to deposit. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. The ability to establish and close out positions in futures contracts is subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. If the Fund uses futures contracts for hedging purposes, there is a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the derivatives and movements in the securities or index underlying the derivatives or movements in the prices of the Fund's investments that are the subject of such hedge. The prices of futures contracts, for a number of reasons, may not correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying them. For example, participants in the futures markets are subject to margin deposit requirements less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets in general. As a result, futures markets may attract more speculators than the securities markets. Increased participation by speculators in those markets may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion, even a correct forecast of general market trends by the Fund's portfolio managers still may not result in a successful derivatives activity over a very short time period. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the various exchanges have established limits referred to as "speculative position limits" on the maximum net long or net short positions that any person and certain affiliated entities may hold or control in a particular futures contract. It is possible that, as a result of such limits, the Fund will be precluded from taking positions in certain futures contracts it might have otherwise taken to the disadvantage of shareholders.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking ETFs or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund's shares. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling

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activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity. To the extent buying or selling activity increases, the Fund can be exposed to increased brokerage costs and adverse tax consequences and the market price of the Fund can be negatively affected.

**INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES RISK.** Information technology companies produce and provide hardware, software and information technology systems and services. Information technology companies are generally subject to the following risks: rapidly changing technologies and existing product obsolescence; short product life cycles; fierce competition; aggressive pricing and reduced profit margins; the loss of patent, copyright and trademark protections; cyclical market patterns; evolving industry standards; and frequent new product introductions and new market entrants. Information technology companies may be smaller and less experienced companies, with limited product lines, markets or financial resources and fewer experienced management or marketing personnel. Information technology company stocks, particularly those involved with the internet, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that are often unrelated to their operating performance. In addition, information technology companies are particularly vulnerable to federal, state and local government regulation, and competition and consolidation, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies also face competition for services of qualified personnel and heavily rely on patents and intellectual property rights and the ability to enforce such rights to maintain a competitive advantage.

**LEVERAGE RISK.** The Fund has exposure to instruments subjecting them to leverage risk. Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rates of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the value of the Fund's portfolio and the Fund's shares to be volatile and sensitive to market swings. Certain instruments have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Fund may have investments that it may not be able to dispose of or close out readily at a favorable time or price (or at all), or at a price approximating the Fund's valuation of the investment. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value and the bid/ask spread of the Fund's shares may widen. It may be difficult for the Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. If the Fund needed to sell a large block of illiquid securities to meet shareholder redemption request or to raise cash, these sales could further reduce the securities' prices and adversely affect performance of the Fund. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective(s), meet relevant benchmarks or perform as well as other funds with similar objectives.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks

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have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. Additionally, in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine which has caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain Fund investments as well as Fund performance. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**MLP RISK.** Investments in securities of MLPs involve certain risks different from or in addition to the risks of investing in common stocks, including for example risks related to the limited ability of investors to control an MLP and to vote on matters affecting the MLP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an MLP and the MLP's general partner, the risk that an MLP will generate insufficient cash flow to meet its current operating requirements, the risk that an MLP will issue additional securities or engage in other transactions that will have the effect of diluting the interests of existing investors, and risks related to the general partner's right to require investors to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. MLP common units can be affected by macro-economic and other factors affecting the stock market in general, changes or anticipated changes in interest rates, investor sentiment towards MLPs or the energy sector generally, changes in a particular issuer's financial condition, or unfavorable or unanticipated poor performance of a particular issuer (in the case of MLPs, generally measured in terms of distributable cash flow). Prices of common units of individual MLPs also can be affected by other factors unique to the partnership or company, including earnings power and coverage ratios. Certain MLP securities may trade in relatively low volumes due to their smaller capitalizations or other factors, which may cause them to have a high degree of price volatility and lack sufficient market liquidity to enable the Fund to effect a sale at an advantageous time or price. Because many MLPs pay out most of their operating cash flows, the MLPs rely on capital markets for access to equity and debt financing to fund growth through organization. If market conditions limit an MLPs access to capital markets, the MLPs growth prospects could diminish and its costs of capital increase, which would decrease the value of the common units held by the Fund.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in non-U.S. securities. An investment in securities of non-U.S. companies involves risks not associated with domestic issuers. Investment in non-U.S. securities may involve higher costs than investment in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by non-U.S. governments. Non-U.S. investments may also involve risks associated with the level of currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity, more market volatility and political instability. Future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on dividend income, the possible seizure or nationalization of non-U.S. holdings, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, the possible establishment of capital controls, exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency or the adoption of other governmental restrictions might adversely affect an investment in non-U.S. securities. Additionally, non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less stringent regulation, and to different accounting, auditing and recordkeeping requirements. The U.S. and non-U.S. markets often rise and fall at different times or by different amounts due to economic or other regional developments particular to a given country or region.

**OPERATIONAL RISK**. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RISK.** The Fund has an investment strategy that may frequently involve buying and selling portfolio securities. High portfolio turnover may result in the Fund paying higher levels of transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other costs and may generate greater tax liabilities for shareholders. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than expected.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. First Trust cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in

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the secondary trading market for shares will be closely related, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), First Trust believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained absent disruptions to the creation and redemption mechanism, extreme market volatility or potential lack of authorized participants. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**REIT RISK.** REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. Additionally, 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 risk of a possible lack of mortgage funds and associated interest rate risks, overbuilding, property vacancies, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to environmental damages, changes in neighborhood values and appeal to purchasers, the possibility of failing to maintain exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act, failure to satisfy the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for maintaining REIT status and, in many cases, relatively small market capitalization, which may result in less market liquidity and greater price volatility for a REIT's shares. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities.

**SHORT SALES RISK.** The Fund may engage in short sales. In connection with a short sale of a security or other instrument, the Fund is subject to the risk that instead of declining, the price of the security or other instrument sold short will rise. If the price of the security or derivative that is the subject of a short sale increases, then the Fund will incur a loss equal to the increase in price from the time that the short sale was entered into plus any premiums and interest paid to a third party in connection with the short sale. The risk of loss on a shorted position arises from the increase in value of the security sold short and is potentially unlimited unlike the risk of loss on a long position, which is limited to the amount paid for the investment plus transaction costs. Therefore, short sales involve the risk that losses may be exaggerated, potentially losing more money than the actual cost of the investment. Also, there is the risk that the third party to the short sale may fail to honor its contract terms, causing a loss to the Fund. Further, in times of unusual or adverse economic, market or political conditions, the Fund may not be able to fully or partially implement its short selling strategy.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development that affected a particular asset class, region or industry may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater volatility and market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**SMALLER COMPANIES RISK.** The stock price of small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more volatile than those of larger companies and therefore the Fund's share price may be more volatile than those of funds that invest a larger percentage of their assets in stocks issued by large capitalization companies. Stock prices of small and/or mid capitalization companies are also generally more vulnerable than those of large capitalization companies to adverse business and economic developments. Securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies may be thinly traded, making it difficult for the Fund to buy and sell them. In addition, small and/or mid capitalization companies are typically less financially stable than larger, more established companies and may reinvest a high proportion of their earnings in their business and may not pay dividends. Small and/or mid capitalization companies may also depend on a small number of essential personnel who may also be less experienced than the management of larger companies, making these companies more vulnerable to experiencing adverse effects due to the loss or inexperience of personnel. Small and/or mid capitalization companies also normally have less diverse product lines than those of large capitalization companies and are more susceptible to adverse developments concerning their products.

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**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

**VOLATILITY RISK.** Volatility is the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The Fund may invest in securities or financial instruments that exhibit more volatility than the market as a whole. Such exposures could cause the Fund's net asset value to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time. Volatility can be caused by many factors, including changes in the economy or financial markets or for reasons specific to a particular issuer.

**Non-Principal Risks**

**BORROWING AND LEVERAGE RISK.** If the Fund borrows money, it must pay interest and other fees, which may reduce the Fund's returns. Any such borrowings are intended to be temporary. However, under certain market conditions, including periods of decreased liquidity, such borrowings might be outstanding for longer periods of time. As prescribed by the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain specified asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to any bank borrowing immediately following such borrowing and at all times thereafter. The Fund may be required to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms if market fluctuations or other factors reduce the Fund's asset coverage to less than the prescribed amount.

**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund may, under certain circumstances, effect a portion of creations and redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects its creations and redemptions only in-kind. ETFs are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid being taxed on gains on the distributed portfolio securities at the fund level. A Fund that effects redemptions for cash may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. Any recognized gain on these sales by the Fund will generally cause the Fund to recognize a gain it might not otherwise have recognized, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required if it were to distribute portfolio securities only in-kind. The Fund intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than if they had made an investment in a different ETF. Moreover, cash transactions may have to be carried out over several days if the securities market is relatively illiquid and may involve considerable brokerage fees and taxes. These brokerage fees and taxes, which will be higher than if the Fund sold and redeemed its shares entirely in-kind, will be passed on to those purchasing and redeeming Creation Units in the form of creation and redemption transaction fees. In addition, these factors may result in wider spreads between the bid and the offered prices of the Fund's shares than for ETFs that distribute portfolio securities in-kind.

**DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL RISK.** The Fund is dependent upon the experience and expertise of the Fund's portfolio managers in providing advisory services with respect to the Fund's investments. If the Advisor were to lose the services of either of these portfolio managers, its ability to service the Fund could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for either of the portfolio managers in the event of their death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of the Advisor.

**FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY RISK.** If, in any year, the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the applicable tax laws, the Fund would be taxed as an ordinary corporation. In such circumstances,

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the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline. This risk is more prevalent with respect to debt securities held by the Fund. Inflation creates uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of an investment. Inflation rates may change frequently and drastically as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy, and the Fund's investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund investors.

**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.

**LEGISLATION/LITIGATION RISK.** From time to time, various legislative initiatives are proposed in the United States and abroad, which may have a negative impact on certain companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, litigation regarding any of the issuers of the securities owned by the Fund, or industries represented by these issuers, may negatively impact the value of the securities. Such legislation or litigation may cause the Fund to lose value or may result in higher portfolio turnover if the Advisor determines to sell such a holding.

**Fund Organization**

The Fund is a series of the Trust, an investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund is treated as a separate fund with its own investment objectives and policies. The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Board is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Trust. The Board elects the Trust's officers and approves all significant agreements, including those with the Advisor, distributor, custodian and fund administrative and accounting agent.

**Management of the Fund**

First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Fund. In this capacity, First Trust is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the 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 James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Fund.

First Trust serves as advisor or sub-advisor for 9 mutual fund portfolios, 10 exchange-traded funds consisting of 201 series and 14 closed-end funds. It is also the portfolio supervisor of certain unit investment trusts sponsored by First Trust Portfolios L.P. (*"FTP"*), an affiliate of First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. FTP specializes in the underwriting, trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities. FTP is the principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund.

John Gambla and Rob Guttschow are the Fund's portfolio managers and are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's investment portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Mr. Gambla, CFA, is a Senior Vice President and Co-head of the First Trust Alternatives Investment Team. John has over 26 years of investment experience spanning multiple asset classes and investment styles. John currently manages the First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF, the First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy ETF, the First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF, the First Trust Managed Futures ETF, as well as various risk-managed and option-based strategies and overlays. Prior to joining First Trust in 2011, John was Co-Chief Investment Officer at Nuveen HydePark Group LLC and was responsible for investment activities, research systems and infrastructure development. John also held a variety of positions at Nuveen Investments. John has extensive experience in portfolio management, derivatives, risk management and quantitative data analysis. John began his career in Finance at Abbott Laboratories. John graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Developmental Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and earned an MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. He is a CFA Charter Holder and holds FRM and PRM designations.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Mr. Guttschow, CFA, is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Co-head of the First Trust Alternatives Investment Team. Rob has over 25 years of investment experience spanning multiple asset classes and investment styles. Rob currently manages the First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF, the First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund, the First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF, the First Trust Managed Futures Strategy, as well as various risk-managed and option-based strategies and overlays. Prior to joining First Trust in 2011, Rob was Co-Chief Investment Officer at Nuveen HydePark Group LLC and was responsible for trading, portfolio management, performance attribution, and research. Previously, Rob was a Senior Portfolio Manager at Nuveen Asset Management, where he developed Nuveen's buy-side derivative desk for fixed-income and equity-portfolio hedging. Rob started his career at Lotsoff Capital Management where, at the time of his departure, he was a Partner and Managing Director. At Lotsoff Capital Management, he managed approximately $1.5 billion in a various fixed-income and equity-based strategies. Rob received a BS in Materials Engineering (Ceramics) and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana in 1991 and 1993, respectively. Rob holds the Chartered Financial Analysis designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Chicago.

For additional information concerning First Trust, including a description of the services provided to the Fund, see the Fund's SAI. Additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares in the Fund is provided in the SAI.

**Management Fee**

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the *"Investment Management Agreement"*), First Trust manages the investment of the Fund's assets. First Trust is paid an annual unitary management fee by the Fund equal to 0.95% of the Fund's average daily net assets and is responsible for the Fund's expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, but excluding fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, expenses associated with short sales transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to First Trust will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*). See the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for more information on the breakpoints.

A discussion regarding the Board's approval of the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement is available in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022.

**How to Buy and Sell Shares**

Most investors buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the secondary market on one or more national securities exchanges. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no minimum investment when buying shares on the Exchange. 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, investors should expect to pay brokerage commissions, investors may receive less than the net asset value of the shares because shares are bought and sold at market prices rather than at net asset value, and investors may pay some or all of the bid-ask spread for each transaction (purchase or sale) of Fund shares. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per share.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will pay out redemption proceeds to a redeeming authorized participant within two days after the authorized participant's redemption request is received, in accordance with the process set forth in the Fund's SAI and in the agreement between the authorized participant and the Fund's distributor. However, the Fund reserves the right, including under stressed market conditions, to take up to seven days after the receipt of a redemption request to pay an authorized participant, all as permitted by the 1940 Act. If the Fund has foreign investments in a country where a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents the Fund from delivering such foreign investments to an authorized participant in response to a redemption request, the Fund may take up to 15 days after the receipt of the redemption request to deliver such investments to the authorized participant.

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For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is treated as a registered investment company, and the acquisition of shares by other registered investment companies and companies relying on Sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act is subject to the restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations.

**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 Fund 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 price of shares of the Fund on the secondary market is based on market price and may differ from the Fund's daily net asset value and can be affected by market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of the Fund's Shares** 

The Fund imposes 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 Fund's shareholders. The Board considered that the Fund's shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (*i.e.*, authorized participants ("*APs*")) and that the vast majority of trading in the Fund's shares occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not involve the 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 the Fund's trading costs and the realization of capital gains. With respect to trades directly with the Fund, to the extent effected in-kind (*i.e.*, for securities), those trades do not cause any of the harmful effects that may result from frequent cash trades. To the extent that the Fund may effect the purchase or redemption of Creation Units in exchange wholly or partially for cash, the Board noted that such trades could result in dilution to the Fund and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact the 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 net asset value. In addition, the Fund imposes fixed and variable transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation Units to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. Finally, the Advisor monitors purchase and redemption orders from APs for patterns of abusive trading and the Fund reserves the right to not accept orders from APs that the Advisor has determined may be disruptive to the management of the Fund.

**Dividends, Distributions and Taxes**

Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid quarterly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least 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.

**Federal Tax Matters**

This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning shares of the Fund. 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.

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This federal income tax summary is based in part on the advice of counsel to the Fund. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure 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 advisor.

**Fund Status**

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a "regulated investment company" (a *"RIC"*) under the federal tax laws. If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes its income as required by the tax law, the Fund generally will not pay federal income taxes.

An adverse federal income tax audit of a partnership that the Fund invests in could result in the Fund being required to pay federal income tax or pay a deficiency dividend (without having received additional cash).

**Distributions** 

The Fund's distributions are generally taxable. After the end of each year, you will receive a tax statement that separates the distributions of the Fund into two categories: ordinary income distributions and capital gain 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. Some portion of the ordinary income distributions that are attributable to dividends received by the Fund from shares in certain real estate investment trusts may be designated by the Fund as eligible for a deduction for qualified business income, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied. Generally, you will treat all capital gain dividends as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your shares. To determine your actual tax liability for your capital gain 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; however, such distributions may reduce your tax basis in your shares, which could result in you having to pay higher taxes in the future when shares are sold, even if you sell the shares at a loss from your original investment. A "return of capital" is a return, in whole or in part, of the funds that you previously invested in the Fund. A return of capital distribution should not be considered part of a Fund's dividend yield or total return of an investment in Fund shares. The tax status of your distributions from the Fund is not affected by whether you reinvest your distributions in additional shares or receive them in cash. The income from the 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.

Income from the Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to your net investment income if your adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals.

**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 Fund from certain corporations may be reported by the Fund as being eligible for the dividends received deduction. The use of the long/short strategy may reduce the amount of dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the dividends received deduction.

**Capital Gains and Losses and Certain Ordinary Income Dividends** 

If you are an individual, the maximum marginal stated federal tax rate for net capital gain is generally 20% (15% or 0% for taxpayers with taxable income below certain thresholds). Some capital gains, including some portion of your capital gain dividends may be taxed at a higher maximum stated tax rate. Capital gains may also be subject to the Medicare tax described above. Some portion of your capital gain dividends may be attributable to the Fund's interest in a master limited partnership which may be subject to a maximum marginal stated federal tax rate of 28%, rather than the rates set forth above. In addition, capital gain received from assets held for more than one year that is considered "unrecaptured section 1250 gain" (which may be the case, for example, with some capital gains attributable to equity interests in real estate investment trusts that constitute interests in entities treated as real estate investment trusts for federal income tax purposes) is taxed at a maximum

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marginal stated federal tax rate of 25%. In the case of capital gain dividends, the determination of which portion of the capital gain dividend, if any, is subject to the 28% tax rate or the 25% tax rate, will be made based on rules prescribed by the United States Treasury.

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 the Fund and sell your share 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 of 1986, as amended, treats certain capital gains as ordinary income in special situations.

An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

Ordinary income dividends received by an individual shareholder from a regulated investment company such as the Fund are generally taxed at the same rates that apply to net capital gain (as discussed above), provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied and provided the dividends are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund itself. Distributions with respect to shares in real estate investment trusts and foreign corporations are qualifying dividends only in limited circumstances. The Fund 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. The use of the long/short strategy may reduce the amount of dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the capital gains tax rates.

**Sale of Shares**

If you sell or redeem 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 brokerage fees, if any. In some cases, however, you may have to adjust your tax basis after you purchase your shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

If you exchange 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 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 IRS, 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.

**Treatment of Fund Expenses**

Expenses incurred and deducted by the Fund will generally not be treated as income taxable to you.

**Non-U.S. Tax Credit**

Because the Fund invests in non-U.S. securities, the tax statement that you receive may include an item showing non-U.S. taxes the Fund paid to other countries. In this case, dividends taxed to you will include your share of the taxes the 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 the Fund will be characterized as dividends for federal income tax purposes (other than dividends which the Fund properly reports 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 the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes, provided that the Fund makes certain

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elections and certain other conditions are met. Distributions from the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. investors, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

Distributions may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax of 30% in the case of distributions to (i) certain non-U.S. financial institutions that have not entered into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose certain information and are not resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury and (ii) certain other non-U.S. entities that do not provide certain certifications and information about the entity's U.S. owners. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**Investments in Certain Non-U.S. Corporations**

If the Fund holds an equity interest in any "passive foreign investment companies" ("*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, 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 shareholders. The Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes. The 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, the 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. Dividends paid by PFICs are not treated as qualified dividend income.

**Distribution Plan**

FTP serves as the distributor of Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis. FTP does not maintain a secondary market in shares.

The Board has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 plan, the Fund is authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of its 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.

The Fund does not currently pay 12b-1 fees, and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024. However, in the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because these fees are paid out of the Fund's 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**

The Fund's net asset value is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Net asset value is calculated for the 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 net asset value per share. All valuations are subject to review by the Board or its delegate.

The Fund's investments are valued daily in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board, and in accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act requires the fair valuation of all portfolio

------

investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has appointed the Advisor as its valuation designee for all portfolio investments. Certain securities in which the Fund may invest are not listed on any securities exchange or board of trade. Such securities are typically bought and sold by institutional investors in individually negotiated private transactions that function in many respects like an over the counter secondary market, although typically no formal market makers exist. Certain securities, particularly debt securities, have few or no trades, or trade infrequently, and information regarding a specific security may not be widely available or may be incomplete. Accordingly, determinations of the fair value of debt securities may be based on infrequent and dated information. Because there is less reliable, objective data available, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation of debt securities than for other types of securities. Typically, debt securities are valued using information provided by a third-party pricing service. The third-party pricing service primarily uses broker quotes to value the securities.

The Fund's investments are valued daily at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value, in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board and in accordance with the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (*"Nasdaq"*) and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. Securities listed on Nasdaq or the AIM are valued at the official closing price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities. For portfolio securities traded on an exchange that provides both an official closing price and a last sale price, the Advisor, at its discretion, shall determine to use either the last sale price or the official closing price, depending on which price reflects the appropriate market value. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities trading on Nasdaq or the AIM, are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at the last trade price. Short-term investments that mature in less than 60 days when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discount, provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer-specific conditions existing at the time of determination. Net asset value may change on days when investors may not sell or redeem Fund shares.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Advisor at fair value. The use of fair value pricing by the Fund is governed by valuation procedures approved by the Board and in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, certain restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under 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 or fair value 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 the Fund's net asset value 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, in the opinion of the Advisor, 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 portfolio investment upon the measurement date under current market conditions. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from the current market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities. See the Fund's SAI for details.

Because foreign securities exchanges may be open on different days than the days during which an investor may purchase or sell shares of the Fund, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when investors are not able to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

**Fund Service Providers**

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, acts as the administrator, accounting agent, custodian and transfer agent for the Fund. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as legal counsel to the Fund. First Trust serves as the fund reporting agent for the Fund.

------

**Premium/Discount Information** 

Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund's shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund's net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter), is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Total Return Information** 

The table below compares the total return of the Fund to a broad-based market index. The information presented for the Fund is for the period indicated.

"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 return information shown under "Annual Total Return" in the Fund's summary prospectus represents the average annual total returns of the Fund as of the calendar year end, while the information presented below is as of the Fund's fiscal year end. The net asset value per share of the Fund 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 liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of outstanding shares. The net asset value return is based on the net asset value per share of the Fund and the market return is based on the market price per share of the Fund. The price used to calculate market return (*"Market Price"*) is determined by using the midpoint of the national best bid and offer price (*"NBBO"*) as of the time that the Fund's net asset value is calculated. Under SEC rules, the NBBO consists of the highest displayed buy and lowest sell prices among the various exchanges trading the Fund at the time the Fund's net asset value is calculated. Prior to January 1, 2019, the price used was the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the stock exchange on which shares of the Fund were listed for trading as of the time that the Fund's net asset value was calculated. Since the shares of the Fund typically do not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund's inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund, the net asset value of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns. Market and net asset value returns assume that all distributions have been reinvested in the Fund at Market Price and net asset value, respectively. An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike the Fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does 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 reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index. 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 the Fund. 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.

**First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS)**

**Total Returns as of October 31, 2022** 

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Cumulative** | **Cumulative** |
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(9/8/2014)**<br>| **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(9/8/2014)**<br>|
| **Fund Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net Asset Value | -2.74% | 5.76% | 6.79% | 32.33% | 70.80% |
| Market Price | -2.76% | 5.77% | 6.80% | 32.35% | 70.86% |
| **Index Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index | -14.61% | 10.44% | 10.51% | 64.31% | 125.69% |

---

------

**Financial Highlights** 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the periods shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of the Fund. The total returns represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the 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, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022 and is incorporated by reference in the Fund's SAI, which is available upon request.

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

**Financial Highlights**

**For a share outstanding throughout each period** 

**First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS)** 

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $50.26 | $41.86 | $41.67 | $38.47 | $37.78 |
| Income from investment operations: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss) | 0.19 | (0.10) | 0.05 | 0.39 | 0.26 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (1.56) | 8.63 | 0.25 | 3.23 | 0.67 |
| Total from investment operations | (1.37) | 8.53 | 0.30 | 3.62 | 0.93 |
| **Distributions paid to shareholders from:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (0.07) | (0.13) | (0.11) | (0.42) | (0.24) |
| **Net asset value, end of period** | $48.82 | $50.26 | $41.86 | $41.67 | $38.47 |
| **Total Return** <sup>(a)</sup> | (2.74)% | 20.41% | 0.74% | 9.49% | 2.45% |
| **Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $524765 | $429755 | $301375 | $245867 | $155803 |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets <sup>(b)</sup> | 1.41% | 1.36% | 1.55% | 1.60% | 1.59% |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets excluding dividend <br> expense and margin interest expense <sup>(b)</sup> <br>| 0.95% | 0.95% | 0.95% | 0.95% | 0.95% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 0.40% | (0.28)% | 0.09% | 1.03% | 0.71% |
| Portfolio turnover rate <sup>(c)</sup> | 223% | 250% | 250% | 210% | 249% |

---

*(a)* *Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. 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. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.* 

*(b)* *The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. This ratio does not include these indirect fees and expenses.* 

*(c)* *Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions.*

------

**Other Information**

**Continuous Offering** 

The Fund issues, 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 the 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(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. 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(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(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.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](imge04bee901.gif)

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF

**For More Information** 

For more detailed information on the Fund, several additional sources of information are available to you. The SAI, incorporated by reference into this prospectus, contains detailed information on the Fund's policies and operation. Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund's annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly impacted the Fund's performance during the last fiscal year. The Fund's most recent SAI, annual and semi-annual reports and certain other information are available free of charge by calling the Fund at (800) 621-1675, on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com or through your financial advisor. Shareholders may call the toll-free number above with any inquiries.

You may obtain this and other information regarding the Fund, including the SAI and 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 online EDGAR database at www.sec.gov. You may also request information regarding the Fund by sending a request (along with a duplication fee) to the SEC by sending an electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.

First Trust Advisors L.P.

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

(800) 621-1675

www.ftportfolios.com

SEC File #: 333-176976

811-22245

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](img8dbc1a7e1.gif)

Prospectus

First Trust Managed Municipal ETF

Ticker Symbol: FMB <br> Exchange: Nasdaq

First Trust Managed Municipal ETF (the *"Fund"*) lists and principally trades its shares on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (*"Nasdaq"* or the *"Exchange"*). Market prices may differ to some degree from the net asset value of the shares. Unlike mutual funds, the Fund issues and redeems shares at net asset value, only in large specified blocks of shares called *"Creation Units."* 

The Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*) and an actively managed exchange-traded fund organized as a separate series of a registered management investment company.

**Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.**

**The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of 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**

March 1, 2023

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Summary Information](#xx_c422e105-a248-4aa2-8288-450afd263fea_1) | 3 |
| [Additional Information on the Fund's Investment Objectives and Strategies](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_1) | 11 |
| [Fund Investments](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_1) | 11 |
| [Risks of Investing in the Fund](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_3) | 13 |
| [Fund Organization](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_13) | 23 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_13) | 23 |
| [How to Buy and Sell Shares](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_15) | 25 |
| [Dividends, Distributions and Taxes](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_16) | 26 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_16) | 26 |
| [Distribution Plan](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_18) | 28 |
| [Net Asset Value](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_18) | 28 |
| [Fund Service Providers](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_19) | 29 |
| [Premium/Discount Information](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_19) | 29 |
| [Total Return Information](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_19) | 29 |
| [Financial Highlights](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_21) | 31 |
| [Other Information](#xx_cc4d92b6-6aa2-4b94-ac11-67112a91c6a0_22) | 32 |

---

------

**Summary Information**

**Investment Objectives**

The First Trust Managed Municipal ETF's (the "*Fund*") primary investment objective is to generate current income that is exempt from regular federal income taxes and its secondary objective is long term capital appreciation.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **Investors may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.**

**Shareholder Fees**

(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees | 0.65% |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.00% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.65% |

---

***Example***

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then hold 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 at current levels. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| $66 | $208 | $362 | $810 |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 63% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in municipal debt securities that pay interest that is exempt from regular federal income taxes. Municipal securities are generally issued by or on behalf of states, territories or possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and other instrumentalities. The types of municipal securities in which the Fund may invest as a part of its principal investment strategy include municipal general obligation bonds, municipal revenue bonds and private activity bonds (including without limitation industrial development bonds). The Fund may invest in municipal securities of any maturity.

The Fund's investment advisor selects the securities for the Fund by implementing an investment process that is comprised of the following components:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. **Total return scenario analysis:** Evaluate individual bonds and portfolios of securities that are exposed to interest rate, yield curve and credit spread movements or shifts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. **Sector analysis:** Perform top-down review of core sectors based on bottom-up analysis of individual credits to determine the sectors in which the Fund will be overweight, neutral weight and underweight.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. **New issue credit analysis:** Evaluate new bond offerings to determine portfolio suitability based on fundamental credit research on each borrower and individual bond security features.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. **Trading:** Analyze how a bond might trade in the secondary market by reviewing total bond issuance size, underwriter willingness to make secondary markets and bond structural features, such as coupon, maturity, call dates and sinking fund payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. **Surveillance:** Analyze holdings on a systematic basis to monitor any changes in credit trend. The Fund's advisor monitors the credit rating momentum of each bond.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. **Performance attribution:** Perform granular total return analysis by reviewing key portfolio attributes such as duration, credit rating, sector and state. The portfolio's performance is also compared to various benchmarks.

The Fund invests at least 65% of its net assets in investment grade securities, which are securities that are rated at the time of investment in one of the four highest credit quality categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization rating that security or, if unrated, determined by the Fund's investment advisor to be of comparable quality. The Fund considers pre-refunded or escrowed-to-maturity bonds, regardless of rating, to be investment grade securities. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in securities that are, at the time of investment, rated below investment grade (or securities that are unrated and determined by the Fund's investment advisor to be of comparable quality), commonly referred to as *"high yield"* or *"junk"* bonds. If, subsequent to purchase by the Fund, a security held by the Fund experiences a decline in credit quality and falls below investment grade, the Fund may continue to hold the security and it will not cause the Fund to violate the 35% investment limitation; however, the security will be taken into account for purposes of determining whether purchases of additional securities will cause the Fund to violate such limitation. The Fund may also invest in derivatives, including futures contracts.

**Principal Risks**

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objectives will be achieved. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX RISK.** Although the interest received from municipal securities is generally exempt from federal income tax, the Fund may invest in municipal securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax on individuals. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, interest on the bonds may affect the corporate alternative minimum tax for certain corporations. Accordingly, investment in the Fund could cause shareholders to be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount (the difference between the market price of the Fund's shares and the Fund's net asset value) and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread (the difference between the price that someone is willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a specific point in time versus the price at which someone is willing to sell) on the Fund's shares may widen.

**CALL RISK.** Some debt securities may be redeemed, or "called," at the option of the issuer before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund's income.

**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund will effect some or all of its creations and redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects all of its creations and redemptions in-kind. Because the Fund may effect redemptions for cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. A sale of portfolio securities may result in capital gains or losses and may also result in higher brokerage costs.

**COUNTERPARTY RISK.** Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty's financial condition (*i.e.*, financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty's

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inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed.

**CREDIT RATING AGENCY RISK.** Credit ratings are determined by credit rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Services, Inc. and Fitch Inc., and are only the opinions of such entities. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risk or the liquidity of securities. Any shortcomings or inefficiencies in credit rating agencies' processes for determining credit ratings may adversely affect the credit ratings of securities held by the Fund and, as a result, may adversely affect those securities' perceived or actual credit risk.

**CREDIT RISK.** An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer's ability or unwillingness to make such payments.

**CREDIT SPREAD RISK.** From time to time, spreads (*i.e.*, the difference in yield between debt securities that have different credit qualities or other differences) may increase, which may reduce the market value of some of the Fund's debt securities. While the Fund may employ strategies to mitigate credit spread risk, these strategies may not be successful.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems through "hacking" or malicious software coding but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, custodian, or sub-advisor, as applicable, can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Although the Fund has established risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

**DEBT SECURITIES RISK.** Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

**EXTENSION RISK.** Extension risk is the risk that, when interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the issuer (or other obligated party) more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these debt securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of debt securities, making their market value more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The

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value of longer-term debt securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term debt securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value.

**FUTURES CONTRACTS RISK.** Futures contracts are typically exchange-traded contracts that call for the future delivery of an asset by one party to another at a certain price and date, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. The risk of a position in a futures contract may be very large compared to the relatively low level of margin the Fund is required to deposit. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. In the event no secondary market exists for a particular contract, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions, and the Fund will be unable to terminate the derivative. If the Fund uses futures contracts for hedging purposes, there is a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the derivatives and movements in the securities or index underlying the derivatives or movements in the prices of the Fund's investments that are the subject of such hedge. The prices of futures contracts may not correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying them.

**HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK.** High yield securities, or "junk" bonds, are subject to greater market fluctuations, are less liquid and provide a greater risk of loss than investment grade securities, and therefore, are considered to be highly speculative. In general, high yield securities may have a greater risk of default than other types of securities and could cause income and principal losses for the Fund.

**INCOME RISK.** The Fund's income may decline when interest rates fall or if there are defaults in its portfolio. This decline can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding securities as debt securities in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional debt securities.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking exchange-traded funds or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity in the Fund's shares.

**INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOND RISK.** Industrial development bonds are revenue bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to finance various public and/or privately operated facilities, including those for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, pollution control, airport, mass transit, port and parking facilities. To the extent that investments in the industrial development sector represent a significant portion of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrial development sector. These bonds are normally secured only by the revenues from the project and are not general obligations of the issuer or otherwise secured by state or local government tax receipts. Generally, the value and credit quality of these bonds are sensitive to the risks related to an economic slowdown.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline.

**INTEREST RATE RISK.** Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the debt securities in the Fund's portfolio will decline because of rising market interest rates. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term debt securities and higher for longer-term debt securities. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates and a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security's expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security's yield, interest payments and final maturity. In general, duration represents the expected percentage change in the value of a security for an immediate 1% change in interest rates. For example, the price of a debt security with a three-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 3% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates. Therefore, prices of debt securities with shorter durations tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than debt securities with longer durations. As the value of a debt security changes over time, so will its duration.

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**LEVERAGE RISK.** Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rates of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the value of the Fund's shares to be volatile and sensitive to market swings.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Fund may hold certain investments that may be subject to restrictions on resale, trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or lack an active trading market. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to sell or close out of such investments at favorable times or prices (or at all), or at the prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objectives.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**MUNICIPAL SECURITIES MARKET LIQUIDITY RISK.** From time to time, inventories of municipal securities held by brokers and dealers may decrease, lessening their ability to make a market in these securities. Any reduction in market making capacity has the potential to decrease the Fund's ability to buy or sell municipal securities, and increase price volatility and trading costs, particularly during periods of economic or market stress. As a result, the Fund may be forced to accept a lower price to sell a municipal security, to sell other securities to raise cash, or to give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on performance.

**MUNICIPAL SECURITIES RISK.** Issuers, including governmental issuers, may be unable to pay their obligations as they come due. The values of municipal securities that depend on a specific revenue source to fund their payment obligations may fluctuate as a result of actual or anticipated changes in the cash flows generated by the revenue source or changes in the priority of the municipal obligation to receive the cash flows generated by the revenue source. The values of municipal securities held by the Fund may be adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments. Adverse conditions in an industry significant to a local economy could have a correspondingly adverse effect on the financial condition of local issuers. In addition, income from municipal securities held by the Fund could be declared taxable because of, among other things, unfavorable changes in tax laws, adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities, or noncompliant conduct of an issuer or other obligated party. Loss of tax-exempt status may cause interest received and distributed to shareholders by the Fund to be taxable and may result in a significant decline in the values of such municipal securities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks of the municipal securities market have been magnified. The costs

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associated with combating the pandemic and the negative impact on tax revenues has adversely affected the financial condition of many states and political subdivisions. These risks may also adversely affect several sectors of the municipal bond market, such as airports, toll roads, hospitals and colleges, among many others. The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on state and political subdivisions' ability to make payments on debt obligations is impossible to predict, but could negatively impact the value of bonds, the ability of state and political subdivisions to make payments when due and the performance of the Fund.

**MUNICIPAL SECURITIES VALUATION RISK.** The municipal securities in which the Fund invests are typically valued by a pricing service utilizing a range of market-based inputs and assumptions, including readily available market quotations obtained from broker-dealers making markets in such securities, cash flows and transactions for comparable instruments. Pricing services generally price municipal securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional "round lot" size, but some trades may occur in smaller, "odd lot" sizes, often at lower prices than institutional round lot trades. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell a portfolio security at the price established by the pricing service, which could result in a loss to the Fund.

**OPERATIONAL RISK.** The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. The Fund's investment advisor cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Fund's investment advisor believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**PREPAYMENT RISK.** Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt security will repay principal prior to the scheduled maturity date. Debt securities allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates, as the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment at lower interest rates. These factors may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to change.

**PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS RISK.** Municipalities and other public authorities issue private activity bonds to finance development of industrial facilities for use by a private enterprise. The private enterprise is responsible for the payment of principal and interest on the bond and the issuer ordinarily does not pledge its full faith, credit and taxing power for repayment. The private enterprise can have a substantially different credit profile than the issuer. The private activity bonds in which the Fund may invest may be negatively impacted by conditions affecting either the general credit of the private enterprise or the project itself. The Fund's private activity bond holdings may also pay interest subject to the alternative minimum tax on individuals. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, interest on the bonds may affect the corporate alternative minimum tax for certain corporations.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no

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assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Fund securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

**VOLATILITY RISK.** Volatility is the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The Fund may invest in securities or financial instruments that exhibit more volatility than the market as a whole. Such exposures could cause the Fund's net asset value to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time.

**Annual Total Return**

The bar chart and table below illustrate the annual calendar year returns of the Fund based on net asset value as well as the average annual Fund returns. 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 based on net asset value compared to those of a market index. See "Total Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund. The Fund's performance information is accessible on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.

**First Trust Managed Municipal ETF**

**Calendar Year Total Returns as of 12/31**

![](img39b968be2.jpg)

During the periods shown in the chart above:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Best Quarter** |  | **Worst Quarter** |  |
| 3.52% | December 31, 2022 | -6.33% | March 31, 2022 |

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The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

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 indices do not include expenses, which are deducted from Fund returns, or taxes.

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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.

**Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022** 

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Since**<br> **Inception**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **Date**<br>|
| Return Before Taxes | -9.66% | 1.10% | 2.62% | 5/13/2014 |
| Return After Taxes On Distributions | -10.55% | 0.14% | 1.54% |  |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -5.72% | 0.45% | 1.54% |  |
| Bloomberg Revenue 10 Year (8-12) Index (reflects no deduction <br> for fees, expenses or taxes)<br>| -6.76% | 1.67% | 2.51% |  |

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**Management**

***Investment Advisor*** 

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"* or the *"Advisor"*)

***Portfolio Managers***

The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Johnathan N. Wilhelm, Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager of First Trust

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Tom Byron, Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager of First Trust

The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Johnathan N. Wilhelm has served as part of the portfolio management team of the Fund since 2014 and Tom Byron has served as a portfolio manager since 2022.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large blocks of shares called "Creation Units." Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since shares of the Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, the Fund's shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund's net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the *"bid-ask spread"*). Recent information, including the Fund's net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, bid-ask spreads and the median bid-ask spread for the Fund's most recent fiscal year, is available online at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Tax Information**

The Fund intends to make interest income distributions that are exempt from regular federal income tax. All or a portion of these distributions, however, may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax on individuals and state and local taxes, and may have other tax consequences (*e.g.,* they may affect the amount of your social security benefits that are taxed). For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, exempt-interest dividends may affect the corporate alternative minimum tax for certain corporations. The Fund may make other distributions that are subject to federal income tax.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, bank or other financial intermediary (collectively, "intermediaries"), First Trust and First Trust Portfolios L.P., the Fund's distributor, may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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**Additional Information on the Fund's Investment Objectives and Strategies**

The Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III and is regulated as an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the *"1940 Act"*). The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to track the performance of an index. The Fund's investment objectives are fundamental and may not be changed without approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless an investment policy is identified as being fundamental, all investment policies included in this prospectus and the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the *"Board"*) without shareholder approval. If there is a material change to the Fund's principal investment strategies, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.

The Fund has adopted a fundamental investment policy pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (the *"Name Policy"*), whereby the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in municipal debt securities that pay interest that is exempt from regular federal income taxes. The Name Policy may not be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

**Fund Investments**

**Principal Investments**

**Municipal Securities** 

Municipal securities are debt securities that pay interest that is exempt from regular federal income taxes. Municipal securities are generally issued by or on behalf of states, territories or possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and other instrumentalities. The types of municipal securities in which the Fund may invest as part of its principal investment strategy include municipal general obligation bonds, municipal revenue bonds and private activity bonds (including without limitation industrial development bonds)

A private activity bond is a type of revenue bond that is issued by or on behalf of a state or local government for the purpose of financing the project of a private user. Revenue bonds are usually payable only out of a specific revenue source rather than from general revenues. Revenue bonds ordinarily are not backed by the faith, credit or general taxing power of the issuing governmental entity. The principal and interest on revenue bonds for private facilities are typically paid out of rents or other specified payments made to the issuing governmental entity by a private company which uses or operates the facilities. Industrial revenue bonds are an example of these types of obligations. Industrial revenue bonds are issued by governmental entities to provide financing aid to community facilities such as hospitals, hotels, business or residential complexes, convention halls and sport complexes.

The Fund may invest in municipal securities of any duration and any maturity. The Fund may invest up to 100% of its net assets in municipal securities that pay interest that generates income subject to federal alternative minimum tax on individuals. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, interest on the bonds may affect the corporate alternative minimum tax for certain corporations. . Furthermore, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in taxable municipal securities .

**High Yield Debt Securities** 

Municipal securities that are rated below investment grade (or securities that are unrated and determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality) are commonly referred to as "high yield" or "junk" bonds. High yield bonds typically offer higher yields than investment grade bonds with similar maturities but involve greater risks, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy, and increased market price volatility.

**Derivative Instruments**

The Fund may invest in derivatives instruments such as exchange-listed options on U.S. Treasury securities, exchange-listed options on U.S. Treasury futures contracts, exchange-listed U.S. Treasury futures contracts and exchange-traded and over-the-counter interest rate swaps. The use of these derivative transactions may allow the Fund to obtain net long or short exposures to selected interest rates. These derivatives may also be used to hedge risks, including interest rate risks and credit risks, associated with the Fund's portfolio investments. The Fund expects that no more than 20% of the value of the Fund's net assets will be invested in derivative instruments other than TOB and custodial receipts trusts. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments will be consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and the 1940 Act and will not be used to seek to achieve a multiple or inverse multiple of an index.

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To the extent the Fund enters into derivatives transactions, it will do so pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to implement certain policies and procedures designed to manage its derivatives risks, dependent upon the Fund's level of exposure to derivative instruments.

**Non-Principal Investments**

**Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments**

Normally, the Fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objectives. The Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities with maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or it may hold cash. In addition, the Fund may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a transaction where a party purchases securities and simultaneously commits to resell them at an agreed-upon date at a price reflecting a market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the securities. The percentage of the Fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on several factors, including market conditions. For temporary defensive purposes and during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, the Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities, or it may hold cash. During such periods, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objectives. The Fund may adopt a defensive strategy when the portfolio managers believe securities in which the Fund normally invests have elevated risks due to political or economic factors and in other extraordinary circumstances. For more information on eligible short-term investments, see the SAI.

**Custodial Receipt Trusts** 

Custodial receipts are financial instruments that are underwritten by securities dealers or banks and evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain municipal securities. The underwriter of these certificates or receipts typically purchases municipal securities and deposits them in an irrevocable trust or custodial account with a custodian bank, which then issues receipts or certificates that evidence ownership of the periodic unmatured coupon payments and the final principal payment on the obligation. The principal and interest payments on them municipal securities underlying custodial receipts may be allocated in a number of ways. For example, payments may be allocated such that certain custodial receipts may have variable or floating interest rates and others may be stripped securities which pay only the principal or interest due on the underlying municipal securities. The Fund may invest in custodial receipts which have inverse floating interest rates.

**Distressed Municipal Securities** 

Although it is not a part of the Fund's principal investment strategies, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in distressed municipal securities, which are municipal securities that are currently in default and not expected to pay the current coupon. If, subsequent to purchase by the Fund, a municipal security held by the Fund becomes distressed, the Fund may continue to hold the municipal security and it will not cause the Fund to violate the 10% limitation; however, the municipal security will be taken into account for purposes of determining whether purchases of additional municipal securities will cause the Fund to violate such limitation.

**Illiquid Investments**

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities and other instruments that are, at the time of investment, illiquid (determined using the Securities and Exchange Commission's standard applicable to investment companies, *i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For this purpose, illiquid investments may include, but are not limited to, certain restricted securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted under the federal securities laws), certain securities that may only be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, that are deemed to be illiquid, and certain repurchase agreements.

**Investment Companies and Other Pooled Investment Vehicles**

The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in the securities of other investment companies, including ETFs and closed-end funds. ETFs and closed-end funds trade on a securities exchange and their shares may, at times, trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. As a stockholder in an investment company or other pooled vehicle, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's or vehicle's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's or vehicle's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested.

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The Fund's ability to invest in other investment companies is limited by the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations. The Fund has adopted a policy that it will not invest in other investment companies in excess of 1940 Act limits in reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.

**Municipal Lease Obligations** 

The Fund may purchase municipal lease obligations, primarily through certificates of participation. Certificates of participation in municipal leases are undivided interests in a lease, installment purchase contract or conditional sale contract entered into by a state or local governmental unit to acquire equipment or facilities.

**Pre-Refunded and Escrowed-to-Maturity Bonds** 

There are two types of refunded bonds: pre-refunded bonds and escrowed-to-maturity (*"ETM"*) bonds. Refunded bonds may have originally been issued as general obligation or revenue bonds, but become refunded when they are secured by an escrow fund, usually consisting entirely of direct U.S. government obligations and/or U.S. government agency obligations sufficient for paying the bondholders. The escrow fund for a pre-refunded municipal bond may be structured so that the refunded bonds are to be called at the first possible date or a subsequent call date established in the original bond debenture. This type of structure usually is used for those refundings that either reduce the issuer's interest payment expenses or change the debt maturity schedule.

**Tender Option Bonds** 

In a TOB transaction, one or more highly-rated municipal bonds are deposited into a special purpose trust that issues two types of securities: floating rate securities (or *"floaters"*) and inverse floating rate securities. The Fund may acquire the inverse floating rate securities or *"inverse floaters"* from a TOB trust. The interest rates on inverse floaters issued by a TOB trust vary inversely to the interest rates paid on the floaters. Holders of the floaters have the right to tender their securities to the TOB trust at par plus accrued interest. As a result, holders of the inverse floaters are exposed to all of the gains or losses on the underlying municipal bonds, despite the fact that their net cash investment is significantly less than the value of the bonds. This multiplies the positive or negative impact of the underlying bonds' price movements on the value of the inverse floaters, thereby creating effective leverage. Because changes in short-term interest rates inversely affect the rate of interest received on an inverse floater, and because inverse floaters essentially represent a leveraged investment, the value of an inverse floater is generally more volatile than that of a conventional fixed-rate bond having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturity.

**U.S. Government Securities**

The Fund may invest in short-term U.S. government securities. U.S. government securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**

The Fund's portfolio holdings are available on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com. A description of the policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is included in the Fund's SAI, which is also available on the Fund's website.

**Risks of Investing in the Fund**

Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in the Fund involves risk, including the risk that you may lose all or part of your investment. There can be no assurance that the Fund will meet its stated objectives. Before you invest, you should consider the following disclosure pertaining to the Principal Risks set forth above as well as additional Non-Principal Risks set forth below in this prospectus. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**Principal Risks**

**ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX RISK.** Although the interest received from municipal securities is generally exempt from federal income tax, the Fund may invest in municipal securities subject to the federal alternative minimum tax on individuals.. Therefore, all or a portion of the Fund's otherwise exempt interest, may be taxable to shareholders subject to (or result in an increased

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liability under) the federal alternative minimum tax on individuals. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, exempt-interest dividends may affect the corporate alternative minimum tax for certain corporations.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. However, participants are not obligated to make a market in the Fund's shares or submit purchase and redemption orders for creation units. To the extent that these institutions exit the business, reduce their role or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount to the Fund's net asset value and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**CALL RISK.** Some debt securities may be redeemed at the option of the issuer, or "called," before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund's income. Such redemptions and subsequent reinvestments would also increase the Fund's portfolio turnover. If a called debt security was purchased by the Fund at a premium, the value of the premium may be lost in the event of a redemption.

**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund will effect some or all of its creations and redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects its creations and redemptions only in-kind. ETFs are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid being taxed on gains on the distributed portfolio securities at the fund level. A Fund that effects redemptions for cash may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. Any recognized gain on these sales by the Fund will generally cause the Fund to recognize a gain it might not otherwise have recognized, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required if it were to distribute portfolio securities only in-kind. The Fund intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than if they had made an investment in a different ETF. Moreover, cash transactions may have to be carried out over several days if the securities market is relatively illiquid and may involve considerable brokerage fees and taxes. These brokerage fees and taxes, which will be higher than if the Fund sold and redeemed its shares entirely in-kind, will be passed on to those purchasing and redeeming Creation Units in the form of creation and redemption transaction fees. In addition, these factors may result in wider spreads between the bid and the offered prices of the Fund's shares than for ETFs that distribute portfolio securities in-kind.

**COUNTERPARTY RISK.** The Fund is subject to counterparty risk. If the Fund enters into an investment or transaction that depends on the performance of another party, the Fund becomes subject to the credit risk of that counterparty. The Fund's ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions depends on the willingness and ability of the Fund's counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, the Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Fund. The Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization proceeding involving a counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If the Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Under applicable law or contractual provisions, including if the Fund enters into an investment or transaction with a financial institution and such financial institution (or an affiliate of the financial institution) experiences financial difficulties, then the Fund may in certain situations be prevented or delayed from exercising its rights to terminate the investment or transaction, or to realize on any collateral and may result in the suspension of payment and delivery obligations of the parties under such investment or transactions or in another institution being substituted for that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. Further, the Fund may be subject to "bail-in" risk under applicable law whereby, if required by the financial institution's authority, the financial institution's liabilities could be written down, eliminated or converted into equity or an alternative instrument of ownership. A bail-in of a financial institution may result in a reduction in value of some or all of securities and, if the Fund holds such securities or has entered into a transaction with such a financial security when a bail-in occurs, the Fund may also be similarly impacted.

**CREDIT RATING AGENCY RISK.** Credit ratings are determined by credit rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Services, Inc. and Fitch Inc., and are only the opinions of such entities. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not

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absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risk or the liquidity of securities. Any shortcomings or inefficiencies in credit rating agencies' processes for determining credit ratings may adversely affect the credit ratings of securities held by the Fund and, as a result, may adversely affect those securities' perceived or actual credit risk.

**CREDIT RISK.** An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer's ability or unwillingness to make such payments. Debt securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk which are often reflected in credit ratings. The credit rating of a debt security may be lowered if the issuer or other obligated party suffers adverse changes to its financial condition. These adverse changes may lead to greater volatility in the price of the debt security and affect the security's liquidity. High yield and comparable unrated debt securities, while generally offering higher yields than investment grade debt with similar maturities, involve greater risks, including the possibility of dividend or interest deferral, default or bankruptcy, and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay dividends or interest and repay principal. To the extent that the Fund holds debt securities that are secured or guaranteed by financial institutions, changes in credit quality of such financial institutions could cause values of the debt security to deviate.

**CREDIT SPREAD RISK.** Credit spread risk is the risk that credit spreads (*i.e.*, the difference in yield between debt securities that have differences in credit quality or other factors) may increase, which may reduce the market values of the Fund's debt securities. While the Fund may employ strategies to mitigate credit spread risk, these strategies may not be successful. Credit spreads often increase more for lower rated and unrated securities than for investment grade securities. In addition, when credit spreads increase, reductions in market value will generally be greater for debt securities with longer maturities.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. These risks typically are not covered by insurance. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (*e.g.*, through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (*i.e.*, efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber security failures by or breaches of the systems of the Advisor, distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, sub-advisors, index providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses; interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value; disclosure of confidential trading information; impediments to trading; submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders; the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; or additional compliance costs. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified and that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants. However, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, and the Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**DEBT SECURITIES RISK.** Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a centralized securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock. The values of debt securities may also increase or decrease as a result of market fluctuations, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments or illiquidity in debt securities markets generally.

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**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

**EXTENSION RISK**. Extension risk is the risk that, when interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the issuer (or other obligated party) more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these debt securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of debt securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term debt securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term debt securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value. Extension risk is particularly prevalent for a callable debt security where an increase in interest rates could result in the issuer of that security choosing not to redeem the debt security as anticipated on the security's call date. Such a decision by the issuer could have the effect of lengthening the debt security's expected maturity, making it more vulnerable to interest rate risk and reducing its market value.

**FUTURES CONTRACTS RISK.** The Fund may enter into futures contracts. Futures contracts are typically exchange-traded contracts that call for the future delivery of an asset by one party to another at a certain price and date, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. The risk of a position in a futures contract may be very large compared to the relatively low level of margin the Fund is required to deposit. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. The ability to establish and close out positions in futures contracts is subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. If the Fund uses futures contracts for hedging purposes, there is a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the derivatives and movements in the securities or index underlying the derivatives or movements in the prices of the Fund's investments that are the subject of such hedge. The prices of futures contracts, for a number of reasons, may not correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying them. For example, participants in the futures markets are subject to margin deposit requirements less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets in general. As a result, futures markets may attract more speculators than the securities markets. Increased participation by speculators in those markets may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion, even a correct forecast of general market trends by the Fund's portfolio managers still may not result in a successful derivatives activity over a very short time period. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the various exchanges have established limits referred to as "speculative position limits" on the maximum net long or net short positions that any person and certain affiliated entities may hold or control in a particular futures contract. It is possible that, as a result of such limits, the Fund will be precluded from taking positions in certain futures contracts it might have otherwise taken to the disadvantage of shareholders.

**HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK.** The Fund's investment in high yield securities, or "junk" bonds, may entail increased credit risks and the risk that the value of the Fund's assets will decline, and may decline precipitously, with increases in interest rates. In recent years there have been wide fluctuations in interest rates and therefore in the value of debt securities generally. High yield securities are, under most circumstances, subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than are investments in lower-yielding, higher-rated debt securities. As interest rates rise, the value of high yield securities may decline precipitously. Increased rates may also indicate a slowdown in the economy which may adversely affect the credit of issuers of high yield securities resulting in a higher incidence of defaults among such issuers. A slowdown in the economy, or a development adversely affecting an issuer's creditworthiness, may result in the issuer being unable to maintain earnings or sell assets at the rate and at the prices, respectively, that are required to produce sufficient cash flow to meet its interest and principal requirements. The Fund's portfolio managers cannot predict future economic policies or their consequences or, therefore, the course or extent of any similar market fluctuations in the future. In addition, high yield securities are generally less liquid than investment grade securities.

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**INCOME RISK.** The Fund's income may decline when interest rates fall. This decline can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding securities as debt securities in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional debt securities. In addition, the Fund's income could decline when the Fund experiences defaults on the debt securities it holds.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking ETFs or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund's shares. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity. To the extent buying or selling activity increases, the Fund can be exposed to increased brokerage costs and adverse tax consequences and the market price of the Fund can be negatively affected.

**INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOND RISK**. Industrial development bonds are revenue bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to finance various public and/or privately operated facilities, including those for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, pollution control, airport, mass transit, port and parking facilities. To the extent that investments in the industrial development sector represent a significant portion of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrial development sector. These bonds are normally secured only by the revenues from the project and are not general obligations of the issuer or otherwise secured by state or local government tax receipts. Consequently, the credit quality of these securities is dependent upon the ability of the private business utilizing the facilities financed by the bonds and any guarantor to meet its financial obligations. Payment of interest on and repayment of principal on such bonds are the responsibility of the private business and any guarantor. These bonds are subject to a wide variety of risks, many of which relate to the nature of the specific project maintaining the tax-exempt nature of the securities. Generally, the value and credit quality of these bonds are sensitive to the risks related to an economic slowdown.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline. This risk is more prevalent with respect to debt securities held by the Fund. Inflation creates uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of an investment. Inflation rates may change frequently and drastically as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy, and the Fund's investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund investors.

**INTEREST RATE RISK**. The value of debt securities held by the Fund will fluctuate in value with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will increase in value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates rise. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term investments and higher for longer term investments. Duration is a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security's expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security's yield, interest payments and final maturity. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. The longer the duration of a debt security, the greater the debt security's price sensitivity is to changes in interest rates. Rising interest rates also may lengthen the duration of debt securities with call features, since exercise of the call becomes less likely as interest rates rise, which in turn will make the securities more sensitive to changes in interest rates and result in even steeper price declines in the event of further interest rate increases. An increase in interest rates could also cause principal payments on a debt security to be repaid at a slower rate than expected. This risk is particularly prevalent for a callable debt security where an increase in interest rates could cause the issuer of that security to not redeem the security as anticipated on the call date, effectively lengthening the security's expected maturity, in turn making that security more vulnerable to interest rate risk and reducing its market value. When interest rates fall, the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds from the sale, redemption or early prepayment of a debt security at a lower interest rate.

**LEVERAGE RISK.** Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rates of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the value of the Fund's portfolio and the Fund's shares to be volatile and sensitive to market swings. Certain instruments have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.

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**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Fund may have investments that it may not be able to dispose of or close out readily at a favorable time or price (or at all), or at a price approximating the Fund's valuation of the investment. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for the Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. If the Fund needed to sell a large block of illiquid securities to meet shareholder redemption request or to raise cash, these sales could further reduce the securities' prices and adversely affect performance of the Fund. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective(s), meet relevant benchmarks or perform as well as other funds with similar objectives.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. Additionally, in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine which has caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain Fund investments as well as Fund performance. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**MUNICIPAL SECURITIES MARKET LIQUIDITY RISK.** From time to time, inventories of municipal securities held by brokers and dealers may decrease, lessening their ability to make a market in these securities Any reduction in market making capacity has the potential to decrease the Fund's ability to buy or sell municipal securities and increase price volatility and trading costs, particularly during periods of economic or market stress. In addition, federal banking regulations may cause certain dealers to reduce their inventories of municipal securities, which may further decrease the Fund's ability to buy or sell municipal securities. As a result, the Fund may be forced to accept a lower price to sell a municipal security, to sell other securities to raise cash, or to give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on performance. The market for unrated municipal securities may be less liquid than the market for rated municipal securities of comparable quality. Decreased liquidity may negatively affect the Fund's ability to mitigate risk and meet redemptions. Also, less public information is typically available about unrated municipal securities or their issuer which can affect the liquidity of the market.

**MUNICIPAL SECURITIES RISK.** The values of municipal securities may be adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments. Adverse conditions in an industry significant to a local economy could have a correspondingly adverse effect on the financial condition of local issuers. Other factors that could affect municipal securities include a change

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in the local, state, or national economy, demographic factors, ecological or environmental concerns, statutory limitations on the issuer's ability to increase taxes, and other developments generally affecting the revenue of issuers (for example, legislation or court decisions reducing state aid to local governments or mandating additional services). This risk would be heightened to the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in bonds issued pursuant to similar projects (such as those relating to the education, health care, housing, transportation, or utilities industries), in industrial development bonds, or in particular types of municipal securities (such as general obligation bonds, private activity bonds or moral obligation bonds) that are particularly exposed to specific types of adverse economic, business or political events. Changes in a municipality's financial health may also make it difficult for the municipality to make interest and principal payments when due. The values of municipal securities that depend on a specific revenue source to fund their payment obligations may fluctuate as a result of actual or anticipated changes in the cash flows generated by the revenue source or changes in the priority of the municipal securities to receive the cash flows generated by the revenue source. Under some circumstances, municipal securities might not pay interest unless the state legislature or municipality authorizes money for that purpose. Municipal securities may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. In addition, since some municipal obligations may be secured or guaranteed by banks and other institutions, the risk to the Fund could increase if the banking or financial sector suffers an economic downturn and/or if the credit ratings of the institutions issuing the guarantee are downgraded or at risk of being downgraded by a national rating organization. Such a downward revision or risk of being downgraded may have an adverse effect on the market prices of the bonds and thus the value of the Fund's investments. In addition to being downgraded, an insolvent municipality may file for bankruptcy. The reorganization of a municipality's debts may significantly affect the rights of creditors and the value of the securities issued by the municipality and the value of the Fund's investments. In addition, income from municipal securities held by the Fund could be declared taxable because of, among other things, unfavorable changes in tax laws, adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities, or noncompliant conduct of an issuer or other obligated party. Loss of tax-exempt status may cause interest received and distributed to shareholders by the Fund to be taxable and may result in a significant decline in the values of such municipal securities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks of the municipal securities market have been magnified. The costs associated with combating the pandemic and the negative impact on tax revenues has adversely affected the financial condition of many states and political subdivisions. These risks may also adversely affect several sectors of the municipal bond market, such as airports, toll roads, hospitals and colleges, among many others. The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on state and political subdivisions' ability to make payments on debt obligations is impossible to predict, but could negatively impact the value of bonds, the ability of state and political subdivisions to make payments when due and the performance of the Fund.

**MUNICIPAL SECURITIES VALUATION RISK.** The municipal securities in which the Fund invests are typically valued by a pricing service utilizing a range of market-based inputs and assumptions, including readily available market quotations obtained from broker-dealers making markets in such securities, cash flows and transactions for comparable instruments. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell a portfolio security at the price established by the pricing service, which could result in a loss to the Fund. Pricing services generally price municipal securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional "round lot" size, but some trades may occur in smaller, "odd lot" sizes, often at lower prices than institutional round lot trades. Different pricing services may incorporate different assumptions and inputs into their valuation methodologies, potentially resulting in different values for the same securities. As a result, if the Fund were to change pricing services, or if the Fund's pricing service were to change its valuation methodology, there could be a material impact, either positive or negative, on the Fund's net asset value.

**OPERATIONAL RISK**. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. First Trust cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts

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from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), First Trust believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained absent disruptions to the creation and redemption mechanism, extreme market volatility or potential lack of authorized participants. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**PREPAYMENT RISK.** Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt security will repay principal (in part or in whole) prior to the scheduled maturity date. Debt securities allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates, as the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment at lower interest rates, reducing its income. If the Fund purchased the debt securities at a premium, prepayments on the securities could cause the Fund to lose a portion of its principal investment. These factors may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to change. The impact of prepayments on the price of a debt security may be difficult to predict and may increase the security's volatility.

**PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS RISK.** Municipalities and other public authorities issue private activity bonds to finance development of industrial facilities for use by a private enterprise. The private enterprise is responsible for the payment of principal and interest on the bond and the issuer ordinarily does not pledge its full faith, credit and taxing power for repayment. The private enterprise can have a substantially different credit profile than the issuer. The private activity bonds in which the Fund may invest may be negatively impacted by conditions affecting either the general credit of the private enterprise or the project itself. Defaults may occur in the event project revenues fall short of projections due to a number of factors such as competitive pricing, construction delays or lack of demand for the project. In addition, private activity bonds typically have a longer term and are adversely affected by a rise in interest rates. The Fund's private activity bond holdings may also pay interest subject to the alternative minimum tax on individuals. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, interest on the bonds may affect the corporate alternative minimum tax for certain corporations. .

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development that affected a particular asset class, region or industry may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater volatility and market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The sale price the Fund could receive for a security may differ from the Fund's valuation of the security, particularly for securities that trade in low volume or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Unlike publicly traded securities that trade on national securities exchanges, there is no central place or exchange for trading most debt securities. Debt securities generally trade on an "over-the-counter" market. Due to the lack of centralized information and trading, and variations in lot sizes of certain debt securities, the valuation of debt securities may carry more uncertainty and risk than that of publicly traded securities. Debt securities are commonly valued by third-party pricing services that utilize a range of market-based inputs and assumptions, including readily available market quotations obtained from broker-dealers making markets in such securities, cash flows and transactions for comparable instruments. However, because the available information is less reliable and more subjective, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation of debt securities than for other types of securities. Different pricing services may incorporate different assumptions and inputs into their valuation methodologies, potentially resulting in different values for the same securities. As a result, if the Advisor were to change its valuation policies, or if the Fund were to change pricing services, or if a pricing service were to change its valuation methodology, there could be a material impact, either positive or negative, on the Fund's net asset value. Additionally, pricing services generally price debt securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional "round lot" size, but some trades may occur in smaller, "odd lot" sizes, often at lower prices than institutional round lot trades. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell a portfolio security at the price established by the pricing service, which could result in a loss to the Fund. In addition, the value of the debt securities in the Fund's portfolio may change on days or during time periods when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell the Fund's shares. Authorized Participants who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds,

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than they would have received had the Fund not fair-valued securities or used a different valuation methodology. Net asset value calculation may also be impacted by operational risks arising from factors such as failures in systems and technology.

**VOLATILITY RISK.** Volatility is the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The Fund may invest in securities or financial instruments that exhibit more volatility than the market as a whole. Such exposures could cause the Fund's net asset value to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time. Volatility can be caused by many factors, including changes in the economy or financial markets or for reasons specific to a particular issuer.

**Non-Principal Risks**

**BORROWING AND LEVERAGE RISK.** If the Fund borrows money, it must pay interest and other fees, which may reduce the Fund's returns. Any such borrowings are intended to be temporary. However, under certain market conditions, including periods of decreased liquidity, such borrowings might be outstanding for longer periods of time. As prescribed by the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain specified asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to any bank borrowing immediately following such borrowing and at all times thereafter. The Fund may be required to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms if market fluctuations or other factors reduce the Fund's asset coverage to less than the prescribed amount.

**CUSTODIAL RECEIPTS TRUST RISK.** Custodial receipts are financial instruments sold through private placements that represent the right to receive future principal and interest payments on underlying municipal obligations. As such, a custodial receipt represents ownership of a security owned by a trust and not ownership of the security itself. Nonetheless, a custodial receipt is subject to the same risks as those applicable to the underlying security. The interest rate on custodial receipts is generally expected to be lower than the coupon rate on the underlying security and is generally set at a level comparable to municipal securities of similar quality having a maturity equal to the rate adjustment period rather than the maturity date of the underlying obligation. Custodial receipt trusts may also issue inverse floater securities. If the Fund was to hold inverse floaters issued by custodial receipt trusts, the Fund would be subject to the risks of inverse floaters described herein. In particular, because the instruments may be leveraged, their market values may be more volatile than other types of debt securities. Also, as custodial receipts are privately placed, they may be less liquid than securities trading on an exchange.

**DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL RISK.** The Advisor is dependent upon the experience and expertise of the Fund's portfolio managers in providing advisory services with respect to the Fund's investments. If the Advisor were to lose the services of any of these portfolio managers, its ability to service the Fund could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for any of the portfolio managers in the event of their death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of the Advisor.

**DISTRESSED SECURITIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in distressed debt securities. Distressed securities are speculative and involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities that are not in default. In some instances, the Fund will not receive interest payments from the distressed securities it holds and may incur additional expenses to protect its investment. These securities may present a substantial risk of default and there is a substantial risk that the principal will not be repaid. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or of interest on its portfolio holdings. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio company, the Fund may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than its original investment. Distressed securities and any securities received in exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale.

**FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY RISK.** If, in any year, the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the applicable tax laws, the Fund would be taxed as an ordinary corporation. In such circumstances, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.

**INVERSE FLOATERS RISK.** The use of inverse floaters by the Fund creates effective leverage. Due to the leveraged nature of these investments, the value of an inverse floater will typically be more volatile and involve greater risk than the fixed rate municipal bonds underlying the inverse floaters. An investment in certain inverse floaters will involve the risk that the Fund could lose more than its original principal investment. Distributions on inverse floaters bear an inverse relationship to short-term municipal bond interest rates. Thus, distributions paid to the Fund on its inverse floaters will be reduced or even eliminated as short-term municipal bond interest rates rise and will increase when short-term municipal bond interest rates fall. Inverse floaters generally will underperform the market for fixed rate municipal bonds in a rising interest rate environment. In addition, the transactions which give rise to the creation of an inverse floater may be terminated without the Fund's consent upon the

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occurrence of certain events, such as the bankruptcy or other default by the issuer. In that case, the inverse floaters will be redeemed from the sale of the underlying municipal securities and could result in a loss of principal for the Fund.

**INVESTMENT COMPANIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies. As a shareholder in another investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of exchange-traded investment companies.

**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.

**LEGISLATION/LITIGATION RISK.** From time to time, various legislative initiatives are proposed in the United States and abroad, which may have a negative impact on certain municipalities, instrumentalities of municipalities or companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, litigation regarding any of the issuers of the securities owned by the Fund may negatively impact the value of the securities. Such legislation or litigation may cause a Fund to lose value or may result in higher portfolio turnover if the Advisor determines to sell such a holding.

**MUNICIPAL LEASE PARTICIPATIONS RISK.** The Fund may purchase participations in municipal leases. These investments are undivided interests in a lease, installment purchase contract or conditional sales contract entered into by a government entity to acquire equipment or facilities. Participation interests in municipal leases pose special risks because many leases and contracts contain "non-appropriation" clauses that provide that the governmental entity issuing the obligations has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for this purpose by the appropriate legislative body. Although these kinds of obligations are secured by the leased equipment or facilities, it might be difficult and time consuming to dispose of the equipment or facilities in the event of non-appropriation, and the Fund might not recover the full principal amount of the obligation.

**PRE-REFUNDED BONDS RISK.** Pre-refunded bonds are bonds that have been refunded to a call date prior to the final maturity of principal, or, in the case of pre-refunded bonds commonly referred to as "escrowed-to-maturity bonds," to the final maturity of principal, and remain outstanding in the municipal market. The payment of principal and interest of the pre-refunded bonds held by the Fund is funded from securities held in a designated escrow account where such securities are obligations of and carry the full faith and credit of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The securities held in the escrow fund pledged to pay the principal and interest of the pre-refunded bond do not guarantee the price of the bond. Investment in pre-refunded municipal bonds held by the Fund may subject the Fund to interest rate risk, market risk and credit risk. In addition, while a secondary market exists for pre-refunded municipal bonds, if the Fund sells pre-refunded municipal bonds prior to maturity, the price received may be more or less than the original cost, depending on market conditions at the time of sale.

**PUERTO RICAN MUNICIPAL SECURITIES RISK.** Puerto Rico currently faces a severe fiscal, economic and liquidity crisis, the culmination of many years of significant governmental deficits, a prolonged economic recession (which commenced in 2006), high unemployment, population decline, and high levels of debt and pension obligations. Further stressing Puerto Rico's liquidity are the vulnerability of revenue streams during times of major economic downturns and large health care, education, pension and debt service costs. Puerto Rico's very high level of debt and unfunded pension liabilities and the resulting required allocation of revenues to service debt and pension obligations have contributed to significant budget deficits during the past several years, which deficits Puerto Rico has financed, further increasing the amount of its debt. These matters and Puerto Rico's liquidity constraints, among other factors, have adversely affected its credit ratings and its ability to obtain financing at reasonable interest rates, if at all. Several rating organizations have downgraded a number of securities issued in Puerto Rico to below investment grade and/or placed them on "negative watch." Any further downgrades could place additional strain on the Puerto Rican economy. Certain issuers of Puerto Rico municipal securities have failed to make payments on obligations that have come due, and additional missed payments and defaults may be likely to occur in the future. In addition, in September 2017, Puerto Rico was severely impacted by two major hurricanes. The widespread destruction caused by these hurricanes will continue to stress government finances and liquidity and exacerbate Puerto Rico's financial crisis. On June 30, 2016, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (*"PROMESA"*) was enacted. PROMESA allows Puerto Rico to restructure its outstanding debt obligations and establishes an oversight and management board (the *"Oversight Board"*) that is empowered to approve Puerto Rico's fiscal plans and budgets. On May 3, 2017, the Oversight Board filed a petition on behalf of Puerto Rico in the U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico seeking bankruptcy-like relief under PROMESA. According to the petition, Puerto Rico and its instrumentalities cannot satisfy from current revenues their collective $74 billion debt burden and $49 billion pension burden and pay their operating expenses. The petition states that Puerto Rico's fiscal crisis has reached a breaking point due to a variety of factors, including the elimination of certain federal funds, the exhaustion of public pension

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funding and recent negative economic growth in Puerto Rico. The result of Puerto Rico's plan to adjust its debts in a case under PROMESA is uncertain. In addition to the PROMESA case, any deterioration in Puerto Rico's financial condition, further legislation by the U.S. Congress and/or actions by the Oversight Board may have a negative effect on the marketability, liquidity or value of the securities issued by Puerto Rico, which could reduce the Fund's performance.

**RESTRICTED SECURITIES RISK.** Restricted securities are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Restricted securities include private placement securities that have not been registered under the applicable securities laws, such as Rule 144A securities, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued pursuant to Regulation S. Private placements are generally subject to strict restrictions on resale. Restricted securities may be illiquid as they generally are not listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. The Fund may be unable to sell a restricted security on short notice or may be able to sell them only at a price below current value. It may be more difficult to determine a market value for a restricted security. Also, the Fund may get limited information about the issuer of a restricted security, so it may be less able to predict a loss. In addition, if Fund management receives material non-public information about the issuer, the Fund may as a result be unable to sell the securities. Certain restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.

**TENDER OPTION BOND RISK.** Tender option bond investments involve leverage and credit risk, and generally involve greater risk than investments in fixed rate municipal bonds, including the risk of loss of principal. Tender option bond investments may also subject the Fund to the risks of inverse floaters described herein. In particular, because the instruments may be leveraged, their market values may be more volatile than other types of debt securities.

**WHEN-ISSUED, TBA AND DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, TBA, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis. In such a transaction, the purchase price of the securities is typically fixed at the time of the commitment, but delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date of the commitment. At the time of delivery of the securities, the value may be more or less than the purchase or sale price. Purchasing securities on a when-issued, TBA, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis may give rise to investment leverage and may increase the Fund's volatility. Default by, or bankruptcy of, a counterparty to a when-issued, TBA or delayed delivery transaction would expose the Fund to possible losses because of an adverse market action, expenses or delays in connection with the purchase or sale of the pools specified in such transaction. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority recently imposed mandatory margin requirements for certain types of when-issued, TBA, delayed delivery or forward commitment transactions. Such transactions require mandatory collateralization which could increase the cost of such transactions and impose added operational complexity.

**ZERO COUPON BOND RISK**. As interest on zero coupon bonds is not paid on a current basis, the value of the bonds is subject to greater fluctuation than bonds that distribute income regularly. Accordingly, the value of zero coupon bonds may be highly volatile as interest rates rise or fall. Although zero coupon bonds generate income for accounting purposes, they do not produce cash flow, and thus the Fund could be forced to liquidate securities at an inopportune time in order to generate cash to distribute to shareholders as required by tax laws.

**Fund Organization**

The Fund is a series of the Trust, an investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund is treated as a separate fund with its own investment objectives and policies. The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Board is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Trust. The Board elects the Trust's officers and approves all significant agreements, including those with the Advisor, distributor, custodian and fund administrative and accounting agent.

**Management of the Fund**

First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Fund. In this capacity, First Trust is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the 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 James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Fund.

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First Trust serves as advisor or sub-advisor for 9 mutual fund portfolios, 10 exchange-traded funds consisting of 201 series and 14 closed-end funds. It is also the portfolio supervisor of certain unit investment trusts sponsored by First Trust Portfolios L.P. (*"FTP"*), an affiliate of First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. FTP specializes in the underwriting, trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities. FTP is the principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund.

Johnathan N. Wilhelm and Tom Byron are the Fund's portfolio managers and are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's investment portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Mr. Wilhelm is a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager for the First Trust Advisors Municipal Securities Team. He has over 30 years of credit research and portfolio management experience in corporate and municipal securities. As co-portfolio manager for First Trust's actively managed municipal exchange-traded funds and separately managed accounts, he is involved in all aspects of the municipal securities investment process, including portfolio strategy, construction, surveillance and risk management. Prior to joining First Trust in 2013, Mr. Wilhelm was a Portfolio Manager for Municipal Bonds at Performance Trust Investment Advisors (PTIA) for approximately 2 and a half years. Prior to joining PTIA, Mr. Wilhelm worked at Nuveen Investments for 11 years. Most recently at Nuveen, he was a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager, responsible for approximately $3 billion of municipal assets under management involving nine different strategies. Before joining the portfolio management team, Mr. Wilhelm led a team of credit analysts responsible for research of industrial development bonds, utilities and real estate-backed financings. Prior to his work at Nuveen, Mr. Wilhelm was a Senior Credit Analyst in the Van Kampen Senior Loan Group, where he was responsible for the oversight of a team of three analysts with coverage of 180 companies with a total exposure of approximately $6 billion. Mr. Wilhelm earned his BS in Business, with a concentration in finance, from Miami University of Ohio and his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Mr. Byron joined First Trust in March 2022 as a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager on the First Trust Advisors Municipal Securities Team. Mr. Byron has over 40 years of experience in municipal bond portfolio management. His current duties include being co-portfolio manager alongside Johnathan Wilhelm for all seven First Trust actively managed municipal ETFs as well as the municipal bond SMAs. Prior to joining First Trust, Mr. Byron was a Director and Portfolio Manager at BMO Global Asset Management for over six years co-managing municipal assets and separately managed accounts in ultra-short, short, intermediate and long strategies. He associated with client portfolio managers and wholesalers on sales calls with existing or prospective clients. Mr. Byron also was an Executive Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Invesco for five years and Morgan Stanley for thirteen years co-managing sixteen funds utilizing short, intermediate, and long strategies, a portion of which were high yield securities. Mr. Byron was also the lead manager of five municipal closed-end funds. Mr. Byron has a BS from Marquette University and an MBA from DePaul University.

For additional information concerning First Trust, including a description of the services provided to the Fund, see the Fund's SAI. Additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares in the Fund is provided in the SAI.

**Management Fee**

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the *"Investment Management Agreement"*), First Trust manages the investment of the Fund's assets. First Trust is paid an annual unitary management fee by the Fund equal to 0.65% of the Fund's average daily net assets and is responsible for the Fund's expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, but excluding fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to First Trust will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*). See the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for more information on the breakpoints.

A discussion regarding the Board's approval of the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement is available in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022.

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**How to Buy and Sell Shares**

Most investors buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the secondary market on one or more national securities exchanges. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no minimum investment when buying shares on the Exchange. 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, investors should expect to pay brokerage commissions, investors may receive less than the net asset value of the shares because shares are bought and sold at market prices rather than at net asset value, and investors may pay some or all of the bid-ask spread for each transaction (purchase or sale) of Fund shares. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per share.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will pay out redemption proceeds to a redeeming authorized participant within two days after the authorized participant's redemption request is received, in accordance with the process set forth in the Fund's SAI and in the agreement between the authorized participant and the Fund's distributor. However, the Fund reserves the right, including under stressed market conditions, to take up to seven days after the receipt of a redemption request to pay an authorized participant, all as permitted by the 1940 Act. If the Fund has foreign investments in a country where a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents the Fund from delivering such foreign investments to an authorized participant in response to a redemption request, the Fund may take up to 15 days after the receipt of the redemption request to deliver such investments to the authorized participant.

For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is treated as a registered investment company, and the acquisition of shares by other registered investment companies and companies relying on Sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act is subject to the restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations.

**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 Fund 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 price of shares of the Fund on the secondary market is based on market price and may differ from the Fund's daily net asset value and can be affected by market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of the Fund's Shares** 

The Fund imposes 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 Fund's shareholders. The Board considered that the Fund's shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (*i.e.*, authorized participants ("*APs*")) and that the vast majority of trading in the Fund's shares occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not involve the 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 the Fund's trading costs and the realization of capital gains. With respect to trades directly with the Fund, to the extent effected in-kind (*i.e.*, for securities), those trades do not cause any of the harmful effects that may result from frequent cash trades. To the extent that the Fund may effect the purchase or redemption of Creation Units in exchange wholly or partially for cash, the Board noted that such trades could result in dilution to the Fund and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objectives. However, the Board noted that direct trading by APs is critical to ensuring that the shares trade at or close to net asset value. In addition, the Fund imposes fixed and variable transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of

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Creation Units to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. Finally, the Advisor monitors purchase and redemption orders from APs for patterns of abusive trading and the Fund reserves the right to not accept orders from APs that the Advisor has determined may be disruptive to the management of the Fund.

**Dividends, Distributions and Taxes**

Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid monthly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least 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.

**Federal Tax Matters**

This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning shares of the Fund. 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 Fund. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure 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 advisor.

**Fund Status**

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a "regulated investment company" (a *"RIC"*) under the federal tax laws. If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes its income as required by the tax law, the Fund generally will not pay federal income taxes.

**Distributions**

After the end of each year, you will receive a tax statement that separates the distributions of the Fund into three categories: exempt-interest dividends, ordinary income distributions and capital gain dividends. Dividends that qualify as "exempt-interest dividends" generally are excluded from your gross income for federal income tax purposes. Some or all of the exempt-interest dividends, however, may be taken into account in determining the alternative minimum tax on individuals and may have other tax consequences (*e.g.*, they may affect the amount of your social security benefits that are taxed). For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, exempt-interest dividends may affect the corporate alternative minimum tax for certain corporations. Ordinary income distributions are generally taxed at your ordinary tax rate. Generally, you will treat all capital gain dividends as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your shares.

To determine your actual tax liability for your capital gain 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; however, such distributions may reduce your tax basis in your shares, which could result in you having to pay higher taxes in the future when shares are sold, even if you sell the shares at a loss from your original investment. A "return of capital" is a return, in whole or in part, of the funds that you previously invested in the Fund. A return of capital distribution should not be considered part of a Fund's dividend yield or total return of an investment in Fund shares. The tax status of your distributions from the Fund is not affected by whether you reinvest your distributions in additional shares or receive them in cash. The income from the 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.

Income from the Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to your net investment income if your adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals. Interest that is excluded from gross income and exempt-interest dividends from the Fund are generally not included in your net investment income for purposes of this tax.

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**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 RICs.

**Capital Gains and Losses**

If you are an individual, the maximum marginal stated federal tax rate for net capital gain is generally 20% (15% or 0% for taxpayers with taxable income below certain thresholds). Some capital gains, including some portion of your capital gain dividends may be taxed at a higher maximum stated tax rate. Capital gains may also be subject to the Medicare tax described above.

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. If you hold a share for six months or less, any loss incurred by you related to the disposition of such share will be disallowed to the extent of the exempt-interest dividends you received, except in the case of a regular dividend paid by the Fund if the Fund declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90 percent of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. To the extent, if any, it is not disallowed, it will be recharacterized as long-term capital loss to the extent of any 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 of 1986, as amended, treats certain capital gains as ordinary income in special situations.

An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

**Sale of Shares**

If you sell or redeem 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 brokerage fees, if any. In some cases, however, you may have to adjust your tax basis after you purchase your shares. Further, if you hold your shares for six months or less, any loss incurred by you related to the disposition of such a share will be disallowed to the extent of the exempt-interest dividends you received, except as otherwise described in the prior paragraph. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

If you exchange 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 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 IRS, 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.

**Treatment of Fund Expenses**

Expenses incurred and deducted by the Fund will generally not be treated as income taxable to you. Because the Fund pays exempt-interest dividends, which are treated as exempt interest for federal income tax purposes, you will not be able to deduct some of your interest expense for debt that you incur or continue to purchase or carry your shares.

**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 the Fund will be characterized as dividends for federal income tax purposes (other than dividends which the Fund properly reports as capital gain dividends) and, other than exempt-interest dividends, 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 the Fund that are properly

------

reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. Distributions from the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. investors, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

Distributions may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax of 30% in the case of distributions to (i) certain non-U.S. financial institutions that have not entered into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose certain information and are not resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury and (ii) certain other non-U.S. entities that do not provide certain certifications and information about the entity's U.S. owners. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**Distribution Plan**

FTP serves as the distributor of Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis. FTP does not maintain a secondary market in shares.

The Board has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 plan, the Fund is authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of its 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.

The Fund does not currently pay 12b-1 fees, and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024. However, in the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because these fees are paid out of the Fund's 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**

The Fund's net asset value is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Net asset value is calculated for the 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 net asset value per share. All valuations are subject to review by the Board or its delegate.

The Fund's investments are valued daily in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board, and in accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act requires the fair valuation of all portfolio investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has appointed the Advisor as its valuation designee for all portfolio investments. Certain securities in which the Fund may invest are not listed on any securities exchange or board of trade. Such securities are typically bought and sold by institutional investors in individually negotiated private transactions that function in many respects like an over the counter secondary market, although typically no formal market makers exist. Certain securities, particularly debt securities, have few or no trades, or trade infrequently, and information regarding a specific security may not be widely available or may be incomplete. Accordingly, determinations of the fair value of debt securities may be based on infrequent and dated information. Because there is less reliable, objective data available, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation of debt securities than for other types of securities. Typically, debt securities are valued using information provided by a third-party pricing service. The third-party pricing service primarily uses broker quotes to value the securities.

The Fund's investments are valued daily at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value, in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board and in accordance with the 1940

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Act and the rules thereunder. Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. Securities listed on Nasdaq or the AIM are valued at the official closing price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities. For portfolio securities traded on an exchange that provides both an official closing price and a last sale price, the Advisor, at its discretion, shall determine to use either the last sale price or the official closing price, depending on which price reflects the appropriate market value. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities trading on Nasdaq or the AIM, are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at the last trade price. Short-term investments that mature in less than 60 days when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discount, provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer-specific conditions existing at the time of determination. Net asset value may change on days when investors may not sell or redeem Fund shares.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Advisor at fair value. The use of fair value pricing by the Fund is governed by valuation procedures approved by the Board and in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, certain restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under 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 or fair value 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 the Fund's net asset value 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, in the opinion of the Advisor, 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 portfolio investment upon the measurement date under current market conditions. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from the current market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities. See the Fund's SAI for details.

Exchange-traded futures contracts will be valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are principally traded. If no closing price is available, exchange-traded futures contracts will be valued at the mean of the last bid and asked prices, if available, and otherwise at the closing bid price.

**Fund Service Providers**

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, acts as the administrator, accounting agent, custodian and transfer agent for the Fund. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as legal counsel to the Fund. First Trust serves as the fund reporting agent for the Fund.

**Premium/Discount Information** 

Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund's shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund's net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter), is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Total Return Information** 

The table below compares the total return of the Fund to a market index. The information presented for the Fund is for the period indicated.

"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 return information shown under "Annual Total Return" in the Fund's summary prospectus represents the average annual total returns of the Fund as of the calendar year end, while the information presented below is as of the Fund's fiscal year end. The net asset value per share of the Fund 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 liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of outstanding shares. The net asset value return is based on the net asset value per share of the Fund and the market

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return is based on the market price per share of the Fund. The price used to calculate market return (*"Market Price"*) is determined by using the midpoint of the national best bid and offer price (*"NBBO"*) as of the time that the Fund's net asset value is calculated. Under SEC rules, the NBBO consists of the highest displayed buy and lowest sell prices among the various exchanges trading the Fund at the time the Fund's net asset value is calculated. Prior to January 1, 2019, the price used was the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the stock exchange on which shares of the Fund were listed for trading as of the time that the Fund's net asset value was calculated. Since the shares of the Fund typically do not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund's inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund, the net asset value of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns. Market and net asset value returns assume that all distributions have been reinvested in the Fund at Market Price and net asset value, respectively. An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike the Fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does 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 reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index. 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 the Fund. 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.

**First Trust Managed Municipal ETF (FMB)**

**Total Returns as of October 31, 2022** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Cumulative** | **Cumulative** |
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(5/13/2014)**<br>| **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(5/13/2014)**<br>|
| **Fund Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net Asset Value | -12.47% | 0.44% | 2.16% | 2.21% | 19.82% |
| Market Price | -12.61% | 0.39% | 2.14% | 1.98% | 19.67% |
| **Index Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Bloomberg Revenue 10 Year (8-12) Index | -10.46% | 0.72% | 1.96% | 3.66% | 17.84% |

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**Financial Highlights** 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the periods shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of the Fund. The total returns represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the 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, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022 and is incorporated by reference in the Fund's SAI, which is available upon request.

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

**Financial Highlights**

**For a share outstanding throughout each period** 

**First Trust Managed Municipal ETF (FMB)** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $56.51 | $55.40 | $55.38 | $51.75 | $53.16 |
| Income from investment operations |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss) | 1.20 | 1.13 | 1.23 | 1.35 | 1.35 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (8.17) | 1.12 | 0.05 | 3.67 | (1.41) |
| Total from investment operations | (6.97) | 2.25 | 1.28 | 5.02 | (0.06) |
| **Distributions paid to shareholders from:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (1.18) | (1.12) | (1.23) | (1.36) | (1.35) |
| Return of capital |  | (0.02) | (0.03) | (0.03) |  |
| Total distributions | (1.18) | (1.14) | (1.26) | (1.39) | (1.35) |
| **Net asset value, end of period** | $48.36 | $56.51 | $55.40 | $55.38 | $51.75 |
| **Total Return** <sup>(a)</sup> | (12.47)%<sup>(b)</sup> | 4.06% <sup>(b)</sup> | 2.33% | 9.79% | (0.12)% |
| **Ratios/supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $1757812 | $2393405 | $1714485 | $1135258 | $455371 |
| **Ratios to average net assets:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 0.65% | 0.65% | 0.65% | 0.65% | 0.65% |
| Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net <br> assets<br>| 2.23% | 1.99% | 2.24% | 2.53% | 2.60% |
| Portfolio turnover rate <sup>(c)</sup> | 63% | 9% | 35% | 26% | 42% |

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*(a)* *Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. 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. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. For some periods, the total returns would have been lower if certain fees had not been waived by the advisor.* 

*(b)* *During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, the Fund received reimbursements from the advisor in the amounts of $5,130 and $4,688, respectively, each representing less than $0.01 per share. Since the advisor reimbursed the Fund, there was no effect on the Fund's total return.* 

*(c)* *Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions.*

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**Other Information**

**Continuous Offering** 

The Fund issues, 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 the 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(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. 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(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(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.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](img8dbc1a7e1.gif)

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust Managed Municipal ETF

**For More Information** 

For more detailed information on the Fund, several additional sources of information are available to you. The SAI, incorporated by reference into this prospectus, contains detailed information on the Fund's policies and operation. Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund's annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly impacted the Fund's performance during the last fiscal year. The Fund's most recent SAI, annual and semi-annual reports and certain other information are available free of charge by calling the Fund at (800) 621-1675, on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com or through your financial advisor. Shareholders may call the toll-free number above with any inquiries.

You may obtain this and other information regarding the Fund, including the SAI and 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 online EDGAR database at www.sec.gov. You may also request information regarding the Fund by sending a request (along with a duplication fee) to the SEC by sending an electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.

First Trust Advisors L.P.

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

(800) 621-1675

www.ftportfolios.com

SEC File #: 333-176976

811-22245

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](img3a6c2b231.gif)

Prospectus

First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF

Ticker Symbol: FPE <br> Exchange: NYSE Arca

First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF (the *"Fund"*) lists and principally trades its shares on NYSE Arca, Inc. (*"NYSE Arca"* or the "*Exchange"*). Market prices may differ to some degree from the net asset value of the shares. Unlike mutual funds, the Fund issues and redeems shares at net asset value, only in large specified blocks of shares called *"Creation Units."* 

The Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*) and an actively managed exchange-traded fund organized as a separate series of a registered management investment company.

**Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.**

**The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of 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**

March 1, 2023

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**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Summary Information](#xx_1485822e-cd60-4cc3-9c5a-35948e77f5a4_1) | 3 |
| [Additional Information on the Fund's Investment Objective and Strategies](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_1) | 14 |
| [Fund Investments](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_1) | 14 |
| [Risks of Investing in the Fund](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_5) | 18 |
| [Fund Organization](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_16) | 29 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_16) | 29 |
| [How to Buy and Sell Shares](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_18) | 31 |
| [Dividends, Distributions and Taxes](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_19) | 32 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_19) | 32 |
| [Distribution Plan](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_21) | 34 |
| [Net Asset Value](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_22) | 35 |
| [Fund Service Providers](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_23) | 36 |
| [Premium/Discount Information](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_23) | 36 |
| [Total Return Information](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_23) | 36 |
| [Financial Highlights](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_25) | 38 |
| [Other Information](#xx_e7510157-8422-40c8-97ef-19b911b8b6e4_26) | 39 |

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**Summary Information**

**Investment Objective**

The First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF's (the "*Fund*") investment objective is to seek total return and to provide current income.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **Investors may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.**

**Shareholder Fees**

(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.85% |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.00% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.85% |

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*(1)* *As of the date of the prospectus, as approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to First Trust Advisors L.P., the Fund's investment advisor, will be reduced to 0.8075% based on the current level of Fund net assets. The management fee could be further reduced, or increased up to the amount in the table above, based on changes in the level of Fund net assets ("breakpoints"). See the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for more information on the breakpoints.*

***Example***

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then hold 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 at current levels. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| $87 | $271 | $471 | $1049 |

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**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 35% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in preferred securities (*"Preferred Securities"*) and income-producing debt securities (*"Income Securities"*). The Fund invests in securities that are traded over-the-counter or listed on an exchange. For purposes of the 80% test set forth above, securities of open-end funds, closed-end funds or other exchange-traded funds (*"ETFs"*) registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the *"1940 Act"*), that invest primarily in Preferred Securities or Income Securities are deemed to be Preferred Securities or Income Securities.

In selecting securities for the Fund, the investment strategy of the Fund's sub-advisor is driven by comprehensive analysis of Preferred Securities and Income Securities with a goal of investing in securities representing the best relative value in the market. The style of active management by the Fund's investment sub-advisor combines a bottom-up and top-down approach to security selection that encompasses three significant areas of analysis: credit fundamentals; relative value; and technical

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aspects of the securities, which may include, but are not limited to, interest rate sensitivity, call features, covenants, maturities, trading volumes, liquidity and pricing inefficiencies. The bottom-up analysis focuses on individual security analysis, idiosyncratic risks, credit fundamentals and opportunistic trading. The top-down analysis focuses on sector and industry analysis, duration and interest rate analysis, capital structure positioning and systemic risks. Diversification of the Fund portfolio within the Preferred Securities asset class is achieved through limits on issuer and industry weightings.

In general, Preferred Securities held by the Fund are issued by companies in the financial, communications, consumer, government, utilities, energy, materials, industrial and technology sectors. The market capitalization of the issuers is between $800 million and $300 billion. The market capitalization for the Preferred Securities is between $85 million and $3 billion. Because the issuers of Preferred Securities are often financial companies, the Fund concentrates its investments by investing at least 25% of its total assets in the group of industries that comprise the financial sector, which may include banks, thrifts, brokerage firms, broker/dealers, investment banks, finance companies, and companies involved in the insurance industry. The Fund may also invest in preferred securities issued by real estate investment trusts (*"REITs"*).

Income Securities held by the Fund include corporate bonds, high yield securities, commonly referred to as *"junk"* bonds, and convertible securities. The broad category of corporate debt securities includes debt issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies of all kinds, including those with small-, mid-and large-capitalizations. Corporate debt may carry fixed or floating rates of interest. The Fund may also invest in floating-rate and fixed-to-floating rate securities.

The Fund may invest in U.S. and non-U.S. debt and equity securities that are traded over-the-counter or listed on an exchange. The Fund may have exposure to certain emerging market countries through its investments in non-U.S. securities. The Fund may hold investments that are denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or in securities that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates denominated in such currencies. As of January 31, 2023, the Fund had significant investments in financial companies and European issuers, although this may change from time to time. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a given jurisdiction or investment sector, the Fund may be exposed to the risks associated with that jurisdiction or investment sector.

The average duration of the Fund's portfolio is expected to be between three to 12 years. Duration is a mathematical calculation of the average life of a debt security (or portfolio of debt securities) that serves as a measure of its price risk. In general, each year of duration represents an expected 1% change in the value of a security for every 1% immediate change in interest rates. For example, if the portfolio has an average duration of three years, its value can be expected to fall about 3% if interest rates rise by 1%. Conversely, the portfolio's value can be expected to rise about 3% if interest rates fall by 1%. As a result, prices of instruments with shorter durations tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than instruments with longer durations. As the value of a security changes over time, so will its duration.

The Fund invests at least 60% of its net assets in securities rated investment grade (BBB-/Baa3 or higher) at the time of purchase by at least one independent rating agency, such as Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or another nationally recognized statistical rating organization, and unrated securities judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund's sub-advisor. The Fund may invest up to 40% of its net assets in securities rated below investment grade (BB+/Ba1 or lower) at the time of purchase, which are commonly referred to as high yield securities or "junk bonds." For securities with a split rating, the highest available rating will be used. In addition, at least 80% of the Fund's net assets are issued by issuers that have long-term issuer credit ratings of investment grade, or unrated issuers judged to be of comparable quality by the Fund's investment sub-advisor.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in cash and/or cash equivalents. The Fund may invest in securities issued by companies domiciled in the United States, U.S. dollar-denominated depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign securities. The Fund may invest in Rule 144A securities, which are generally securities of U.S. and foreign issuers that are not listed on an exchange and may be (a) Preferred Securities or Income Securities issued by public companies, (b) securities of non-U.S. issuers that do not want to become subject to U.S. reporting requirements or (c) common stock by non-reporting issuers. Rule 144A securities are generally subject to resale restrictions and may be illiquid. The Fund may also invest in contingent convertible securities and hybrid capital securities. Due to the nature of certain of the Fund's investments, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, effect a portion of creations and redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind securities.

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**Principal Risks**

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be achieved. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount (the difference between the market price of the Fund's shares and the Fund's net asset value) and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread (the difference between the price that someone is willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a specific point in time versus the price at which someone is willing to sell) on the Fund's shares may widen.

**BANKS RISK.** Banks are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession, currency exchange rates, government regulation, decreases in the availability of capital, 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. In addition, banks are subject to extensive regulation at both the federal and state level, which may affect permissible activities, profitability and the amount of capital that they must maintain.

**CALL RISK.** Some debt securities may be redeemed, or "called," at the option of the issuer before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund's income.

**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund will effect some or all of its creations and redemptions for cash rather than in-kind. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects all of its creations and redemptions in-kind. Because the Fund may effect redemptions for cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. A sale of portfolio securities may result in capital gains or losses and may also result in higher brokerage costs.

**CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK.** CoCos are hybrid securities most commonly issued by banking institutions that present risks similar to debt securities and convertible securities. CoCos are distinct in that they are intended to either convert into equity or have their principal written down upon the occurrence of certain "triggers." When an issuer's capital ratio falls below a specified trigger level, or in a regulator's discretion depending on the regulator's judgment about the issuer's solvency prospects, a CoCo may be written down, written off or converted into an equity security. Due to the contingent write-down, write-off and conversion feature, CoCos may have substantially greater risk than other securities in times of financial stress. If the trigger level is breached, the issuer's decision to write down, write off or convert a CoCo may be outside its control, and the Fund may suffer a complete loss on an investment in CoCos with no chance of recovery even if the issuer remains in existence. The value of CoCos is unpredictable and may be influenced by many factors including, without limitation: the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in such issuer's applicable capital ratios; supply and demand for CoCos; general market conditions and available liquidity; and economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, its particular market or the financial markets in general.

**CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK.** A convertible security has characteristics of both equity and debt securities and, as a result, is exposed to risks that are typically associated with both types of securities. The value of convertible securities may rise and fall with the market value of the underlying stock or, like a debt security, vary with changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer. A convertible security tends to perform more like a stock when the underlying stock price is high relative to the conversion price and more like a debt security when the underlying stock price is low relative to the conversion price.

**CREDIT RATING AGENCY RISK.** Credit ratings are determined by credit rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Services, Inc. and Fitch Inc., and are only the opinions of such entities. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risk or the liquidity of securities. Any shortcomings or inefficiencies in credit rating agencies' processes for determining credit ratings may adversely affect the credit ratings of securities held by the Fund and, as a result, may adversely affect those securities' perceived or actual credit risk.

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**CREDIT RISK.** An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer's ability or unwillingness to make such payments.

**CREDIT SPREAD RISK.** From time to time, spreads (*i.e.*, the difference in yield between debt securities that have different credit qualities or other differences) may increase, which may reduce the market value of some of the Fund's debt securities. While the Fund may employ strategies to mitigate credit spread risk, these strategies may not be successful.

**CURRENCY RISK.** Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, and therefore the value of such investments in the Fund's portfolio. The Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems through "hacking" or malicious software coding but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, custodian, or sub-advisor, as applicable, can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Although the Fund has established risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

**DEBT SECURITIES RISK.** Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock.

**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK**. Depositary receipts represent equity interests in a foreign company that trade on a local stock exchange. Depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert the equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause the equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.

**EMERGING MARKETS RISK.** Investments in securities issued by governments and companies operating in emerging market countries involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in securities and instruments issued by U.S. companies or by companies operating in other developed market countries. Investments in emerging markets securities are generally considered speculative in nature and are subject to the following heightened risks: smaller market capitalization of securities markets which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; possible repatriation of investment income and capital; rapid inflation; and currency convertibility issues. Emerging market countries also often have less uniformity in accounting, auditing and reporting requirements, unsettled securities laws, unreliable securities valuation and greater risk associated with custody of securities. Financial and other reporting by companies and government entities also may be less reliable in emerging market countries. Shareholder claims that are available in the U.S., as well as regulatory oversight and authority that is common in the U.S., including for claims based on fraud, may be difficult or impossible for shareholders of securities in emerging market countries or for U.S. authorities to pursue. Furthermore, investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies.

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**EQUITY SECURITIES RISK.** The value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting an issuer occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market.

**EUROPE RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of European issuers. Political or economic disruptions in European countries, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, may adversely affect security values and thus the Fund's holdings. A significant number of countries in Europe are member states in the European Union (the *"EU"*), and the member states no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. In these member states, the authority to direct monetary policies, including money supply and official interest rates for the Euro, is exercised by the European Central Bank. In a 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the EU (*"Brexit"*). After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. As the second largest economy among EU members, the implications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal are difficult to gauge and cannot be fully known. Its departure may negatively impact the EU and Europe as a whole by causing volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU (thereby perpetuating political instability in the region).

**EXTENSION RISK.** Extension risk is the risk that, when interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the issuer (or other obligated party) more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these debt securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of debt securities, making their market value more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term debt securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term debt securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value.

**FINANCIAL COMPANIES RISK.** Financial companies, such as retail and commercial banks, insurance companies and financial services companies, are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession, currency exchange rates, extensive government regulation, decreases in the availability of capital, volatile interest rates, portfolio concentrations in geographic markets, industries or products (such as commercial and residential real estate loans), competition from new entrants and blurred distinctions in their fields of business.

**FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE SECURITIES RISK.** Fixed-to-floating rate securities are securities that have a fixed dividend rate for an initial term that converts to a floating dividend rate upon the expiration of the initial term. Securities with a floating or variable interest rate component can be less sensitive to interest rate changes than securities with fixed interest rates but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. While fixed-to-floating rate securities can be less sensitive to interest rate risk than fixed-rate securities they generally carry lower yields than similar fixed-rate securities.

**FLOATING RATE SECURITIES RISK.** Floating rate securities are structured so that the security's coupon rate fluctuates based upon the level of a reference rate. As a result, the coupon on floating rate securities will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment, causing the Fund to experience a reduction in the income it receives from the security. A floating rate security's coupon rate resets periodically according to the terms of the security. Consequently, in a rising interest rate environment, floating rate securities with coupon rates that reset infrequently may lag behind the changes in market interest rates. Floating rate securities may also contain terms that impose a maximum coupon rate the issuer will pay, regardless of the level of the reference rate which would decrease the value of the security.

**HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK.** High yield securities, or "junk" bonds, are subject to greater market fluctuations, are less liquid and provide a greater risk of loss than investment grade securities, and therefore, are considered to be highly speculative. In general, high yield securities may have a greater risk of default than other types of securities and could cause income and principal losses for the Fund.

**HYBRID CAPITAL SECURITIES RISK.** Hybrid capital securities are subject to the risks of equity securities and debt securities. The claims of holders of hybrid capital securities of an issuer are generally subordinated to those of holders of traditional debt securities in bankruptcy, and thus hybrid capital securities may be more volatile and subject to greater risk than traditional debt securities, and may in certain circumstances be even more volatile than traditional equity securities. At the same time, hybrid capital securities may not fully participate in gains of their issuer and thus potential returns of such securities are generally

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more limited than traditional equity securities, which would participate in such gains. The terms of hybrid capital securities may vary substantially and the risks of a particular hybrid capital security will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the credit risk of the issuer, as well as liquidity risk, since they often are customized to meet the needs of an issuer or a particular investor, and therefore the number of investors that buy such instruments in the secondary market may be small.

**INCOME RISK.** The Fund's income may decline when interest rates fall or if there are defaults in its portfolio. This decline can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding securities as debt securities in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional debt securities.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking exchange-traded funds or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity in the Fund's shares.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline.

**INTEREST RATE RISK.** Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the debt securities in the Fund's portfolio will decline because of rising market interest rates. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term debt securities and higher for longer-term debt securities. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates and a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security's expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security's yield, interest payments and final maturity. In general, duration represents the expected percentage change in the value of a security for an immediate 1% change in interest rates. For example, the price of a debt security with a three-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 3% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates. Therefore, prices of debt securities with shorter durations tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than debt securities with longer durations. As the value of a debt security changes over time, so will its duration.

**INVESTMENT COMPANIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies. As a shareholder in another investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of exchange-traded investment companies.

**LARGE CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES RISK.** Large capitalization companies may grow at a slower rate and be less able to adapt to changing market conditions than smaller capitalization companies. Thus, the return on investment in securities of large capitalization companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies. The performance of large capitalization companies also tends to trail the overall market during different market cycles.

**LIBOR TRANSITION RISK.** The United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (*"FCA"*), which regulates LIBOR, intends to cease making LIBOR available as a reference rate over a phase-out period that began on January 1, 2022. However, subsequent announcements by the FCA, the LIBOR administrators, and other regulators indicate that it is possible that the most widely used LIBOR rates may continue until mid-2023. The unavailability or replacement of LIBOR may affect the value, liquidity or return on certain Fund investments and may result in costs incurred in connection with closing out positions and entering into new trades. Any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or on certain instruments in which the Fund invests can be difficult to ascertain, and they may vary depending on a variety of factors. In the United States, it is anticipated that in many instances the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (*"SOFR"*) will replace LIBOR as the reference rate for many of the floating rate instruments held by the Fund. There is no assurance that the composition or characteristics of SOFR, or any alternative reference rate, will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR or that instruments using an alternative rate will have the same volume or liquidity. As a result, the transition process might lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates; a reduction

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in the value of some LIBOR-based investments; increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of any applicable hedging strategies against instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR; and/or costs incurred in connection with temporary borrowings and closing out positions and entering into new agreements. Any such effects (as well as other unforeseen effects) of the transition away from LIBOR and the adoption of alternative reference rates could result in losses to the Fund.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Fund may hold certain investments that may be subject to restrictions on resale, trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or lack an active trading market. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to sell or close out of such investments at favorable times or prices (or at all), or at the prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** Non-U.S. securities are subject to higher volatility than securities of domestic issuers due to possible adverse political, social or economic developments, restrictions on foreign investment or exchange of securities, capital controls, lack of liquidity, currency exchange rates, excessive taxation, government seizure of assets, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, different legal or accounting standards, and less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges in foreign countries.

**OPERATIONAL RISK.** The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK.** Preferred securities combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Generally, holders of preferred

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securities have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may obtain limited rights. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may defer payment on the securities and, in some cases, redeem the securities prior to a specified date. Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than other securities, including common stock.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. The Fund's investment advisor cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Fund's investment advisor believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**PREPAYMENT RISK.** Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt security will repay principal prior to the scheduled maturity date. Debt securities allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates, as the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment at lower interest rates. These factors may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to change.

**REIT RISK.** REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities. REITs may have also a relatively small market capitalization which may result in their shares experiencing less market liquidity and greater price volatility than larger companies. 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.

**RESTRICTED SECURITIES RISK.** Restricted securities are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. The Fund may be unable to sell a restricted security on short notice or may be able to sell them only at a price below current value.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**SMALLER COMPANIES RISK.** Small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more vulnerable 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, fewer 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.

**SUBORDINATED DEBT RISK.** Perpetual subordinated debt is a type of hybrid instrument that has no maturity date for the return of principal and does not need to be redeemed by the issuer. These investments typically have lower credit ratings and lower priority than other obligations of an issuer during bankruptcy, presenting a greater risk for nonpayment. This risk increases as the priority of the obligation becomes lower. Payments on these securities may be subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations of subsidiaries and associated companies of an issuer. Additionally, some perpetual subordinated debt does not restrict the ability of an issuer's subsidiaries to incur further unsecured indebtedness.

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**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

**VOLATILITY RISK.** Volatility is the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The Fund may invest in securities or financial instruments that exhibit more volatility than the market as a whole. Such exposures could cause the Fund's net asset value to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time.

**Annual Total Return**

The bar chart and table below illustrate the annual calendar year returns of the Fund based on net asset value as well as the average annual Fund returns. 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 based on net asset value compared to those of a blended benchmark and a market index. See "Total Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund. The Fund's performance information is accessible on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.

**First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF**

**Calendar Year Total Returns as of 12/31**

![](img70fb492f2.jpg)

During the periods shown in the chart above:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Best Quarter** |  | **Worst Quarter** |  |
| 12.77% | June 30, 2020 | -16.12% | March 31, 2020 |

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The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

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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 indices 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.

**Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022** 

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Since**<br> **Inception**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **Date**<br>|
| Return Before Taxes | -12.38% | 1.87% | 3.76% | 2/11/2013 |
| Return After Taxes On Distributions | -14.27% | -0.29% | 1.43% |  |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -7.30% | 0.54% | 1.84% |  |
| ICE BofA US Investment Grade Institutional Capital Securities <br> Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<br>| -10.19% | 2.43% | 4.19% |  |
| Blended Index<sup>(1)</sup><sup>,</sup><sup>(2)</sup> (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or <br> taxes)<br>| -14.04% | 1.71% | N/A |  |

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*(1)* *The Blended Index consists of a 30/30/30/10 blend of the ICE BofA Core Plus Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index, the ICE BofA US Investment Grade Institutional Capital Securities Index, the ICE USD Contingent Capital Index and the ICE BofA US High Yield Institutional Capital Securities Index. The Blended Index is intended to reflect the proportional market cap of each segment of the preferred and hybrid securities market. The indices do not charge management fees or brokerage expenses, and no such fees or expenses were deducted from the performance shown. Indices are unmanaged and an investor cannot invest directly in an index. The Blended Index returns are calculated by using the monthly returns of the four indices during each period shown above. At the beginning of each month the four indices are rebalanced to a 30/30/30/10 ratio to account for divergence from that ratio that occurred during the course of each month. The monthly returns are then compounded for each period shown above, giving the performance for the Blended Index for each period shown above.* 

*(2)* *Since the ICE USD Contingent Capital Index had an inception date of December 31, 2013, the performance of the Blended Index is not available for all of the periods disclosed.*

**Management**

***Investment Advisor*** 

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"* or the *"Advisor"*)

***Investment Sub-Advisor***

Stonebridge Advisors LLC (*"Stonebridge"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*)

***Portfolio Managers***

The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Scott T. Fleming, Chief Executive Officer and President, Stonebridge Advisors LLC

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Robert Wolf, Chief Investment Officer, Executive Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, Stonebridge Advisors LLC

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Eric Weaver, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategist and Portfolio Manager, Stonebridge Advisors LLC

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Angelo Graci, CFA, Executive Vice President, Head of Credit Research and Portfolio Manager, Stonebridge Advisors LLC

The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Each portfolio manager has served as part of the portfolio management team of the Fund since 2013, except for Eric Weaver and Angelo Graci, who have served as members of the portfolio management team since 2020 and 2022, respectively.

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**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large blocks of shares called "Creation Units." Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since shares of the Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, the Fund's shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund's net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the *"bid-ask spread"*). Recent information, including the Fund's net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, bid-ask spreads and the median bid-ask spread for the Fund's most recent fiscal year, is available online at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on shares held in a tax-deferred account, while not immediately taxable, will be subject to tax when the shares are no longer held in a tax-deferred account.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, bank or other financial intermediary (collectively, "intermediaries"), First Trust and First Trust Portfolios L.P., the Fund's distributor, may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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**Additional Information on the Fund's Investment Objective and Strategies**

The Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III and is regulated as an "investment company" under the 1940 Act. The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to track the performance of an index. The Fund's investment objective is fundamental and may not be changed without approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless an investment policy is identified as being fundamental, all investment policies included in this prospectus and the Fund's Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the *"Board"*) without shareholder approval. If there is a material change to the Fund's principal investment strategies, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

The Fund has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (the *"Name Policy"*), whereby the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in preferred securities and incoming-producing debt securities. The Sub-Advisor expects that at least 25% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in exchange-listed securities. For purposes of the 80% test set forth above, securities of open-end funds, closed-end funds or other ETFs registered under the 1940 Act, that invest primarily in Preferred Securities or Income Securities are deemed to be Preferred Securities or Income Securities. The Name Policy may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval upon 60 days' prior written notice.

**Fund Investments**

**Principal Investments**

**Preferred Securities**

**Traditional Preferred Securities**

Traditional Preferred Securities, which generally pay fixed or adjustable-rate dividends or interest to investors, have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends or interest and the liquidation of a company's assets, which means that a company typically must pay dividends or interest on its Preferred Securities before paying any dividends on its common stock. Preferred Securities are generally junior to all forms of the company's debt, including both senior and subordinated debt.

While some Preferred Securities are issued with a final maturity date, others are perpetual in nature. In certain instances, a final maturity date may be extended and/or the final payment of principal may be deferred at the issuer's option for a specified time without any adverse consequence to the issuer. No redemption can typically take place unless all cumulative payment obligations to Preferred Security investors have been met, although issuers may be able to engage in open-market repurchases without regard to any cumulative dividends or interest payable. A portion of the portfolio may include investments in non-cumulative Preferred Securities, whereby the issuer does not have an obligation to make up any arrearages to holders of such securities. Should an issuer default on its obligations under such a security, the amount of income earned by the Fund may be adversely affected.

Preferred Securities may be issued by trusts or other special purpose entities established by operating companies, and therefore may not be direct obligations of operating companies. At the time a trust or special purpose entity sells its Preferred Securities to investors, the trust or special purpose entity generally purchases debt of the operating company (with terms comparable to those of the trust or special purpose entity securities). The trust or special purpose entity, as the holder of the operating company's debt, has priority with respect to the operating company's earnings and profits over the operating company's common shareholders, but is typically subordinated to other classes of the operating company's debt. Typically a Preferred Security has a rating that is below that of its corresponding operating company's senior debt securities due to its subordinated nature.

**Trust Preferred Securities**

Trust Preferred Securities combine features of corporate debt securities and preferred stock. The securities generally pay quarterly income. Unlike preferred stocks, distributions from Trust Preferred Securities are treated as interest rather than dividends for federal income tax purposes and therefore, are not eligible for the dividends received deduction and do not constitute qualified dividend income. Distributions on Trust Preferred Securities are made only if interest payments on the related interest-bearing notes of the operating company are made. U.S. issues usually have long maturities, while foreign issues are normally perpetual. The creation of a trust preferred generally begins with a company establishing a Delaware limited

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business trust. The trust issues Preferred Securities to the public and uses the proceeds to purchase junior subordinated debentures from that company. The terms of the debentures are essentially the same as the terms of the Preferred Securities. Trust Preferred Securities represent the "preferred" interest in trusts that hold junior subordinated deferrable debentures of the issuer. The parent may then use the proceeds for general corporate purposes. The issuer of Trust Preferred Securities is generally able to defer or skip payments for up to five years without being in default. In the event that the issuer skips or defers a payment, the holder of the security is generally still subject to taxation on the missed payments.

**Hybrid Trust Preferred Securities**

Hybrid trust preferred securities have many characteristics that are similar to traditional Trust Preferred Securities. The following items are some of the distinguishing features found in most hybrid structures:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The securities have long-term maturities (a minimum of 30 years) or are perpetual. They typically rank senior to common shares and perpetual preferred shares, and junior to senior debt and Trust Preferred Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In most cases, the issuer is allowed to defer the coupon payments for up to 10 years, provided certain conditions are met. The investor would still face tax liability on the skipped payments. In perpetual structures issued by foreign corporations, the issuer can generally skip a payment for an unlimited period without being in default, and the investor faces no tax liability on the skipped payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Some $25 par securities have mandatory payment deferral provisions that list objective financial criteria that would require the issuer to skip a coupon payment. Such provisions remove some of management's discretion in deciding to skip a payment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Most cumulative issues have an Alternative Payment Mechanism (*"APM"*) in the event that the issuer cannot meet its coupon payments. At certain times, the issuer may issue new common stock to finance the deferred payment. In many cases, the APM becomes mandatory after five years of payment deferment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Most hybrid securities have a replacement capital covenant, which only permits an issuer to redeem a security if a new security with equal or greater equity content is issued. If the issuer is unable to do so, the security remains outstanding.

**Real Estate Investment Trusts** 

The Fund may invest in preferred shares of REITs. REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors' capital to purchase or finance real estate. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable tax requirements.

**Income Securities**

**Corporate Debt Securities**

Corporate debt securities are fixed-income securities issued by businesses to finance their operations. Notes, bonds, debentures and commercial paper are the most common types of corporate debt securities, with the primary difference being their maturities and secured or unsecured status. Commercial paper has the shortest term and is usually unsecured. Such debt instruments are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of (i) beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities or (ii) more senior debt securities that pay income and trade in a manner similar to preferred securities. The broad category of corporate debt securities includes debt issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies of all kinds, including those with small-, mid- and large-capitalizations. Corporate debt may be rated investment grade or below investment grade and may carry fixed or floating rates of interest.

**Contingent Convertible Securities**

Contingent convertible securities (which generally provide for conversion under certain circumstances) are distinguished as a subset of convertible securities. Similar to mandatory convertible securities (and unlike traditional convertible securities), some contingent convertible securities provide for mandatory conversion under certain circumstances. The mandatory conversion might be automatically triggered, for instance, if a company fails to meet the minimum amount of capital described in the security, the company's regulator makes a determination that the security should convert or the company receives specified levels of extraordinary public support. Since the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in

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these instruments could experience a reduced income rate, potentially to zero, and conversion would deepen the subordination of the investor, hence worsening standing in a bankruptcy. Further, some contingent convertible securities have a set stock conversion rate that would cause a reduction in value of the security if the price of the stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date. In addition, various contingent convertible securities may contain features that limit an investor's ability to convert the security unless certain conditions are met.

**High Yield Securities**

Securities that are rated below investment grade (or securities that are unrated and determined by the Sub-Advisor to be of comparable quality) are commonly referred to as "high yield" or "junk" securities. High yield securities typically offer higher yields than investment grade securities with similar maturities but involve greater risks, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy, and increased market price volatility.

**Senior Notes/Baby Bonds**

Senior notes, also called baby bonds, are bonds designed to trade like preferred securities. They trade in $25 par amounts, pay quarterly interest, and are typically callable five years after issuance. Unlike the other structures, the issuer generally cannot skip or defer payments on senior notes without entering into default. These bonds rank higher in the capital structure than hybrids, Trust Preferred Securities and traditional preferred securities. The payments on senior notes/baby bonds are generally cumulative, in that the issuer must make good on all missed payments before making any payout on a junior ranking security such as a hybrid, Trust Preferred Security or perpetual preferred security.

**U.S. Government Securities**

U.S. government securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

**Other Debt Securities**

Although not a part of the Fund's principal investment strategies, the Fund may invest in senior loans, second lien loans, loan participations, payment-in-kind securities, zero coupon bonds, bank certificates of deposit, fixed-time deposits, bankers acceptances, U.S. government securities, fixed-income securities issued by non-U.S. governments denominated in U.S. dollars or municipal bonds.

**Non-U.S. Securities**

The Fund may invest in securities issued by non-U.S. companies that are traded over-the-counter or listed on an exchange.

**Investment Companies**

The Fund may invest in securities of open-end (including ETFs) or closed-end investment companies, that invest primarily in securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. The Fund may satisfy the Name Policy by investing in investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles that are subject to a comparable name policy and invest in the types of securities in which the Fund may invest directly. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund bears its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other pooled investment vehicles. In addition, the Fund incurs brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of ETFs or closed-end funds. Securities of certain investment companies may be leveraged, in which case the value and/or yield of such securities tends to be more volatile than securities of unleveraged investment companies.

The Fund's ability to invest in other investment companies is limited by the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations. The Fund has adopted a policy that it will not invest in other investment companies in excess of 1940 Act limits in reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.

**Restricted Securities** 

The Fund may invest in restricted securities, which are securities that may not be sold to the public without an effective registration statement under the Securities Act. The restriction on public sale may make it more difficult to value such securities, limit the Fund's ability to dispose of them and lower the amount the Fund could realize upon their sale. Because they are not registered, restricted securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from

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registration. In recognition of the increased size and liquidity of the institutional market for unregistered securities and the importance of institutional investors in the formation of capital, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent privately placed securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the Securities Act. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Fund's illiquidity.

**Convertible Securities**

The Fund may invest in convertible securities. An investment in convertible securities is not a principal investment strategy of the Fund. Convertible Securities combine the investment characteristics of bonds and common stocks. Convertible securities typically consist of debt securities or preferred securities that may be converted within a specified period of time (typically for the entire life of the security) into a certain amount of common stock or other equity security of the same or a different issuer at a predetermined price. They also include debt securities with warrants or common stock attached and derivatives combining the features of debt securities and equity securities. Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt, or dividends paid or accrued on preferred securities, until the securities mature or are redeemed, converted or exchanged.

**Non-Principal Investments**

**Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments**

Normally, the Fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. The Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities with maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or it may hold cash. The percentage of the Fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on several factors, including market conditions. For temporary defensive purposes and during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, the Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities, or it may hold cash. During such periods, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective. The Fund may adopt a defensive strategy when the portfolio managers believe securities in which the Fund normally invests have elevated risks due to political or economic factors and in other extraordinary circumstances. For more information on eligible short-term investments, see the SAI.

**Derivative Instruments**

The Fund may invest in exchange-traded and over-the-counter interest rate swaps, exchange-listed options on U.S. Treasury futures contracts, exchange-listed U.S. Treasury futures contracts, exchange-listed options on Eurodollar futures contracts, exchange-listed Eurodollar futures contracts, exchange-traded and over-the-counter non-U.S. currency swaps, exchange-listed currency options, forward currency contracts and non-deliverable forward currency contracts. The use of these derivative instruments may allow the Fund to seek to enhance return, to hedge some of the risks of its investments in securities, to substitute a position in an underlying asset, to reduce transaction costs, to maintain full market exposure (which means to adjust the characteristics of its investments to more closely approximate those of the markets in which it invests), to manage cash flows, to preserve capital or to manage its foreign currency exposures. To the extent that the Fund invests in derivative instruments as a substitute for, or to gain exposure to, a position in an underlying asset, such investments shall be (a) counted towards the 80% test set forth above that requires the Fund to invest at least 80% of the Fund's net assets (including investment borrowings) in Preferred Securities and Income Securities, and (b) valued according to their market value and not notional value. Derivative instruments may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest. As a result, a small investment in derivative instruments can result in losses that greatly exceed the original investment. Derivative instruments can be highly volatile, illiquid and difficult to value, and there is the risk that changes in the value of a derivative held by the Fund will not correlate with the asset, index or rate underlying the derivative instrument.

A forward currency contract, which involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract, reduces the Fund's exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will deliver and increases its exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will receive for the duration of the contract. Certain foreign currency transactions (*i.e.,* non-deliverable forward currency contracts) may also be settled in cash rather than the actual delivery of the relevant currency. The effect on the value of the Fund is similar to selling securities denominated in one currency and purchasing securities denominated in another currency. A contract to sell foreign currency would limit any potential gain which might be realized if the value of the hedged currency increases. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments will be

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consistent with the Fund's investment objective and the 1940 Act and will not be used to seek to achieve a multiple or inverse multiple of an index.

To the extent the Fund enters into derivatives transactions, it will do so pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to implement certain policies and procedures designed to manage its derivatives risks, dependent upon the Fund's level of exposure to derivative instruments.

**Illiquid Investments**

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities and other instruments that are, at the time of investment, illiquid (determined using the Securities and Exchange Commission's standard applicable to investment companies, *i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For this purpose, illiquid investments may 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 Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"Securities Act"*), that are deemed to be illiquid, and certain repurchase agreements.

**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**

The Fund's portfolio holdings are available on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com. A description of the policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is included in the Fund's SAI, which is also available on the Fund's website.

**Risks of Investing in the Fund**

Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in the Fund involves risk, including the risk that you may lose all or part of your investment. There can be no assurance that the Fund will meet its stated objective. Before you invest, you should consider the following disclosure pertaining to the Principal Risks set forth above as well as additional Non-Principal Risks set forth below in this prospectus. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**Principal Risks**

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. However, participants are not obligated to make a market in the Fund's shares or submit purchase and redemption orders for creation units. To the extent that these institutions exit the business, reduce their role or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount to the Fund's net asset value and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**BANKS RISK.** The Fund invests significantly in banks. Banks are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession, currency exchange rates, government regulation, decreases in the availability of capital, 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. In addition, banks are subject to extensive regulation at both the federal and state level, which may affect permissible activities, profitability and the amount of capital that they must maintain.

**CALL RISK.** Some debt securities may be redeemed at the option of the issuer, or "called," before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund's income. Such redemptions and subsequent reinvestments would also increase the Fund's portfolio turnover. If a called debt security was purchased by the Fund at a premium, the value of the premium may be lost in the event of a redemption.

**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund will effect some or all of its creations and redemptions for cash rather than in-kind. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects its creations and redemptions only in-kind. ETFs are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid being taxed on gains on the distributed portfolio securities at the fund level. A Fund that effects redemptions for cash may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. Any recognized gain on these sales by the Fund will generally cause the Fund to recognize a gain it might not otherwise have recognized, or to recognize such gain sooner than would

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otherwise be required if it were to distribute portfolio securities only in-kind. The Fund intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than if they had made an investment in a different ETF. Moreover, cash transactions may have to be carried out over several days if the securities market is relatively illiquid and may involve considerable brokerage fees and taxes. These brokerage fees and taxes, which will be higher than if the Fund sold and redeemed its shares entirely in-kind, will be passed on to those purchasing and redeeming Creation Units in the form of creation and redemption transaction fees. In addition, these factors may result in wider spreads between the bid and the offered prices of the Fund's shares than for ETFs that distribute portfolio securities in-kind.

**CONTINGENT CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK.** CoCos are hybrid securities most commonly issued by banking institutions that present risks similar to debt securities and convertible securities. CoCos are distinct in that they are intended to either convert into equity or have their principal written down upon the occurrence of certain "triggers." When an issuer's capital ratio falls below a specified trigger level, or in a regulator's discretion depending on the regulator's judgment about the issuer's solvency prospects, a CoCo may be written down, written off or converted into an equity security. Due to the contingent write-down, write-off and conversion feature, CoCos may have substantially greater risk than other securities in times of financial stress. If the trigger level is breached, the issuer's decision to write down, write off or convert a CoCo may be outside its control, and the Fund may suffer a complete loss on an investment in CoCos with no chance of recovery even if the issuer remains in existence. CoCos are usually issued in the form of subordinated debt instruments to provide the appropriate regulatory capital treatment. If an issuer liquidates, dissolves or winds-up before a conversion to equity has occurred, the rights and claims of the holders of the CoCos (such as the Fund) against the issuer generally rank junior to the claims of holders of unsubordinated obligations of the issuer. In addition, if the CoCos are converted into the issuer's underlying equity securities after a conversion event (*i.e.*, a "trigger"), each holder will be further subordinated. CoCos also may have no stated maturity and have fully discretionary coupons. This means coupon payments can be canceled at the issuer's discretion or at the request of the relevant regulatory authority in order to help the bank absorb losses, without causing a default. In general, the value of CoCos is unpredictable and is influenced by many factors including, without limitation: the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in such issuer's applicable capital ratios; supply and demand for CoCos; general market conditions and available liquidity; and economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, its particular market or the financial markets in general.

**CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK.** Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer, depending on the terms of the securities) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying equity security or sell it to a third party, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. The market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase. However, a convertible security's market value also tends to reflect the market price of the equity security of the issuing company, particularly when the price of the equity security is greater than the convertible security's conversion price (*i.e.*, the predetermined price or exchange ratio at which the convertible security can be converted or exchanged for the underlying equity security). Convertible securities are also exposed to the risk that an issuer will be unable to meet its obligation to make dividend or principal payments when due as a result of changing financial or market conditions. Convertible debt securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar credit quality because of their potential for capital appreciation. Moreover, there can be no assurance that convertible securities will provide current income prior to conversion because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations. If the convertible security has a conversion or call feature that allows the issuer to redeem the security before the conversion date, the potential for capital appreciation may be diminished. In the event that convertible securities are not optional but mandatory based upon the price of the underlying common stock, the Fund may be subject to additional exposure to loss of income in situations where it would prefer to hold debt.

**CREDIT RATING AGENCY RISK.** Credit ratings are determined by credit rating agencies such as S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Services, Inc. and Fitch Inc., and are only the opinions of such entities. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risk or the liquidity of securities. Any shortcomings or inefficiencies in credit rating agencies' processes for determining credit ratings may adversely affect the credit ratings of securities held by the Fund and, as a result, may adversely affect those securities' perceived or actual credit risk.

**CREDIT RISK.** An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the

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issuer's ability or unwillingness to make such payments. Debt securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk which are often reflected in credit ratings. The credit rating of a debt security may be lowered if the issuer or other obligated party suffers adverse changes to its financial condition. These adverse changes may lead to greater volatility in the price of the debt security and affect the security's liquidity. High yield and comparable unrated debt securities, while generally offering higher yields than investment grade debt with similar maturities, involve greater risks, including the possibility of dividend or interest deferral, default or bankruptcy, and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay dividends or interest and repay principal. To the extent that the Fund holds debt securities that are secured or guaranteed by financial institutions, changes in credit quality of such financial institutions could cause values of the debt security to deviate.

**CREDIT SPREAD RISK.** Credit spread risk is the risk that credit spreads (*i.e.*, the difference in yield between debt securities that have differences in credit quality or other factors) may increase, which may reduce the market values of the Fund's debt securities. While the Fund may employ strategies to mitigate credit spread risk, these strategies may not be successful. Credit spreads often increase more for lower rated and unrated securities than for investment grade securities. In addition, when credit spreads increase, reductions in market value will generally be greater for debt securities with longer maturities.

**CURRENCY RISK.** The Fund may invest in securities denominated in a non-U.S. currency. Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, the value of dividends and interest earned from such securities and gains and losses realized on the sale of such securities. The Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. Changes in currency exchange rates may affect the Fund's net asset value, the value of dividends and interest earned, and gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may cause the value of the Fund to decline. Certain non-U.S. currencies may be particularly volatile, and non-U.S. governments may intervene in the currency markets, causing a decline in value or liquidity in the Fund's non-U.S. holdings whose value is tied to the affected non-U.S. currency. Additionally, the prices of non-U.S. securities that are traded in U.S. dollars are often indirectly influenced by currency fluctuations.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. These risks typically are not covered by insurance. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (*e.g.*, through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (*i.e.*, efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber security failures by or breaches of the systems of the Advisor, distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, sub-advisors, index providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses; interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value; disclosure of confidential trading information; impediments to trading; submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders; the inability of the Fund or its service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; or additional compliance costs. Substantial costs may be incurred by the Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified and that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, market makers or authorized participants. However, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, and the Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**DEBT SECURITIES RISK.** Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying

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interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a centralized securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock. The values of debt securities may also increase or decrease as a result of market fluctuations, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments or illiquidity in debt securities markets generally.

**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK.** The Fund may invest in depositary receipts. Depositary receipts are securities issued by a bank or trust company reflecting ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign company. An investment in depositary receipts involves further risks due to certain unique features. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights pursuant to a deposit agreement between the underlying issuer and the depositary. In certain cases, the depositary will vote the shares deposited with it as directed by the underlying issuer's board of directors. Furthermore, investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipt. Moreover, if depositary receipts are converted into shares, the laws in certain countries may limit the ability of a non-resident to trade the shares and to reconvert the shares to depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be "sponsored" or "unsponsored." Sponsored depositary receipts are established jointly by a depositary and the underlying issuer, whereas unsponsored depositary receipts may be established by a depositary without participation by the underlying issuer. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs associated with establishing the unsponsored depositary receipts. In addition, the issuers of the securities underlying unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the U.S. and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts.

**EMERGING MARKETS RISK.** Investments in securities issued by governments and companies operating in emerging market countries involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in securities and instruments issued by U.S. companies or by companies operating in other developed market countries. This is due to, among other things, the potential for greater market volatility, lower trading volume, a lack of liquidity, potential for market manipulation, higher levels of inflation, political and economic instability, greater risk of a market shutdown and more governmental limitations on foreign investments in emerging market countries than are typically found in more developed market countries. Moreover, emerging market countries often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements, unsettled securities laws, less reliable securities valuations and greater risks associated with custody of securities than developed markets. In addition, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain emerging market countries. Emerging market countries often have greater risk of capital controls through such measures as taxes or interest rate control than developed markets. Certain emerging market countries may also lack the infrastructure necessary to attract large amounts of foreign trade and investment. Local securities markets in emerging market countries may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible. Settlement procedures in emerging market countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the U.S. and other developed market countries. In addition, significant delays may occur in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for the Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Investing in emerging market countries involves a higher risk of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested by certain emerging market countries. Enforcing legal rights may be made difficult, costly and slow in emerging markets as there may be additional problems enforcing claims against non-U.S. governments. As such, the rights and remedies associated with emerging market investment securities may be different than those available for investments in more developed markets. For example, it may be more difficult for shareholders to bring derivative litigation or for U.S. regulators to bring enforcement actions against issuers in emerging markets.

In addition, due to the differences in regulatory, accounting, audit and financial recordkeeping standards, including financial disclosures, less information about emerging market companies is publicly available and information that is available may be unreliable or outdated. This may affect the Index Provider's ability to compute and construct the Index and may further impede the Advisor's ability to accurately evaluate the index data provided. This potential for error in index construction and index data could affect the overall performance of the Fund.

**EQUITY SECURITIES RISK.** The value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as

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the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market. Additionally, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer.

**EUROPE RISK.** The Fund may invest significantly in the securities of European issuers. Therefore, in addition to the risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities generally, the Fund is subject to certain risks associated specifically with investments in securities of European issuers. Political or economic disruptions in European countries, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, may adversely affect security values and thus the Fund's holdings. A significant number of countries in Europe are member states in the EU, and the member states no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. In these member states, the authority to direct monetary policies, including money supply and official interest rates for the Euro, is exercised by the European Central Bank. In a 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the EU. After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. As the second largest economy among EU members, the implications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal are difficult to gauge and cannot be fully known. Trade between the United Kingdom and the EU is highly integrated through supply chains and trade in services, as well as through multinational companies. The United Kingdom's departure may negatively impact the EU and Europe as a whole by causing volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU (thereby perpetuating political instability in the region).

**EXTENSION RISK**. Extension risk is the risk that, when interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the issuer (or other obligated party) more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these debt securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of debt securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term debt securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term debt securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value. Extension risk is particularly prevalent for a callable debt security where an increase in interest rates could result in the issuer of that security choosing not to redeem the debt security as anticipated on the security's call date. Such a decision by the issuer could have the effect of lengthening the debt security's expected maturity, making it more vulnerable to interest rate risk and reducing its market value.

**FINANCIAL COMPANIES RISK.** The Fund invests significantly in financial companies. Financial companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation and intervention, which may adversely affect the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge, the amount and types of capital they must maintain and, potentially, their size. Governmental regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences for financial companies, including effects not intended by such regulation. The impact of more stringent capital requirements, or recent or future regulation in various countries, on any individual financial company or on financial companies as a whole cannot be predicted. Certain risks may impact the value of investments in financial companies more severely than those of investments in other issuers, including the risks associated with companies that operate with substantial financial leverage. Financial companies may also be adversely affected by volatility in interest rates, loan losses and other customer defaults, decreases in the availability of money or asset valuations, credit rating downgrades and adverse conditions in other related markets. Insurance companies in particular may be subject to severe price competition and/or rate regulation, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. Financial companies are also a target for cyber attacks and may experience technology malfunctions and disruptions as a result.

**FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE SECURITIES RISK.** Fixed-to-floating rate securities are securities that have a fixed dividend rate for an initial term that converts to a floating dividend rate upon the expiration of the initial term. Securities with a floating or variable interest rate component can be less sensitive to interest rate changes than securities with fixed interest rates but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. While fixed-to-floating rate securities can be less sensitive to interest rate risk than fixed-rate securities they generally carry lower yields than similar fixed-rate securities. The interest rate for a floating rate security resets or adjusts periodically by reference to a benchmark interest rate. The impact of interest rate changes on floating rate investments is typically mitigated by the periodic interest rate reset of the investments. Fixed-to-floating rate securities generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently and their value may be impaired when the Fund needs to liquidate such securities. There is no guarantee or assurance that the Fund will be able to invest in a desired amount of fixed-to-floating rate securities, will be able to buy such securities at a desirable price or that the fixed-to-floating rate securities in which it invests or seeks to invest will be actively traded. Any or all of the foregoing, should they occur, could negatively impact the Fund.

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**FLOATING RATE SECURITIES RISK.** Floating rate securities are structured so that the security's coupon rate fluctuates based upon the level of a reference rate. Most commonly, the coupon rate of a floating rate security is set in the loan agreement at the level of a widely followed interest rate, plus a fixed spread. As a result, it is expected that when interest rates change, the value of floating rate securities will fluctuate less than the value fixed rate debt securities. The coupon on floating rate securities will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment, causing the Fund to experience a reduction in the income it receives from the security. A floating rate security's coupon rate resets periodically according to the terms of the security. Consequently, in a rising interest rate environment, floating rate securities with coupon rates that reset infrequently may lag behind the changes in market interest rates and may effect the value of the security. Floating rate securities may also contain terms that impose a maximum coupon rate the issuer will pay, regardless of the level of the reference rate which would decrease the value of the security. The secondary market value of a floating rate security is based on the volatility of the reference rate, the time remaining to maturity, the outstanding amount of such securities, market interest rates and the credit quality or perceived financial status of the issuer. Floating rate securities may be less liquid than other types of securities.

**HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK.** The Fund's investment in high yield securities, or "junk" bonds, may entail increased credit risks and the risk that the value of the Fund's assets will decline, and may decline precipitously, with increases in interest rates. In recent years there have been wide fluctuations in interest rates and therefore in the value of debt securities generally. High yield securities are, under most circumstances, subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than are investments in lower-yielding, higher-rated debt securities. As interest rates rise, the value of high yield securities may decline precipitously. Increased rates may also indicate a slowdown in the economy which may adversely affect the credit of issuers of high yield securities resulting in a higher incidence of defaults among such issuers. A slowdown in the economy, or a development adversely affecting an issuer's creditworthiness, may result in the issuer being unable to maintain earnings or sell assets at the rate and at the prices, respectively, that are required to produce sufficient cash flow to meet its interest and principal requirements. The Fund's portfolio managers cannot predict future economic policies or their consequences or, therefore, the course or extent of any similar market fluctuations in the future. In addition, high yield securities are generally less liquid than investment grade securities.

**HYBRID CAPITAL SECURITIES RISK.** Hybrid capital securities are securities which contain characteristics of both debt and equity securities and are subject to many of the same risks as equity and debt securities. The claims of holders of hybrid capital securities of an issuer are generally subordinated to those of holders of traditional debt securities in bankruptcy, and thus hybrid capital securities may be more volatile and subject to greater risk than traditional debt securities, and may in certain circumstances be even more volatile than traditional equity securities. At the same time, hybrid capital securities may not fully participate in gains of their issuer and thus potential returns of such securities are generally more limited than traditional equity securities, which would participate in such gains. Hybrid capital securities may also be more limited in their rights to participate in management decisions of an issuer (such as voting for the board of directors). The terms of hybrid capital securities may vary substantially and the risks of a particular hybrid capital security will depend upon the terms of the instrument. Certain hybrid capital securities may be more thinly traded and less liquid than either publicly issued equity or debt securities, especially hybrid capital securities that are "customized" to meet the needs of particular investors, potentially making it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at a favorable price or at all. Any of these features could cause a loss in market value of hybrid capital securities held by the Fund or otherwise adversely affect the Fund.

**INCOME RISK.** The Fund's income may decline when interest rates fall. This decline can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding securities as debt securities in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional debt securities. In addition, the Fund's income could decline when the Fund experiences defaults on the debt securities it holds.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking ETFs or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund's shares. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity. To the extent buying or selling activity increases, the Fund can be exposed to increased brokerage costs and adverse tax consequences and the market price of the Fund can be negatively affected.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline. This risk is more prevalent with respect to debt securities held by the Fund. Inflation creates uncertainty over the

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future real value (after inflation) of an investment. Inflation rates may change frequently and drastically as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy, and the Fund's investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund investors.

**INTEREST RATE RISK**. The value of debt securities held by the Fund will fluctuate in value with changes in interest rates. In general, debt securities will increase in value when interest rates fall and decrease in value when interest rates rise. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term investments and higher for longer term investments. Duration is a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security's expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security's yield, interest payments and final maturity. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. The longer the duration of a debt security, the greater the debt security's price sensitivity is to changes in interest rates. Rising interest rates also may lengthen the duration of debt securities with call features, since exercise of the call becomes less likely as interest rates rise, which in turn will make the securities more sensitive to changes in interest rates and result in even steeper price declines in the event of further interest rate increases. An increase in interest rates could also cause principal payments on a debt security to be repaid at a slower rate than expected. This risk is particularly prevalent for a callable debt security where an increase in interest rates could cause the issuer of that security to not redeem the security as anticipated on the call date, effectively lengthening the security's expected maturity, in turn making that security more vulnerable to interest rate risk and reducing its market value. When interest rates fall, the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds from the sale, redemption or early prepayment of a debt security at a lower interest rate.

**INVESTMENT COMPANIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies. As a shareholder in another investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of exchange-traded investment companies.

**LARGE CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES RISK.** The Fund may invest in the securities of large capitalization companies. Large capitalization companies may grow at a slower rate and be less able to adapt to changing market conditions than smaller capitalization companies. Thus, the return on investment in securities of large capitalization companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies. The performance of large capitalization companies also tends to trail the overall market during different market cycles.

**LIBOR TRANSITION RISK.** The United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (*"FCA"*), which regulates LIBOR, intends to cease making LIBOR available as a reference rate over a phase-out period that began on January 1, 2022. However, subsequent announcements by the FCA, the LIBOR administrators, and other regulators indicate that it is possible that the most widely used LIBOR rates may continue until mid-2023. The unavailability or replacement of LIBOR may affect the value, liquidity or return on certain Fund investments and may result in costs incurred in connection with closing out positions and entering into new trades. Any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or on certain instruments in which the Fund invests can be difficult to ascertain, and they may vary depending on a variety of factors. In the United States, it is anticipated that in many instances SOFR, will replace LIBOR as the reference rate for many of the floating rate instruments held by the Fund. There is no assurance that the composition or characteristics of SOFR, or any alternative reference rate, will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR or that instruments using an alternative rate will have the same volume or liquidity. As a result, the transition process might lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates; a reduction in the value of some LIBOR-based investments; increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of any applicable hedging strategies against instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR; and/or costs incurred in connection with temporary borrowings and closing out positions and entering into new agreements. Any such effects (as well as other unforeseen effects) of the transition away from LIBOR and the adoption of alternative reference rates could result in losses to the Fund.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Fund may have investments that it may not be able to dispose of or close out readily at a favorable time or price (or at all), or at a price approximating the Fund's valuation of the investment. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for the Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions

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of a particular issuer. If the Fund needed to sell a large block of illiquid securities to meet shareholder redemption request or to raise cash, these sales could further reduce the securities' prices and adversely affect performance of the Fund. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective(s), meet relevant benchmarks or perform as well as other funds with similar objectives.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. Additionally, in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine which has caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain Fund investments as well as Fund performance. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** An investment in securities of non-U.S. companies involves risks not associated with domestic issuers. Investment in non-U.S. securities may involve higher costs than investment in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by non-U.S. governments. Non-U.S. investments may also involve risks associated with the level of currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity, more market volatility and political instability. Future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on dividend income, the possible seizure or nationalization of non-U.S. holdings, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, the possible establishment of capital controls, exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency or the adoption of other governmental restrictions might adversely affect an investment in non-U.S. securities. Additionally, non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less stringent regulation, and to different accounting, auditing and recordkeeping requirements. The U.S. and non-U.S. markets often rise and fall at different times or by different amounts due to economic or other regional developments particular to a given country or region.

**OPERATIONAL RISK**. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK.** Preferred securities combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms

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of priority to corporate income, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Preferred securities often include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If the Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for federal income tax purposes although it has not yet received such income in cash. Generally, holders of preferred securities have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors to the issuer's board of director. Generally, once the issuer pays all the arrearages, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior to a specified date. For instance, for certain types of preferred securities, a redemption may be triggered by a change in federal income tax or securities laws or a change in regulatory trademark. As with redemption provisions of debt securities, a special redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the preferred security held by the Fund. Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than other securities, including common stock.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. First Trust cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), First Trust believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained absent disruptions to the creation and redemption mechanism, extreme market volatility or potential lack of authorized participants. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**PREPAYMENT RISK.** Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt security will repay principal (in part or in whole) prior to the scheduled maturity date. Debt securities allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates, as the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment at lower interest rates, reducing its income. If the Fund purchased the debt securities at a premium, prepayments on the securities could cause the Fund to lose a portion of its principal investment. These factors may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to change. The impact of prepayments on the price of a debt security may be difficult to predict and may increase the security's volatility.

**REIT RISK.** REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. Additionally, 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 risk of a possible lack of mortgage funds and associated interest rate risks, overbuilding, property vacancies, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to environmental damages, changes in neighborhood values and appeal to purchasers, the possibility of failing to maintain exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act, failure to satisfy the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for maintaining REIT status and, in many cases, relatively small market capitalization, which may result in less market liquidity and greater price volatility for a REIT's shares. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities.

**RESTRICTED SECURITIES RISK.** Restricted securities are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Restricted securities include private placement securities that have not been registered under the applicable securities laws, such as Rule 144A securities, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued pursuant to Regulation S. Private placements are generally subject to strict restrictions on resale. Restricted securities may be illiquid as they generally are not listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. The Fund may be unable to sell a restricted security on short notice or may be able to sell

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them only at a price below current value. It may be more difficult to determine a market value for a restricted security. Also, the Fund may get limited information about the issuer of a restricted security, so it may be less able to predict a loss. In addition, if Fund management receives material non-public information about the issuer, the Fund may as a result be unable to sell the securities. Certain restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development that affected a particular asset class, region or industry may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater volatility and market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**SMALLER COMPANIES RISK.** The stock price of small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more volatile than those of larger companies and therefore the Fund's share price may be more volatile than those of funds that invest a larger percentage of their assets in stocks issued by large capitalization companies. Stock prices of small and/or mid capitalization companies are also generally more vulnerable than those of large capitalization companies to adverse business and economic developments. Securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies may be thinly traded, making it difficult for the Fund to buy and sell them. In addition, small and/or mid capitalization companies are typically less financially stable than larger, more established companies and may reinvest a high proportion of their earnings in their business and may not pay dividends. Small and/or mid capitalization companies may also depend on a small number of essential personnel who may also be less experienced than the management of larger companies, making these companies more vulnerable to experiencing adverse effects due to the loss or inexperience of personnel. Small and/or mid capitalization companies also normally have less diverse product lines than those of large capitalization companies and are more susceptible to adverse developments concerning their products.

**SUBORDINATED DEBT RISK.** Perpetual subordinated debt is a type of hybrid instrument that has no maturity date for the return of principal and does not need to be redeemed by the issuer. These investments typically have lower credit ratings and lower priority than other obligations of an issuer during bankruptcy, presenting a greater risk for nonpayment. This risk increases as the priority of the obligation becomes lower. Payments on these securities may be subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations of subsidiaries and associated companies of an issuer. Additionally, some perpetual subordinated debt does not restrict the ability of an issuer's subsidiaries to incur further unsecured indebtedness.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

**VOLATILITY RISK.** Volatility is the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The Fund may invest in securities or financial instruments that exhibit more volatility than the market as a whole. Such exposures could cause the Fund's net asset value to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time. Volatility can be caused by many factors, including changes in the economy or financial markets or for reasons specific to a particular issuer.

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**Non-Principal Risks**

**ASIA RISK.** The Fund may invest in the securities of Asian issuers. Such investments subject the Fund to certain risks associated specifically with investments in securities of Asian issuers, including distinct legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. Some Asian economies are highly dependent on trade, and economic conditions in other countries within and outside Asia can impact these economies. Certain of these economies may be adversely affected by trade or policy disputes with its major trade partners. There is also a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Certain Asian countries have experienced and may in the future experience expropriation and nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, currency manipulation, political instability, armed conflict and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic, socio-economic and/or political unrest. In particular, escalated tensions involving North Korea and any outbreak of hostilities involving North Korea could have a severe adverse effect on Asian economies. Governments of certain Asian countries have exercised, and continue to exercise, substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, the government owns or controls many companies, including the largest in the country. Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on the issuers of the Fund's securities or on economic conditions generally. Issuers in Asia may not be subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as U.S. companies and if their securities are not listed on a U.S. exchange, they may not be subject to the same corporate governance standards as U.S. issuers. In addition, satisfactory custodial services for investment securities may not be available in some Asia countries, which may result in the Fund incurring additional costs and delays in providing transportation and custody services for such securities outside such countries. Recent developments in relations between the U.S. and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on the economy of Asian countries and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.

**BORROWING AND LEVERAGE RISK.** If the Fund borrows money, it must pay interest and other fees, which may reduce the Fund's returns. Any such borrowings are intended to be temporary. However, under certain market conditions, including periods of decreased liquidity, such borrowings might be outstanding for longer periods of time. As prescribed by the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain specified asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to any bank borrowing immediately following such borrowing and at all times thereafter. The Fund may be required to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms if market fluctuations or other factors reduce the Fund's asset coverage to less than the prescribed amount.

**DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL RISK.** The Sub-Advisor is dependent upon the experience and expertise of the Fund's portfolio managers in providing advisory services with respect to the Fund's investments. If the Sub-Advisor were to lose the services of any of these portfolio managers, its ability to service the Fund could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for any of the portfolio managers in the event of their death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of the Sub-Advisor.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

**FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY RISK.** If, in any year, the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the applicable tax laws, the Fund would be taxed as an ordinary corporation. In such circumstances, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.

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**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.

**LATIN AMERICA RISK.** The Fund may invest in Latin American issuers. The economies of Latin American countries have in the past experienced considerable difficulties, including high inflation rates, high interest rates, high unemployment, government overspending and political instability. International economic conditions, particularly those in the United States, Europe and Asia, as well as world prices for oil and other commodities may also influence the development of Latin American economies. Many Latin American countries are highly reliant on the exportation of commodities and their economies may be significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices and the global demand for certain commodities. In the past, certain Latin American economies have been influenced by changing supply and demand for a particular currency, monetary policies of governments (including exchange control programs, restrictions on local exchanges or markets and limitations on foreign investment in a country or on investment by residents of a country in other countries), and currency devaluations and revaluations. Other Latin American investment risks may include inadequate investor protection, less developed regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial standards, unfavorable changes in laws or regulations, natural disasters, corruption and military activity. The governments of many Latin American countries may also exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, and any such exercise could have a significant effect on companies in which the Fund invests. Securities of companies in Latin America may also be subject to significant price volatility.

**LEGISLATION/LITIGATION RISK.** From time to time, various legislative initiatives are proposed in the United States and abroad, which may have a negative impact on certain companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, litigation regarding any of the issuers of the securities owned by the Fund, or industries represented by these issuers, may negatively impact the value of the securities. Such legislation or litigation may cause the Fund to lose value or may result in higher portfolio turnover if the Sub-Advisor determines to sell such a holding.

**Fund Organization**

The Fund is a series of the Trust, an investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund is treated as a separate fund with its own investment objectives and policies. The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Board is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Trust. The Board elects the Trust's officers and approves all significant agreements, including those with the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, distributor, custodian and fund administrative and accounting agent.

**Management of the Fund**

First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Fund. In this capacity, First Trust is responsible for overseeing the Sub-Advisor in the investment of the Fund's assets, managing the Fund's business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services.

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 James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Fund.

First Trust serves as advisor or sub-advisor for 9 mutual fund portfolios, 10 exchange-traded funds consisting of 201 series and 14 closed-end funds. It is also the portfolio supervisor of certain unit investment trusts sponsored by First Trust Portfolios L.P. (*"FTP"*), an affiliate of First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. FTP specializes in the underwriting, trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities. FTP is the principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund.

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and First Trust have retained Stonebridge, an affiliate of First Trust, to serve as investment sub-advisor pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement (the *"Sub-Advisory Agreement"*). In this capacity, Stonebridge is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio. Stonebridge is a niche asset management firm that manages portfolios of preferred securities for investors. Stonebridge, formed in December 2004, serves as investment advisor to investment portfolios with approximately $14.408 billion in assets which it managed as of December 31, 2022.

Scott T. Fleming, Robert Wolf, Eric Weaver and Angelo Graci are the Fund's portfolio managers and share responsibilities for the day-to-day management of the Fund's investment portfolio.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Scott Fleming serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Stonebridge setting the strategic direction of Stonebridge including operations, business and product development, and marketing strategies. Mr. Fleming leads the Investment Committee and oversees investment policies and strategies for all of the company's portfolio management activities. Additionally, Mr. Fleming directs the daily management of preferred stock portfolios. Prior to founding Stonebridge in 2004, Mr. Fleming co-founded Spectrum Asset Management, Inc., an investment advisor that specializes in preferred securities asset management for institutional clients and mutual funds. During his 13-year tenure there, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Under his leadership, Spectrum grew to be the largest preferred securities manager in the country. Mr. Fleming previously served as Vice President, Portfolio Manager for DBL Preferred Management, Inc. in New York City. Mr. Fleming received a B.S. in Accounting from Bentley College in Waltham, MA and his MBA in Finance from Babson College in Wellesley, MA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Robert Wolf serves as Chief Investment Officer, Executive Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Stonebridge. Mr. Wolf is a senior member of Stonebridge Advisors' Investment Committee and oversees investment strategies and portfolio management activities across fund products and separately managed accounts. Mr. Wolf directs the daily management of preferred securities portfolios and performs both credit research and trading functions. Mr. Wolf has over twenty-two years of fixed-income experience in both portfolio management and credit research. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2006, Mr. Wolf was a high-yield fixed-income research analyst at Lehman Brothers. In this role, his responsibilities included detailed credit analysis across multiple sectors, relative value analysis, and developing trade recommendations. Mr. Wolf previously worked for Lehman Brothers' commercial mortgage-backed securities (*CMBS*) trading desk as a credit analyst. Mr. Wolf received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from Villanova University and his MBA in Finance from the New York University Stern School of Business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Eric Weaver serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Stonebridge. Mr. Weaver is a senior member of Stonebridge Advisors' Investment Committee and oversees the investment strategy across all fund products and separately managed accounts. In addition, Mr. Weaver leads the development of proprietary portfolio management, security selection, trading, and operational tools. Mr. Weaver has fourteen years of investment management experience in portfolio management, trading, risks analysis, and research. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2013, Mr. Weaver worked at a private proprietary trading firm as a senior derivatives trader, with OTC and electronic trading experience on the NASDAQ OMX PHLX and CBOE options exchanges. In this role, Mr. Weaver focused on trading, portfolio and risk management, and pricing complex derivatives in a large and diverse portfolio of equities, options, and futures. Mr. Weaver received a B.A. degree in Economics and Mathematics and a MS degree in Economics from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Angelo Graci is Executive Vice President, Head of Credit Research, and Portfolio Manager of Stonebridge Advisors. Mr. Graci is a senior member of the Investment Committee and manages a team of analysts that oversees all of Stonebridge's portfolio investments. His extensive knowledge of global banking, insurance, non-bank finance and REITs brings an impressive level of analytical depth to the Stonebridge research team. Mr. Graci has 27 years of credit and equity research experience with a focus on financials. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2018, Mr. Graci was a global financials credit strategist at Stifel Financial, with a particular focus on hybrid/preferred strategy. Before Stifel, he was a senior analyst at Caxton Associates, responsible for financial sector credit and equity analysis and portfolio management. Prior roles included global financials and hybrid strategy at Citadel Securities and credit analysis and trading at Merrill Lynch. Mr. Graci received a BS in Finance from SUNY Albany and an MBA in Finance from the New York University Stern School of Business. He holds the CFA<sup>®</sup> designation awarded by CFA Institute.

For additional information concerning First Trust and the Sub-Advisor, including a description of the services provided to the Fund, see the Fund's SAI. Additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares in the Fund is provided in the SAI.

**Management Fee**

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the *"Investment Management Agreement"*), First Trust oversees Stonebridge's management of the Fund's assets and pays Stonebridge for its services as Sub-Advisor. First Trust is paid an annual unitary management fee by the Fund equal to 0.85% of the Fund's average daily net assets and is responsible for the Fund's expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, sub-advisory, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, but excluding fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement,

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interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to First Trust will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*). See the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for more information on the breakpoints.

A discussion regarding the Board's approval of the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022.

**How to Buy and Sell Shares**

Most investors buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the secondary market on one or more national securities exchanges. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no minimum investment when buying shares on the Exchange. 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, investors should expect to pay brokerage commissions, investors may receive less than the net asset value of the shares because shares are bought and sold at market prices rather than at net asset value, and investors may pay some or all of the bid-ask spread for each transaction (purchase or sale) of Fund shares. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per share.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will pay out redemption proceeds to a redeeming authorized participant within two days after the authorized participant's redemption request is received, in accordance with the process set forth in the Fund's SAI and in the agreement between the authorized participant and the Fund's distributor. However, the Fund reserves the right, including under stressed market conditions, to take up to seven days after the receipt of a redemption request to pay an authorized participant, all as permitted by the 1940 Act. If the Fund has foreign investments in a country where a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents the Fund from delivering such foreign investments to an authorized participant in response to a redemption request, the Fund may take up to 15 days after the receipt of the redemption request to deliver such investments to the authorized participant.

For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is treated as a registered investment company, and the acquisition of shares by other registered investment companies and companies relying on Sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act is subject to the restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations.

**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 Fund 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 price of shares of the Fund on the secondary market is based on market price and may differ from the Fund's daily net asset value and can be affected by market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors.

**Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of the Fund's Shares** 

The Fund imposes 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 Fund's shareholders. The Board considered that the Fund's shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (*i.e.*, authorized participants

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("*APs*")) and that the vast majority of trading in the Fund's shares occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not involve the 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 the Fund's trading costs and the realization of capital gains. With respect to trades directly with the Fund, to the extent effected in-kind (*i.e.*, for securities), those trades do not cause any of the harmful effects that may result from frequent cash trades. To the extent that the Fund may effect the purchase or redemption of Creation Units in exchange wholly or partially for cash, the Board noted that such trades could result in dilution to the Fund and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact the 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 net asset value. In addition, the Fund imposes fixed and variable transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation Units to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. Finally, the Advisor monitors purchase and redemption orders from APs for patterns of abusive trading and the Fund reserves the right to not accept orders from APs that the Advisor has determined may be disruptive to the management of the Fund.

**Dividends, Distributions and Taxes**

Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid monthly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least 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.

**Federal Tax Matters**

This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning shares of the Fund. 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 Fund. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure 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 advisor.

**Fund Status**

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a "regulated investment company" (a *"RIC"*) under the federal tax laws. If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes its income as required by the tax law, the Fund generally will not pay federal income taxes.

**Distributions**

The Fund's distributions are generally taxable. After the end of each year, you will receive a tax statement that separates the distributions of the Fund into two categories: ordinary income distributions and capital gain 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. Some portion of the ordinary income distributions that are attributable to dividends received by the Fund from shares in certain real estate investment trusts may be designated by the Fund as eligible for a deduction for qualified business income, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied. Generally, you will treat all capital gain dividends as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your shares.

To determine your actual tax liability for your capital gain 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; however, such distributions may reduce your tax basis in your shares, which could result in you having to pay higher taxes in the future when shares are sold, even if you sell the shares at a loss from your original investment. A "return of capital" is a return, in whole or in part, of the funds that you previously invested in the Fund. A return of capital distribution should not be considered part of a Fund's dividend yield or total return of an investment in Fund shares. The tax status of your distributions from the Fund

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is not affected by whether you reinvest your distributions in additional shares or receive them in cash. The income from the 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.

Income from the Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to your net investment income if your adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals.

**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 RICs. However, certain ordinary income dividends on shares that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from certain corporations may be reported by the Fund 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 stated federal tax rate for net capital gain is generally 20% (15% or 0% for taxpayers with taxable incomes below certain thresholds). Some capital gains, including some portion of your capital gain dividends may be taxed at a higher maximum stated tax rate. Capital gain received from assets held for more than one year that is considered "unrecaptured section 1250 gain" (which may be the case, for example, with some capital gains

attributable to equity interests in real estate investment trusts that constitute interests in entities treated as real estate investment trusts for federal income tax purposes) is taxed at a maximum marginal stated federal tax rate of 25%. In the case of capital gain dividends, the determination of which portion of the capital gain dividend, if any, is subject to the 25% tax rate, will be made based on rules prescribed by the United States Treasury. Capital gains may also be subject to the Medicare tax described above.

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 the Fund and sell your share 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 of 1986, as amended, treats certain capital gains as ordinary income in special situations.

An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

Ordinary income dividends received by an individual shareholder from a RIC such as the Fund are generally taxed at the same rates that apply to net capital gain (as discussed above), provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied and provided the dividends are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund itself.Distributions with respect to shares in REITs and foreign corporations are qualifying dividends only in limited circumstances. The Fund 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 or redeem 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 brokerage fees, if any. In some cases, however, you may have to adjust your tax basis after you purchase your shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

If you exchange 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 securities, you will generally recognize a gain or loss equal

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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 IRS, 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.

**Treatment of Fund Expenses**

Expenses incurred and deducted by the Fund will generally not be treated as income taxable to you.

**Non-U.S. Tax Credit**

Because the Fund invests in non-U.S. securities, the tax statement that you receive may include an item showing non-U.S. taxes the Fund paid to other countries. In this case, dividends taxed to you will include your share of the taxes the 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 the Fund will be characterized as dividends for federal income tax purposes (other than dividends which the Fund properly reports 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 the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. Distributions from the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. investors, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

Distributions may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax of 30% in the case of distributions to (i) certain non-U.S. financial institutions that have not entered into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose certain information and are not resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury and (ii) certain other non-U.S. entities that do not provide certain certifications and information about the entity's U.S. owners. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest ordividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**Investments in Certain Non-U.S. Corporations**

If the Fund holds an equity interest in any "passive foreign investment companies" ("*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, 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 shareholders. The Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes. The 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, the 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. Dividends paid by PFICs are not treated as qualified dividend income.

**Distribution Plan**

FTP serves as the distributor of Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis. FTP does not maintain a secondary market in shares.

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The Board has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 plan, the Fund is authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of its 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.

The Fund does not currently pay 12b-1 fees, and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Fund will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024. However, in the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because these fees are paid out of the Fund's 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**

The Fund's net asset value is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Net asset value is calculated for the 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 net asset value per share. All valuations are subject to review by the Board or its delegate.

The Fund's investments are valued daily in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board, and in accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act requires the fair valuation of all portfolio investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has appointed the Advisor as its valuation designee for all portfolio investments. Certain securities in which the Fund may invest are not listed on any securities exchange or board of trade. Such securities are typically bought and sold by institutional investors in individually negotiated private transactions that function in many respects like an over the counter secondary market, although typically no formal market makers exist. Certain securities, particularly debt securities, have few or no trades, or trade infrequently, and information regarding a specific security may not be widely available or may be incomplete. Accordingly, determinations of the fair value of debt securities may be based on infrequent and dated information. Because there is less reliable, objective data available, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation of debt securities than for other types of securities. Typically, debt securities are valued using information provided by a third-party pricing service. The third-party pricing service primarily uses broker quotes to value the securities.

The Fund's investments are valued daily at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value, in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Board and in accordance with the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Portfolio securities listed on any exchange other than The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (*"Nasdaq"*) and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. Securities listed on Nasdaq or the AIM are valued at the official closing price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities. For portfolio securities traded on an exchange that provides both an official closing price and a last sale price, the Advisor, at its discretion, shall determine to use either the last sale price or the official closing price, depending on which price reflects the appropriate market value. Portfolio securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities trading on Nasdaq or the AIM, are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at the last trade price. Short-term investments that mature in less than 60 days when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discount, provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer-specific conditions existing at the time of determination. Net asset value may change on days when investors may not sell or redeem Fund shares.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Advisor at fair value. The use of fair value pricing by the Fund is governed by valuation procedures approved by the Board and in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, certain restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under 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 or fair value 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 the Fund's net asset value or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose

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price, as provided by the pricing service, does not, in the opinion of the Advisor, 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 portfolio investment upon the measurement date under current market conditions. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from the current market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities. See the Fund's SAI for details.

Because foreign securities exchanges may be open on different days than the days during which an investor may purchase or sell shares of the Fund, the value of the Fund's securities may change on days when investors are not able to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

Preferred, hybrid and fixed income securities will be valued by the fund accounting agent using a pricing service. Fixed income securities with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less when purchased will be valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. When price quotes are not available, fair market value is based on prices of comparable securities.

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 the Advisor at the average of the bid quotations obtained daily from at least two recognized dealers.

Currency-linked notes, credit-linked notes, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, and other similar instruments will be valued by the Fund by using a pricing service or, if the pricing service does not provide a value, by quotes provided by the selling dealer or financial institution. When price quotes are not available, fair market value is based on prices of comparable securities. Absent a material difference between the exit price for these instruments and the market rates for similar instruments, currency-linked notes, credit-linked notes, etc. will be valued at the exit price.

**Fund Service Providers**

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, acts as the administrator, accounting agent, custodian and transfer agent for the Fund. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as legal counsel to the Fund. First Trust serves as the fund reporting agent for the Fund.

**Premium/Discount Information** 

Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund's shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund's net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter), is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Total Return Information** 

The table below compares the total return of the Fund to the blended benchmark and a market index. The information presented for the Fund is for the period indicated.

"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 return information shown under "Annual Total Return" in the Fund's summary prospectus represents the average annual total returns of the Fund as of the calendar year end, while the information presented below is as of the Fund's fiscal year end. The net asset value per share of the Fund 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 liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of outstanding shares. The net asset value return is based on the net asset value per share of the Fund and the market return is based on the market price per share of the Fund. The price used to calculate market return (*"Market Price"*) is determined by using the midpoint of the national best bid and offer price (*"NBBO"*) as of the time that the Fund's net asset value is calculated. Under SEC rules, the NBBO consists of the highest displayed buy and lowest sell prices among the various exchanges trading the Fund at the time the Fund's net asset value is calculated. Prior to January 1, 2019, the price used was the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the stock exchange on which shares of the Fund were listed for trading as of the time that the Fund's net asset value was calculated. Since the shares of the Fund typically do not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund's inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund, the net asset value of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price

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to calculate market returns. Market and net asset value returns assume that all distributions have been reinvested in the Fund at Market Price and net asset value, respectively. An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike the Fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does 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 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 the Fund. 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.

**First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF (FPE)**

**Total Returns as of October 31, 2022** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Cumulative** | **Cumulative** |
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(2/11/2013)**<br>| **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(2/11/2013)**<br>|
| **Fund Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net Asset Value | -14.65% | 1.37% | 3.54% | 7.06% | 40.26% |
| Market Price | -15.24% | 1.26% | 3.48% | 6.47% | 39.47% |
| **Index Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| ICE BofA US Investment Grade Institutional Capital <br> Securities Index<br>| -13.64% | 1.61% | 3.84% | 8.33% | 44.28% |
| Blended Index<sup>(1),(2)</sup> | -16.71% | 1.06% | N/A | 5.43% | N/A |

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<sup>(1)</sup>

 *The Blended Index consists of a 30/30/30/10 blend of the ICE BofA Core Plus Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index, the ICE BofA US Investment Grade Institutional Capital Securities Index, the ICE USD Contingent Capital Index and the ICE BofA US High Yield Institutional Capital Securities Index. The Blended Index is intended to reflect the proportional market cap of each segment of the preferred and hybrid securities market. The indices do not charge management fees or brokerage expenses, and no such fees or expenses were deducted from the performance shown. Indices are unmanaged and an investor cannot invest directly in an index. The Blended Index returns are calculated by using the monthly returns of the four indices during each period shown above. At the beginning of each month the four indices are rebalanced to a 30/30/30/10 ratio to account for divergence from that ratio that occurred during the course of each month. The monthly returns are then compounded for each period shown above, giving the performance for the Blended Index for each period shown above.* 

<sup>(2)</sup>

 *Since the ICE USD Contingent Capital Index had an inception date of December 31, 2013, the performance of the Blended Index is not available for all of the periods disclosed.*

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**Financial Highlights** 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the periods shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of the Fund. The total returns represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the 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, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022 and is incorporated by reference in the Fund's SAI, which is available upon request.

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

**Financial Highlights**

**For a share outstanding throughout each period** 

**First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF (FPE)** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $20.45 | $19.23 | $19.89 | $18.76 | $20.13 |
| **Income from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss) | 0.92 | 0.90 | 1.00 | 1.08 | 1.08 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (3.84) | 1.24 | (0.66) | 1.14 | (1.37) |
| Total from investment operations | (2.92) | 2.14 | 0.34 | 2.22 | (0.29) |
| **Distributions paid to shareholders from:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (0.89) | (0.88) | (0.94) | (1.07) | (1.08) |
| Return of capital | (0.04) | (0.04) | (0.06) | (0.02) | (0.00) <sup>(a)</sup> |
| Total distributions | (0.93) | (0.92) | (1.00) | (1.09) | (1.08) |
| **Net asset value, end of period** | $16.60 | $20.45 | $19.23 | $19.89 | $18.76 |
| **Total Return** <sup>(b)</sup> | (14.65)% | 11.26% | 1.94% | 12.25% | (1.47)% |
| **Ratios/supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $6026696 | $7698246 | $5422433 | $4678519 | $3374372 |
| **Ratios to average net assets:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.85% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net <br> assets<br>| 4.95% | 4.54% | 5.24% | 5.69% | 5.56% |
| Portfolio turnover rate <sup>(c)</sup> | 35% | 27% | 43% | 28% | 24% |

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*(a)* *Amount is less than $0.01.* 

*(b)* *Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. 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. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.* 

*(c)* *Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions.*

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**Other Information**

**Continuous Offering** 

The Fund issues, 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 the 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(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. 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(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(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.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](img3a6c2b231.gif)

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First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF

**For More Information** 

For more detailed information on the Fund, several additional sources of information are available to you. The SAI, incorporated by reference into this prospectus, contains detailed information on the Fund's policies and operation. Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund's annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly impacted the Fund's performance during the last fiscal year. The Fund's most recent SAI, annual and semi-annual reports and certain other information are available free of charge by calling the Fund at (800) 621-1675, on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com or through your financial advisor. Shareholders may call the toll-free number above with any inquiries.

You may obtain this and other information regarding the Fund, including the SAI and 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 online EDGAR database at www.sec.gov. You may also request information regarding the Fund by sending a request (along with a duplication fee) to the SEC by sending an electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.

First Trust Advisors L.P.

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

(800) 621-1675

www.ftportfolios.com

SEC File #: 333-176976

811-22245

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First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](img9c341bb91.gif)

Prospectus

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **FUND NAME** | **TICKER SYMBOL** | **EXCHANGE** |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | RFDI | Nasdaq |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | RFEM | Nasdaq |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | RFEU | Nasdaq |

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Each of the funds listed above (each a *"Fund*,*"* and collectively, the *"Funds"*) lists and principally trades its shares on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (*"Nasdaq"* or the *"Exchange"*). Market prices may differ to some degree from the net asset value of the shares. Unlike mutual funds, each Fund issues and redeems shares at net asset value, only in large specified blocks of shares called *"Creation Units."*

Each Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*) and actively managed exchange-traded fund organized as a separate series of a registered management investment company.

**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 of 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**

March 1, 2023

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**Table of Contents**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Summary Information](#xx_a9a574cb-d4b3-4472-8e3e-6da158bab242_1) <br>|  |
| [First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)](#xx_a9a574cb-d4b3-4472-8e3e-6da158bab242_1) | 3 |
| [First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)](#xx_b325371e-76e8-4a92-8fe7-3698bb9287b8_1) | 13 |
| [First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)](#xx_7e4563c5-3dd0-40ae-8059-a27a5cb030b0_1) | 24 |
| [Additional Information on the Funds' Investment Objectives and Strategies](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_1) | 33 |
| [Fund Investments](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_1) | 33 |
| [Risks of Investing in the Funds](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_3) | 35 |
| [Fund Organization](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_16) | 48 |
| [Management of the Funds](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_16) | 48 |
| [How to Buy and Sell Shares](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_18) | 50 |
| [Dividends, Distributions and Taxes](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_19) | 51 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_19) | 51 |
| [Distribution Plan](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_22) | 54 |
| [Net Asset Value](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_22) | 54 |
| [Fund Service Providers](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_23) | 55 |
| [Premium/Discount Information](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_23) | 55 |
| [Total Return Information](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_23) | 55 |
| [Financial Highlights](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_25) | 57 |
| [Other Information](#xx_e5ed81ee-3541-4fe2-960f-720cfd45559e_28) | 60 |

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**Summary Information**

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

**Investment Objective**

The First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF's (the "*Fund*") investment objective is to provide capital appreciation.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **Investors may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.**

**Shareholder Fees**

(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees | 0.83% |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.00% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.83% |

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***Example***

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then hold 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 at current levels. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| $85 | $265 | $460 | $1025 |

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**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 95% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in a portfolio of equity securities of developed market companies, including through investments in common stock, depositary receipts and common and preferred shares of real estate investment trusts (*"REITs"*), and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions used to hedge the Fund's exposure to the currencies in which the equity securities of such developed market companies are denominated (each, a *"Developed Market currency"* and, collectively, the *"Developed Market currencies"*). Developed market companies are those companies (i) whose securities are traded principally on a stock exchange in a developed market country, (ii) that have a primary business office in a developed market country, or (iii) that have at least 50% of their assets in, or derive at least 50% of their revenues or profits from, a developed market country. Developed market countries currently include the countries comprising the Morgan Stanley Capital International World Index or countries considered to be developed by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation or the United Nations. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest in at least three countries and at least 40% of its net assets in countries other than the United States. The securities in which the Fund may invest must be listed on a U.S. or non-U.S. securities exchange. The Fund may invest in small, mid and large capitalization companies.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

The Fund utilizes a dynamic currency hedging strategy through the use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions to hedge up to 100% of the Fund's currency exposure. As a result of this hedging strategy, the portion of the Fund's portfolio securities which are subject to currency hedging transactions may vary widely, from 0% to 100% of the portfolio securities. A forward contract on foreign currency is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon by the parties from the date of the contract, at a price set on the date of the contract. A forward foreign currency exchange contract may reduce the Fund's exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will deliver and increase its exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will receive for the duration of the contract. The effect on the value of the Fund is similar to selling securities denominated in one currency and purchasing securities denominated in another currency. The Fund also may enter into currency spot transactions as part of its dynamic currency hedging strategy. A currency spot transaction is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell a specific currency for delivery on a date that is typically two business days from the date of the agreement, as opposed to a date set in the future. The underlying currencies of the forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions included in the Fund's policy relating to the investment of at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) will be limited to Developed Market currencies.

The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its net assets in companies of emerging market countries and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions used to hedge the Fund's exposure to non-Developed Market currencies as well as any proxy currency hedging transactions involving non-Developed Market currencies determined to be representative of, and serve as a proxy for, Developed Market currencies. Such emerging market companies are companies (i) whose securities are traded principally on a stock exchange in a country that is not a developed market country, (ii) that have a primary business office in a country that is not a developed market country, or (iii) that have at least 50% of their assets in, or derive at least 50% of their revenues or profits from, a country that is not a developed market country. The equity securities of emerging market companies in which the Fund may invest include investments in common stock, depositary receipts and common and preferred shares of REITs.

In selecting the portfolio securities of the Fund, RiverFront Investment Group, LLC, the Fund's sub-adviser (*"RIG"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*), assembles a portfolio of eligible countries and/or securities based on several core attributes, including, but not limited to, value, quality and momentum. The Sub-Advisor considers multiple factors within each core attribute, such as the price-to-book value of a security when determining value and a company's cash as a percentage of the company's market capitalization when determining quality. The Sub-Advisor then assigns each qualifying security a score based on its core attributes and selects the individual securities with the highest scores for investment. In doing so, the Sub-Advisor utilizes its proprietary optimization process to maximize the percentage of high-scoring securities included in the portfolio in accordance with country, sector and risk factor (*e.g.*, beta, quality, volatility) limitations, subject to the Sub-Advisor's fundamental active overlay. The Sub-Advisor also considers the market capitalization of the companies in which the Fund may invest, and the trading volume of a company's shares in the secondary market. As of January 31, 2023, the Fund had significant investments in Japanese issuers and European issuers, although this may change from time to time. In order to gain exposure to certain Chinese companies that are unavailable to direct investment by foreign investors, the Fund invests significantly in non-Chinese shell companies that have created structures known as variable interest entities ("*VIEs*") in order to gain exposure to such Chinese companies. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a given jurisdiction or investment sector, the Fund may be exposed to the risks associated with that jurisdiction or investment sector. The strategy is largely quantitative and rules-based, but also includes multiple parameters over which the Sub-Advisor may exercise discretion (including, but not limited to, the number of holdings and the weightings of particular holdings) in connection with its active management of the Fund.

In managing the Fund's currency exposure, the Sub-Advisor deploys a dynamic currency hedging strategy based on a proprietary hedging methodology that considers a combination of quantitative measures, such as interest rate differentials, central bank balance sheet expansion/contraction and price momentum, and qualitative measures, such as formal and informal guidance from central bankers.

To the extent permitted under applicable law, percentage limitations described in this prospectus are generally as of the time of investment by the Fund and may be exceeded on a going-forward basis as a result of market fluctuations affecting the Fund's portfolio securities.

**Principal Risks**

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

the Fund's investment objective will be achieved. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount (the difference between the market price of the Fund's shares and the Fund's net asset value) and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread (the difference between the price that someone is willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a specific point in time versus the price at which someone is willing to sell) on the Fund's shares may widen.

**COUNTERPARTY RISK.** Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty's financial condition (*i.e.*, financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty's inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed.

**CURRENCY RISK.** Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, and therefore the value of such investments in the Fund's portfolio. The Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems through "hacking" or malicious software coding but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, custodian, or sub-advisor, as applicable, can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Although the Fund has established risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK**. Depositary receipts represent equity interests in a foreign company that trade on a local stock exchange. Depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert the equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause the equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

**DYNAMIC HEDGING RISK.** Because of the Fund's utilization of the dynamic currency hedging strategy, the Fund may have lower returns than an equivalent non-currency hedged investment when the component currencies are rising relative to the U.S. dollar. As such, contracts to sell foreign currency will generally be expected to limit any potential gain that might be realized by the Fund if the value of the hedged currency increases. In addition, the use of currency hedging will not necessarily eliminate exposure to all currency fluctuations. Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the value of a portfolio security traded in that currency or prevent a loss if the value of the security declines. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates.

**EQUITY SECURITIES RISK.** The value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting an issuer occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market.

**EUROPE RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of European issuers. Political or economic disruptions in European countries, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, may adversely affect security values and thus the Fund's holdings. A significant number of countries in Europe are member states in the European Union (the *"EU"*), and the member states no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. In these member states, the authority to direct monetary policies, including money supply and official interest rates for the Euro, is exercised by the European Central Bank. In a 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the EU (*"Brexit"*). After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. As the second largest economy among EU members, the implications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal are difficult to gauge and cannot be fully known. Its departure may negatively impact the EU and Europe as a whole by causing volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU (thereby perpetuating political instability in the region).

**FORWARD CONTRACTS RISK.** A forward contract is an over-the-counter derivative transaction between two parties to buy or sell a specified amount of an underlying reference at a specified price (or rate) on a specified date in the future. Forward contracts are negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized or traded on exchanges. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated and can experience lengthy periods of illiquidity, unusually high trading volume and other negative impacts, such as political intervention, which may result in volatility or disruptions in such markets. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. Forward contracts can increase the Fund's risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, currency risk, market risk, and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk, among others.

**FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS RISK.** In connection with its trading in forward foreign currency contracts, the Fund will contract with a foreign or domestic bank, or a foreign or domestic securities dealer, to make or take future delivery of a specified amount of a particular currency. There are no limitations on daily price moves in such forward contracts, and banks and dealers are not required to continue to make markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain banks or dealers have refused to quote prices for such forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which the bank or dealer is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell. Governmental imposition of credit controls might limit any such forward contract trading. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts involve certain risks, including the risk of failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and the risk that the use of forward contracts may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the underlying currencies increase. In addition, because forward currency exchange contracts are privately negotiated transactions, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have flexibility to roll-over a forward foreign currency exchange contract upon its expiration if it desires to do so.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking exchange-traded funds or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

of the Fund. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity in the Fund's shares.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline.

**JAPAN RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of Japanese issuers. The Japanese economy may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability, which could have a negative impact on Japanese securities. Japan's economy is characterized by government intervention and protectionism, reliance on oil imports, an unstable financial services sector and relatively high unemployment. Since 2000, Japan has experienced relatively low economic growth, and it may remain low in the future. Its economy is heavily dependent on international trade and has been adversely affected by trade tariffs and competition from emerging economies. As such, economic growth is heavily dependent on continued growth in international trade, relatively low commodities prices, government support of the financial services sector and other government policies. Any changes or trends in these economic factors could have a significant impact on Japanese markets overall and may negatively affect the Fund's investments. Japan's economy and equity market also share a strong correlation with U.S. markets and the Japanese economy may be affected by economic problems in the U.S. Despite a strengthening in the economic relationship between Japan and China, the countries' political relationship has at times been strained. Should political tension increase, it could adversely affect the economy and destabilize the region as a whole. Additionally, escalated tensions involving North Korea and any outbreak of hostilities involving North Korea could have a severe adverse effect on Japan's economy. Japan's geography also subjects it to an increased risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, all of which could negatively impact the Fund's investments.

**LARGE CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES RISK.** Large capitalization companies may grow at a slower rate and be less able to adapt to changing market conditions than smaller capitalization companies. Thus, the return on investment in securities of large capitalization companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies. The performance of large capitalization companies also tends to trail the overall market during different market cycles.

**LEVERAGE RISK.** Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rates of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the value of the the Fund's shares to be volatile and sensitive to market swings.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** Certain Fund investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, trade over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or lack an active trading market. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to sell or close out of such investments at favorable times or prices (or at all), or at the prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the Sub-Advisor will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not have the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

The Sub-Advisor specializes in managing asset allocation portfolios, which invest in various investment vehicles, including the Fund and other exchange-traded funds (*"ETFs"*), to obtain targeted amounts of exposure to different asset classes. The Fund was developed to serve as, and will serve as, an investment vehicle for such asset allocation portfolios. As the manager of the Fund and the portfolios, the Sub-Advisor is likely to encounter conflicts of interest. For example, the Sub-Advisor may need to reduce its asset allocation portfolios' exposure to an asset class to which the portfolios obtain exposure by investing in the Fund. Under such circumstances, the Sub-Advisor would liquidate some or all of the portfolios' investments in the Fund, which could adversely affect the Fund.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**MODEL RISK.** The Fund's portfolio managers use quantitative models to help construct the Fund's portfolio. The utilization of quantitative models entails the risk that a model may be limited or incorrect, that the data on which a model relies may be incorrect or incomplete and that the portfolio managers may not be successful in selecting companies for investment or determining the weighting of particular stocks in the Fund's portfolio. To the extent that the model is based upon incorrect or incomplete data, the Fund could be induced to buy certain investments at prices that are too high, to sell certain other investments at prices that are too low or to miss favorable opportunities altogether. Any of these factors could cause the Fund to underperform funds with similar strategies that do not rely on quantitative analysis for portfolio construction.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** Non-U.S. securities are subject to higher volatility than securities of domestic issuers due to possible adverse political, social or economic developments, restrictions on foreign investment or exchange of securities, capital controls, lack of liquidity, currency exchange rates, excessive taxation, government seizure of assets, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, different legal or accounting standards, and less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges in foreign countries.

**OPERATIONAL RISK.** The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**OTC DERIVATIVES RISK.** The Fund may utilize derivatives that are traded over-the-counter, or "OTC." In general, OTC derivatives are subject to the same risks as derivatives generally, as described throughout. However, because OTC derivatives do not trade on an exchange, the parties to an OTC derivative face heightened levels of counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk. To the extent that the Fund utilizes OTC derivatives, its counterparty risk will be higher if it only trades with a single or small number of counterparties. The secondary market for OTC derivatives may not be as deep as for other instruments and such instruments may experience periods of illiquidity. In addition, some OTC derivatives may be complex and difficult to value.

**PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK.** Preferred securities combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Generally, holders of preferred securities have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may obtain limited rights. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may defer payment on the securities and, in some cases, redeem the securities prior to a specified date. Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than other securities, including common stock.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. The Fund's investment advisor cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Fund's investment advisor believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**REIT RISK.** REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities. REITs may have also a relatively small market capitalization which may result in their shares experiencing less market liquidity and greater price volatility than larger companies. 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.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**SMALLER COMPANIES RISK.** Small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more vulnerable 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, fewer 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.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

**VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES RISK.** In China, direct ownership of companies in certain sectors by foreign individuals and entities is prohibited. In order to allow for foreign investment in these businesses, many Chinese companies have created VIE structures to enable indirect foreign ownership. In such an arrangement, a Chinese operating company typically establishes an offshore shell company in another jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. That shell company enters into service and other contracts with the Chinese issuer or operating company to obtain economic exposure to the Chinese company, then issues shares on an exchange outside of mainland China, and U.S. investors hold stock in the non-Chinese shell company rather than directly in the Chinese issuer or operating company. This arrangement allows U.S. investors, such as the Fund, to obtain economic exposure to the Chinese issuer or operating company through contractual means rather than through formal equity ownership. Because neither the shell company nor the Fund owns actual equity interests in the Chinese operating company, they do not have the voting rights or other types of control that an equity holder would expect to benefit from. Although VIEs are a longstanding industry practice and well known to officials and regulators in China, VIEs are not formally recognized under Chinese law. Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIEs could significantly affect the Chinese company's performance and the enforceability of the VIE's contractual arrangements that establish the links between the Chinese company and the shell company in which the Fund invests. This could considerably impact the financial condition of the shell company in which the Fund invests by limiting its ability to consolidate the financial results of the Chinese operating company into its own financial statements, as well as make the value of the shares held by the Fund effectively worthless. Further, if Chinese officials prohibit the existence of VIEs, the market value of the Fund's associated holdings would likely suffer significant, and possibly permanent effects, which could negatively impact the Fund's net asset value and could result in substantial losses. Further, it is uncertain whether any new laws, rules or regulations relating to VIE structures will be adopted or, if adopted, what impact they would have on the value of the Fund's shares.

VIEs are also subject to the investment risks associated with the underlying Chinese issuer or operating company. Chinese companies are not subject to the same degree of regulatory requirements or accounting standards and oversight as companies in more developed countries. As a result, information about the Chinese securities and VIEs in which the Fund invests may be less reliable and incomplete. There also may be significant obstacles to obtaining information necessary for investigations into or litigation against Chinese companies and VIEs, and shareholders may have limited legal remedies, which could negatively impact the Fund. Additionally, U.S.-listed VIEs may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements. Delisting would significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities, decrease the ability of the Fund to invest in such securities and may increase the cost of the Fund if required to seek alternative markets in which to invest in such securities.

**Annual Total Return**

The bar chart and table below illustrate the annual calendar year returns of the Fund based on net asset value as well as the average annual Fund returns. 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 based on net asset value compared to those of a market index. See "Total Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund. The Fund's performance information is accessible on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF**

**Calendar Year Total Returns as of 12/31**

![](img77c9e6d92.jpg)

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

During the periods shown in the chart above:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Best Quarter** |  | **Worst Quarter** |  |
| 18.15% | June 30, 2020 | -23.89% | March 31, 2020 |

---

The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

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 indices 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.

**Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022** 

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Since**<br> **Inception**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **Date**<br>|
| Return Before Taxes | -22.76% | -0.59% | 3.63% | 4/13/2016 |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | -24.35% | -1.79% | 2.47% |  |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -13.52% | -0.93% | 2.33% |  |
| MSCI EAFE Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or <br> taxes)<br>| -14.45% | 1.54% | 5.03% |  |

---

**Management**

***Investment Advisor*** 

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"* or the *"Advisor"*)

***Investment Sub-Advisor***

RiverFront Investment Group, LLC (*"RIG"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*)

***Portfolio Managers***

The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Adam Grossman, CFA, Portfolio Manager of RIG

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Chris Konstantinos, CFA, Portfolio Manager of RIG

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Scott Hays, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager of RIG

Each of the portfolio managers is primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Adam Grossman and Chris Konstantinos have managed the Funds since 2016. Scott Hays has managed the Funds since 2023.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large blocks of shares called "Creation Units." Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since shares of the Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, the Fund's shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund's net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the *"bid-ask spread"*). Recent information, including the Fund's net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, bid-ask spreads and the median bid-ask spread for the Fund's most recent fiscal year, is available online at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on shares held in a tax-deferred account, while not immediately taxable, will be subject to tax when the shares are no longer held in a tax-deferred account.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, bank or other financial intermediary (collectively, "intermediaries"), First Trust and First Trust Portfolios L.P., the Fund's distributor, may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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**Summary Information**

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

**Investment Objective**

The First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF's (the "*Fund*") investment objective is to provide capital appreciation.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **Investors may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.**

**Shareholder Fees**

(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees | 0.95% |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.00% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.95% |

---

***Example***

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then hold 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 at current levels. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| $97 | $303 | $525 | $1166 |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 75% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in a portfolio of equity securities of emerging market companies, including through investments in common stock, depositary receipts, and common and preferred shares of real estate investment trusts (*"REITs"*), and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions used to hedge the Fund's exposure to the currencies in which the equity securities of such emerging market companies are denominated (each, an *"Emerging Market currency"* and, collectively, the *"Emerging Market currencies"*). The Fund considers an emerging market company to be one (i) domiciled or with a principal place of business or primary securities trading market in an emerging market country, or (ii) that derives a substantial portion of its total revenues or profits from emerging market countries. The Fund considers an emerging market country to be any country whose issuers are included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index and/or those countries considered to be developing by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation or the United Nations. The Fund generally focuses its emerging market company investments in Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and/or the United Arab Emirates. The securities in which

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

the Fund may invest must be listed on a U.S. or non-U.S. securities exchange. The Fund may invest in small, mid and large capitalization companies.

The Fund utilizes a dynamic currency hedging strategy through the use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions to hedge up to 100% of the Fund's currency exposure. As a result of this hedging strategy, the portion of the Fund's portfolio securities which are subject to currency hedging transactions may vary widely, from 0% to 100% of the portfolio securities. A forward contract on foreign currency is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon by the parties from the date of the contract, at a price set on the date of the contract. A forward foreign currency exchange contract may reduce the Fund's exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will deliver and increase its exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will receive for the duration of the contract. The effect on the value of the Fund is similar to selling securities denominated in one currency and purchasing securities denominated in another currency. The Fund also may enter into currency spot transactions as part of its dynamic currency hedging strategy. A currency spot transaction is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell a specific currency for delivery on a date that is typically two business days from the date of the agreement, as opposed to a date set in the future. The underlying currencies of the forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions included in the Fund's policy relating to the investment of at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) will be limited to Emerging Market currencies.

The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its net assets in equity securities of companies in developed market countries and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions used to hedge the Fund's exposure to non-Emerging Market currencies as well as any proxy currency hedging transactions involving non-Emerging Market currencies determined to be representative of, and serve as a proxy for, Emerging Market currencies. Such developed market companies are companies that are (i) domiciled or with a principal place of business or primary securities trading market in a country that is not an emerging market country, or (ii) that derives a substantial portion of its total revenues or profits from countries that are not emerging market countries. The equity securities of developed market companies in which the Fund may invest include investments in common stock, depositary receipts and common and preferred shares of REITs.

In selecting the portfolio securities of the Fund, RiverFront Investment Group, LLC, the Fund's sub-adviser (*"RIG"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*), assembles a portfolio of eligible countries and/or securities based on several core attributes, including, but not limited to, value, quality and momentum. The Sub-Advisor considers multiple factors within each core attribute, such as the price-to-book value of a security when determining value and a company's cash as a percentage of the company's market capitalization when determining quality. The Sub-Advisor then assigns each qualifying security a score based on its core attributes and selects the individual securities with the highest scores for investment. In doing so, the Sub-Advisor utilizes its proprietary optimization process to maximize the percentage of high-scoring securities included in the portfolio in accordance with country, sector and risk factor (*e.g.*, beta, quality, volatility) limitations, subject to the Sub-Advisor's fundamental active overlay. The Sub-Advisor also considers the market capitalization of the companies in which the Fund may invest, and the trading volume of a company's shares in the secondary market. As of January 31, 2023, the Fund had significant investments in information technology companies, Taiwanese issuers, Indian issuers, Latin American issuers, and Asian issuers, although this may change from time to time. In order to gain exposure to certain Chinese companies that are unavailable to direct investment by foreign investors, the Fund invests significantly in non-Chinese shell companies that have created structures known as variable interest entities (*"VIEs"*) in order to gain exposure to such Chinese companies. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a given jurisdiction or investment sector, the Fund may be exposed to the risks associated with that jurisdiction or investment sector. The strategy is largely quantitative and rules-based, but also includes multiple parameters over which the Sub-Advisor may exercise discretion (including, but not limited to, the number of holdings and the weightings of particular holdings) in connection with its active management of the Fund.

In managing the Fund's currency exposure, the Sub-Advisor deploys a dynamic currency hedging strategy based on a proprietary hedging methodology that considers a combination of quantitative measures, such as interest rate differentials, central bank balance sheet expansion/contraction and price momentum, and qualitative measures, such as formal and informal guidance from central bankers.

To the extent permitted under applicable law, percentage limitations described in this prospectus are generally as of the time of investment by the Fund and may be exceeded on a going-forward basis as a result of market fluctuations affecting the Fund's portfolio securities.

------

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

**Principal Risks**

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be achieved. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**ASIA RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of Asian issuers. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. Some Asian economies are highly dependent on trade, and economic conditions in other countries within and outside Asia can impact these economies. Certain of these economies may be adversely affected by trade or policy disputes with its major trade partners. There is also a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Certain Asian countries have experienced and may in the future experience expropriation and nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, currency manipulation, political instability, armed conflict and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic, socio-economic and/or political unrest. In particular, escalated tensions involving North Korea and any outbreak of hostilities involving North Korea could have a severe adverse effect on Asian economies. Governments of certain Asian countries have exercised, and continue to exercise, substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, the government owns or controls many companies, including the largest in the country. Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on the issuers of the Fund's securities or on economic conditions generally. Recent developments in relations between the U.S. and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on the economy of Asian countries and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount (the difference between the market price of the Fund's shares and the Fund's net asset value) and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread (the difference between the price that someone is willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a specific point in time versus the price at which someone is willing to sell) on the Fund's shares may widen.

**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The Fund will effect some or all of its creations and redemptions for cash rather than in-kind. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects all of its creations and redemptions in-kind. Because the Fund may effect redemptions for cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. A sale of portfolio securities may result in capital gains or losses and may also result in higher brokerage costs.

**COUNTERPARTY RISK.** Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty's financial condition (*i.e.*, financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty's inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed.

**CURRENCY RISK.** Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, and therefore the value of such investments in the Fund's portfolio. The Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems through "hacking" or malicious software coding but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's

------

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, custodian, or sub-advisor, as applicable, can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Although the Fund has established risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK**. Depositary receipts represent equity interests in a foreign company that trade on a local stock exchange. Depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert the equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause the equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

**DYNAMIC HEDGING RISK.** Because of the Fund's utilization of the dynamic currency hedging strategy, the Fund may have lower returns than an equivalent non-currency hedged investment when the component currencies are rising relative to the U.S. dollar. As such, contracts to sell foreign currency will generally be expected to limit any potential gain that might be realized by the Fund if the value of the hedged currency increases. In addition, the use of currency hedging will not necessarily eliminate exposure to all currency fluctuations. Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the value of a portfolio security traded in that currency or prevent a loss if the value of the security declines. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates.

**EMERGING MARKETS RISK.** Investments in securities issued by governments and companies operating in emerging market countries involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in securities and instruments issued by U.S. companies or by companies operating in other developed market countries. Investments in emerging markets securities are generally considered speculative in nature and are subject to the following heightened risks: smaller market capitalization of securities markets which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; possible repatriation of investment income and capital; rapid inflation; and currency convertibility issues. Emerging market countries also often have less uniformity in accounting, auditing and reporting requirements, unsettled securities laws, unreliable securities valuation and greater risk associated with custody of securities. Financial and other reporting by companies and government entities also may be less reliable in emerging market countries. Shareholder claims that are available in the U.S., as well as regulatory oversight and authority that is common in the U.S., including for claims based on fraud, may be difficult or impossible for shareholders of securities in emerging market countries or for U.S. authorities to pursue. For funds that track an index or are managed based upon a benchmark, the index may not weight the securities in emerging market countries on the basis of investor protection limitations, financial reporting quality or available oversight mechanisms. Furthermore, investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies.

**EQUITY SECURITIES RISK.** The value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting an issuer occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market.

**FORWARD CONTRACTS RISK.** A forward contract is an over-the-counter derivative transaction between two parties to buy or sell a specified amount of an underlying reference at a specified price (or rate) on a specified date in the future. Forward contracts are negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized or traded on exchanges. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated and can experience lengthy periods of illiquidity, unusually high trading volume and other negative impacts, such as political intervention, which may result in volatility or disruptions in such markets. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. Forward contracts can increase the Fund's risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, currency risk, market risk, and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk, among others.

**FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS RISK.** In connection with its trading in forward foreign currency contracts, the Fund will contract with a foreign or domestic bank, or a foreign or domestic securities dealer, to make or take future delivery of a specified amount of a particular currency. There are no limitations on daily price moves in such forward contracts, and banks and dealers are not required to continue to make markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain banks or dealers have refused to quote prices for such forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which the bank or dealer is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell. Governmental imposition of credit controls might limit any such forward contract trading. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts involve certain risks, including the risk of failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and the risk that the use of forward contracts may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the underlying currencies increase. In addition, because forward currency exchange contracts are privately negotiated transactions, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have flexibility to roll-over a forward foreign currency exchange contract upon its expiration if it desires to do so.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking exchange-traded funds or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity in the Fund's shares.

**INDIA RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of Indian issuers. India is an emerging market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. Shareholder claims that are available in the U.S., as well as regulatory oversight and authority that is common in the U.S., including for claims based on fraud, may be difficult or impossible for shareholders of securities in India or for U.S. authorities to pursue. Investment in Indian securities involves risks in addition to those associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund's assets. Such heightened risks include, among others, political and legal uncertainty, greater government control over the economy, currency fluctuations or blockage and the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets. In addition, religious and border disputes persist in India. Moreover, India has experienced civil unrest and hostilities with neighboring countries, including Pakistan, and the Indian government has confronted separatist movements in several Indian states. The securities market of India is considered an emerging market that is characterized by a large number of listed companies that have significantly smaller market capitalizations, greater price volatility, greater delays and possibility of disruptions in settlement transactions, greater political uncertainties and greater dependence on international trade or development assistance and substantially less liquidity than companies in more developed markets. These factors, coupled with restrictions on foreign investment and other factors, limit the supply of securities available for investment by the Fund. This will affect the rate at which the Fund is able to invest in the securities of Indian companies, the purchase and sale prices for such securities and the timing of purchases and sales. Certain restrictions on foreign investments may decrease the liquidity of the Fund's portfolio, subject the Fund to higher transaction costs, or inhibit the Fund's ability to track the Index. Investments in Indian securities may also be limited or prevented, at times, due to the limits on foreign ownership imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (*"RBI"*) or the Securities and Exchange Board of India (*"SEBI"*). In addition,

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

a natural or other disaster could occur in India that could affect the Indian economy or operations of the Fund, causing an adverse impact on the Fund.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline.

**INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES RISK.** Information technology companies produce and provide hardware, software and information technology systems and services. These companies may be adversely affected by rapidly changing technologies, short product life cycles, fierce competition, aggressive pricing and reduced profit margins, the loss of patent, copyright and trademark protections, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. In addition, information technology companies are particularly vulnerable to federal, state and local government regulation, and competition and consolidation, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies also heavily rely on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by the loss or impairment of those rights.

**LARGE CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES RISK.** Large capitalization companies may grow at a slower rate and be less able to adapt to changing market conditions than smaller capitalization companies. Thus, the return on investment in securities of large capitalization companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies. The performance of large capitalization companies also tends to trail the overall market during different market cycles.

**LATIN AMERICA RISK.** The economies of Latin American countries have in the past experienced considerable difficulties, including high inflation rates, high interest rates, high unemployment, government overspending and political instability. International economic conditions, particularly those in the United States, Europe and Asia, as well as world prices for oil and other commodities may also influence the development of Latin American economies. Many Latin American countries are highly reliant on the exportation of commodities and their economies may be significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices and the global demand for certain commodities. Investments in Latin American countries may be subject to currency risks, such as restrictions on the flow of money in and out of a country, extreme volatility relative to the U.S. dollar, and devaluation, all of which could decrease the value of investments in Latin American companies. Other Latin American investment risks may include inadequate investor protection, less developed regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial standards, unfavorable changes in laws or regulations, natural disasters, corruption and military activity. The governments of many Latin American countries may also exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, and any such exercise could have a significant effect on companies in which the Fund invests. Securities of companies in Latin America may also be subject to significant price volatility.

**LEVERAGE RISK.** Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rates of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the value of the the Fund's shares to be volatile and sensitive to market swings.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** Certain Fund investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, trade over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or lack an active trading market. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to sell or close out of such investments at favorable times or prices (or at all), or at the prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the Sub-Advisor will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not have the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

The Sub-Advisor specializes in managing asset allocation portfolios, which invest in various investment vehicles, including the Fund and other exchange-traded funds (*"ETFs"*), to obtain targeted amounts of exposure to different asset classes. The Fund was developed to serve as, and will serve as, an investment vehicle for such asset allocation portfolios. As the manager of the Fund and the portfolios, the Sub-Advisor is likely to encounter conflicts of interest. For example, the Sub-Advisor may need to reduce its asset allocation portfolios' exposure to an asset class to which the portfolios obtain exposure by investing in the Fund. Under such circumstances, the Sub-Advisor would liquidate some or all of the portfolios' investments in the Fund, which could adversely affect the Fund.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**MODEL RISK.** The Fund's portfolio managers use quantitative models to help construct the Fund's portfolio. The utilization of quantitative models entails the risk that a model may be limited or incorrect, that the data on which a model relies may be incorrect or incomplete and that the portfolio managers may not be successful in selecting companies for investment or determining the weighting of particular stocks in the Fund's portfolio. To the extent that the model is based upon incorrect or incomplete data, the Fund could be induced to buy certain investments at prices that are too high, to sell certain other investments at prices that are too low or to miss favorable opportunities altogether. Any of these factors could cause the Fund to underperform funds with similar strategies that do not rely on quantitative analysis for portfolio construction.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** Non-U.S. securities are subject to higher volatility than securities of domestic issuers due to possible adverse political, social or economic developments, restrictions on foreign investment or exchange of securities, capital controls, lack of liquidity, currency exchange rates, excessive taxation, government seizure of assets, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, different legal or accounting standards, and less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges in foreign countries.

**OPERATIONAL RISK.** The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**OTC DERIVATIVES RISK.** The Fund may utilize derivatives that are traded over-the-counter, or "OTC." In general, OTC derivatives are subject to the same risks as derivatives generally, as described throughout. However, because OTC derivatives do not trade on an exchange, the parties to an OTC derivative face heightened levels of counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk. To the extent that the Fund utilizes OTC derivatives, its counterparty risk will be higher if it only trades with a single or small number of counterparties. The secondary market for OTC derivatives may not be as deep as for other instruments and such instruments may experience periods of illiquidity. In addition, some OTC derivatives may be complex and difficult to value.

**PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK.** Preferred securities combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Generally, holders of preferred securities have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may obtain limited rights. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may defer payment on the securities and, in some cases, redeem the securities prior to a specified date. Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than other securities, including common stock.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. The Fund's investment advisor cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Fund's investment advisor believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**REIT RISK.** REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities. REITs may have also a relatively small market capitalization which may result in their shares experiencing less market liquidity and greater price volatility than larger companies. 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.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**SMALLER COMPANIES RISK.** Small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more vulnerable 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, fewer 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.

**TAIWAN RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of Taiwanese issuers. Taiwan is an emerging market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. Shareholder claims that are available in the U.S., as well as regulatory oversight and authority that is common in the U.S., including for claims based on fraud, may be difficult or impossible for shareholders of securities in Taiwan or for U.S. authorities to pursue. Taiwan's geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions between the two countries. These tensions may materially affect the Taiwanese economy and its securities market. Taiwan's economy is export-oriented, so it depends on an open world trade regime and remains vulnerable to fluctuations in the world economy. Rising labor costs and increasing environmental consciousness have led some labor-intensive industries to relocate to countries with cheaper work forces, and continued labor outsourcing may adversely affect the Taiwanese economy.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

**VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES RISK.** In China, direct ownership of companies in certain sectors by foreign individuals and entities is prohibited. In order to allow for foreign investment in these businesses, many Chinese companies have created VIE structures to enable indirect foreign ownership. In such an arrangement, a Chinese operating company typically establishes an offshore shell company in another jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. That shell company enters into service and other contracts with the Chinese issuer or operating company to obtain economic exposure to the Chinese company, then issues shares on an exchange outside of mainland China, and U.S. investors hold stock in the non-Chinese shell company rather than directly in the Chinese issuer or operating company. This arrangement allows U.S. investors, such as the Fund, to obtain economic exposure to the Chinese issuer or operating company through contractual means rather than through formal equity ownership. Because neither the shell company nor the Fund owns actual equity interests in the Chinese operating company, they do not have the voting rights or other types of control that an equity holder would expect to benefit from. Although VIEs are a longstanding industry practice and well known to officials and regulators in China, VIEs are not formally recognized under Chinese law. Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIEs could significantly affect the Chinese company's performance and the enforceability of the VIE's contractual arrangements that establish the links between the Chinese company and the shell company in which the Fund invests. This could considerably impact the financial condition of the shell company in which the Fund invests by limiting its ability to consolidate the financial results of the Chinese operating company into its own financial statements, as well as make the value of the shares held by the Fund effectively worthless. Further, if Chinese officials prohibit the existence of VIEs, the market value of the Fund's associated holdings would likely suffer significant, and possibly permanent effects, which could negatively impact the Fund's net asset value and could result in substantial losses. Further, it is uncertain whether any new laws, rules or regulations relating to VIE structures will be adopted or, if adopted, what impact they would have on the value of the Fund's shares.

VIEs are also subject to the investment risks associated with the underlying Chinese issuer or operating company. Chinese companies are not subject to the same degree of regulatory requirements or accounting standards and oversight as companies in more developed countries. As a result, information about the Chinese securities and VIEs in which the Fund invests may be less reliable and incomplete. There also may be significant obstacles to obtaining information necessary for investigations into or litigation against Chinese companies and VIEs, and shareholders may have limited legal remedies, which could negatively impact the Fund. Additionally, U.S.-listed VIEs may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements. Delisting would significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities, decrease the ability of the Fund to invest in such securities and may increase the cost of the Fund if required to seek alternative markets in which to invest in such securities.

**Annual Total Return**

The bar chart and table below illustrate the annual calendar year returns of the Fund based on net asset value as well as the average annual Fund returns. 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 based on net asset value compared to those of a market index. See "Total Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund. The Fund's performance information is accessible on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF**

**Calendar Year Total Returns as of 12/31**

![](img6964ca403.jpg)

During the periods shown in the chart above:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Best Quarter** |  | **Worst Quarter** |  |
| 17.42% | June 30, 2020 | -25.80% | March 31, 2020 |

---

The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

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 indices 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.

**Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022** 

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Since**<br> **Inception**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **Date**<br>|
| Return Before Taxes | -19.07% | -2.73% | 4.09% | 6/14/2016 |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | -21.59% | -4.17% | 2.56% |  |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -11.37% | -2.60% | 2.54% |  |
| MSCI Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees, <br> expenses or taxes)<br>| -20.09% | -1.40% | 5.23% |  |

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**Management**

***Investment Advisor*** 

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"* or the *"Advisor"*)

***Investment Sub-Advisor***

RiverFront Investment Group, LLC (*"RIG"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*)

***Portfolio Managers***

The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Adam Grossman, CFA, Portfolio Manager of RIG

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Chris Konstantinos, CFA, Portfolio Manager of RIG

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Scott Hays, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager of RIG

Each of the portfolio managers is primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Adam Grossman and Chris Konstantinos have managed the Funds since 2016. Scott Hays has managed the Funds since 2023.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large blocks of shares called "Creation Units." Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since shares of the Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, the Fund's shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund's net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the *"bid-ask spread"*). Recent information, including the Fund's net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, bid-ask spreads and the median bid-ask spread for the Fund's most recent fiscal year, is available online at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on shares held in a tax-deferred account, while not immediately taxable, will be subject to tax when the shares are no longer held in a tax-deferred account.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, bank or other financial intermediary (collectively, "intermediaries"), First Trust and First Trust Portfolios L.P., the Fund's distributor, may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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**Summary Information**

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)**

**Investment Objective**

The First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF's (the "*Fund*") investment objective is to provide capital appreciation.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **Investors may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.**

**Shareholder Fees**

(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses**

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management Fees | 0.83% |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.00% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.83% |

---

***Example***

The example below is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then hold 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 at current levels. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| $85 | $265 | $460 | $1025 |

---

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 71% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies**

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in a portfolio of equity securities of European companies, including through investments in common stock, depositary receipts, and common and preferred shares of real estate investment trusts (*"REITs"*), and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions used to hedge the Fund's exposure to the currencies in which the equity securities of such European companies are denominated (each, a *"European currency"* and, collectively, the *"European currencies"*). European companies are those companies (i) whose securities are traded principally on a stock exchange in a European country, (ii) that have a primary business office in a European country, or (iii) that have at least 50% of their assets in, or derive at least 50% of their revenues or profits from, a European country. The Fund considers a European country to be any member country of the European Union or any country included in the MSCI Europe Index. The Fund generally focuses its European company investments in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and/or the United Kingdom. The securities in which the Fund may invest must be listed on a U.S. or non-U.S. securities exchange. The Fund may invest in small, mid and large capitalization companies.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)**

The Fund utilizes a dynamic currency hedging strategy through the use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions to hedge up to 100% of the Fund's currency exposure. As a result of this hedging strategy, the portion of the Fund's portfolio securities which are subject to currency hedging transactions may vary widely, from 0% to 100% of the portfolio securities. A forward contract on foreign currency is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon by the parties from the date of the contract, at a price set on the date of the contract. A forward foreign currency exchange contract may reduce the Fund's exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will deliver and increase its exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will receive for the duration of the contract. The effect on the value of the Fund is similar to selling securities denominated in one currency and purchasing securities denominated in another currency. The Fund also may enter into currency spot transactions as part of its dynamic currency hedging strategy. A currency spot transaction is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell a specific currency for delivery on a date that is typically two business days from the date of the agreement, as opposed to a date set in the future. The underlying currencies of the forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions included in the Fund's policy relating to the investment of at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) will be limited to European currencies.

The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its net assets in equity securities of non-European companies, including companies in emerging market countries, with a particular focus on companies in Canada, Israel and the United States, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions used to hedge the Fund's exposure to non-European currencies as well as any proxy currency hedging transactions involving non-European currencies determined to be representative of, and serve as a proxy for, European currencies. The Fund will limit its investments in emerging market countries in the aggregate to no more than 20% of its net assets. The Fund considers an emerging market country to be any country whose issuers are included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index and/or those countries considered to be developing by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation or the United Nations. The Fund considers an "emerging market issuer" to be one (i) domiciled or with a principal place of business or primary securities trading market in an emerging market country, or (ii) that derives a substantial portion of its total revenues or profits from emerging market countries. The equity securities of non-European companies in which the Fund may invest include investments in common stock, depositary receipts and common and preferred shares of REITs.

In selecting the portfolio securities of the Fund, RiverFront Investment Group, LLC, the Fund's sub-adviser (*"RIG"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*), assembles a portfolio of eligible countries and/or securities based on several core attributes, including, but not limited to, value, quality and momentum. The Sub-Advisor considers multiple factors within each core attribute, such as the price-to-book value of a security when determining value and a company's cash as a percentage of the company's market capitalization when determining quality. The Sub-Advisor then assigns each qualifying security a score based on its core attributes and selects the individual securities with the highest scores for investment. In doing so, the Sub-Advisor utilizes its proprietary optimization process to maximize the percentage of high-scoring securities included in the portfolio in accordance with country, sector and risk factor (*e.g.*, beta, quality, volatility) limitations, subject to the Sub-Advisor's fundamental active overlay. The Sub-Advisor also considers the market capitalization of the companies in which the Fund may invest, and the trading volume of a company's shares in the secondary market. As of January 31, 2023, the Fund had significant investments in health care companies, Swiss issuers and European issuers, although this may change from time to time. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a given jurisdiction or investment sector, the Fund may be exposed to the risks associated with that jurisdiction or investment sector. The strategy is largely quantitative and rules-based, but also includes multiple parameters over which the Sub-Advisor may exercise discretion (including, but not limited to, the number of holdings and the weightings of particular holdings) in connection with its active management of the Fund.

In managing the Fund's currency exposure, the Sub-Advisor deploys a dynamic currency hedging strategy based on a proprietary hedging methodology that considers a combination of quantitative measures, such as interest rate differentials, central bank balance sheet expansion/contraction and price momentum, and qualitative measures, such as formal and informal guidance from central bankers.

To the extent permitted under applicable law, percentage limitations described in this prospectus are generally as of the time of investment by the Fund and may be exceeded on a going-forward basis as a result of market fluctuations affecting the Fund's portfolio securities.

**Principal Risks**

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)**

the Fund's investment objective will be achieved. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for the Fund. To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, the Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount (the difference between the market price of the Fund's shares and the Fund's net asset value) and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread (the difference between the price that someone is willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a specific point in time versus the price at which someone is willing to sell) on the Fund's shares may widen.

**COUNTERPARTY RISK.** Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty's financial condition (*i.e.*, financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty's inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed.

**CURRENCY RISK.** Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, and therefore the value of such investments in the Fund's portfolio. The Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems through "hacking" or malicious software coding but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, custodian, or sub-advisor, as applicable, can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Although the Fund has established risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK**. Depositary receipts represent equity interests in a foreign company that trade on a local stock exchange. Depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert the equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause the equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)**

**DYNAMIC HEDGING RISK.** Because of the Fund's utilization of the dynamic currency hedging strategy, the Fund may have lower returns than an equivalent non-currency hedged investment when the component currencies are rising relative to the U.S. dollar. As such, contracts to sell foreign currency will generally be expected to limit any potential gain that might be realized by the Fund if the value of the hedged currency increases. In addition, the use of currency hedging will not necessarily eliminate exposure to all currency fluctuations. Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the value of a portfolio security traded in that currency or prevent a loss if the value of the security declines. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates.

**EQUITY SECURITIES RISK.** The value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting an issuer occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market.

**EUROPE RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of European issuers. Political or economic disruptions in European countries, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, may adversely affect security values and thus the Fund's holdings. A significant number of countries in Europe are member states in the European Union (the *"EU"*), and the member states no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. In these member states, the authority to direct monetary policies, including money supply and official interest rates for the Euro, is exercised by the European Central Bank. In a 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the EU (*"Brexit"*). After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. As the second largest economy among EU members, the implications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal are difficult to gauge and cannot be fully known. Its departure may negatively impact the EU and Europe as a whole by causing volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU (thereby perpetuating political instability in the region).

**FORWARD CONTRACTS RISK.** A forward contract is an over-the-counter derivative transaction between two parties to buy or sell a specified amount of an underlying reference at a specified price (or rate) on a specified date in the future. Forward contracts are negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized or traded on exchanges. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated and can experience lengthy periods of illiquidity, unusually high trading volume and other negative impacts, such as political intervention, which may result in volatility or disruptions in such markets. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. Forward contracts can increase the Fund's risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, currency risk, market risk, and interest rate risk, while also exposing the Fund to counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk, among others.

**FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS RISK.** In connection with its trading in forward foreign currency contracts, the Fund will contract with a foreign or domestic bank, or a foreign or domestic securities dealer, to make or take future delivery of a specified amount of a particular currency. There are no limitations on daily price moves in such forward contracts, and banks and dealers are not required to continue to make markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain banks or dealers have refused to quote prices for such forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which the bank or dealer is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell. Governmental imposition of credit controls might limit any such forward contract trading. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts involve certain risks, including the risk of failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and the risk that the use of forward contracts may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the underlying currencies increase. In addition, because forward currency exchange contracts are privately negotiated transactions, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have flexibility to roll-over a forward foreign currency exchange contract upon its expiration if it desires to do so.

**HEALTH CARE COMPANIES RISK.** Health care companies, such as companies providing medical and healthcare goods and services, companies engaged in manufacturing medical equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals, as well as operating health care facilities and the provision of managed health care, may be affected by government regulations and government health

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)**

care programs, increases or decreases in the cost of medical products and services and product liability claims, among other factors. Many health care companies are heavily dependent on patent protection, and the expiration of a company's patent may adversely affect that company's profitability. Health care companies are also subject to competitive forces that may result in price discounting, may be thinly capitalized and susceptible to product obsolescence.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** The Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, the Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking exchange-traded funds or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving the Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, the Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity in the Fund's shares.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline.

**LARGE CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES RISK.** Large capitalization companies may grow at a slower rate and be less able to adapt to changing market conditions than smaller capitalization companies. Thus, the return on investment in securities of large capitalization companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies. The performance of large capitalization companies also tends to trail the overall market during different market cycles.

**LEVERAGE RISK.** Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rates of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the value of the the Fund's shares to be volatile and sensitive to market swings.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** Certain Fund investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, trade over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or lack an active trading market. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to sell or close out of such investments at favorable times or prices (or at all), or at the prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the Sub-Advisor will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not have the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

The Sub-Advisor specializes in managing asset allocation portfolios, which invest in various investment vehicles, including the Fund and other exchange-traded funds (*"ETFs"*), to obtain targeted amounts of exposure to different asset classes. The Fund was developed to serve as, and will serve as, an investment vehicle for such asset allocation portfolios. As the manager of the Fund and the portfolios, the Sub-Advisor is likely to encounter conflicts of interest. For example, the Sub-Advisor may need to reduce its asset allocation portfolios' exposure to an asset class to which the portfolios obtain exposure by investing in the Fund. Under such circumstances, the Sub-Advisor would liquidate some or all of the portfolios' investments in the Fund, which could adversely affect the Fund.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Fund faces numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. The Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)**

public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**MODEL RISK.** The Fund's portfolio managers use quantitative models to help construct the Fund's portfolio. The utilization of quantitative models entails the risk that a model may be limited or incorrect, that the data on which a model relies may be incorrect or incomplete and that the portfolio managers may not be successful in selecting companies for investment or determining the weighting of particular stocks in the Fund's portfolio. To the extent that the model is based upon incorrect or incomplete data, the Fund could be induced to buy certain investments at prices that are too high, to sell certain other investments at prices that are too low or to miss favorable opportunities altogether. Any of these factors could cause the Fund to underperform funds with similar strategies that do not rely on quantitative analysis for portfolio construction.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** Non-U.S. securities are subject to higher volatility than securities of domestic issuers due to possible adverse political, social or economic developments, restrictions on foreign investment or exchange of securities, capital controls, lack of liquidity, currency exchange rates, excessive taxation, government seizure of assets, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, different legal or accounting standards, and less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges in foreign countries.

**OPERATIONAL RISK.** The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund's investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**OTC DERIVATIVES RISK.** The Fund may utilize derivatives that are traded over-the-counter, or "OTC." In general, OTC derivatives are subject to the same risks as derivatives generally, as described throughout. However, because OTC derivatives do not trade on an exchange, the parties to an OTC derivative face heightened levels of counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk. To the extent that the Fund utilizes OTC derivatives, its counterparty risk will be higher if it only trades with a single or small number of counterparties. The secondary market for OTC derivatives may not be as deep as for other instruments and such instruments may experience periods of illiquidity. In addition, some OTC derivatives may be complex and difficult to value.

**PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK.** Preferred securities combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Generally, holders of preferred securities have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may obtain limited rights. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may defer payment on the securities and, in some cases, redeem the securities prior to a specified date. Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than other securities, including common stock.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. The Fund's investment advisor cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Fund's investment advisor believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)**

for the Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**REIT RISK.** REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities. REITs may have also a relatively small market capitalization which may result in their shares experiencing less market liquidity and greater price volatility than larger companies. 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.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**SMALLER COMPANIES RISK.** Small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more vulnerable 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, fewer 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.

**SWITZERLAND RISK.** The Fund is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of Swiss issuers. Switzerland's economy is heavily dependent on trading relationships with certain key trading partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, China, France and Germany. Future changes in the price or the demand for Swiss products or services by the United States, United Kingdom, China, France and Germany or changes in these countries' economies, trade regulations or currency exchange rates could adversely impact the Swiss economy and the issuers to which the Fund has exposure. Switzerland's economy relies heavily on the banking sector, and in recent years, Switzerland has responded to increasing pressure from neighboring countries and trading partners to reform its banking secrecy laws. Recently, allegations have surfaced that certain Swiss banking institutions marketed and sold offshore tax evasion services to U.S. citizens. Future litigation or settlements arising from these accusations may have a negative impact on certain companies to which the Fund has exposure.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)**

**Annual Total Return**

The bar chart and table below illustrate the annual calendar year returns of the Fund based on net asset value as well as the average annual Fund returns. 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 based on net asset value compared to those of a market index. See "Total Return Information" for additional performance information regarding the Fund. The Fund's performance information is accessible on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com.

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF**

**Calendar Year Total Returns as of 12/31**

![](imgfb7499f54.jpg)

During the periods shown in the chart above:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Best Quarter** |  | **Worst Quarter** |  |
| 17.38% | June 30, 2020 | -25.42% | March 31, 2020 |

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The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

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 indices 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.

**Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022** 

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Since**<br> **Inception**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **Date**<br>|
| Return Before Taxes | -24.16% | 0.16% | 4.68% | 4/13/2016 |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | -25.65% | -1.05% | 3.47% |  |
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -14.31% | -0.37% | 3.14% |  |
| MSCI Europe Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or <br> taxes)<br>| -15.06% | 1.87% | 5.05% |  |

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**Management**

***Investment Advisor*** 

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"* or the *"Advisor"*)

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)**

***Investment Sub-Advisor***

RiverFront Investment Group, LLC (*"RIG"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*)

***Portfolio Managers***

The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Adam Grossman, CFA, Portfolio Manager of RIG

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Chris Konstantinos, CFA, Portfolio Manager of RIG

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Scott Hays, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager of RIG

Each of the portfolio managers is primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Adam Grossman and Chris Konstantinos have managed the Funds since 2016. Scott Hays has managed the Funds since 2023.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares**

The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large blocks of shares called "Creation Units." Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since shares of the Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, the Fund's shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund's net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the *"bid-ask spread"*). Recent information, including the Fund's net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, bid-ask spreads and the median bid-ask spread for the Fund's most recent fiscal year, is available online at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on shares held in a tax-deferred account, while not immediately taxable, will be subject to tax when the shares are no longer held in a tax-deferred account.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, bank or other financial intermediary (collectively, "intermediaries"), First Trust and First Trust Portfolios L.P., the Fund's distributor, may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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**Additional Information on the Funds' Investment Objectives and Strategies**

Each Fund is a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III and is regulated as an "investment company" under the 1940 Act. The Funds are actively managed and do not seek to track the performance of an index. Each Fund's investment objective is fundamental and may not be changed without approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless an investment policy is identified as being fundamental, all investment policies included in this prospectus and the Funds' Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the *"Board"*) without shareholder approval. If there is a material change to a Fund's principal investment strategies, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.

First RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (a *"Name Policy"*) whereby the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in the securities of developed market companies.

First RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (a *"Name Policy"*) whereby the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in the securities of emerging market companies.

First RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (a *"Name Policy"*) whereby the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in the securities of European companies.

The Name Policies may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval upon 60 days' prior written notice.

**Fund Investments**

**Principal Investments**

**Equity Securities** 

Each Fund invests in equity securities, which may include common stock, preferred stock and other securities with equity characteristics, such as REITs.

**Common Stock.** Common stock represents residual ownership interest in issuers and holders of common stock are entitled to the income and increase in the value of the assets and business of the issuers after all debt obligations and obligations to preferred stockholders are satisfied. Common stockholders generally have voting rights. Common stock fluctuates in price in response to many factors including historical and prospective earnings of the issuer, the value of its assets, general economic conditions, interest rates, investor perceptions and market liquidity. The value of common stock purchased by each Fund could decline if the financial condition of the companies the Fund invests in declines or if overall market and economic conditions deteriorate. Their value also may decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, they may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a company or industry, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or generally adverse investor sentiment.

**Depositary Receipts.** The Funds may make foreign investments through American Depositary Receipts (*"ADRs"*), European Depositary Receipts (*"EDRs"*) and Global Depositary Receipts (*"GDRs"*), or other securities representing underlying shares of foreign issuers. Positions in those securities are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the underlying shares they represent. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities issued by foreign issuers. EDRs are European receipts listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange evidencing a similar arrangement. GDRs are U.S. dollar denominated receipts evidencing ownership of foreign securities. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for the U.S. securities markets and EDRs and GDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in foreign securities markets. Investments in depositary receipts involve risks similar to those accompanying direct investments in non-U.S. securities, including liquidity, currency, political, information and other risks.

**Preferred Stock.** Preferred stocks represent an equity ownership interest in the issuer, but generally entitle the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from liquidation of the company. Some preferred stocks also entitle their holders to receive additional liquidation

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proceeds on the same basis as holders of a company's common stock. Some preferred stocks offer a fixed rate of return with no maturity date. Because those preferred stocks never mature, they act like long-term bonds, can be more volatile than other types of preferred stocks and may have heightened sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Other preferred stocks have a variable dividend, generally determined on a quarterly or other periodic basis, either according to a formula based upon a specified premium or discount to the yield on particular U.S. Treasury securities or based on an auction process, involving bids submitted by holders and prospective purchasers of such stocks. Because preferred stocks represent an equity ownership interest in a company, their value usually will react more strongly than bonds and other debt instruments to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects or to fluctuations in the equity markets. Holders of preferred stocks generally have no voting rights or their voting rights are limited to certain extraordinary transactions or events.

**REITs.** Certain Funds may invest in common and preferred shares of REITs. REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors' capital to purchase or finance real estate. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable tax requirements.

**Currency Hedging Transactions** 

In connection with their non-U.S. investments, to protect the value of their portfolios against uncertainty in the level of future currency exchange rates, the Funds may enter into foreign currency transactions on a spot (*i.e.*, cash) basis or may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The Funds will invest in forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging or currency risk management purposes and not in order to speculate on currency exchange rate movements, and the amount each Fund may invest in such transactions depends in part on the extent of the Fund's non-U.S. investments. As part of such currency hedging transactions, the Fund may shift its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one currency to another. In this regard, the Fund may use one currency (or a basket of currencies) to hedge against adverse changes in the value of another currency (or basket of currencies) when exchange rates between the two currencies are positively correlated. This may include shifting exposure from a foreign currency to U.S. dollars or from one foreign currency to another foreign currency.

A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon by the parties from the date of the contract, at a price set on the date of the contract. A forward foreign currency exchange contract may reduce a Fund's exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will deliver and increase its exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will receive for the duration of the contract. The effect on the value of such Fund is similar to selling securities denominated in one currency and purchasing securities denominated in another currency. At the maturity of a forward contract to deliver a particular currency, the Fund may either sell portfolio securities denominated in such currency and make delivery of the currency, or it may retain the securities and acquire the currency on the spot market, negotiate to roll over the contract into a new forward contract with a new future settlement date or terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing an offsetting contract with the same currency trader obligating it to purchase on the same maturity date the same amount of the currency.

The Funds' currency hedging transactions may involve a Fund transacting in a currency whose value is expected to correlate to the value of a currency in which a portfolio security of the Fund is denominated—*i.e.*, such substitute currency will act as a "proxy" for a currency that the Fund seeks to hedge. The Sub-Advisor may employ such proxy hedging (as opposed to direct hedging) under certain circumstances, including when: (i) the currency that it seeks to hedge is thinly traded or illiquid, (ii) the proxy hedging transaction would be less expensive than the corresponding direct hedging transaction, and/or (iii) it would not be efficient or cost effective to transact in the currency that it seeks to hedge as a result of its limited representation in a Fund's portfolio. In this regard, the Sub-Advisor has determined: (i) each of the Japanese Yen, the Australian Dollar and the Canadian Dollar to be representative of, and may serve as a proxy for, the Taiwanese Dollar, the Singapore Dollar and/or the Korean Won; (ii) each of the Euro, the British Pound, the Swiss Franc and the Canadian Dollar to be representative of, and may serve as a proxy for, the Swedish Krona, the Norwegian Krone, the Danish Krone and/or the Israeli Shekel; (iii) each of the Australian Dollar, the Canadian Dollar and the Mexican Peso to be representative of, and may serve as a proxy for, all Latin American currencies, including Brazil, Chile and Peru; and (iv) the Polish Zloty to be representative of, and may serve as a proxy for, all Eastern European currencies, including the Ukraine and the Czech Republic.

To the extent the Fund enters into derivatives transactions, it will do so pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to implement certain policies and procedures designed to manage its derivatives risks, dependent upon the Fund's level of exposure to derivative instruments.

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**Non-Principal Investments**

**Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments**

Normally, the Funds invest substantially all of their assets to meet their objectives. Each Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities with maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or it may hold cash. The percentage of a Fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on several factors, including market conditions. For temporary defensive purposes and during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, a Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or it may hold cash. During such periods, a Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective. A Fund may adopt a defensive strategy when the portfolio managers believe securities in which such Fund normally invests have elevated risks due to political or economic factors and in other extraordinary circumstances. For more information on eligible short term investments, see the SAI.

**Investment Companies** 

The Funds may invest in securities of open-end (including ETFs) or closed-end investment companies. As a shareholder in an investment company, a Fund bears its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent a Fund invests in other pooled investment vehicles. In addition, a Fund incurs brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of ETFs or closed-end funds. Securities of certain investment companies may be leveraged, in which case the value and/or yield of such securities tends to be more volatile than securities of unleveraged investment companies.

The Funds may invest in business development companies (*"BDCs"*). BDCs are a type of closed-end fund regulated under the 1940 Act that typically invest in and lend to small and medium-sized private and certain public companies that may not have access to public equity markets for capital raising. BDCs invest in such diverse industries as healthcare, chemical and manufacturing, technology and service companies. BDCs are unique in that at least 70% of their investments must be made in private and certain public U.S. businesses, and BDCs are required to make available significant managerial assistance to their portfolio companies. Unlike corporations, BDCs are not taxed on income distributed to their shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. BDCs, which are required to distribute substantially all of their income to investors in order to not be subject to entity level taxation, often offer a yield advantage over other types of securities. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses, and of any performance based or incentive fees, charged by the BDCs in which it invests, in addition to the expenses paid by the Fund.

The Funds' ability to invest in other investment companies is limited by the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations. Each Fund has adopted a policy that it will not invest in other investment companies, including BDCs, in excess of the limits imposed under the 1940 Act in reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.

**Illiquid Investments**

Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities and other instruments that are, at the time of investment, illiquid (determined using the Securities and Exchange Commission's standard applicable to investment companies, *i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For this purpose, illiquid investments may 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 Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"Securities Act"*), that are deemed to be illiquid, and certain repurchase agreements.

**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**

Each Fund's portfolio holdings are available on the Funds' website at www.ftportfolios.com. A description of the policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds' portfolio securities is included in the Funds' SAI, which is also available on the Funds' website.

**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 a Fund will meet its stated objective. Before you invest, you should consider the following

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disclosure pertaining to the Principal Risks set forth above as well as additional Non-Principal Risks set forth below in this prospectus. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**Principal Risks**

**ASIA RISK.** Certain Funds invest significantly in the securities of Asian issuers. Such investments subject a Fund to certain risks associated specifically with investments in securities of Asian issuers, including distinct legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. Some Asian economies are highly dependent on trade, and economic conditions in other countries within and outside Asia can impact these economies. Certain of these economies may be adversely affected by trade or policy disputes with its major trade partners. There is also a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Certain Asian countries have experienced and may in the future experience expropriation and nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, currency manipulation, political instability, armed conflict and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic, socio-economic and/or political unrest. In particular, escalated tensions involving North Korea and any outbreak of hostilities involving North Korea could have a severe adverse effect on Asian economies. Governments of certain Asian countries have exercised, and continue to exercise, substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, the government owns or controls many companies, including the largest in the country. Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on the issuers of a Fund's securities or on economic conditions generally. Issuers in Asia may not be subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as U.S. companies and if their securities are not listed on a U.S. exchange, they may not be subject to the same corporate governance standards as U.S. issuers. In addition, satisfactory custodial services for investment securities may not be available in some Asia countries, which may result in a Fund incurring additional costs and delays in providing transportation and custody services for such securities outside such countries. Recent developments in relations between the U.S. and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on the economy of Asian countries and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT CONCENTRATION RISK.** Only an authorized participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with a Fund. A limited number of institutions act as authorized participants for a Fund. Although participants are not obligated to make a market in a Fund's shares or submit purchase and redemption orders for creation units. To the extent that these institutions exit the business, reduce their role or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant steps forward to create or redeem, a Fund's shares may trade at a premium or discount to the Fund's net asset value and possibly face delisting and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**CASH TRANSACTIONS RISK.** The First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF intends to, and the other Funds may under certain circumstances, effect a portion of creations and redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment in the First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF may be less tax-efficient than an investment in an ETF that effects its creations and redemptions for in-kind securities. ETFs are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid being taxed on gains on the distributed portfolio securities at the fund level. Because the First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF intends to effect a significant portion of redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind distributions, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. Any recognized gain on these sales by the First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF will generally cause the Fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind. The First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF distributes these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than if they had made an investment in a different ETF. Moreover, cash transactions may have to be carried out over several days if the securities market is relatively illiquid, and such transactions may involve considerable brokerage fees and taxes. These brokerage fees and taxes, which will be higher than if the First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF sold and redeemed its shares entirely in-kind, will be passed on to those purchasing and redeeming Creation Units in the form of creation and redemption transaction fees. In addition, these factors may result in wider spreads between the bid and the offered prices of the First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF's shares than for ETFs that distribute portfolio securities in-kind.

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**COUNTERPARTY RISK.** The Funds are subject to counterparty risk. If a Fund enters into an investment or transaction that depends on the performance of another party, the Fund becomes subject to the credit risk of that counterparty. A Fund's ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions depends on the willingness and ability of the Fund's counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, a Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Fund. A Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization proceeding involving a counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If a Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Under applicable law or contractual provisions, including if a Fund enters into an investment or transaction with a financial institution and such financial institution (or an affiliate of the financial institution) experiences financial difficulties, then the Fund may in certain situations be prevented or delayed from exercising its rights to terminate the investment or transaction, or to realize on any collateral and may result in the suspension of payment and delivery obligations of the parties under such investment or transactions or in another institution being substituted for that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. Further, a Fund may be subject to "bail-in" risk under applicable law whereby, if required by the financial institution's authority, the financial institution's liabilities could be written down, eliminated or converted into equity or an alternative instrument of ownership. A bail-in of a financial institution may result in a reduction in value of some or all of securities and, if a Fund holds such securities or has entered into a transaction with such a financial security when a bail-in occurs, such Fund may also be similarly impacted.

**CURRENCY RISK.** The Funds may invest in securities denominated in a non-U.S. currency. Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, the value of dividends and interest earned from such securities and gains and losses realized on the sale of such securities. A Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. Changes in currency exchange rates may affect a Fund's net asset value, the value of dividends and interest earned, and gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may cause the value of a Fund to decline. Certain non-U.S. currencies may be particularly volatile, and non-U.S. governments may intervene in the currency markets, causing a decline in value or liquidity in a Fund's non-U.S. holdings whose value is tied to the affected non-U.S. currency. Additionally, the prices of non-U.S. securities that are traded in U.S. dollars are often indirectly influenced by currency fluctuations.

**CYBER SECURITY RISK.** The Funds are susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause a Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause a Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. These risks typically are not covered by insurance. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (*e.g.*, through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (*i.e.*, efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber security failures by or breaches of the systems of the Advisor, distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, sub-advisors, index providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), market makers, authorized participants or the issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses; interference with a Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value; disclosure of confidential trading information; impediments to trading; submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders; the inability of a Fund or its service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; or additional compliance costs. Substantial costs may be incurred by a Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While the Funds have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified and that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful. Furthermore, the Funds cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Funds, issuers in which the Funds invest, market makers or authorized participants. However, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, and the Funds and their shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK.** The Funds may invest in depositary receipts. Depositary receipts are securities issued by a bank or trust company reflecting ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign company. An investment in depositary

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receipts involves further risks due to certain unique features. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights pursuant to a deposit agreement between the underlying issuer and the depositary. In certain cases, the depositary will vote the shares deposited with it as directed by the underlying issuer's board of directors. Furthermore, investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipt. Moreover, if depositary receipts are converted into shares, the laws in certain countries may limit the ability of a non-resident to trade the shares and to reconvert the shares to depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be "sponsored" or "unsponsored." Sponsored depositary receipts are established jointly by a depositary and the underlying issuer, whereas unsponsored depositary receipts may be established by a depositary without participation by the underlying issuer. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs associated with establishing the unsponsored depositary receipts. In addition, the issuers of the securities underlying unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the U.S. and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary receipts.

**DERIVATIVES RISK.** The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include: (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss. The use of leverage may also cause a Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price.

**DYNAMIC HEDGING RISK.** At the discretion of the Sub-Advisor, the Funds utilize a dynamic currency hedging process through the use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions to hedge a portion of the Funds' currency exposure. The Sub-Advisor will adjust the extent to which the Funds will utilize currency hedging transactions on an ongoing basis based on, among other things, market conditions, currency exchange rates and the currency exposure of the Funds' portfolio investments. As a result of the dynamic currency hedging process, the portion of a Fund's portfolio securities which are subject to currency hedging transactions may vary widely, from 0% to 100% of the Fund's portfolio securities. A Fund may have higher returns than an equivalent non-currency hedged investment when the component currencies are weakening relative to the U.S. dollar. Conversely, a Fund may have lower returns than an equivalent non-currency hedged investment when the component currencies are rising relative to the U.S. dollar. As such, contracts to sell foreign currency will generally be expected to limit any potential gain that might be realized by the Funds if the value of the hedged currency increases. Although the Funds seek to minimize the impact of currency fluctuations on Fund returns, the use of currency hedging will not necessarily eliminate exposure to all currency fluctuations. Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the value of a portfolio security traded in that currency or prevent a loss if the value of the security declines. Moreover, it may not be possible for a Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. The cost to a Fund of engaging in currency exchange transactions varies with such factors as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and prevailing market conditions. A proxy hedging transaction entails greater risk than a direct hedging transaction as it is dependent on a stable relationship between the two currencies paired as proxies, and that relationship may not always be maintained.

**EMERGING MARKETS RISK.** Certain Funds may invest in securities issued by emerging market governments and companies incorporated in emerging market countries. Investments in securities issued by governments and companies operating in emerging market countries involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in securities and instruments issued by U.S. companies or by companies operating in other developed market countries. This is due to, among other things, the potential for greater market volatility, lower trading volume, a lack of liquidity, potential for market manipulation, higher levels of inflation, political and economic instability, greater risk of a market shutdown and more governmental limitations on foreign investments in emerging market countries than are typically found in more

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developed market countries. Moreover, emerging market countries often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements, unsettled securities laws, less reliable securities valuations and greater risks associated with custody of securities than developed markets. In addition, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, is unable to inspect audit work papers in certain emerging market countries. Emerging market countries often have greater risk of capital controls through such measures as taxes or interest rate control than developed markets. Certain emerging market countries may also lack the infrastructure necessary to attract large amounts of foreign trade and investment. Local securities markets in emerging market countries may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible. Settlement procedures in emerging market countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the U.S. and other developed market countries. In addition, significant delays may occur in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for a Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Investing in emerging market countries involves a higher risk of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested by certain emerging market countries. Enforcing legal rights may be made difficult, costly and slow in emerging markets as there may be additional problems enforcing claims against non-U.S. governments. As such, the rights and remedies associated with emerging market investment securities may be different than those available for investments in more developed markets. For example, it may be more difficult for shareholders to bring derivative litigation or for U.S. regulators to bring enforcement actions against issuers in emerging markets.

In addition, due to the differences in regulatory, accounting, audit and financial recordkeeping standards, including financial disclosures, less information about emerging market companies is publicly available and information that is available may be unreliable or outdated. This may affect the Index Provider's ability to compute and construct the Index and may further impede the Advisor's ability to accurately evaluate the index data provided. This potential for error in index construction and index data could affect the overall performance of a Fund.

**EQUITY SECURITIES RISK.** The value of a Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market. Additionally, holders of an issuer's common stock may be subject to greater risks than holders of its preferred stock and debt securities because common stockholders' claims are subordinated to those of holders of preferred stocks and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of an issuer.

**EUROPE RISK.** Certain Funds invest significantly in the securities of European issuers. Therefore, in addition to the risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities generally, such Funds are subject to certain risks associated specifically with investments in securities of European issuers. Political or economic disruptions in European countries, even in countries in which a Fund is not invested, may adversely affect security values and thus the Fund's holdings. A significant number of countries in Europe are member states in the EU, and the member states no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. In these member states, the authority to direct monetary policies, including money supply and official interest rates for the Euro, is exercised by the European Central Bank. In a 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the EU. After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. As the second largest economy among EU members, the implications of the United Kingdom's withdrawal are difficult to gauge and cannot be fully known. Trade between the United Kingdom and the EU is highly integrated through supply chains and trade in services, as well as through multinational companies. The United Kingdom's departure may negatively impact the EU and Europe as a whole by causing volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries or sparking additional member states to contemplate departing the EU (thereby perpetuating political instability in the region).

**FORWARD CONTRACTS RISK.** A forward contract is an over-the-counter derivative transaction between two parties to buy or sell a specified amount of an underlying reference at a specified price (or rate) on a specified date in the future. Forward contracts are negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized or traded on exchanges. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated and can experience lengthy periods of illiquidity, unusually high trading volume and other negative impacts, such as political intervention, which may result in volatility or disruptions in such markets. A relatively

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small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. Forward contracts can increase a Fund's risk exposure to underlying references and their attendant risks, such as credit risk, currency risk, market risk, and interest rate risk, while also exposing a Fund to counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk, among others.

**FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS RISK.** In connection with its trading in forward foreign currency contracts, a Fund will contract with a foreign or domestic bank, or a foreign or domestic securities dealer, to make or take future delivery of a specified amount of a particular currency. There are no limitations on daily price moves in such forward contracts, and banks and dealers are not required to continue to make markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain banks or dealers have refused to quote prices for such forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which the bank or dealer is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell. Governmental imposition of credit controls might limit any such forward contract trading. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts involve certain risks, including the risk of failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and the risk that the use of forward contracts may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the underlying currencies increase. In addition, because forward currency exchange contracts are privately negotiated transactions, there can be no assurance that a Fund will have flexibility to roll-over a forward foreign currency exchange contract upon its expiration if it desires to do so.

**HEALTH CARE COMPANIES RISK.** Certain Funds invest significantly in health care companies. Health care companies, such as companies providing medical and health care goods and services, companies engaged in manufacturing medical equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals, as well as operating healthcare facilities and the provision of managed healthcare, may be affected by government regulations and government health care programs, increases or decreases in the cost of medical products and services and product liability claims, among other factors. Many health care companies are heavily dependent on patent protection, and the expiration of a company's patent may adversely affect that company's profitability. Research and development costs of bringing new drugs to market are substantial, and there is no guarantee that a proposed product will ever come to market. Health care companies are also subject to competitive forces that may result in price discounting, may be thinly capitalized and susceptible to product obsolescence.

**INDEX OR MODEL CONSTITUENT RISK.** Each Fund may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, a Fund may be included in one or more index-tracking ETFs or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving a Fund's shares, the size of the Fund and the market volatility of the Fund's shares. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for a Fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, a Fund's net asset value could be negatively impacted and the Fund's market price may be below the Fund's net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity. To the extent buying or selling activity increases, a Fund can be exposed to increased brokerage costs and adverse tax consequences and the market price of the Fund can be negatively affected.

**INDIA RISK.** Certain Funds invest significantly in Indian issuers. Investment in Indian securities involves risks in addition to those associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries, which may adversely affect the value of a Fund's assets. Such heightened risks include, among others, political and legal uncertainty, greater government control over the economy, currency fluctuations or blockage and the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets. In addition, religious and border disputes persist in India. Moreover, India has experienced civil unrest and hostilities with neighboring countries, including Pakistan, and the Indian government has confronted separatist movements in several Indian states. In addition, inflation in India remains at very high levels. High inflation may lead to the adoption of corrective measures designed to moderate growth, regulate prices of staples and other commodities and otherwise contain inflation. Such measures could inhibit economic activity in India. The securities market of India is characterized by a large number of listed companies that have significantly smaller market capitalizations, greater price volatility, greater delays and possibility of disruptions in settlement transactions, greater political uncertainties and greater dependence on international trade or development assistance and substantially less liquidity than companies in more developed markets. The securities industry in India is also subject less governmental regulation than in other countries. Indian issuers are subject to less regulation and scrutiny with regard to financial reporting, accounting and auditing than U.S. companies. Therefore, information regarding Indian corporations may be less reliable and all material information may not be available. Certain restrictions on foreign investment may decrease the liquidity of a Fund's portfolio or subject the Fund to higher transaction costs. Investments in Indian securities may also be limited or prevented, at times, due to the limits on foreign ownership imposed by the RBI. The Indian government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over many aspects of the Indian economy, and the number of public sector enterprises in India is substantial. Accordingly, Indian government actions in the future could have a significant

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effect on the Indian economy, which could affect the prices and yields of securities in a Fund's portfolio. In addition, the economy of India may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as the rate of growth of gross domestic product, the rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Agriculture occupies a more prominent position in the Indian economy than in the U.S. economy, and therefore the Indian economy is more susceptible to adverse changes in weather. Furthermore, monsoons and other natural disasters in India and surrounding regions also can affect the value of a Fund's investments.

**INFLATION RISK.** 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 present value of a Fund's assets and distributions may decline. Inflation creates uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of an investment. Inflation rates may change frequently and drastically as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy, and a Fund's investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund investors.

**INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES RISK.** Certain Funds invest significantly in information technology companies. Information technology companies produce and provide hardware, software and information technology systems and services. Information technology companies are generally subject to the following risks: rapidly changing technologies and existing product obsolescence; short product life cycles; fierce competition; aggressive pricing and reduced profit margins; the loss of patent, copyright and trademark protections; cyclical market patterns; evolving industry standards; and frequent new product introductions and new market entrants. Information technology companies may be smaller and less experienced companies, with limited product lines, markets or financial resources and fewer experienced management or marketing personnel. Information technology company stocks, particularly those involved with the internet, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that are often unrelated to their operating performance. In addition, information technology companies are particularly vulnerable to federal, state and local government regulation, and competition and consolidation, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Information technology companies also face competition for services of qualified personnel and heavily rely on patents and intellectual property rights and the ability to enforce such rights to maintain a competitive advantage.

**JAPAN RISK.** Therefore, in addition to the risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities generally, such Funds are subject to certain risks associated specifically with investments in securities of Japanese issuers. The Japanese economy may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability, which could have a negative impact on Japanese securities. Japan's economy is characterized by government intervention and protectionism, reliance on oil imports, an unstable financial services sector, relatively high unemployment and an aging workforce. Since 2000, Japan has experienced relatively low economic growth, and it may remain low in the future. Its economy is heavily dependent on international trade and has been adversely affected by trade tariffs and competition from emerging economies. As such, economic growth is heavily dependent on continued growth in international trade, relatively low commodities prices, government support of the financial services sector and other government policies. Any changes or trends in these economic factors could have a significant impact on Japan's markets overall and may negatively affect a Fund's investments. Japan's economy and equity market also share a strong correlation with U.S. markets and the Japanese economy may be affected by economic problems in the United States. Despite a strengthening in the economic relationship between Japan and China, the countries' political relationship has at times been strained. Should political tension increase, it could adversely affect the economy and destabilize the region as a whole. Additionally, escalated tensions involving North Korea and any outbreak of hostilities involving North Korea could have a severe adverse effect on Japan's economy. Japan's geography also subjects it to an increased risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and tsunamis, all of which could negatively impact a Fund's investments.

**LARGE CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES RISK.** Large capitalization companies may grow at a slower rate and be less able to adapt to changing market conditions than smaller capitalization companies. Thus, the return on investment in securities of large capitalization companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies. The performance of large capitalization companies also tends to trail the overall market during different market cycles.

**LATIN AMERICA RISK.** Certain Funds may invest in the securities of Latin American issuers. The economies of Latin American countries have in the past experienced considerable difficulties, including high inflation rates, high interest rates, high unemployment, government overspending and political instability. International economic conditions, particularly those in the United States, Europe and Asia, as well as world prices for oil and other commodities may also influence the development of Latin American economies. Many Latin American countries are highly reliant on the exportation of commodities and their economies may be significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices and the global demand for certain commodities. In the past, certain Latin American economies have been influenced by changing supply and demand for a particular currency,

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monetary policies of governments (including exchange control programs, restrictions on local exchanges or markets and limitations on foreign investment in a country or on investment by residents of a country in other countries), and currency devaluations and revaluations. Other Latin American investment risks may include inadequate investor protection, less developed regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial standards, unfavorable changes in laws or regulations, natural disasters, corruption and military activity. The governments of many Latin American countries may also exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, and any such exercise could have a significant effect on companies in which a Fund invests. Securities of companies in Latin America may also be subject to significant price volatility.

**LEVERAGE RISK.** Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rates of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in a Fund's's exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the value of the Fund's portfolio and the Fund's shares to be volatile and sensitive to market swings. Certain instruments have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.

**LIQUIDITY RISK.** The Funds may have investments that they may not be able to dispose of or close out readily at a favorable time or price (or at all), or at a price approximating a Fund's valuation of the investment. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for a Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. If a Fund needed to sell a large block of illiquid securities to meet shareholder redemption request or to raise cash, these sales could further reduce the securities' prices and adversely affect performance of the Fund. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities.

**MANAGEMENT RISK.** Each Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing a Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that a Fund will meet its investment objective(s), meet relevant benchmarks or perform as well as other funds with similar objectives.

**MARKET MAKER RISK.** The Funds face numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Fund shares due to a limited number of market markers. Decisions by market makers or authorized participants to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of a Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. A Fund may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between a Fund's net asset value and the price at which the Fund's shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Fund's shares. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads for Fund shares.

**MARKET RISK.** Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of a Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of a Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on a Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. Additionally, in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine which has caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain Fund investments as well as Fund performance. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of a Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of a Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, a Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

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**MODEL RISK.** Each Fund's portfolio managers use quantitative models to help construct the Fund's portfolio. The utilization of quantitative models entails the risk that a model may be limited or incorrect, that the data on which a model relies may be incorrect or incomplete and that the portfolio managers may not be successful in selecting companies for investment or determining the weighting of particular stocks in a Fund's portfolio. To the extent that the model is based upon incorrect or incomplete data, a Fund could be induced to buy certain investments at prices that are too high, to sell certain other investments at prices that are too low or to miss favorable opportunities altogether. Any of these factors could cause a Fund to underperform funds with similar strategies that do not rely on quantitative analysis for portfolio construction.

**NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK.** The Funds may invest in non-U.S. securities. An investment in securities of non-U.S. companies involves risks not associated with domestic issuers. Investment in non-U.S. securities may involve higher costs than investment in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by non-U.S. governments. Non-U.S. investments may also involve risks associated with the level of currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity, more market volatility and political instability. Future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on dividend income, the possible seizure or nationalization of non-U.S. holdings, the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments, the possible establishment of capital controls, exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency or the adoption of other governmental restrictions might adversely affect an investment in non-U.S. securities. Additionally, non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less stringent regulation, and to different accounting, auditing and recordkeeping requirements. The U.S. and non-U.S. markets often rise and fall at different times or by different amounts due to economic or other regional developments particular to a given country or region.

**OPERATIONAL RISK.** Each Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of a Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. Each Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect each Fund's ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Funds and the Funds' investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

**OTC DERIVATIVES RISK.** Each Fund may utilize derivatives that are traded over-the-counter, or "OTC." In general, OTC derivatives are subject to the same risks as derivatives generally, as described throughout. However, because OTC derivatives do not trade on an exchange, the parties to an OTC derivative face heightened levels of counterparty risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk. To the extent that a Fund utilizes OTC derivatives, its counterparty risk will be higher if it only trades with a single or small number of counterparties. The secondary market for OTC derivatives may not be as deep as for other instruments and such instruments may experience periods of illiquidity. In addition, some OTC derivatives may be complex and difficult to value. Under certain market conditions it may not be economically feasible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position in time to avoid a loss or take advantage of an opportunity. If a particular derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.

**PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK.** The Funds may invest in preferred securities. Preferred securities combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Preferred securities often include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If a Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for federal income tax purposes although it has not yet received such income in cash. Generally, holders of preferred securities have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors to the issuer's board of director. Generally, once the issuer pays all the arrearages, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior to a specified date. For instance, for certain types of preferred securities, a redemption may be triggered by a change in federal income tax or securities laws or a change in regulatory trademark. As with redemption provisions of debt securities, a special redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the preferred security held by a Fund. Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than other securities, including common stock.

**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT RISK.** The market price of a Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for shares on the Exchange. First Trust cannot predict whether shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the shares trade on the Exchange at market prices

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and not at net asset value. 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, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of a Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), First Trust believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of shares should not be sustained absent disruptions to the creation and redemption mechanism, extreme market volatility or potential lack of authorized participants. During stressed market conditions, the market for a Fund's shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for a Fund's underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of a Fund's shares and their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

**REIT RISK.** REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. Additionally, 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 risk of a possible lack of mortgage funds and associated interest rate risks, overbuilding, property vacancies, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to environmental damages, changes in neighborhood values and appeal to purchasers, the possibility of failing to maintain exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act, failure to satisfy the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for maintaining REIT status and, in many cases, relatively small market capitalization, which may result in less market liquidity and greater price volatility for a REIT's shares. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying portfolio securities.

**SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE RISK.** To the extent that a Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development that affected a particular asset class, region or industry may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A significant exposure makes a Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater volatility and market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.

**SMALLER COMPANIES RISK.** The Funds invest in the securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies. The stock price of small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more volatile than those of larger companies and therefore a Fund's share price may be more volatile than those of funds that invest a larger percentage of their assets in stocks issued by large capitalization companies. Stock prices of small and/or mid capitalization companies are also generally more vulnerable than those of large capitalization companies to adverse business and economic developments. Securities of small and/or mid capitalization companies may be thinly traded, making it difficult for a Fund to buy and sell them. In addition, small and/or mid capitalization companies are typically less financially stable than larger, more established companies and may reinvest a high proportion of their earnings in their business and may not pay dividends. Small and/or mid capitalization companies may also depend on a small number of essential personnel who may also be less experienced than the management of larger companies, making these companies more vulnerable to experiencing adverse effects due to the loss or inexperience of personnel. Small and/or mid capitalization companies also normally have less diverse product lines than those of large capitalization companies and are more susceptible to adverse developments concerning their products.

**SWITZERLAND RISK.** Certain Funds may invest significantly in the securities of Swiss issuers. Switzerland's economy is heavily dependent on trading relationships with certain key trading partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, China, France and Germany. Future changes in the price or the demand for Swiss products or services by the United States, United Kingdom, China, France and Germany or changes in these countries' economies, trade regulations or currency exchange rates could adversely impact the Swiss economy and the issuers to which a Fund has exposure. Switzerland's economy relies heavily on the banking sector, and in recent years, Switzerland has responded to increasing pressure from neighboring countries and trading partners to reform its banking secrecy laws. Recently, allegations have surfaced that certain Swiss banking institutions marketed and sold offshore tax evasion services to U.S. citizens. Future litigation or settlements arising from these accusations may have a negative impact on certain companies to which a Fund has exposure. Due to the lack of natural resources, Switzerland is dependent upon imports for raw materials. As a result, any drastic price fluctuations in the price of certain raw

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materials will likely have a significant impact on the Swiss economy. Secessionist movements, such as the Catalan movement in Spain, may have an adverse effect on the Swiss economy.

**TAIWAN RISK.** Certain Funds may invest significantly in Taiwanese issuers. Taiwan's geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions between the two countries, including the continual risk of military conflict with China. These tensions may materially affect the Taiwanese economy and its securities market. Taiwan's economy is export-oriented, so it depends on an open world trade regime and remains vulnerable to fluctuations in the world economy. Rising labor costs and increasing environmental consciousness have led some labor-intensive industries to relocate to countries with cheaper work forces, and continued labor outsourcing may adversely affect the Taiwanese economy. Taiwan's economy also is intricately linked with economies of other Asian countries, which are often emerging market economies that often experience over-extensions of credit, frequent and pronounced currency fluctuations, devaluations and restrictions, rising unemployment and fluctuations in inflation. Political and social unrest in other Asian countries could cause further economic and market uncertainty in Taiwan. In particular, the Taiwanese economy is dependent on the economies of Japan and China, and also the United States, and a reduction in purchases by any of them of Taiwanese products and services or negative changes in their economies would likely have an adverse impact on the Taiwanese economy. Lastly, Taiwan is a small island state with few raw material resources and limited land area and thus it relies heavily on imports for its commodity needs. Any fluctuations or shortages in the commodity markets could have a negative impact on the Taiwanese economy.

**TRADING ISSUES RISK.** Trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of a Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. A Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event a Fund's assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

**VALUATION RISK.** The Funds may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that a Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that a Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. A Fund's ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

**VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES RISK.** In China, direct ownership of companies in certain sectors by foreign individuals and entities is prohibited. In order to allow for foreign investment in these businesses, many Chinese companies have created VIE structures to enable indirect foreign ownership. In such an arrangement, a Chinese operating company typically establishes an offshore shell company in another jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. That shell company enters into service and other contracts with the Chinese issuer or operating company to obtain economic exposure to the Chinese company, then issues shares on an exchange outside of mainland China, and U.S. investors hold stock in the non-Chinese shell company rather than directly in the Chinese issuer or operating company. This arrangement allows U.S. investors, such as a Fund, to obtain economic exposure to the Chinese issuer or operating company through contractual means rather than through formal equity ownership. Because neither the shell company nor the Fund owns actual equity interests in the Chinese operating company, they do not have the voting rights or other types of control that an equity holder would expect to benefit from. Although VIEs are a longstanding industry practice and well known to officials and regulators in China, VIEs are not formally recognized under Chinese law. Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIEs could significantly affect the Chinese company's performance and the enforceability of the VIE's contractual arrangements that establish the links between the Chinese company and the shell company in which a Fund invests. This could considerably impact the financial condition of the shell company in which a Fund invests by limiting its ability to consolidate the financial results of the Chinese operating company into its own financial statements, as well as make the value of the shares held by the Fund effectively worthless. Further, if Chinese officials prohibit the existence of VIEs, the market value of a Fund's associated holdings would likely suffer significant, and possibly permanent effects, which could negatively impact the Fund's net asset value and could result in substantial losses. Further, it is uncertain whether any new laws, rules or regulations relating to VIE structures will be adopted or, if adopted, what impact they would have on the value of a Fund's shares.

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VIEs are also subject to the investment risks associated with the underlying Chinese issuer or operating company. Chinese companies are not subject to the same degree of regulatory requirements or accounting standards and oversight as companies in more developed countries. As a result, information about the Chinese securities and VIEs in which a Fund invests may be less reliable and incomplete. There also may be significant obstacles to obtaining information necessary for investigations into or litigation against Chinese companies and VIEs, and shareholders may have limited legal remedies, which could negatively impact a Fund. Additionally, U.S.-listed VIEs may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements. Delisting would significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities, decrease the ability of a Fund to invest in such securities and may increase the cost of the Fund if required to seek alternative markets in which to invest in such securities.

**Non-Principal Risks**

**AFRICA RISK.** Certain Funds may invest in African issuers. A fund that invests in securities issued by African issuers is subject to certain risks specifically associated with investments in the securities of African issuers. Investing in the economies of African countries involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed economies, countries or geographic regions that may negatively affect the value of investments in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest or widespread outbreaks of disease. The securities markets in Africa are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than markets located in more developed economies, countries or geographic regions. Securities markets in African countries are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Moreover, trading on African securities markets may be suspended altogether. Certain governments in African countries may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in those countries. Moreover, certain countries in Africa may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investment by foreign investors; may limit the amount of investment by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer; may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domestic investors of those countries; and/or may impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in countries in Africa significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries.

**BDC RISK.** Certain Funds may invest in BDCs. A BDC may invest in the equity and fixed income securities of smaller and developing companies as well as companies that are experiencing financial crises. Investments in these types of companies present a greater risk of loss due to the companies' youth and limited track records. They are also generally more susceptible to competition and economic and market changes due to limited products and market shares. In addition, the securities of smaller and developing companies and companies experiencing financial crises typically have limited liquidity. These companies may also have limited capital resources, meaning that they present a greater risk of default on fixed income securities issued and of non-payment of dividends on any preferred and common stock issued. A BDC may use leverage (*e.g.*, borrowing and the issuance of fixed income and preferred securities) to finance its own operations and may suffer significant losses if market fluctuations cause the BDC's net asset value to decline or if related interest charges exceed investment income. A Fund has no control over the investments made by BDCs, and BDCs are subject to additional risks such as the fact that their shares may trade at a market price above or below their net asset value and that an active market may not develop for their shares.

**BORROWING AND LEVERAGE RISK.** If a Fund borrows money, it must pay interest and other fees, which may reduce the Fund's returns. Any such borrowings are intended to be temporary. However, under certain market conditions, including periods of decreased liquidity, such borrowings might be outstanding for longer periods of time. As prescribed by the 1940 Act, a Fund will be required to maintain specified asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to any bank borrowing immediately following such borrowing and at all times thereafter. A Fund may be required to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms if market fluctuations or other factors reduce the Fund's asset coverage to less than the prescribed amount.

**DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL RISK.** The Sub-Advisor is dependent upon the experience and expertise of the Fund's portfolio managers in providing advisory services with respect to the Funds' investments. If the Sub-Advisor were to lose the services of any of these portfolio managers, its ability to service the Fund could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for any of the portfolio managers in the event of their death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of the Sub-Advisor.

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**CHINA RISK.** Certain Funds invest in the securities of Chinese issuers. Therefore, in addition to the risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities generally, the Fund is subject to certain risks associated specifically with investments in securities of Chinese issuers, including those issuers with securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. China is an emerging market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. 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. Furthermore, China's 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 emerging economies. China has experienced security concerns, such as terrorism and strained international relations. Incidents involving China's or the region's security may cause uncertainty in Chinese markets and may adversely affect the Chinese economy and the value of the Fund's investments. Export growth continues to be a major driver of China's rapid economic growth. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China's key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy. Recent developments in relations between the U.S. and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China's export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the Fund.

As of the date of this prospectus, Executive Order 13959, as amended or supplemented from time to time, regarding securities investments that finance Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies (the *"Executive Order"*) remains in effect. To comply with the Executive Order, a Fund may be forced to sell certain securities impacted by the Executive Order (*"Prohibited Securities"*). Certain securities that are designated as Prohibited Securities may have less liquidity as a result of such designation and the market price of such Prohibited Securities may decline and a Fund may incur a loss as a result. In addition, the market for securities of other Chinese-based issuers may also be negatively impacted resulting in reduced liquidity and price declines.

**DISTRESSED SECURITIES RISK.** The Funds may invest in distressed debt securities. Distressed securities are speculative and involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield debt securities that are not in default. In some instances, the Funds will not receive interest payments from the distressed securities it holds and may incur additional expenses to protect its investment. These securities may present a substantial risk of default and there is a substantial risk that the principal will not be repaid. The Funds may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or of interest on its portfolio holdings. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio company, the Funds may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than its original investment. Distressed securities and any securities received in exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale.

**FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY RISK.** If, in any year, a Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the applicable tax laws, that Fund would be taxed as an ordinary corporation. In such circumstances, a Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.

**INTERNATIONAL CLOSED MARKET TRADING RISK.** Because securities held by a Fund trade on non-U.S. exchanges that are closed when a Fund's primary listing exchange is open, there are likely to be deviations between the current price of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (*i.e.*, a Fund's quote from the closed foreign market) used for purposes of calculating a Fund's net asset value, resulting in premiums or discounts to a Fund's net asset value that may be greater than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase and sell shares of a Fund on days when the net asset value of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant foreign markets.

**INVESTMENT COMPANIES RISK.** Certain Funds may invest in securities of other investment companies. As a shareholder in another investment company, the Funds will bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Funds' advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Funds invest in other investment companies. In addition, the Funds will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of exchange-traded investment companies.

**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.

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**LEGISLATION/LITIGATION RISK.** From time to time, various legislative initiatives are proposed in the United States and abroad, which may have a negative impact on certain companies in which Funds invests. In addition, litigation regarding any of the issuers of the securities owned by the Funds, or industries represented by these issuers, may negatively impact the value of the securities. Such legislation or litigation may cause a Fund to lose value or may result in higher portfolio turnover if the Sub-Advisor determines to sell such a holding.

**RESTRICTED SECURITIES RISK.** Certain funds may invest in restricted securities. Restricted securities are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Restricted securities include private placement securities that have not been registered under the applicable securities laws, such as Rule 144A securities, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers that are issued pursuant to Regulation S. Private placements are generally subject to strict restrictions on resale. Restricted securities may be illiquid as they generally are not listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. A Fund may be unable to sell a restricted security on short notice or may be able to sell them only at a price below current value. It may be more difficult to determine a market value for a restricted security. Also, a Fund may get limited information about the issuer of a restricted security, so it may be less able to predict a loss. In addition, if Fund management receives material non-public information about the issuer, a Fund may as a result be unable to sell the securities. Certain restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses.

**UNITED KINGDOM RISK.** Certain Funds invest significantly in the securities of U.K. issuers. The United Kingdom's economy relies heavily on the export of both goods and services to EU member countries, and to a lesser extent the United States and China. The United Kingdom has one of the largest economies in Europe and is heavily dependent on trade with EU member countries. Trade between the United Kingdom and the EU is highly integrated through supply chains and trade in services, as well as through multinational companies. As a result, the economy of the United Kingdom may be impacted by changes to the economic health of EU member counties, the United States and China. In 2016, the United Kingdom voted via referendum to leave the EU. After years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU, a withdrawal agreement was reached whereby the United Kingdom formally left the EU. The precise impact on the United Kingdom's economy as a result of its departure from the EU depends to a large degree on its ability to conclude favorable trade deals with the EU and other countries, including the United States, China, India and Japan. While new trade deals may boost economic growth, such growth may not be able to offset the increased costs of trade with the EU resulting from the United Kingdom's loss of its membership in the EU single market. Certain sectors within the United Kingdom's economy may be particularly affected by Brexit, including the automotive, chemicals, financial services and professional services. A particularly contentious element of the United Kingdom's negotiated withdrawal from the EU was the treatment of Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom) following the United Kingdom's departure. Under the terms of the withdrawal agreement, Northern Ireland would maintain regulatory alignment with the EU (essentially creating a customs border in the Irish Sea) to maintain an open border with the Republic of Ireland (an EU member state) while safeguarding the rules of the EU single market. The ultimate effects of this arrangement on Northern Ireland's economy remain to be seen.

**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. The Board is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Trust. The Board elects the Trust's officers and approves all significant agreements, including those with the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, distributor, custodian and fund administrative and accounting agent.

**Management of the Funds**

First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Funds. In this capacity, First Trust is responsible for overseeing the Sub-Advisor in the investment of the Funds' assets, managing the Funds' business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services.

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 James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Funds.

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First Trust serves as advisor or sub-advisor for 9 mutual fund portfolios, 10 exchange-traded funds consisting of 201 series and 14 closed-end funds. It is also the portfolio supervisor of certain unit investment trusts sponsored by First Trust Portfolios L.P. (*"FTP"*), an affiliate of First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. FTP specializes in the underwriting, trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities. FTP is the principal underwriter of the shares of the Funds.

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and First Trust have retained RiverFront Investment Group, LLC, 1214 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to serve as investment sub-adviser pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement (the *"Sub-Advisory Agreement*"). In this capacity, RIG is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in each Fund's investment portfolio. RIG is an investment management firm specializing in asset allocation portfolios. RIG was formed in 2008 and serves as investment adviser to investment portfolios with approximately $8.2 billion in assets under management which it managed as of December 31, 2023. RIG provides investment advisory services to separately managed accounts, unified managed accounts, model delivery programs, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

Adam Grossman, CFA, Chris Konstantinos, CFA, and Scott Hays, CFA, are the Fund's portfolio managers and are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund's investment portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Mr. Grossman, CFA, serves as the Global Equity Chief Investment Officer (CIO), responsible for the investments of the US Equity and International Equity teams. He brings nearly 20 years' worth of industry experience in quantitative risk management and portfolio analytics. Mr. Grossman is responsible for the equity decisions made in the various strategies and the development of the factor models used in the investment processes at RiverFront. In addition, he serves on the firm's Operating Committee and co-head of the Investment Committee. Prior to joining RIG, Mr. Grossman worked at the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), where he managed International Equity and REIT Portfolios and developed research on equity selection and portfolio construction. He began his investment career as a fixed income analyst at VRS. Mr. Grossman earned a BS from Baldwin-Wallace College with a double major in Mathematical Economics and Finance, and an MA in Financial Economics from Virginia Commonwealth University. He received his CFA designation in 2009.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Mr. Konstantinos, CFA, serves as Chief Investment Strategist and Director of Investments, with over 20 years of experience as an equity sector analyst, portfolio manager, and portfolio risk manager across domestic and international markets. In addition, he serves on the firm's Executive Committee. Mr. Konstantinos has been with RIG since the company's founding in 2008. He began his career in 2000 as a corporate finance analyst in the technology sector at a predecessor to Wachovia Securities. He joined Wachovia's Advisory Services Group in 2002 as an equity strategist, and worked in various capacities within equity strategy and portfolio management until his departure in 2008. Mr. Konstantinos earned his BS in Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Konstantinos received his CFA designation in 2013 and is a member of CFA Virginia Society.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Mr. Hays serves as Senior Portfolio Manager and is the lead portfolio manager for RiverFront's RiverShares model portfolios. In addition, he serves as a portfolio manager for a mutual fund and two other equity ETFs sub-advised by RiverFront. He serves on the firm's Investment Committee. Prior to joining RiverFront, Mr. Hays co-founded and served as Chief Investment Officer of an alternative asset management company that employed a quantitative market-neutral equity approach. Mr. Hays also worked for 6 years at Analysis Group, a financial and economic consulting firm, where he managed a team dedicated to valuing illiquid assets such as mortgage-backed securities, real estate, and oil and gas properties. Mr. Hays received a BBA from Millsaps College, Summa Cum Laude, with a double major in Economics and Business Administration. He also earned an MBA with High Honors from the University of Chicago in Analytic Finance, Econometrics/Statistics and Economics. Additionally, Mr. Hays has successfully completed the FINRA Series 65 licensing exam. He received his CFA designation in 2018.

Adam Grossman and Chris Konstantinos have managed the Funds since 2016. Scott Hays has managed the Funds since 2023.

For additional information concerning First Trust and RIG, including a description of the services provided to the Funds, see the Funds' SAI. Additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares in the Funds is provided in the SAI.

**Management Fee**

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Funds (the *"Investment Management Agreement"*), First Trust oversees RIG's management of each Fund's assets and pays RIG for its

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services as Sub-Advisor. First Trust is paid an annual unitary management fee by each Fund at the rate set forth below and is responsible for each Fund's expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, but excluding fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees pursuant to a 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to First Trust will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets *("breakpoints"*). See the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for more information on the breakpoints.

Each Fund has agreed to pay First Trust an annual management fee based on each Fund's average daily net assets at a rate set forth below.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Management Fee** |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | 0.83% |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | 0.95% |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | 0.83% |

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A discussion regarding the Board's approval of the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Funds' Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended October 31, 2022.

**How to Buy and Sell Shares**

Most investors buy and sell shares of a Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of each Fund are listed for trading on the secondary market on one or more national securities exchanges. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no minimum investment when buying shares on an Exchange. 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, investors should expect to pay brokerage commissions, investors may receive less than the net asset value of the shares because shares are bought and sold at market prices rather than at net asset value, and investors may pay some or all of the bid-ask spread for each transaction (purchase or sale) of Fund shares. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per share.

Under normal circumstances, a Fund will pay out redemption proceeds to a redeeming authorized participant within two days after the authorized participant's redemption request is received, in accordance with the process set forth in a Fund's SAI and in the agreement between the authorized participant and the Fund's distributor. However, each Fund reserves the right, including under stressed market conditions, to take up to seven days after the receipt of a redemption request to pay an authorized participant, all as permitted by the 1940 Act. If a Fund has foreign investments in a country where a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents the Fund from delivering such foreign investments to an authorized participant in response to a redemption request, a Fund may take up to 15 days after the receipt of the redemption request to deliver such investments to the authorized participant.

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 and companies relying on Sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act is subject to the restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act and the related rules and interpretations.

**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 a Fund 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.

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**Share Trading Prices** 

The trading price of shares of a Fund on the secondary market is based on market price and may differ from such Fund's daily net asset value and can be affected by market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors.

**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 the Funds' shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Funds in Creation Units by broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (*i.e.*, authorized participants ("*APs*")) and that the vast majority of trading in the Funds' shares occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not involve the Funds directly, it is unlikely those trades would cause many of the harmful effects of market timing, including dilution, disruption of portfolio management, increases in the Funds' trading costs and the realization of capital gains. As the Funds may effect the purchase or redemption of Creation Units in exchange wholly or partially for cash, the Board noted that such trades could result in dilution to a Fund and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact the Funds' ability to achieve their investment objective. However, the Board noted that direct trading by APs is critical to ensuring that the shares trade at or close to net asset value. In addition, the Funds impose fixed and variable transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation Units to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Funds in effecting trades. Finally, the Advisor monitors purchase and redemption orders from APs for patterns of abusive trading and the Funds reserve the right to not accept orders from APs that the Advisor has determined may be disruptive to the management of the Funds.

**Dividends, Distributions and Taxes**

Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly by each Fund. Each Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least 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.

**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 (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure 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 advisor.

**Fund Status**

Each Fund intends to continue to qualify as a "regulated investment company" (a *"RIC"*) under the federal tax laws. If a Fund qualifies as a RIC 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 gain dividends. Ordinary income distributions are generally taxed at your ordinary tax rate, however, as further discussed below certain ordinary income distributions received from a Fund may be taxed at the capital gains tax rates. Some portion of the ordinary income distributions that are attributable to dividends received by a Fund from shares in certain real estate investment trusts may be designated by the Fund as eligible for a deduction for qualified business income, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied. Generally, you will treat all capital gain dividends as long-term capital gains regardless of how long you have owned your shares.

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To determine your actual tax liability for your capital gain 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 Funds may make distributions that represent a return of capital for tax purposes and thus will generally not be taxable to you; however, such distributions may reduce your tax basis in your shares, which could result in you having to pay higher taxes in the future when shares are sold, even if you sell the shares at a loss from your original investment. A "return of capital" is a return, in whole or in part, of the funds that you previously invested in the Fund. A return of capital distribution should not be considered part of a Fund's dividend yield or total return of an investment in Fund shares. 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.

Income from a Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to your net investment income if your adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals.

**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 a Fund because the dividends received deduction is generally not available for distributions from RICs. However, certain ordinary income dividends on shares that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Funds from certain corporations may be reported 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 stated federal tax rate for net capital gain is generally 20% (15% or 0% for taxpayers with taxable incomes below certain thresholds). Some capital gains, including some portion of your capital gain dividends may be taxed at a higher maximum stated tax rate. Capital gain received from assets held for more than one year that is considered "unrecaptured section 1250 gain" (which may be the case, for example, with some capital gains attributable to equity interests in real estate investment trusts that constitute interests in entities treated as real estate investment trusts for federal income tax purposes) is taxed at a maximum marginal stated federal tax rate of 25%. In the case of capital gain dividends, the determination of which portion of the capital gain dividend, if any, is subject to the 25% tax rate, will be made based on rules prescribed by the United States Treasury. Capital gains may also be subject to the Medicare tax described above.

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 share 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 of 1986, as amended, treats certain capital gains as ordinary income in special situations.

An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

Ordinary income dividends received by an individual shareholder from a RIC such as each of the Funds are generally taxed at the same rates that apply to net capital gain (as discussed above), provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied and provided the dividends are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Funds themselves. Distributions with respect to shares in REITs and foreign corporations are qualifying dividends only in limited circumstances. Each Fund 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 or redeem 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 brokerage fees, if any. In some cases, however, you may have to adjust your tax basis after you purchase your shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of

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capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

If you exchange 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 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 IRS, 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.

**Treatment 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 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 properly reports 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 reported 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. Distributions from a Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. investors, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

Distributions may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax of 30% in the case of distributions to (i) certain non-U.S. financial institutions that have not entered into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose certain information and are not resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury and (ii) certain other non-U.S. entities that do not provide certain certifications and information about the entity's U.S. owners. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**Investments in Certain Non-U.S. Corporations**

If a Fund holds an equity interest in any "passive foreign investment companies" ("*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

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requirement and would be taken into account for purposes of the 4% excise tax. Dividends paid by PFICs are not 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.

The Board has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the 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.

The Funds do not currently pay 12b-1 fees, and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, the Funds will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024. 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 net asset value is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on the New York Stock Exchange (the *"NYSE"*) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. If the NYSE closes early on a valuation day, each Fund's net asset value will be determined as of that time. Net asset value per share 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 net asset value per share. All valuations are subject to review by the Board or its delegate.

Each Fund's investments are valued daily at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any investments, at fair value. Market value prices represent readily available market quotations such as last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (*i.e.*, a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from third party pricing services (*"Pricing Services"*). Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a Pricing Service or determined by the Advisor, in accordance with valuation procedures (which may be revised from time to time) approved by the Board and in accordance with the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act requires the fair valuation of all portfolio investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has appointed the Advisor as its valuation designee for all portfolio investments. 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 portfolio investment upon the measurement date under current market conditions. Valuing a Fund's assets using fair value pricing can result in using prices for those assets (particularly assets that trade in foreign markets) that may differ from current market valuations.

Equity securities listed on any exchange other than Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) are typically valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded. Such securities listed on Nasdaq or the AIM are typically valued at the official closing price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, or no official closing price in the case of securities traded on Nasdaq or the AIM, such securities are typically valued using fair value pricing. Such securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities. For portfolio securities traded on an exchange that provides both an official closing price and a last sale price, the Advisor, at its discretion, shall determine to use either the last sale price or the official closing price, depending on which price reflects the appropriate market value.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are typically fair valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using the current day's spot rate, and the thirty, sixty, ninety and one-hundred-eighty day forward rates provided by a Pricing Service or by certain independent dealers in such contracts. Currency spot transactions also will typically be valued using information provided by a Pricing Service.

Because foreign securities exchanges may be open on different days than the days during which an investor may purchase or sell shares of a Fund, the value of such Fund's securities may change on days when investors are not able to purchase or

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sell shares of the Fund. Assets denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar as provided by a Pricing Service. The value of assets denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

**Fund Service Providers**

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, acts as the administrator, accounting agent, custodian and transfer agent for the Funds. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as legal counsel to the Funds. First Trust serves as the fund reporting agent for the Funds.

**Premium/Discount Information** 

Information showing the number of days the market price of the Funds' shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Funds' net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of a Fund, if shorter), is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.

**Total Return Information** 

The tables below compare the total return of each Fund to each Fund's benchmark index(es). The information presented for each Fund is for the period indicated.

"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 return information shown under "Annual Total Return" in a Fund's summary prospectus represents the average annual total returns of the Fund as of the calendar year end, while the information presented below is as of the Fund's fiscal year end. The net asset value per share of each Fund 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 liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of outstanding shares. The net asset value return is based on the net asset value per share of each Fund and the market return is based on the market price per share of each Fund. The price used to calculate market return (*"Market Price"*) is determined by using the midpoint of the national best bid and offer price (*"NBBO"*) as of the time that each Fund's net asset value is calculated. Under SEC rules, the NBBO consists of the highest displayed buy and lowest sell prices among the various exchanges trading each Fund at the time a Fund's net asset value is calculated. Prior to January 1, 2019, the price used was the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the stock exchange on which shares of a Fund were listed for trading as of the time that a Fund's net asset value was 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 each Fund, the net asset value of each Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns. Market and net asset value returns assume that all distributions have been reinvested in each Fund at Market Price and net asset value, 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 each 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 each Fund. The investment return and principal value of shares of each Fund will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares of each Fund may be worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. The Funds' past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)**

**Total Returns as of October 31, 2022** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Cumulative** | **Cumulative** |
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(4/13/2016)**<br>| **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(4/13/2016)**<br>|
| **Fund Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net Asset Value | -28.21% | -2.35% | 2.21% | -11.20% | 15.43% |
| Market Price | -28.83% | -2.46% | 2.19% | -11.73% | 15.25% |
| **Index Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| MSCI EAFE Index | -23.00% | -0.09% | 3.45% | -0.47% | 24.90% |

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)**

**Total Returns as of October 31, 2022** 

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Cumulative** | **Cumulative** |
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(6/14/2016)**<br>| **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(6/14/2016)**<br>|
| **Fund Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net Asset Value | -24.97% | -3.97% | 2.67% | -18.35% | 18.29% |
| Market Price | -24.54% | -4.13% | 2.63% | -19.01% | 18.00% |
| **Index Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| MSCI Emerging Markets Index | -31.03% | -3.09% | 3.34% | -14.54% | 23.29% |

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**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)**

**Total Returns as of October 31, 2022** 

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Average Annual** | **Average Annual** | **Cumulative** | **Cumulative** |
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(4/13/2016)**<br>| **5 Years** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inception**<br> **(4/13/2016)**<br>|
| **Fund Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net Asset Value | -27.33% | -1.27% | 3.64% | -6.18% | 26.39% |
| Market Price | -27.79% | -1.40% | 3.58% | -6.81% | 25.93% |
| **Index Performance** |  |  |  |  |  |
| MSCI Europe Index | -22.88% | 0.04% | 3.47% | 0.21% | 25.02% |

---

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**Financial Highlights** 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds' financial performance for the periods shown. 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, along with the Funds' financial statements, is included in the Funds' Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022 and is incorporated by reference in the Funds' SAI, which is available upon request.

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

**Financial Highlights**

**For a share outstanding throughout each period** 

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI)** 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $72.52 | $54.60 | $57.70 | $55.84 | $63.96 |
| **Income from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss) | 2.23 | 1.21 | 0.85 | 1.54 | 1.34 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (22.22) | 17.89 | (2.84) | 1.81 | (8.00) |
| Total from investment operations | (19.99) | 19.10 | (1.99) | 3.35 | (6.66) |
| **Distributions paid to shareholders from:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (3.43) | (1.18) | (1.11) | (1.49) | (1.44) |
| Net realized gain |  |  |  |  | (0.02) |
| Total distributions | (3.43) | (1.18) | (1.11) | (1.49) | (1.46) |
| **Net asset value, end of period** | $49.10 | $72.52 | $54.60 | $57.70 | $55.84 |
| **TOTAL RETURN** <sup>(a)</sup> | (28.21)% | 35.11% | (3.45)% | 6.12% | (10.65)% |
| **RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $121147 | $175317 | $131049 | $245234 | $499726 |
| **Ratios to average net assets:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 0.83% | 0.83% | 0.83% | 0.83% | 0.83% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 3.61% | 1.79% | 1.43% | 2.51% | 2.28% |
| Portfolio turnover rate <sup>(b)</sup> | 95% | 45% | 96% | 87% | 133% |

---

*(a)* *Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. 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. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.*

*(b)* *Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions.* 

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**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

**Financial Highlights (Continued)**

**For a share outstanding throughout each period** 

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM)** 

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period:** | $67.67 | $61.57 | $60.76 | $56.40 | $68.64 |
| **Income from investment operations** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss) | 3.48 | 1.61 | 1.10 | 1.79 | 1.20 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (20.11) | 5.85 | 1.81 | 3.94 | (11.87) |
| Total from investment operations | (16.63) | 7.46 | 2.91 | 5.73 | (10.67) |
| **Distributions paid to shareholders from:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (3.36) | (1.36) | (1.73) | (1.37) | (1.18) |
| Net realized gain |  |  |  |  | (0.30) |
| Return of Capital |  |  | (0.37) |  | (0.09) |
| Total distributions | (3.36) | (1.36) | (2.10) | (1.37) | (1.57) |
| **Net asset value, end of period** | $47.68 | $67.67 | $61.57 | $60.76 | $56.40 |
| **TOTAL RETURN** <sup>(a)</sup> | (24.97)% | 12.01% | 4.74% | 10.32% | (15.92)% |
| **RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $28608 | $47372 | $46178 | $72917 | $101512 |
| **Ratios to average net assets:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 0.95% | 0.95% | 0.95% | 0.95% | 0.95% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 5.47% | 2.19% | 1.92% | 2.60% | 1.90% |
| Portfolio turnover rate <sup>(b)</sup> | 75% | 32% | 89% | 116% | 126% |

---

*(a)* *Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. 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. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.* 

*(b)* *Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions.* 

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**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

**Financial Highlights (Continued)**

**For a share outstanding throughout each period** 

**First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU)** 

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** | **Year Ended October 31,** |
|  | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2019** | **2018** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period:** | $76.55 | $55.76 | $59.49 | $57.23 | $65.25 |
| **Income from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss) | 2.04 | 0.98 | 0.96 | 1.78 | 1.48 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (22.71) | 21.31 | (3.50) | 2.20 | (7.97) |
| Total from investment operations | (20.67) | 22.29 | (2.54) | 3.98 | (6.49) |
| **Distributions paid to shareholders from:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (2.13) | (1.50) | (1.19) | (1.72) | (1.53) |
| **Net asset value, end of period** | $53.75 | $76.55 | $55.76 | $59.49 | $57.23 |
| **TOTAL RETURN** <sup>(a)</sup> | (27.33)% | 40.20% | (4.22)% | 7.01% | (10.16)% |
| **RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $18813 | $22966 | $16729 | $38666 | $88706 |
| **Ratios to average net assets:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 0.83% | 0.83% | 0.83% | 0.83% | 0.83% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 3.15% | 1.29% | 1.59% | 2.77% | 2.45% |
| Portfolio turnover rate <sup>(b)</sup> | 71% | 50% | 87% | 81% | 130% |

---

*(a)* *Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. 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. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.* 

*(b)* *Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions.*

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**Other Information**

**Continuous Offering** 

Each Fund issues, 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 of 1933, as amended (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(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. 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(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(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.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust <br>Exchange-Traded Fund III<br>

![](img9c341bb91.gif)

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF

**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 report, 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, annual and semi-annual reports 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 advisor. Shareholders may call the toll-free number above with any inquiries.

You may obtain this and other information regarding the Funds, including the SAI and 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 online EDGAR database at www.sec.gov. You may also request information regarding the Funds by sending a request (along with a duplication fee) to the SEC by sending an electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.

First Trust Advisors L.P.

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

(800) 621-1675

www.ftportfolios.com

SEC File #: 333-176976

811-22245

------

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** 

**Investment Company Act File No. 811-22245** 

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **FUND NAME** | **TICKER SYMBOL** | **EXCHANGE** |
| First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF | FEMB | Nasdaq |

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**DATED MARCH 1, 2023**

This Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated March 1, 2023, as it may be revised from time to time (the *"Prospectus"*), for First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (the *"Fund"*), a series of the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*). Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust's distributor, First Trust Portfolios L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, or by calling toll free at (800) 621-1675.

The audited financial statements for the Fund's most recent fiscal year appear in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the *"SEC"*) on January 6, 2023. The

financial statements from the [<u>Annual Report</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm) are incorporated herein by reference. The Annual Report is available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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**Table of Contents** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [General Description of the Trust and the Fund](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_1) | 1 |
| [Exchange Listing and Trading](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Objective and Policies](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Strategies](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_4) | 4 |
| [Investment Risks](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_12) | 12 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_16) | 16 |
| [Sub-Advisor](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_24) | 24 |
| [Brokerage Allocations](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_26) | 26 |
| [Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_28) | 28 |
| [Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_29) | 29 |
| [Additional Information](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_31) | 31 |
| [Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_36) | 36 |
| [Creation and Redemption of Creation Units](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_36) | 36 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_39) | 39 |
| [Determination of Net Asset Value](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_43) | 43 |
| [Dividends and Distributions](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_45) | 45 |
| [Miscellaneous Information](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_45) | 45 |
| [Financial Statements](#xx_f05637dc-af14-44dc-bf7e-2b054d45bb4a_45) | 45 |
| [Exhibit A](#xx_5c77e3df-0a1f-435c-b6b7-3da269c16062_1)[—](#xx_5c77e3df-0a1f-435c-b6b7-3da269c16062_1)[Principal Holders Table](#xx_5c77e3df-0a1f-435c-b6b7-3da269c16062_1) | A-1 |
| [Exhibit B](#xx_6903161f-3209-431a-8500-06a51d0c7c86_1)[—](#xx_6903161f-3209-431a-8500-06a51d0c7c86_1)[Credit Rating Definitions](#xx_6903161f-3209-431a-8500-06a51d0c7c86_1) | B-1 |
| [Exhibit C](#xx_a8ba345a-36a0-489b-ba4d-9f7f3c02c094_1)[—](#xx_a8ba345a-36a0-489b-ba4d-9f7f3c02c094_1)[Proxy Voting Guidelines](#xx_a8ba345a-36a0-489b-ba4d-9f7f3c02c094_1) | C-1 |

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**General Description of the Trust and the Fund**

The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 9, 2008 and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares in one or more series. 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 series. This SAI relates to the Fund, which is a non-diversified series.

The 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," "Board of Trustees"* or *"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"*) requires a shareholder vote only on those matters where the 1940 Act requires a vote of shareholders and otherwise permits the Trustees to take actions without seeking the consent of shareholders. For example, the Declaration gives the Trustees broad authority to approve reorganizations between the Fund and another entity, such as another exchange-traded fund, or the sale of all or substantially all of the Fund's assets, or the termination of the Trust or the Fund without shareholder approval if the 1940 Act would not require such approval.

The Declaration provides that by becoming a shareholder of the Fund, each shareholder shall be expressly held to have agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Declaration and to any By-laws adopted by the Trust. The Declaration provides that, except as set forth therein and authorized by the Trustees, shareholders have no rights, privileges, claims or remedies under any contract or agreement entered into by the Trust or the Fund with any service provider or other agent to or contractor with the Trust or the Fund including, without limitation, any third party beneficiary rights.

The Declaration may, except in limited circumstances, be amended by the Trustees in any respect without a shareholder vote. The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees and that vacancies on the Board of Trustees may be filled by the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that Trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees.

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 Fund or as the Trustees may determine, and ownership of Fund shares may be disclosed by the Fund 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 provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction and other harm that can be caused to the Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. In addition, the Declaration provides that actions that are derivative in nature may not be brought directly. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand must first be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Fund, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholder may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholder is able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Fund. In making such a determination,

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a Trustee is not considered to have a personal financial interest by virtue of being compensated for his or her services as a Trustee. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholder will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the Fund in connection with the consideration of the demand under a number of circumstances. In addition, if a court determines that a derivative action was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose, or if a derivative or direct action is dismissed on the basis of a failure to comply with the procedural provisions relating to shareholder actions as set forth in the Declaration, or if a direct action is dismissed by a court for failure to state a claim, the shareholder bringing the action may be responsible for the Fund's costs, including attorneys' fees.

The provisions of the Declaration provide that any direct or derivative action commenced by a shareholder must be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (Boston Division) or if any such action may not be brought in that court, then in the Business Litigation Session of Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts (the *"Chosen Courts"*). Except as prohibited by applicable law, if a shareholder commences an applicable action in a court other than a Chosen Court without the consent of the Fund, then such shareholder may be obligated to reimburse the Fund and any applicable Trustee or officer of the Fund made party to such proceeding for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with any successful motion to dismiss, stay or transfer of the action. The Declaration also provides that any shareholder bringing an action against the Fund waives the right to trial by jury to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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 the Fund itself was unable to meet its obligations.

The Declaration provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is liable to the Trust for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his or her duties involved in the conduct of the individual's office, and for nothing else and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Declaration also provides that the Trustees of the Trust will be subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to Massachusetts business trusts, but not to the laws of Massachusetts relating to the trustees of common law trusts, such as donative or probate type trusts. The Declaration further provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is not personally liable to any person other than the Trust, for any act, omission, or obligation of the Trust. The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust for any liability for actions or failure to act except to the extent prohibited by applicable federal law. In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses in connection with a claim for which indemnification is sought, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available. The Declaration provides that any Trustee who serves as chair of the Board of Trustees or of a committee of the Board of Trustees, as lead independent Trustee or as audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.

These provisions are not intended to restrict any shareholder rights under the federal securities laws and the Declaration specifically provides that no provision of the Declaration shall be effective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of, or restrict any shareholder rights expressly granted by, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"1933 Act"*), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*) or the 1940 Act, or any valid rule, regulation or order of the Securities Exchange Commission thereunder.

The Fund is advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the *"Advisor"* or *"First Trust"*) and sub-advised by First Trust Global Portfolios Limited (the *"Sub-Advisor"* or *"First Trust Global"*).

The shares of the Fund are principally listed and traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (*"Nasdaq"* or the *"Exchange"*). ETFs, such as the Fund, do not sell or redeem individual shares of the Fund. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" (which are discussed in greater detail below) have contractual arrangements with the Fund or the Distributor to purchase and redeem Fund shares directly with the Fund in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." An Authorized Participant that purchases a Creation Unit of Fund shares deposits with the Fund a "basket" of securities, cash and/or other assets identified by the Fund that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of Fund shares in return for those assets. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit

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of Fund shares for a basket of securities, cash and/or other assets. The basket is generally representative of the Fund's portfolio, and together with a cash balancing amount, it is equal to the NAV of the Fund shares comprising the Creation Unit. Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, the Fund may utilize baskets that are not representative of the Fund's portfolio. Such "custom baskets" are discussed in the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units."

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 Fund cash at least equal to 115% of the market value of the missing deposit securities. See the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units." 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 Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares of the Fund will continue to be met. The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of the Fund from listing if (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning at the commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the shares of the Fund for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (ii) such other event shall occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the shares of the Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

As in the case of other stocks traded on the Exchange, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

The Fund reserves 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 the Fund.

**Investment Objective and Policies**

The Prospectus describes the investment objective and certain policies of the Fund. The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

The 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 (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Fund may not borrow money, except that the 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, *provided* that the combination of (i) and (ii) shall not exceed 33⅓% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The 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 the Fund from purchasing or selling securities or other instruments backed by real estate or of issuers engaged in real estate activities).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) The 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 the Fund if, as a result, the aggregate of such loans would exceed 33⅓% of the value of the Fund's total assets.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The 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).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The Fund may not invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry. This restriction does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

For purposes of applying restriction (1) above, under the 1940 Act as currently in effect, the Fund is not permitted to issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from any bank if, immediately after such borrowing and at all times thereafter, the value of the Fund's total assets is at least 300% of the principal amount of all of the Fund's borrowings (*i.e.,* the principal amount of the borrowings may not exceed 33⅓% of the Fund's total assets). In the event that such asset coverage shall at any time fall below 300% the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays), reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300%.

Except for restriction (2) above, 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. With respect to restriction (2), if the limitations are exceeded as a result of a change in market value then the Fund will reduce the amount of borrowings within three days thereafter to the extent necessary to comply with the limitations (not including Sundays and holidays).

The fundamental investment limitations set forth above limit the Fund's ability to engage in certain investment practices and purchase securities or other instruments to the extent permitted by, or consistent with, applicable law. As such, these limitations will change as the statute, rules, regulations or orders (or, if applicable, interpretations) change, and no shareholder vote will be required or sought.

The Fund has adopted a fundamental investment policy pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (the *"Name Policy"*), whereby the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in bonds, bills and notes issued or guaranteed by entities in emerging market countries that are denominated in the local currency of the issuer. The Name Policy may not be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.

The Fund's investment objective and the foregoing fundamental policies of the Fund may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the 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 the 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 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.

In addition to the foregoing fundamental policies, the Fund is 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**

The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment objective, policies and strategies that appears in the Prospectus.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in bonds, bills or notes issued or guaranteed by entities in emerging market countries and denominated in the local currency of the issuer.

**Types of Investments**

**Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments.** Normally, the Fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective; however, for temporary or defensive purposes, the Fund may invest in fixed income investments and cash equivalents in order to provide income, liquidity and preserve capital. Under normal market conditions, for investment

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purposes, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in short-term debt securities, money market funds and other cash equivalents, or it may hold cash.

Cash equivalents and short-term investments held by the Fund may include, without limitation, the types of investments set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund may invest in 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 securities include securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some of the U.S. government agencies that issue or guarantee securities include the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Farmers Home Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Maritime Administration, the Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. An instrumentality of the U.S. government is a government agency organized under federal charter with government supervision. Instrumentalities issuing or guaranteeing securities include, among others, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Land Banks, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and the Federal National Mortgage Association (*"Fannie Mae"*). In the case of those U.S. government securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities; consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate. In addition, the Fund may invest in sovereign debt obligations of non-U.S. countries. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest in a timely manner may be affected by a number of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which it may be subject.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Fund may invest in 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 FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $250,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund may not be fully insured. The Fund may only invest in certificates of deposit issued by U.S. banks with at least $1 billion in assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities with counterparties that are deemed by the Advisor to present acceptable credit risks. In such an action, at the time the 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 the Fund during its holding period since the resale price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Fund to invest temporarily available cash. The Fund 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 Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Fund is 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 Fund is entitled to sell the underlying collateral. If the

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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, the Fund could incur a loss of both principal and interest. The portfolio managers monitor the value of the collateral at the time the action is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement. The portfolio managers do 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 the Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of the Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) The Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The Fund may invest in 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 the Fund and a corporation. There is no secondary market for the notes. However, they are redeemable by the Fund at any time. The Fund's portfolio managers 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 the Fund's liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund may invest in commercial paper only if it has received the highest rating from at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, judged by First Trust to be of comparable quality.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The Fund may invest in shares of money market funds, as consistent with its investment objective and policies. Shares of money market funds are subject to management fees and other expenses of those funds. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Fund to bear proportionately the costs incurred by the money market funds' operations. At the same time, the Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of other investment companies. It is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in money market funds.

**Derivatives.** Under normal market conditions, no more than 20% of the value of the Fund's net assets will be invested in derivative instruments. The Fund may invest in exchange-listed futures contracts, exchange-listed options, exchange-listed options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, non-deliverable forward currency contracts and exchange-listed currency options. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to, among other things, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates. The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments for risk management purposes or as part of its investment strategies. The Fund will use derivative instruments primarily to hedge interest rate risk, actively manage interest rate exposure, hedge foreign currency risk and actively manage foreign currency exposure. The Fund may also use derivative instruments to enhance returns, as a substitute for, or to gain exposure to, a position in an underlying asset, to reduce transaction costs, to maintain full market exposure (which means to adjust the characteristics of its investments to more closely approximate those of the markets in which it invests), to manage cash flows or to preserve capital. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments will be consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and the 1940 Act and will not be used to seek to achieve a multiple or inverse multiple of an index.

**High Yield Securities.** The Fund may invest in securities that are rated below investment grade, commonly referred to as "junk" bonds, at the time of purchase. The ratings of a rating agency represent its opinion as to the quality of securities it undertakes to rate. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality; consequently, securities with the same maturity, duration, coupon and rating may have different yields. For purposes of determining whether a security is below investment grade, the lowest available rating will be considered. If a security owned by the Fund is subsequently downgraded, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such security. If a downgrade occurs, the Advisor will consider what action, including the sale of such security, is in the best interests of the Fund. The Credit Rating Definitions, as published by the three major rating agencies, are set forth in *Exhibit B to this SAI.* 

Because the risk of default is higher for below investment grade securities than for investment grade securities, the Advisor's research and credit analysis will be an especially important part of managing securities of this type. The Advisor will attempt to identify those issuers of below investment grade securities whose financial condition the Advisor believes are adequate to meet future obligations or who have improved or are expected to improve in the future. The Advisor's analysis focuses on

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relative values based on such factors as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer.

**Illiquid Investments.** The Fund may invest in illiquid investments (*i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For purposes of this restriction, illiquid investments may include, but are not limited to, certain 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, and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, among others. However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid investments if, as a result, such investments would comprise more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Advisor, subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees, has the ultimate authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities laws, which investments are liquid or illiquid for purposes of this 15% limitation under the Fund's liquidity risk management program, adopted pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act.

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, the 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, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. Illiquid investments 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 investments or the depreciation of liquid investments, the Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid investments, including restricted securities which are not readily marketable, the Advisor will report such occurrence to the Board of Trustees and take such steps as are deemed advisable to protect liquidity in accordance with the Fund's liquidity risk management program.

**Investment Companies.** The Fund may invest in other investment companies , including exchange-traded funds (*"ETFs"*). An ETF is a fund that holds a portfolio of securities and trades on a securities exchange, and its shares may, at times, trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. As a shareholder in a pooled investment vehicle, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that vehicle's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's management fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other pooled investment vehicles. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of ETFs. Other pooled investment vehicles may be leveraged, and the net asset value and market value of their securities will therefore be more volatile and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield of unleveraged pooled investment vehicles.

**Non-U.S. Corporate Bonds.** The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in non-U.S. corporate bonds that are not included within the meaning of the term "Bonds." Non-U.S. corporate bonds are debt obligations issued by non-U.S. corporations. Corporate bonds are generally used by corporations to borrow money from investors. Corporate bonds may be either secured or unsecured. Collateral used for secured debt includes, but is not limited to, real property, machinery, equipment, accounts receivable, stocks, bonds or notes. If a corporate bond is unsecured, it is known as a debenture. Holders of corporate bonds, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders as to both income and assets of the issuer for the principal and interest due them and may have a prior claim over other creditors if liens or mortgages are involved. Interest on corporate bonds may be fixed or floating, or the securities may be zero coupon fixed-income securities which pay no interest. Interest on corporate bonds is typically paid semi-annually and is fully taxable to the holder of the bonds. Corporate bonds contain elements of both interest rate risk and credit risk. The market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with changes in interest rates and may also be affected by the credit rating of the issuer, the issuer's performance and perceptions of the issuer in the marketplace. Corporate bonds usually yield more than government or agency bonds due to the presence of credit risk.

The Fund will invest only in corporate bonds that the Advisor and/or the Sub-Advisor deems to be sufficiently liquid. Under normal market conditions, a corporate bond must have $200 million (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) or more par amount outstanding and significant par value traded to be considered as an eligible investment. Economic and other conditions may, from time to time, lead to a decrease in the average par amount outstanding of non-U.S. corporate bond issuances. Therefore, although the Fund does not intend to do so, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in corporate bonds with less than $200 million (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) par amount outstanding if (i) the Advisor and/or the Sub-Advisor deems such securities to be sufficiently liquid and (ii) such investment is deemed by the Advisor and/or the Sub-Advisor to be in the best interest of the Fund.

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**Non-U.S. Currencies.** The Fund will invest in non-U.S. currencies. The Fund's currency exchange transactions will be conducted on a spot (cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market. The cost of the Fund's currency exchange transactions will generally be the difference between the bid and offer spot rate of the currency being purchased or sold. In order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future currency exchange rates, the Fund may enter into various currency exchange transactions.

**Non-U.S. Debt Securities.** The Fund invests in non-U.S. debt securities, which include debt securities issued or guaranteed by entities organized or domiciled under the laws of countries other than the United States; debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign, national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities; and debt obligations of supranational governmental entities such as the World Bank or European Union. Non-U.S. debt securities also include U.S. dollar-denominated debt obligations, such as "Yankee Dollar" obligations, of foreign issuers and of supranational government entities. Yankee Dollar obligations are U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by foreign corporations, banks and governments. Non-U.S. debt securities also may be traded on foreign securities exchanges or in over-the-counter (*"OTC"*) capital markets. To the extent the Fund invests in such instruments, the value of the assets of the Fund as measured in U.S. dollars will be affected by changes in exchange rates.

**When-Issued or Delayed-Delivery Transactions.** The Fund 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. During the period between the purchase and settlement, the 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 the Fund's other assets. While securities purchased in delayed-delivery transactions may be sold prior to the settlement date, the Fund intends to purchase such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them. At the time the 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 net asset value.

The Fund 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, the Fund will meet its obligations from then-available cash flow, sale of the securities earmarked or held in the segregated account as 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 the Fund's payment obligation).

Although the Prospectus and this SAI describe certain permitted methods of segregating assets or otherwise "covering" certain transactions, such descriptions are not all-inclusive. The Fund may segregate against or cover such transactions using other methods permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, or orders issued by the SEC thereunder.

**Hedging Strategies**

***General Description of Hedging Strategies***

The Fund may engage in hedging activities or other investments in derivative instruments, as described above. The Fund may utilize a variety of financial instruments, including exchange-listed futures contracts, exchange-listed options, exchange-listed options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, non-deliverable forward currency contracts and exchange-listed currency options to attempt to hedge the Fund's holdings.

Hedging or derivative instruments on securities generally are used to hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions that the 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 market sectors in which the 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, the Fund's ability to use hedging instruments may be limited by tax considerations.

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***General Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions***

The Fund limits its direct investments in futures, options on futures and swaps to the extent necessary for First Trust to claim the exclusion from regulation as a "commodity pool operator" with respect to the Fund under CFTC Rule 4.5, as such rule may be amended from time to time. Under Rule 4.5 as currently in effect, the Fund limits its trading activity in futures, options on futures and swaps (excluding activity for "bona fide hedging purposes," as defined by the CFTC) such that it meets one of the following tests: (i) aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish its futures, options on futures and swap positions do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions; or (ii) aggregate net notional value of the Fund's futures, options on futures and swap positions does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions.

First Trust has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with respect to the Fund with the National Futures Association, the futures industry's self-regulatory organization. If First Trust were no longer able to claim the exclusion, First Trust would be required to register as a "commodity pool operator," and the Fund and First Trust would be subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act (the *"CEA"*).

The foregoing limitations are non-fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval as regulatory agencies permit.

***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 the Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with 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 Fund.

***Futures Contracts***

The Fund may enter into futures contracts. The Fund's hedging activities 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 Fund 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. 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 the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contracts.

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Margin is the amount of funds that must be deposited by the Fund with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures commission merchant in order to initiate futures trading and to maintain the Fund's open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to ensure the Fund's performance of the futures contracts.

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 the Fund. In computing daily net asset value, the Fund will mark to market the current value of its open futures contracts. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its 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, the 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 the Fund seeks to close out a futures position. The Fund would continue to be required to meet margin requirements until the position is closed, possibly resulting in a decline in the Fund's net asset value. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.

***Options on Futures***

The Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund uses 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 the 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, the 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, the 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 the Fund that

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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 the Fund intends to acquire.

As with investments in futures contracts, the Fund is required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it. 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 the Fund. The 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 Fund may close out its position as a writer of an option only if a liquid secondary market exists for such options, which cannot be assured. The 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.

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund buys and sells portfolio securities in the normal course of its investment activities. The proportion of the Fund's investment portfolio that is bought and sold during a year is known as the Fund's portfolio turnover rate. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur, for example, if all of the portfolio securities (other than short-term securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in the payment by the Fund of increased brokerage costs, expenses and taxes. The portfolio turnover rates for the specified periods are set forth in the table below.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Turnover Rate**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Portfolio Turnover Rate**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** |
| 43% | 42% |

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**Lending of Portfolio Securities**

In order to generate additional income, as a non-principal investment strategy, First Trust is authorized to select the First Trust Funds, including the Fund, with notice to the Board of Trustees, to lend portfolio securities representing up to 33⅓% of the value of its total assets to broker-dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers of securities. As with other extensions of credit, there may be risks of delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, such First Trust Funds will only enter into loan arrangements with broker-dealers, banks or other institutions which First Trust has determined are creditworthy under guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees. The First Trust Funds will pay a portion of the income earned on the lending transaction to the placing broker and may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with these loans. First Trust may select the First Trust Fund to participate in the securities lending program, at its discretion with notice to the Board of Trustees.

In these loan arrangements, the First Trust Funds will receive collateral in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-grade debt obligations in an amount at least equal to the value of the borrowed securities, marked to market daily. This collateral must be valued daily by First Trust or the First Trust Fund's lending agent and, if the market value of the loaned securities increases, the borrower must furnish additional collateral to the lending First Trust Fund. During the time

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portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays the lending First Trust Fund any dividends or interest paid on the securities. Loans are subject to termination at any time by the lending First Trust Fund or the borrower. While a First Trust Fund does not have the right to vote securities on loan, it would terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if that were considered important with respect to the investment. When a First Trust Fund lends portfolio securities to a borrower, payments in lieu of dividends made by the borrower to the First Trust Fund will not constitute "qualified dividends" taxable at the same rate as long-term capital gains, even if the actual dividends would have constituted qualified dividends had the First Trust Fund held the securities. Please see "Securities Lending Risk" below for a description of the risks associated with securities lending activities.

**Investment Risks**

The following risk disclosure supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment risks that appears in the Prospectus.

***Overview***

An investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding of the risks that an investment in the Fund's shares entails, including the risk that the financial condition of the issuers of the securities held by the Fund or the general condition of the securities market may worsen and the value of the securities and therefore the value of the Fund may decline. The Fund may not be an appropriate investment for those who are unable or unwilling to assume the risks involved generally with such an investment. The past market and earnings performance of any of the securities included in the Fund is not predictive of their future performance.

***Additional Market Disruption Risk*** 

In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. In response, various countries, including the United States, issued broad-ranging sanctions on Russia and certain Russian companies and individuals. The hostilities between the two countries may escalate and any existing or future sanctions could have a severe adverse effect on Russia's economy, currency, companies and region as well as negatively impact other regional and global economic markets of the world (including Europe and the United States), companies in such countries and various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas. Accordingly, the hostilities and sanctions may have a negative effect on the Fund's investments and performance beyond any direct exposure to Russian issuers or those of adjoining geographic regions. Russia may also take retaliatory actions or countermeasures, such as cyberattacks and espionage, which may negatively impact the countries and companies in which the Fund may invest. The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities; the extent and impact of existing and any future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility; and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant negative impact on certain of the Fund's investments as well as the Fund's performance, and the value or liquidity of certain securities held by the Fund may decline significantly.

***Capital Control Risk***

Economic conditions, such as volatile currency exchange rates and interest rates, political events and other conditions may, without prior warning, lead to government intervention and the imposition of "capital controls." Countries use these controls to restrict volatile movements of capital entering (*inflows*) and exiting (*outflows*) their country to respond to certain economic conditions. Such controls are mainly applied to short-term capital transactions to counter speculative flows that threaten to undermine the stability of the exchange rate and deplete foreign exchange reserves. Capital controls include the prohibition of, or restrictions on, the ability to transfer currency, securities or other assets. Levies may be placed on profits repatriated by foreign entities (such as the Fund). Capital controls may impact the ability of the Fund to create and redeem Creation Units, adversely affect the trading market for shares of the Fund and cause the Fund to trade at prices materially different from its net asset value. There can be no assurance a country in which the Fund invests will not impose a form of capital control to the possible detriment of the Fund and its shareholders.

***Credit Rating Agency Risk***

Credit ratings are determined by credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Fitch Ratings, and are only the opinions of such entities. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risk or the liquidity of securities. Any shortcomings or inefficiencies in credit rating agencies' processes for determining credit ratings may adversely affect the credit ratings of securities held by the Fund and, as a result, may adversely affect those securities' perceived or actual credit risk.

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***Currency Exchange Rate Risk***

Investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies and investments in securities or derivatives that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates are subject to non-U.S. currency risk. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of non-U.S. currencies will affect the value of the Fund's investment and the value of your Fund shares. Because each Fund's net asset value is determined on the basis of U.S. dollars, the U.S. dollar value of your investment in the Fund may go down if the value of the local currency of the non-U.S. markets in which the Fund invests depreciates against the U.S. dollar. This is true even if the local currency value of securities in the Fund's holdings goes up. Conversely, the U.S. dollar value of your investment in the Fund may go up if the value of the local currency appreciates against the U.S. dollar.

The value of the U.S. dollar against other currencies is influenced by a variety of factors. These factors include national debt levels and trade deficits; changes in balances of payments and trade, domestic and foreign interest and inflation rates; global or regional political, economic or financial events; monetary policies of governments; actual or potential government intervention; and global energy prices. Political instability, the possibility of government intervention and restrictive or opaque business and investment policies may also reduce the value of a country's currency. Government monetary policies and the buying or selling of currency by a country's government may also influence exchange rates.

Currencies of emerging or developing market countries may be subject to significantly greater risks than currencies of developed countries. Many developing market countries have experienced steady declines or even sudden devaluations of their currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. Some non-U.S. market currencies may not be traded internationally, may be subject to strict limitations on foreign investment and may be subject to frequent and unannounced government intervention. Government intervention and currency controls can decrease the value and significantly increase the volatility of an investment in non-U.S. currency. Although the currencies of some developing market countries may be convertible into U.S. dollars, the achievable rates may differ from those experienced by domestic investors because of foreign investment restrictions, withholding taxes, lack of liquidity or other reasons.

***Debt Securities Risk***

The risks of investing in debt securities include (without limitation): (i) credit risk, *e.g.*, the issuer or guarantor of a debt security may be unable or unwilling (or be perceived as unable or unwilling) to make timely principal and/or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations; (ii) interest rate risk, *e.g.,* when interest rates go up, the value of a debt security generally goes down, and when interest rates go down, the value of a debt security generally goes up; (iii) liquidity risk and valuation risk, *e.g.*, debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange, making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock; (iv) call risk and income risk, *e.g.*, during a period of falling interest rates, the issuer may redeem a security by repaying it early, which may reduce the Fund's income if the proceeds are reinvested at lower interest rates; and (v) extension risk, *e.g.*, if interest rates rise, repayments of debt securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market, which may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and the securities remain outstanding longer. Debt securities most frequently trade in institutional round lot size transactions. If the Fund purchases bonds in amounts less than the institutional round lot size, which are frequently referred to as "odd" lots, the odd lot size positions may have more price volatility than institutional round lot size positions.

***Derivatives Risk***

The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying asset, index or rate, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. In addition, when the Fund invests in certain derivative securities, including, but not limited to, when-issued securities, forward commitments, futures contracts and interest rate swaps, the Fund is effectively leveraging its investments, which could result in exaggerated changes in the net asset value of the Fund's shares and can result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested. The success of the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor's derivatives strategies will depend on its ability to assess and predict the impact of market or economic developments on the underlying asset, index or rate and the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. Liquidity risk exists when a security cannot be purchased or sold at the time desired, or cannot be purchased or sold without adversely affecting the price. Certain specific risks associated with an investment in derivatives may include: market risk, credit risk, correlation risk, liquidity risk, legal risk and systemic or "interconnection" risk, as specified below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) ***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

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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 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 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 Fund 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 Fund. The Fund will enter into transactions in derivative instruments only with counterparties that First Trust reasonably believes are capable of performing under the contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) ***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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 Fund might be required to maintain segregated accounts and/or make margin payments when taking positions in derivative instruments involving obligations to third parties (*i.e.*, instruments other than purchase options). If the 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 the 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. The 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 the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) ***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 Fund to losses. 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 managers' 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 managers' judgment that the derivative transaction will provide value to the Fund and its shareholders and is consistent with the Fund's objective, investment limitations and operating policies. In making such a judgment, the portfolio managers will analyze the benefits and risks of the derivative transactions and weigh them in the context of the Fund's overall investments and investment objective.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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

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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.

***Fixed Income Securities Risk***

An investment in the Fund also involves risk associated with an investment in fixed income securities including the risk that certain of the securities in the Fund may not have the benefit of covenants that would prevent the issuer from engaging in capital restructurings or borrowing transactions in connection with corporate acquisitions, leveraged buyouts or restructurings that could have the effect of reducing the ability of the issuer to meet its payment obligations and might result in increased credit risk. In addition, certain of the securities may be redeemed or prepaid by the issuer, resulting in lower interest payments received by the Fund and reduced distributions to shareholders.

***Leverage Risk***

Leverage risk is the risk that the Fund may be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged due to leverage's tendency to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's portfolio. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation requirements.

***Liquidity Risk***

Whether or not the securities held by the Fund are listed on a securities exchange, the principal trading market for certain of the securities in the Fund may be in the OTC market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading market for the securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in the securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made for any of the securities, that any market for the securities will be maintained or that there will be sufficient liquidity of the securities in any markets made. The price at which the securities are held by the Fund will be adversely affected if trading markets for the securities are limited or absent.

***Listing Standards Risk*** 

The Fund is required to comply with listing requirements adopted by the Exchange. Non-compliance with such requirements may result in the Fund's shares being delisted by the Exchange. Any resulting liquidation of the Fund could cause the Fund to incur elevated transaction costs and could result in negative tax consequences for its shareholders.

***Market Risk*** 

Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. Such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. Such events could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of a Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

Health crises caused by the outbreak of infectious diseases or other public health issues, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, economic, market and financial risks. The impact of any such events, could negatively affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual countries or regions, the financial performance of individual companies, sectors and industries, and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests and negatively impact the Fund's investment return. For example, an outbreak of a respiratory disease designated as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. The ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. The

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impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may be short term or may last for an extended period of time, and in either case could result in a substantial economic downturn or recession.

In addition, the operations of the Fund, the Advisor and the Fund's other service providers may be significantly impacted, or even temporarily or permanently halted, as a result of government quarantine measures, voluntary and precautionary restrictions on travel or meetings and other factors related to a public health emergency, including its potential adverse impact on the health of any such entity's personnel.

***Non-U.S. Securities Risk***

An investment in non-U.S. securities involves risks in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments, including currency risk. involves risks in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments, including currency risk. The value of a non-U.S. security in U.S. dollars tends to decrease when the value of the U.S. dollar rises against the non-U.S. currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the U.S. dollar falls against such currency. Non-U.S. securities are affected by the fact that in many countries there is less publicly available information about issuers than is available in the reports and ratings published about companies in the United States and companies may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. Other risks inherent in non-U.S. investments may include expropriation; confiscatory taxation; withholding taxes on dividends and interest; less extensive regulation of non-U.S. brokers, securities markets and issuers; diplomatic developments; and political or social instability. Non-U.S. economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in various respects, and many non-U.S. securities are less liquid and their prices tend to be more volatile than comparable U.S. securities. From time to time, non-U.S. securities may be difficult to liquidate rapidly without adverse price effects.

***Securities Lending Risk*** 

Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including counterparty risk, collateral risk and operational risk. Counterparty risk is the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, a First Trust Fund engaged in securities lending transactions may suffer a loss and there may be a delay in recovering the lent securities. Any delay in the return of securities on loan may restrict the ability of the Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Collateral risk is the risk that the collateral received may be realized at a value lower than the value of the securities lent, whether due to inaccurate pricing of the collateral, adverse market movements in the value of the collateral, intra-day increases in the value of the securities lent, a deterioration in the credit rating of the collateral issuer, or the illiquidity of the market in which the collateral is traded. Securities lending also entails operational risks, such as settlement failures or delays in the settlement of instructions. Such failures or delays may restrict the ability of the Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Lastly, securities lending activities may result in adverse tax consequences for the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, substitute payments for dividends received by the Fund for securities loaned out by the Fund will not be considered qualified dividend income. The Fund could lose money if its short-term investment of the collateral declines in value over the period of the loan.

**Management of the Fund**

**Trustees and Officers**

The general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement and sub-advisory agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. There are six Trustees of the Trust, one of whom is an "interested person" (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act) and five of whom are Trustees who are not officers or employees of First Trust or any of its affiliates (*"Independent Trustees"*). The Trustees set broad policies for the Fund, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Trust's investment advisor and sub-advisor. The officers of the Trust manage its day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board of Trustees. The following is a list of the Trustees and executive 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 have held during the past five years, if applicable. Each Trustee has been elected for an indefinite term. The officers of the Trust serve indefinite terms. Each Trustee, except for James A. Bowen, is an Independent Trustee. Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (*"Interested Trustee"*) of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor to the Fund. The following table identifies the Trustees and Officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all persons below is c/o First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, IL 60187.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| **Position**<br> **and Offices**<br> **with Trust**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Year First**<br> **Elected or**<br> **Appointed**<br>| **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in the First**<br> **Trust Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee**<br>| **Other**<br> **Trusteeships or**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by**<br> **Trustee**<br> **During the**<br> **Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** |
| James A. Bowen <sup>(1)</sup> <br>1955<br>| Chairman of the <br> Board and Trustee<br>| •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Chief Executive Officer, First Trust <br> Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios <br> L.P.; Chairman of the Board of Directors, <br> BondWave LLC (Software Development <br> Company) and Stonebridge Advisors LLC <br> (Investment Advisor)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| Richard E. Erickson<br> 1951<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Physician, Edward-Elmhurst Medical <br> Group; Physician and Officer, Wheaton <br> Orthopedics (1990 to 2021)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| Thomas R. Kadlec<br> 1957<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Retired; President, ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc. (Futures Commission <br> Merchant) (2010 to July 2022)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director, National <br> Futures <br> Association; <br> formerly, Director <br> of ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc., <br> ADM Investor <br> Services <br> International, <br> ADMIS Hong Kong <br> Ltd., ADMIS <br> Singapore Ltd. and <br> Futures Industry <br> Association<br>|
| Denise M. Keefe<br> 1964<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since 2021<br>| Executive Vice President, Advocate <br> Aurora Health and President, Advocate <br> Aurora Continuing Health Division <br> (Integrated Healthcare System)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director and Board <br> Chair of Advocate <br> Home Health <br> Services, Advocate <br> Home Care <br> Products and <br> Advocate Hospice; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of Aurora At <br> Home (since <br> 2018); Director of <br> Advocate <br> Physician Partners <br> Accountable Care <br> Organization; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of RML Long <br> Term Acute Care <br> Hospitals; and <br> Director of Senior <br> Helpers (since <br> 2021)<br>|
| Robert F. Keith<br> 1956<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| President, Hibs Enterprises (Financial and <br> Management Consulting)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Formerly, Director <br> of Trust Company <br> of Illinois<br>|
| Niel B. Nielson<br> 1954<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Senior Advisor (2018 to present), <br> Managing Director and Chief Operating <br> Officer (2015 to 2018), Pelita Harapan <br> Educational Foundation (Educational <br> Products and Services)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position and**<br> **Offices with Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of Office and**<br> **Length of Service**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** |
| James M. Dykas<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President and Chief <br> Executive Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, First <br> Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P.; <br> Chief Financial Officer, BondWave LLC (Software <br> Development Company) and Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC (Investment Advisor)<br>|
| W. Scott Jardine<br> 1960<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Secretary and Chief Legal <br> Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.; Secretary and General Counsel, <br> BondWave LLC; and Secretary, Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC<br>|
| Daniel J. Lindquist<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Kristi A. Maher<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Compliance Officer <br> and Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Chief Compliance <br> Officer since January <br> 2011<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Assistant Secretary <br> since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Deputy General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. <br> and First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Donald P. Swade<br> 1972<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Treasurer, Chief Financial <br> Officer and Chief <br> Accounting Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Roger F. Testin<br> 1966<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Stan Ueland<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|

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(1) Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor of the Fund.

**Unitary Board Leadership Structure**

Each Trustee serves as a trustee of all open-end and closed-end funds in the First Trust Fund Complex (as defined below), which is known as a "unitary" board leadership structure. Each Trustee currently serves as a trustee of First Trust Series Fund and First Trust Variable Insurance Trust, open-end funds with nine portfolios advised by First Trust; First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II, Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund, First Trust Energy Income and Growth Fund, First Trust Enhanced Equity Income Fund, First Trust/Aberdeen Global Opportunity Income Fund, First Trust Mortgage Income Fund, First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund, First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund, First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund, First Trust MLP and Energy Income Fund, First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund, First Trust Dynamic Europe Equity Income Fund, First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund and First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund, closed-end funds advised by First Trust; and First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund V, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VII, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund and First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund II, exchange-traded funds with 201 portfolios advised by First Trust (each a *"First Trust Fund"* and collectively, the *"First Trust Fund Complex"*). None of the Independent Trustees 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. or their affiliates.

The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Advisor, and the sub-advisory agreement among the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trustees set broad policies for the Fund, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Fund's investment advisor, sub-advisors and other service providers. The officers of the Trust manage the day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board. The Board is composed of five Independent Trustees and one Interested Trustee. The Interested Trustee, James A. Bowen, serves as the Chairman of the Board for each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex.

The same six persons serve as Trustees on the Board and on the Boards of all other First Trust Funds. The unitary board structure was adopted for the First Trust Funds because of the efficiencies it achieves with respect to the governance and oversight of the First Trust Funds. Each First Trust Fund is subject to the rules and regulations of the 1940 Act (and other applicable securities laws), which means that many of the First Trust Funds face similar issues with respect to certain of their fundamental activities, including risk management, portfolio liquidity, portfolio valuation and financial reporting. Because of

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the similar and often overlapping issues facing the First Trust Funds, including among the First Trust exchange-traded funds, the Board of the First Trust Funds believes that maintaining a unitary board structure promotes efficiency and consistency in the governance and oversight of all First Trust Funds and reduces the costs, administrative burdens and possible conflicts that may result from having multiple boards. In adopting a unitary board structure, the Trustees seek to provide effective governance through establishing a board the overall composition of which will, as a body, possess the appropriate skills, diversity, independence and experience to oversee the Fund's business.

Annually, the Board reviews its governance structure and the committee structures, their performance and functions, and it reviews any processes that would enhance Board governance over the Fund's business. The Board has determined that its leadership structure, including the unitary board and committee structure, is appropriate based on the characteristics of the funds it serves and the characteristics of the First Trust Fund Complex as a whole.

In order to streamline communication between the Advisor and the Independent Trustees and create certain efficiencies, the Board has a Lead Independent Trustee who is responsible for: (i) coordinating activities of the Independent Trustees; (ii) working with the Advisor, Fund counsel and the independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees to determine the agenda for Board meetings; (iii) serving as the principal contact for and facilitating communication between the Independent Trustees and the Fund's service providers, particularly the Advisor; and (iv) any other duties that the Independent Trustees may delegate to the Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee is selected by the Independent Trustees and serves a three-year term or until his or her successor is selected.

The Board has established five standing committees (as described below) and has delegated certain of its responsibilities to those committees. The Board and its committees meet frequently throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, review contractual arrangements with and performance of service providers, oversee compliance with regulatory requirements and review Fund performance. The Independent Trustees are represented by independent legal counsel at all Board and committee meetings (other than meetings of the Dividend Committee). Generally, the Board acts by majority vote of all the Trustees, including a majority vote of the Independent Trustees if required by applicable law.

The four Committee Chairs and the Lead Independent Trustee rotate every three years in serving as Chair of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee or the Dividend Committee, or as Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee and immediately preceding Lead Independent Trustee also serve on the Executive Committee with the Interested Trustee.

The five standing committees of the First Trust Fund Complex are: the Executive Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Dividend 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 of Trust and By Laws. Mr. Nielson, Mr. Bowen and Mr. Keith are members of the Executive Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Executive Committee did not hold any meetings.

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for appointing and nominating non-interested persons to the Board of Trustees. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe 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. The Board of Trustees adopted a mandatory retirement age of 75 for Trustees, beyond which age Trustees are ineligible to serve. The Committee will not consider new trustee candidates who are 72 years of age or older or will turn 72 years old during the initial term. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees occurs or is anticipated to occur 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 Fund. To submit a recommendation for nomination as a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, shareholders of the Fund should mail such recommendation to W. Scott Jardine, Secretary, at the Trust's address, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. Such recommendation shall include the following information: (i) evidence of Fund ownership of the person or entity recommending the candidate (if a Fund shareholder); (ii) a full description of the proposed candidate's background, including education, experience, current employment and date of birth; (iii) names and addresses of at least three professional references for the candidate; (iv) information as to whether the candidate is an "interested person" in relation to the Fund, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, and such other information that may be considered to impair the candidate's independence; and (v) any other information that may be helpful to the 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 Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and to counsel to the Independent Trustees. During the last fiscal year, the Nominating and Governance Committee held four meetings.

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The Valuation Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Advisor as the "Valuation Designee" under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act and its implementation of the valuation of the securities held in the Fund's portfolio. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe are members of the Valuation Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Valuation Committee held four meetings.

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund's accounting and financial reporting process, the system of internal controls and audit process and for evaluating and appointing independent auditors (subject also to Board approval). Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe serve on the Audit Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Audit Committee held seven meetings.

The Dividend Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in, or assuming the authority and power of the Board with respect to, the declaration and setting of the Fund's dividends. Messrs. Erickson and Nielson serve on the Dividend Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Dividend Committee did not hold any meetings.

**Executive Officers**

The executive officers of the Trust hold the same positions with each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex (representing 224 portfolios) as they hold with the Trust, except Messrs. Russo and Ueland who are executive officers of only the ETFs advised by First Trust and Mr. Testin who is an executive officer of only the ETFs and open-end funds advised by First Trust.

**Risk Oversight**

As part of the general oversight of the Fund, the Board is involved in the risk oversight of the Fund. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address the Fund's risks. Oversight of investment and compliance risk, including oversight of any sub-advisors, is performed primarily at the Board level in conjunction with the Advisor's investment oversight group and the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (*"CCO"*). Oversight of other risks also occurs at the committee level. The Advisor's investment oversight group reports to the Board at quarterly meetings regarding, among other things, Fund performance and the various drivers of such performance as well as information related to the Sub-Advisor and its operations and processes. The Board reviews reports on the Fund's and the service providers' compliance policies and procedures at each quarterly Board meeting and receives an annual report from the CCO regarding the operations of the Fund's and the service providers' compliance programs. In addition, the Independent Trustees meet privately each quarter with the CCO. The Audit Committee reviews, with the Advisor and the Fund's independent auditors, the Fund's major financial risk exposures and the steps the Advisor has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including the Fund's risk assessment and risk management policies and guidelines. The Audit Committee also, as appropriate, reviews in a general manner the processes other Board committees have in place with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The Nominating and Governance Committee monitors all matters related to the corporate governance of the Trust. The Valuation Committee monitors valuation risk and oversees the Advisor's performance as Valuation Designee.

Not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified nor can controls be developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. It may not be practical or cost effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, the processes and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness, and some risks are simply beyond the reasonable control of the Fund or the Advisor or other service providers. For instance, as the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent, the Fund and its service providers have become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cyber security (generally, intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund or a service provider to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity). There can be no guarantee that any risk management systems established by the Fund, its service providers, or issuers of the securities in which the Fund invests to reduce cyber security risks will succeed, and the Fund cannot control such systems put in place by service providers, issuers or other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund and/or its shareholders. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment related risks) to achieve the Fund's goals. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Fund's ability to manage risk is subject to substantial limitations.

**Board Diversification and Trustee Qualifications**

As described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board oversees matters related to the selection and nomination of Trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to establish an effective Board with an appropriate range of skills and diversity, including, as appropriate, differences in background, professional experience, education, vocation, and other individual characteristics and traits in the aggregate. Each Trustee must meet certain basic requirements, including

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relevant skills and experience, time availability and, if qualifying as an Independent Trustee, independence from the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, underwriters or other service providers, including any affiliates of these entities.

Listed below for each current Trustee are the experiences, qualifications and attributes that led to the conclusion, as of the date of this SAI, that each current Trustee should serve as a Trustee in light of the Trust's business and structure.

Richard E. Erickson, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with Edward-Elmhurst Medical Group. He was previously President of Wheaton Orthopedics, a co-owner and director of a fitness center and a limited partner of two real estate companies. Dr. Erickson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Dr. Erickson has also served as the Lead Independent Trustee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019) and on the Executive Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2022), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2003–2007 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2012–2013) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (June 2006–2007; 2010–2011 and 2020–2022) of the First Trust Funds. He currently serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Thomas R. Kadlec was previously President of ADM Investor Services Inc. (*"ADMIS"*), a futures commission merchant and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Archer Daniels Midland Company (*"ADM"*) from 2010 to July 2022. Mr. Kadlec was employed by ADMIS and its affiliates since 1990 in various accounting, financial, operations and risk management capacities. Mr. Kadlec served on the boards of several international affiliates of ADMIS until July 2022 and served as a member of ADM's Integrated Risk Committee from 2008–2018, which was tasked with the duty of implementing and communicating enterprise-wide risk management. From 2014 to 2022, Mr. Kadlec was on the board of the Futures Industry Association. In 2017, Mr. Kadlec was elected to the board of the National Futures Association. Mr. Kadlec has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception. Mr. Kadlec also served on the Executive Committee from the organization of the first First Trust closed-end fund in 2003 through 2005 (and 2014–2019) until he was elected as the first Lead Independent Trustee in December 2005, serving as such through 2007 (and 2014–2016). He also served as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2012–2013). He currently serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Denise M. Keefe is Executive Vice President of Advocate Aurora Health and President of Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division (together, *"Advocate"*), one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the U.S. serving Illinois and Wisconsin. Ms. Keefe has been employed by Advocate since 1993 and is responsible for the Continuing Health Division's strategic direction, fiscal management, business development, revenue enhancement, operational efficiencies, and human resource management of 4,000 employees. Ms. Keefe also currently serves on the boards of several organizations within the Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division and other health care organizations, including RML Long Term Acute Care Hospitals (since 2014) and Senior Helpers (since 2021). Prior thereto, Ms. Keefe was Corporate Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for the Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago (1989–1992) and a former Board Member of Sherman West Court Skilled Nursing Facility. Ms. Keefe has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds and on the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Valuation Committee of the First Trust Funds since November 1, 2021.

Robert F. Keith is President of Hibs Enterprises, a financial and management consulting firm. Mr. Keith has been with Hibs Enterprises since 2003. Prior thereto, Mr. Keith spent 18 years with ServiceMaster and Aramark, including three years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Consumer Services, where he led the initial expansion of certain products overseas; five years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Management Services; and two years as President of Aramark ServiceMaster Management Services. Mr. Keith is a certified public accountant and also has held the positions of Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of ServiceMaster, at which time he oversaw the financial aspects of ServiceMaster's expansion of its Management Services division into Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Mr. Keith has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds since 2006. Mr. Keith has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2014–2016) of the First Trust Funds. He served as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (2012–2016). He currently serves as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2023) and as Chairman of the Dividend Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Niel B. Nielson, Ph.D., has been the Senior Advisor of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation, a global provider of educational products and services since 2018. Prior thereto, Mr. Nielson served as the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation for three years. Mr. Nielson formerly served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dew Learning LLC from 2012 through 2014. Mr. Nielson formerly served as President of Covenant College (2002–2012), and as a partner and trader (of options and futures contracts for hedging options) for Ritchie Capital Markets Group (1996–1997),

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where he held an administrative management position at this proprietary derivatives trading company. He also held prior positions in new business development for ServiceMaster Management Services Company and in personnel and human resources for NationsBank of North Carolina, N.A. and Chicago Research and Trading Group, Ltd. (*"CRT"*). His international experience includes serving as a director of CRT Europe, Inc. for two years, directing out of London all aspects of business conducted by the U.K. and European subsidiary of CRT. Prior to that, Mr. Nielson was a trader and manager at CRT in Chicago. Mr. Nielson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Mr. Nielson has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2003–2006 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2007–2008), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Dividend Committee (2020–2022) and Lead Independent Trustee and a member of the Executive Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022). He currently serves on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2020) and as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

James A. Bowen is Chief Executive Officer of First Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P. Mr. Bowen is involved in the day-to-day management of the First Trust Funds and serves on the Executive Committee. He has over 35 years of experience in the investment company business in sales, sales management and executive management. Mr. Bowen has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999.

Effective January 1, 2023, the fixed annual retainer paid to the Independent Trustees is $275,000 per year and an annual per fund fee of $2,500 for each closed-end fund and actively managed fund, $750 for each target outcome fund and $250 for each index fund. The fixed annual retainer is allocated equally among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex rather than being allocated pro rata based on each fund's net assets. Additionally, the Lead Independent Trustee is paid $30,000 annually, the Chairman of the Audit Committee is paid $25,000 annually, the Chairman of the Valuation Committee is paid $20,000 annually and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee is paid $20,000 annually to serve in such capacities with compensation allocated pro rata among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex based on its net assets.

The following table sets forth the total compensation (including reimbursement for travel and out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Fund and the First Trust Fund Complex to each of the Independent Trustees for the fiscal period ended October 31, 2022 and the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. 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. 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. The Trust has no employees. Its officers are compensated by First Trust.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Trustee** | **Total Compensation from**<br> **the Fund** <sup>(1)</sup> <br>| **Total Compensation from**<br> **the First Trust Fund Complex** <sup>(2)</sup> <br>|
| Richard E. Erickson | $3711 | $523750 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec | $3711 | $524820 |
| Denise M. Keefe <sup>(3)</sup> | $3679 | $504158 |
| Robert F. Keith | $3695 | $514231 |
| Niel B. Nielson | $3727 | $533750 |

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(1) The compensation paid by the Fund to the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 for services to the Fund.

(2) The total compensation paid to the Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022 for services to the 225 portfolios existing in 2022, which consisted of 9 open-end mutual funds, 15 closed-end funds and 201 exchange-traded funds.

(3) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Fund and in other funds overseen by the Trustees in the First Trust Fund Complex as of December 31, 2022:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustee** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Fund**<br> **(Number of Shares** <br> **Held)**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar**<br> **Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in the First** <br> **Trust Fund Complex**<br>|
| **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** |
| James A. Bowen | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000  |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustee** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Fund**<br> **(Number of Shares** <br> **Held)**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar**<br> **Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in the First** <br> **Trust Fund Complex**<br>|
| **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** |
| Richard E. Erickson |  | Over $100,000 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec |  | Over $100,000 |
| Denise M. Keefe<sup>(1)</sup> |  | Over $100,000 |
| Robert F. Keith |  | Over $100,000 |
| Niel B. Nielson |  | Over $100,000 |

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(1) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

As of January 31, 2023, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and their immediate family members did not own beneficially or of record any class of securities of an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Fund or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Fund.

As of January 31, 2023, the officers and Trustees, in the aggregate, owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.

The table set forth in *Exhibit A* shows the percentage ownership of each person or "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*)) who, based on the securities position listing reports as of January 31, 2023, owned of record, or is known by the Trust to have owned of record or beneficially, 5% or more of the shares of the Fund (the *"Principal Holders"*). A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of control. A party that controls the Fund may be able to significantly influence the outcome of any item presented to shareholders for approval.

**Investment Advisor**. First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Fund. 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 James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities to the Fund subject to the policies of the Board of Trustees.

First Trust provides investment tools and portfolios for advisors and investors. First Trust is committed to theoretically sound portfolio construction and empirically verifiable investment management approaches. Its asset management philosophy and investment discipline are deeply rooted in the application of intuitive factor analysis and model implementation to enhance investment decisions.

First Trust acts as investment advisor for and manages the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund. 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 agreement between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the *"Investment Management Agreement"*), First Trust manages the investment of the Fund's assets and is responsible for paying all expenses of the Fund, excluding the fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

The Fund has agreed to pay an annual management fee equal to 0.85% of its average daily net assets. First Trust provides fund reporting services to the Fund for a flat annual fee in the amount of $9,250, which is included in the annual unitary management fee.

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

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with due care and in good faith, except loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or 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 terminates automatically upon assignment and is terminable at any time without penalty as to the Fund by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities on 60 days' written notice to First Trust, or by First Trust on 60 days' written notice to the Fund.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to the Advisor will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*) and calculated pursuant to the schedule below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee** | **Breakpoints** |
| 0.85000% | Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion |
| 0.82875% | Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion |
| 0.80750% | Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion |
| 0.78625% | Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion |
| 0.76500% | Fund net assets greater than $10 billion |

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During any period in which the Advisor's management fee is reduced in accordance with the breakpoints described above, the investment sub-advisory fee (which is based on the Advisor's management fee) paid to First Trust Global Portfolios Limited, the Fund's investment sub-advisor, will be reduced to reflect the reduction in the Advisor's management fee.

The following table sets forth the unitary management fee paid by the Fund to First Trust for the specified periods.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $1890150 | $2233528 | $1435495 |

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**Sub-Advisor**

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and First Trust have retained First Trust Global Portfolios Limited, an affiliate of First Trust, to serve as the Fund's investment sub-advisor pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement (the *"Sub-Advisory Agreement"*). The Sub-Advisor is responsible for the selection and on-going monitoring of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio. The investment team at First Trust Global has over 30 years combined experience managing international sovereign debt. The team has a dynamic investment process with decisions made by investment managers, not a committee.

**Portfolio Managers.** The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds. There are currently three portfolio managers, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Derek Fulton is a Director and CEO of First Trust Global Portfolios Limited. Derek has been managing global portfolios with a focus on fixed income for 20 years. Prior to joining First Trust in Europe in 2011, Derek was founder and principal of a boutique fixed income manager in Paris managing global bond funds. Derek joined Aberdeen Asset Management after leaving university and spent 12 years with the firm holding positions as Head of Asian Fixed Income in Singapore and Head of Global Fixed Income strategies in London. At First Trust Global Portfolios Limited, he is responsible for development and distribution of actively managed and smart beta strategies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Leonardo Da Costa, CFA, is a Director and Portfolio Manager at First Trust Global Portfolios Limited where he focuses on global fixed income and is a specialist in emerging markets. Leonardo joined First Trust Global Portfolios Limited from a boutique French asset manager where he was portfolio manager on the fixed income team. Previously, he worked for Hydra Capital Management, a specialist emerging market fund manager, on the firm's long/short and long only emerging market fixed income products. He started his career as a member of the Global Emerging Market Debt team at Aberdeen Asset Management. The team was responsible for managing $2.5 billion of emerging market fixed income assets across total return, income, and closed end products. Leonardo has a B.Comm (Honors) in Investment and Financial Management from the University of Pretoria (South Africa) and is a CFA Charterholder.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Anthony Beevers is a Portfolio Manager at First Trust Global Portfolios Limited where he focuses on quantitative strategies across global fixed income and multi-asset solutions. Prior to joining the First Trust Global Portfolios Limited, he was a Senior Analyst on the Portfolio Management team at FQS Capital Partners, a specialized quantitative investment firm investing in hedge Funds across fixed income, FX and equity markets. Anthony graduated with first class Honors from the ICMA Centre at the Henley Business School and is a CFA Charterholder.

As of October 31, 2022, none of the portfolio managers beneficially owned any shares of the Fund.

**Compensation.** The portfolio managers are compensated by First Trust Global with a competitive minimum base salary and share in the profits of the company.

**Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers** 

In addition to the Fund, as of October 31, 2022, the portfolio managers are also primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Sub-Advisor** | **Registered**<br> **Investment Companies**<br> **Number of Accounts**<br> **($ Assets)**<br>| **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles**<br> **Number of Accounts**<br> **($ Assets)**<br>| **Other Accounts**<br> **Number of Accounts**<br> **($ Assets)**<br>| **Other Accounts with**<br> **Performance Fees**<br> **Number of Accounts**<br> **($ Assets)**<br>|
| Derek Fulton | 1 ($121507492) | 2 ($17585829) | 2 ($3020309) | 1 ($4628251) |
| Leonardo Da Costa | 1 ($121507492) | 2 ($17585829) | 2 ($3020309) | 1 ($4628251) |
| Anthony Beevers | 1 ($121507492) | 2 ($17585829) | 2 ($3020309) | 1 ($4628251) |

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**Conflicts of Interest.** Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when the Sub-Advisor has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. More specifically, the Sub-Advisor manages multiple funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the potential conflicts described below.

The management of multiple funds and/or other accounts may result in the Sub-Advisor devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each fund and/or other account. The Advisor seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of the Sub-Advisor by having the Sub-Advisor focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by the Sub-Advisor are managed using the same investment models that are used in connection with the management of the Fund.

If the Sub-Advisor identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, a fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible funds and other accounts. To deal with these situations, the Sub-Advisor adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts.

With respect to securities transactions for the Fund, the Sub-Advisor determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as mutual funds for which the Sub-Advisor acts as sub-advisor, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Sub-Advisor may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for the Fund in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of the Fund or other account(s) involved.

The Sub-Advisor, the Advisor and the Fund have adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

**The Sub-Advisory Agreement**. The Sub-Advisor, subject to the Board of Trustees' and Advisor's supervision, provides the Fund with discretionary investment services. Specifically, the Sub-Advisor is responsible for managing the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions as provided in the Prospectus and this SAI, as may be subsequently changed by the Board of Trustees and communicated to the Sub-Advisor in writing. The Sub-Advisor further agrees to conform to all applicable laws and regulations of the SEC in all material respects and to conduct its activities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement in all material respects in accordance with applicable regulations of any governmental authority pertaining to its investment advisory services. In the performance of its duties, the Sub-Advisor will in all material

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respects satisfy any applicable fiduciary duties it may have to the Fund, will monitor the Fund's investments and will comply with the provisions of the Fund's Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, as amended from time to time, and the stated investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is responsible for effecting all security transactions for the Fund's assets. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the Sub-Advisor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Fund or the advisor (including, without limitation, by reason of the purchase, sale or retention of any security) in connection with the performance of the Sub-Advisor's duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, except for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Sub-Advisor in performance of its duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Advisor has agreed to pay for the services and facilities provided by the Sub-Advisor through sub-advisory fees equal to the annual rate of 0.40% of the average daily net assets of the Fund, less the Sub-Advisor's share of the Fund's expenses. The Sub-Advisor's fees are paid by the Advisor out of the Advisor's management fee. The following table sets forth the sub-advisory fees paid to the Sub-Advisor by the Advisor for the specified periods.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $510408 | $681815 | $415928 |

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The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without the payment of any penalty by First Trust, the Fund's Board of Trustees, or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), upon 60 days' written notice to the Sub-Advisor.

All fees and expenses are accrued daily and deducted before payment of dividends to investors. The Investment Management Agreements and the Sub-Advisory Agreement have been approved by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Fund, and the common shareholders of the Fund.

**Brokerage Allocations**

The Sub-Advisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund and for the placement of the Fund's 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 the Sub-Advisor 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 the Sub-Advisor and its clients. The best price to the 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 on the 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 Fund may pay markups on principal transactions. In selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Sub-Advisor 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 1934 Act permits an investment advisor, 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). Such brokerage and research services are often referred to as "soft dollars." The Sub-Advisor has advised the Board of Trustees that it does not currently intend to use soft dollars.

As an investment advisor, the Sub-Advisor has an obligation to seek best execution of trades in a manner intended, considering the circumstances, to secure that combination of net price and execution that will maximize the value of the Sub-Advisor's investment decisions for the benefit of its clients. Subject to the Sub-Advisor's duty to seek best execution, the Sub-Advisor's selection of brokers may be affected by its receipt of research services.

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The Sub-Advisor may use client commissions (i) to acquire third party research, including the eligible portion of certain "mixed use" research products, and (ii) for proprietary research provided by brokers participating in the execution process, including access to the brokers' traders and analysts, access to conferences and company management, and the provision of market information.

When the Sub-Advisor receives research products and services in return for client brokerage, it relieves the Sub-Advisor of the expense it would otherwise bear of paying for those items with its own funds, which may provide an incentive to the Sub-Advisor to select a particular broker-dealer or electronic communication network that will provide it with research products or services. However, the Sub-Advisor chooses those broker-dealers it believes are best able to provide the best combination of net price and execution in each transaction. The Sub-Advisor uses client brokerage from accounts managed by an investment team for research used by that team. Because virtually all orders are aggregated across all accounts in a strategy for execution by a single broker, all participating accounts, including the Fund, generally will pay the same commission rate for trades and will share pro rata in the costs for the research, except for certain governmental clients that are subject to legal restrictions on the use of their commissions to pay for third-party research products and services (in which case the Sub-Advisor pays for such products and services from its own funds).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in selecting brokers, the Sub-Advisor may in the future 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 the Sub-Advisor 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 the Sub-Advisor or the Trust. In addition, the Sub-Advisor must determine that the research information received in this manner provides the Fund with benefits by supplementing the research otherwise available to the Fund. The Investment Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement provide that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund unless the Advisor or Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation to the services provided. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to First Trust under the Investment Management Agreement would not be reduced as a result of receipt by the Sub-Advisor of research services.

The Sub-Advisor places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts advised by it, and research services furnished by firms through which the Fund effects securities transactions may be used by the Sub-Advisor in servicing all of its accounts; not all of such services may be used by the Sub-Advisor in connection with the Fund. The Sub-Advisor believes it is not possible to measure separately the benefits from research services to each of the accounts (including the Fund) 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, the Sub-Advisor believes such costs to the Fund will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by the Fund on a continuing basis. The Sub-Advisor seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund 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 Fund. In making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the main factors considered by the Sub-Advisor are the respective investment objective, 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 the Fund for the specified periods. Significant variations in the amount the Fund paid in brokerage commissions from year-to-year are generally the result of fluctuations in the size of the Fund or changes to the Fund's portfolio holdings.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |

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During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund did not acquire shares of a regular broker or dealer of the Fund as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act.

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**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange**

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent and Transfer Agent.** The Trust has appointed Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (*"BBH"*), located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, to serve as the Fund's administrator, fund accounting agent and transfer agent pursuant to an administrative agency agreement (the *"Administrative Agency Agreement"*). As administrator, BBH provides various administrative services set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement. As the fund accounting agent, BBH provides transaction processing and review, custodial reconciliation, securities pricing and investment accounting. As the Fund's transfer agent, BBH is responsible for processing the issuance and redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations, the recording of such issuances and redemptions and other services related to the monitoring of cash collateral.

**Custodian.** The Trust has appointed BBH to serve as the Fund's custodian pursuant to a custody agreement (the *"Custody Agreement"*). Pursuant to the terms of the Custody Agreement, BBH is generally responsible for the safekeeping of the Fund's assets and performing various other administrative duties set forth in the agreement.

As set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has agreed to indemnify BBH against, and hold it harmless from, certain losses, claims, liabilities and expenses arising out of BBH's performance of its obligations and duties under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, provided that such losses, claims, liabilities and expenses did not result from BBH's willful malfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such obligations and duties.

As compensation for the services provided by BBH under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has agreed to pay to BBH such compensation as is mutually agreed upon from time to time and reimburse BBH for out-of-pocket expenses which are a normal incident of the services provided under the agreements. This fee is subject to reduction for assets over $1 billion and $2 billion. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Fund does not directly pay BBH for these services, as First Trust has assumed responsibility for the payment of these expenses out of the unitary management fee it receives from the Fund.

**Distributor.** First Trust Portfolios L.P., an affiliate of First Trust, is the distributor (*"FTP"* or the *"Distributor"*) and principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund. Its principal address is 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. 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 Funds through the Distributor only in Creation Unit Aggregations, as described in the Prospectus under the heading "Other Information - Continuous Offering."

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020, October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2022, there were no underwriting commissions with respect to the sale of Fund shares and FTP did not receive compensation on redemptions for the Fund for those years.

**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 Fund may reimburse the Distributor up to a maximum annual rate of 0.25% of 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. With the exception of the Distributor and its affiliates, no "interested person" of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) and no Trustee of the Trust has a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any related agreement.

No fee is currently paid by the Fund under the Plan and, pursuant to a contractual agreement, the Fund will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024.

**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 1934 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

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vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The Distributor has entered into agreements with participants that utilize the facilities of the Depositary Trust Company (the *"DTC Participants"*), which have international operational capabilities and place orders for Creation Unit Aggregations of Fund shares. Participating Parties (which are participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation) shall be DTC Participants.

**Exchange.** The only relationship that the Exchange has with First Trust or the Distributor of the Fund in connection with the Fund is that the Exchange lists the shares of the Fund and disseminates the intra-day portfolio values that are calculated by the IPV Calculator pursuant to its listing agreement with the Trust. The Exchange 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 Fund or in the determination or calculation of the net asset value of the Fund. The Exchange has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

**Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries**

First Trust or its affiliates may from time to time make payments, out of their own resources, to certain broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, banks or other intermediaries (collectively, *"intermediaries"*) that sell shares of First Trust mutual funds and ETFs (*"First Trust Funds"*) to promote the sales and retention of Fund shares by those firms and their customers. The amounts of these payments vary by intermediary. The level of payments that First Trust is willing to provide to a particular intermediary may be affected by, among other factors, (i) the firm's total assets or Fund shares held in and recent net investments into First Trust Funds, (ii) the value of the assets invested in the First Trust Funds by the intermediary's customers, (iii) redemption rates, (iv) its ability to attract and retain assets, (v) the intermediary's reputation in the industry, (vi) the level and/or type of marketing assistance and educational activities provided by the intermediary, (vii) the firm's level of participation in First Trust Funds' sales and marketing programs, (viii) the firm's compensation program for its registered representatives who sell Fund shares and provide services to Fund shareholders, and (ix) the asset class of the First Trust Funds for which these payments are provided. Such payments are generally asset-based but also may include the payment of a lump sum.

First Trust may also make payments to certain intermediaries for certain administrative services and shareholder processing services, including record keeping and sub-accounting of shareholder accounts pursuant to a sub-transfer agency, omnibus account service or sub-accounting agreement. All fees payable by First Trust under this category of services may be charged back to the Fund, subject to approval by the Board.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may make payments, out of its own assets, to those firms as compensation and/or reimbursement for marketing support and/or program servicing to selected intermediaries that are registered as holders or dealers of record for accounts invested in one or more of the First Trust Funds or that make First Trust Fund shares available through certain selected Fund no-transaction fee institutional platforms and fee-based wrap programs at certain financial intermediaries. Program servicing payments typically apply to employee benefit plans, such as retirement plans, or fee-based advisory programs but may apply to retail sales and assets in certain situations. The payments are based on such factors as the type and nature of services or support furnished by the intermediary and are generally asset-based. Services for which an intermediary receives marketing support payments may include, but are not limited to, business planning assistance, advertising, educating the intermediary's personnel about First Trust Funds in connection with shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the intermediary's preferred or recommended fund list, and access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the intermediary. In addition, intermediaries may be compensated for enabling representatives of First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events and other events sponsored by the intermediary. Services for which an intermediary receives program servicing payments typically include, but are not limited to, record keeping, reporting or transaction processing and shareholder communications and other account administration services, but may also include services rendered in connection with Fund/investment selection and monitoring, employee enrollment and education, plan balance rollover or separation, or other similar services. An intermediary may perform program services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform program services. These payments, if any, are in addition to the service fee and any applicable omnibus sub-accounting fees paid to these firms with respect to these services by the First Trust Funds out of Fund assets.

From time to time, First Trust and/or its affiliates, at its expense, may provide other compensation to intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the First Trust Funds, which may be in addition to marketing support and program

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servicing payments described above. For example, First Trust and/or its affiliates may: (i) compensate intermediaries for National Securities Clearing Corporation networking system services (*e.g.*, shareholder communication, account statements, trade confirmations and tax reporting) on an asset-based or per-account basis; (ii) compensate intermediaries for providing Fund shareholder trading information; (iii) make one-time or periodic payments to reimburse selected intermediaries for items such as ticket charges (*i.e.*, fees that an intermediary charges its representatives for effecting transactions in Fund shares) or exchange order, operational charges (*e.g.*, fees that an intermediary charges for establishing the Fund on its trading system), and literature printing and/or distribution costs; (iv) at the direction of a retirement plan's sponsor, reimburse or pay direct expenses of an employee benefit plan that would otherwise be payable by the plan; (v) provide payments to broker-dealers to help defray their technology or infrastructure costs; and (vi) make payments for expenses associated with intermediaries' use of First Trust Funds including, but not limited to, the use of First Trust Funds in model portfolios.

When not provided for in a marketing support or program servicing agreement, First Trust and/ or its affiliates may also pay intermediaries for enabling First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other intermediary employees, client and investor events and other intermediary-sponsored events, and for travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with prospecting, asset retention and due diligence trips. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event. First Trust and/or its affiliates make payments for such events as it deems appropriate, subject to its internal guidelines and applicable law.

First Trust and/or its affiliates occasionally sponsor due diligence meetings for registered representatives during which they receive updates on various First Trust Funds and are afforded the opportunity to speak with portfolio managers. Although invitations to these meetings are not conditioned on selling a specific number of shares, those who have shown an interest in First Trust Funds are more likely to be considered. To the extent permitted by their firm's policies and procedures, all or a portion of registered representatives' expenses in attending these meetings may be covered by First Trust and/or its affiliates.

The amounts of payments referenced above made by First Trust and/or its affiliates could be significant and may create an incentive for an intermediary or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the First Trust Funds to its customers. The intermediary may elevate the prominence or profile of the First Trust Funds within the intermediary's organization by, for example, placing the First Trust Funds on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or granting First Trust and/or its affiliates preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the First Trust Funds in various ways within the intermediary's organization. These payments are made pursuant to negotiated agreements with intermediaries. The payments do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a share or the amount the Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales. Furthermore, many of these payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table section of the Fund's Prospectus because they are not paid by the Fund. The types of payments described herein are not mutually exclusive, and a single intermediary may receive some or all types of payments as described.

Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. Investors can ask their intermediaries for information about any payments they receive from First Trust and/or its affiliates and the services it provides for those payments. Investors may wish to take intermediary payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares.

Payments to intermediaries, in certain circumstances, may also be made in connection with the distribution of model portfolios developed by First Trust, such as the inclusion of such model portfolios on an intermediary's platform, as well as in connection with the marketing and sale of, and/or product training regarding such model portfolios, or servicing of accounts tracking such model portfolios. Such payments may be variable or fixed fee payments for platform support, or other payments in the form of a variable or fixed fee or a per position fee, or may relate to the amount of assets an intermediary's clients have invested in the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust, the management fee, the total expense ratio, or sales of the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust. Some intermediaries also provide related data regarding transactions in specific model portfolios, First Trust Funds and investment strategies to First Trust in exchange for a fee.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may enter into arrangements with third parties, such as a software provider, whereby First Trust may license certain technology or other services from such entity in exchange for licensing or other fees which may be, in whole or in part, dependent on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service. Such third party may also offer price concessions to broker dealers, investment advisers or other financial intermediaries that license technology or other services that may be dependent, in whole or in part, on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service.

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**Additional Information**

**Book Entry Only System.** The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.

**DTC Acts as Securities Depository for Fund Shares.** Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (*"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 NYSE 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.

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 Fund 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 Fund 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.

**Policy Regarding Investment in Other Investment Companies.** The Fund will not rely on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act to invest in other investment companies.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (*"EEA"*) ONLY** 

The following disclosures are included in this SAI solely for the purposes of compliance with the applicable EEA law and regulation resulting from, of and as a consequence of, the Fund's registration or notification under the EU Directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (Directive (2011/61/EU)) (the *"AIFM Directive"*) national private placement regimes in certain European Union (*"EU"*) and EEA jurisdictions. The following disclosures are not intended for, and should not be relied

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on by, any investor other than an investor in the relevant EU and/or EEA jurisdictions because the rules, regulations and requirements applicable to the Fund in those jurisdictions as a result of their registration or notification differ from the rules, regulations and requirements applicable to the Fund under the Investment Company Act.

***European Union's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation*** 

While First Trust Advisors L.P. (the *"Advisor"*) is not itself generally subject to Regulation 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial sector (*"SFDR"*), by virtue of the Fund's registration or notification under the AIFM Directive national private placement regimes in certain EU and EEA jurisdictions, some limited disclosures under the SFDR must be made in respect of the Fund and the following section is intended to satisfy certain of such requirements. The SFDR requires the Advisor to determine, on a product-by-product basis, whether "sustainability risks" are relevant to the Advisor's in-scope financial products, including the Fund.

For the purposes of SFDR, "sustainability risk" means an environmental, social or governance (*"ESG"*) event or condition that, if it occurs, could cause an actual or a potential material negative impact on the value of an investment.

Solely for the purposes of SFDR, the Advisor has determined that sustainability risks are not relevant to the Fund on the basis that the Fund invests principally in investments or asset classes which, in the opinion of the Advisor, are not ordinarily subject to sustainability risk as a material negative impact on the value of those investments, as such terms are interpreted and applied under SFDR.

Consequently, the Advisor does not integrate sustainability risks into its investment decision making for the Fund and the Advisor has not assessed the likely impacts of sustainability risks on the returns of the Fund, as such terms are interpreted and applied under SFDR.

The Advisor will keep its assessment that sustainability risks are not relevant to the Fund under regular review.

SFDR requires the Advisor to disclose whether, and if so how, it considers the principal adverse impacts (*"PAIs"*) of its investment decisions on sustainability factors, in accordance with a specific regime outlined in SFDR, in relation to the Fund. The Advisor does not consider the principal adverse impacts of its investment decisions on sustainability factors (either generally or in relation to the Fund).

In addition, the Advisor considers that its primary investment strategies and client relationships do not support adoption of the PAI regime within SFDR.

***Information for Investors in the EEA Regarding Offering of the Fund*** 

In relation to each Member State of the EEA which has implemented the AIFM Directive, the Prospectus, and any summary Prospectus or SAI relating to the Fund, may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that: (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with the AIFM Directive (as implemented into the local law/regulations of the relevant Member State); or otherwise (2) the Prospectus and SAI may be lawfully distributed and the shares may lawfully be offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor).

In relation to each Member State of the EEA which, at the date of this SAI, has not implemented the AIFM Directive, the Prospectus and this SAI may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed to the extent that the Prospectus and this SAI may be lawfully distributed and the shares may lawfully be offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor).

In addition, the following restrictions apply to the distribution of the Prospectus and SAI in the following Member States:

***Information for Investors in the United Kingdom*** 

Subject always to the foregoing notice in respect of the EEA, this SAI is being issued in the United Kingdom by First Trust Global Portfolios Limited (which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (the *"FCA"*)) only to and/or is directed only at persons who are professional clients or eligible counterparties for the purposes of the FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook. The opportunity to invest in the Fund is only available to such persons in the United Kingdom, and the Prospectus and SAI must not be relied on or acted upon by any other persons in the United Kingdom.

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***Information for Investors in Ireland*** 

The distribution of this Prospectus and SAI in Ireland and the offering or purchase of shares is restricted to the individual to whom it is addressed. Accordingly, it may not be reproduced in whole or in part, nor may its contents be distributed in writing or orally to any third party and it may be read solely by the person to whom it is addressed and his/her professional advisers. Shares in the Fund will not be offered or sold by any person:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) otherwise than in conformity with the provisions of the European Communities (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2007 and the European Union (Alternative Investment Fund Managers) Regulations 2013, each as amended; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) in any way which would require the publication of a prospectus under the Companies Act 2014 or any regulations made thereunder; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) in Ireland except in all circumstances that will result in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in Ireland.

***AIFM Directive Disclosures*** 

*Background*. The AIFM Directive is an EU directive which regulates the management and marketing of funds within the EEA. The AIFM Directive distinguishes between EU and non-EU funds and EU and non-EU fund managers and different obligations apply under the AIFM Directive depending on where the fund is based and where the manager is based. Certain disclosure, transparency and reporting obligations are imposed on non-EU fund managers wishing to market funds to investors in the EEA. There are additional requirements imposed on EU fund managers, which do not currently apply to First Trust.

To the extent not already disclosed to you prior to your investment in the Fund, the purpose of this section of this SAI is to satisfy the disclosures which are required to be provided to you under the AIFM Directive.

*Overview of the Fund and the Service Providers*. The Fund is a non-EU AIFs (*"AIF"* means an alternative investment fund for the purposes of the AIFM Directive).

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"*) is the AIFM of the Fund (*"AIFM"* means an alternative investment fund manager for the purposes of the AIFM Directive). First Trust is a non-EU AIFM.

The Trust has entered into agreements with various service providers including First Trust (as the Investment Advisor), the Custodian, Distributor, Transfer Agent, Administrator, index providers and the exchange where the Fund is listed in respect of the Fund. Further details regarding the duties and roles of such service providers can be found in the Prospectus and this SAI for the Fund.

In addition to the parties listed above, the Trust has appointed (i) Chapman and Cutler LLP as its legal counsel which advises it on US legal matters; (ii) Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Fund's auditors who undertake to audit the Fund's financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) (United States); and (iii) CT Corporation System as the Fund's registered agent.

First Trust is not required to ensure that the Fund appoints, and the Fund has not appointed, a depositary for purposes of the AIFM Directive. (A depositary in the context of the AIFM Directive, has a specific role and function. The appointment of such depositary is not required for non-EU AIFs with non-EU AIFMs). As such, investors in the Fund have no rights as against any person in respect of the duties or liabilities of a depositary under the AIFM Directive.

*Investors' Contractual Rights*. In respect of each of the service providers to the Fund, investors who purchase shares in the Fund in the secondary market have no direct rights of action against the service providers, as a matter of contract law or under the establishment documents of the Trust. The proper plaintiff in an action in respect of which a wrongdoing is alleged to have been committed against the Fund or the Trust by a service provider is, prima facie, the Trust itself. An investor may bring a derivative or similar action or proceeding (*"Derivative Action"*) against the Trust or the Fund to recover a judgment in its favor in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration. Accordingly, investors would have no direct contractual right against the relevant service provider for breach of the agreement governing its appointment by the Trust. The foregoing disclosure is without prejudice to such other rights of action (for example, under the securities laws, tort law or in respect of breach of fiduciary duty) which might in certain situations be separately available to investors.

*Investment in the Fund*. Investors will buy shares in the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers and will not subscribe for shares from the Trust directly. As such, there is no direct contractual relationship between the Fund and

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the investor in connection with the purchase or sale of shares. While the Fund is established under Massachusetts law and Massachusetts law does facilitate the enforcement of judgments obtained in foreign jurisdictions, investors who buy shares on the secondary market will have no direct contractual right of action against the Fund. Investors should refer to "How to Buy and Sell Shares" in the main body of the Prospectus for more detail. The foregoing disclosure is without prejudice to such other rights of action (for example, under the securities laws, tort law or in respect of breach of fiduciary duty) which might in certain situations be separately available to investors.

*Redemption from the Fund*. Non-US investors will sell shares in secondary market transactions through brokers and will not redeem shares from the Fund directly. Shares can be sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. Investors should refer to "How to Buy and Sell Shares" in the main body of the Prospectus for more detail.

*Liquidity Risk Management*. Investors should note that while First Trust is not required to implement liquidity management arrangements in accordance with the AIFM Directive in respect of the Fund, the Fund is subject to the liquidity limitations established by the SEC. The Trustees have delegated to First Trust the day-to-day determination of illiquidity of equity and fixed income securities as described under "Illiquid Investments" in this SAI.

*Treatment of Investors*. The Trust and the AIFM do not offer any investors preferential treatment or the right to obtain preferential treatment. Whilst the Trust does not take specific steps to ensure the fair treatment of investors, under the 1940 Act the Trustees are required to monitor how the Fund operates and oversee matters where the interests of the Fund and its shareholders may differ from those of its investment adviser.

First Trust is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC, and is subject to regulation and oversight designed to protect shareholders. Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, First Trust is a fiduciary to its clients, including the Fund, and is therefore required to act in the best interests of clients and to place the interests of clients before its own.

*Information Regarding the Use of Leverage and Collateral*. The AIFM Directive requires disclosure of certain information relating to leverage, collateral and asset re-use arrangements. The Fund may obtain leverage through the use of derivatives and other non-fully funded investments such as reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitment agreements if, and to the extent that, such transactions are (i) disclosed in the Fund's Prospectus and SAI and (ii) deemed appropriate investments by First Trust. These leveraged trading practices generally have not been prohibited by the SEC, though the SEC has published guidance on the manner in which the Fund may cover its leveraged trading practices to limit leverage and avoid the need to address the leverage concerns in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, which severely restricts how the Fund may use leverage. All arrangements entered into by First Trust on behalf of the Fund which result in leverage follow the parameter of the guidance published by the SEC.

As a non-EU AIFM, First Trust is not obliged to set a maximum permitted level of leverage which it may employ in its management of the Fund. The total amount of leverage employed by the Fund is provided at www.ftglobalportfolios.com.

Investors should refer to the "Investment Objectives and Policies" and "Investment Strategies" section of this SAI for more details on the use and risk of leverage by the Fund.

*Shareholder Voting Rights*. The Declaration requires a shareholder vote only on those matters where the 1940 Act requires a vote of shareholders and otherwise permits the Trustees to take actions without seeking the consent of shareholders. The Fund's fundamental policies, as described in the "Investment Objectives and Policies" section of this SAI, may not be changed without approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the 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.

*Net Asset Value*. The latest NAV of the Fund, and the latest NAV per share of each class of share of the Fund, is available online at: www.ftglobalportfolios.com and online stock quote services. Generally investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund will therefore be available at the relevant market price rather than NAV.

The historical performance of the Fund since inception is available online at: www.ftglobalportfolios.com.

*Accounts*. Under the AIFM Directive, First Trust is required to make available the annual report of the Funds that it markets in the EEA. This must be prepared by no later than 6 months following the end of the financial year and contain certain

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specific content requirements set out in the AIFM Directive. Once the annual report has been produced, it will be made available to investors in the manner as set out in the Prospectus.

*Professional Liability Requirements/Delegation by the AIFM/Valuation*. As a non-EU AIFM, First Trust is not subject to certain EU requirements relating to (i) the cover of professional liability risk by holding either additional of its own funds or appropriate professional liability insurance; (ii) permitted delegation and the management and disclosure of conflicts of interest relating to any such delegation; and (iii) valuation as set out in Article 19 of the AIFM Directive. As such, no disclosures for the purposes of the AIFM Directive have been made. Notwithstanding this, First Trust and the Fund continue to comply with their requirements under US law.

*Periodic Disclosure Obligations*. The following information will be disclosed to Fund shareholders on a periodic basis by way of a posting being made on www.ftglobalportfolios.com:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the percentage of the Fund's assets, if any, that are subject to special arrangements arising from their illiquid nature (including, but not limited to, deferrals of redemptions and suspensions);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the current risk profile of the Fund and the risk management systems employed by the AIFM to manage those risks; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the total amount of leverage employed by the Fund, if any.

Whenever any new arrangements for managing the liquidity of the Fund are introduced including, but not limited to, any material changes to the liquidity management systems and procedures employed by First Trust, a disclosure to this effect will be uploaded on the Fund's website. The Fund will ensure that a notice is uploaded on an expedited basis whenever deferrals or other similar special arrangements are activated or where redemptions of shares are suspended.

A notice will be posted without undue delay whenever there is a change to a maximum level of leverage which may be employed on behalf of the Fund; and any changes are made to the right of re-use of collateral or any changes to any guarantee granted under any leveraging arrangement.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN HONG KONG ONLY** 

The Fund is a collective investment scheme but is not authorized under Section 104 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. Accordingly, the distribution of the Prospectus, and the placement of Fund shares in Hong Kong, is restricted. The Prospectus may only be distributed, circulated or issued to persons who are professional investors under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance or as otherwise permitted by the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN SINGAPORE ONLY** 

The Prospectus has not been registered as a Prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the Prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of Fund shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may Fund shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor pursuant to Section 304 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the *"SFA"*)) or (ii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN TAIWAN ONLY** 

Fund shares are being made available in the Republic of China (*"R.O.C."*) on a private placement basis only to banks, bills houses, trust enterprises, financial holding companies and other qualified entities or institutions (collectively, *"Qualified Institutions"*) and other entities and individuals meeting specific criteria (*"Other Qualified Investors"*) pursuant to the private placement provisions of the R.O.C. Rules Governing Offshore Funds. No other offer or sale of the shares of the Fund in the R.O.C. is permitted. R.O.C. purchasers of Fund shares may not sell or otherwise dispose of their holdings except by redemption, transfer to a Qualified Institution or Other Qualified Investor, transfer by operation of law or other means approved by the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission.

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**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

The Trust has adopted a proxy voting policy that seeks to ensure that proxies for securities held by the Fund are voted consistently with the best interests of the Fund.

The Board has delegated to First Trust the proxy voting responsibilities for the Fund and has directed First Trust to vote proxies consistent with the Fund's best interests. The First Trust Proxy Voting Guidelines are attached hereto as *Exhibit C*. 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 Fund. 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 generally 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. First Trust's use of the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines is not intended to constrain First Trust's consideration of any proxy proposal, and there are times when First Trust deviates from the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines. This includes when required by Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act or when agreed to by the Fund and certain acquired funds as permitted under Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, if applicable. Generally, First Trust will not rely on ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines to withhold votes or vote against directors solely based on quota criteria or the exclusion of certain climate-related disclosures, which may or may not relate to the company's core business or may not materially impact shareholder value. First Trust will consider such proxy voting decisions in light of merit-based considerations which it believes may impact shareholder value. First Trust retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available upon request and without charge on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com, by calling (800) 621-1675 or by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

**Portfolio Schedule.** The Fund files portfolio holdings information for each month in a fiscal quarter within 60 days after the end of the relevant fiscal quarter on Form N-PORT. Portfolio holdings information for the third month of each fiscal quarter will be publicly available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Fund's complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year is included in the semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, respectively, and is filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. A semi-annual or annual report for the Fund will become available to investors within 60 days after the period to which it relates. The Fund's Forms N-PORT and Forms N-CSR are available on the SEC's website listed above.

**Policy Regarding Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.** The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to this policy. The 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 websites. 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 each day the NYSE is open for trading via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*). Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act, information regarding the Fund's current portfolio holdings will be available on a daily basis at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx. The Trust, First Trust, FTP and BBH will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust.

**Codes of Ethics.** In order to mitigate the possibility that the Fund 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. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund; however, the Codes of Ethics require that each transaction in such securities be reviewed by the CCO or his or her designee. These Codes of Ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

**Creation and Redemption of Creation Units** 

**General.** ETFs, such as the Fund, generally issue and redeem their shares in primary market transactions through a creation and redemption mechanism and do not sell or redeem individual shares. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" have contractual arrangements with an ETF or one of the ETF's service providers to purchase and redeem ETF shares directly with the ETF in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." Prior to the start of trading on every business day, an ETF publishes through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*) the "basket" of securities, cash or other

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assets that it will accept in exchange for a Creation Unit of the ETF's shares. An Authorized Participant that wishes to effectuate a creation of an ETF's shares deposits with the ETF the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets identified by the ETF that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of the ETF's shares in return for those assets. After purchasing a Creation Unit, the Authorized Participant may continue to hold the ETF's shares or sell them in the secondary market. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the authorized participant redeems a Creation Unit of ETF shares for a basket of securities, cash or other assets. The combination of the creation and redemption process with secondary market trading in ETF shares and underlying securities provides arbitrage opportunities that are designed to help keep the market price of ETF shares at or close to the NAV per share of the ETF.

**Authorized Participants.** An *"Authorized Participant"* is a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC that has a written agreement with the Fund or one of its service providers that allows the Authorized Participant to place orders for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units (a *"Participant Agreement"*). Orders to purchase Creation Units must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement and must comply with the applicable provisions of such Participant Agreement. Investors wishing to purchase or sell shares generally do so on an exchange. Institutional investors other than Authorized Participants are responsible for making arrangements for a redemption request to be made through an Authorized Participant.

**Business Day.** A *"Business Day"* is generally any day on which the New York Stock Exchange (*"NYSE"*), the Exchange and the Trust are 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, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Business Day on which an order to purchase or redeem Creation Units is received in proper form is referred to as the "Transmittal Date."

**Basket Composition.** Rule 6c-11(c)(3) under of the 1940 Act requires an ETF relying on the exemptions offered by Rule 6c-11 to adopt and implement written policies and procedures governing the construction of baskets and the process that the ETF will use for the acceptance of baskets. In general, in connection with the construction and acceptance of baskets, the Advisor may consider various factors, including, but not limited to: (1) whether the securities, assets and other positions comprising a basket are consistent with the ETF's investment objective(s), policies and disclosure; (2) whether the securities, assets and other positions can legally and readily be acquired, transferred and held by the ETF and/or Authorized Participant(s), as applicable; (3) whether to utilize cash, either in lieu of securities or other instruments or as a cash balancing amount; and (4) in the case of an ETF that tracks an index, whether the securities, assets and other positions aid index tracking.

The Fund may utilize a pro rata basket or a custom basket in reliance on Rule 6c-11. A "pro rata basket" is a basket that is a pro rata representation of the ETF's portfolio holdings, except for minor deviations when it is not operationally feasible to include a particular instrument within the basket, except to the extent that the Fund utilized different baskets in transactions on the same Business Day.

Rule 6c-11 defines "custom baskets" to include two categories of baskets. First, a basket containing a non-representative selection of the ETF's portfolio holdings would constitute a custom basket. These types of custom baskets include, but are not limited to, baskets that do not reflect: (i) a pro rata representation of the Fund's portfolio holdings; (ii) a representative sampling of an ETF's portfolio holdings; or (iii) changes due to a rebalancing or reconstitution of an ETF's securities market index, if applicable. Second, if different baskets are used in transactions on the same Business Day, each basket after the initial basket would constitute a custom basket. For example, if an ETF exchanges a basket with either the same or another Authorized Participant that reflects a representative sampling that differs from the initial basket, that basket (and any such subsequent baskets) would be a custom basket. Similarly, if an ETF substitutes cash in lieu of a portion of basket assets for a single Authorized Participant, that basket would be a custom basket. The Advisor's Rule 6c-11 Committee defines any deviation from a pro rata basket to be a "custom basket." Rebalancing and reconstitution baskets do not constitute custom baskets. All cash baskets that are the initial basket on a Business Day also do not constitute custom baskets.

Under a variety of circumstances, an ETF and its shareholders may benefit from the flexibility afforded by custom baskets. In general terms, the use of custom baskets may reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve trading. Because utilizing custom baskets provides a way for an ETF to add, remove and re-weight portfolio securities without transacting in the market, it may help the ETF to avoid transaction costs and adverse tax consequences. Rule 6c-11 provides an ETF with flexibility to use "custom baskets" if the ETF has adopted written policies and procedures that: (1) set forth detailed parameters for the construction and acceptance of custom baskets that are in the best interests of the ETF and its shareholders, including the process for any revisions to, or deviations from, those parameters; and (2) specify the titles or roles of employees of the ETF's investment advisor who are required to review each custom basket for compliance with those parameters.

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The use of baskets that do not correspond pro rata to an ETF's portfolio holdings has historically created concern that an Authorized Participant could take advantage of its relationship with an ETF and pressure the ETF to construct a basket that favors an Authorized Participant to the detriment of the ETF's shareholders. For example, because ETFs rely on Authorized Participants to maintain the secondary market by promoting an effective arbitrage mechanism, an Authorized Participant holding less liquid or less desirable securities potentially could pressure an ETF into accepting those securities in its basket in exchange for liquid ETF shares (*i.e.*, dumping). An Authorized Participant also could pressure the ETF into including in its basket certain desirable securities in exchange for ETF shares tendered for redemption (*i.e.*, cherry-picking). In either case, the ETF's other investors would be disadvantaged and would be left holding shares of an ETF with a less liquid or less desirable portfolio of securities. The Advisor has adopted policies and procedures designed to mitigate these concerns but there is ultimately no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be effective.

**Basket Dissemination.** Basket files are published for consumption through the NSCC, a subsidiary of Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, and can be utilized for pricing, creations, redemptions, rebalancing and custom scenarios. In most instances, pro rata baskets are calculated and supplied by the ETF's custodial bank based on ETF holdings, whereas non-pro rata, custom and forward-looking pro rata baskets are calculated by the Fund's investment advisor and disseminated by the ETF's custodial bank through the NSCC process.

**Placement of Creation or Redemption Orders.** All orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units are to be governed according to the applicable Participant Agreement that each Authorized Participant has executed. In general, all orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units must be received by the transfer agent in the proper form required by the Participant Agreement no later than the closing time of the regular trading session of the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day the NYSE is open for business (the *"Closing Time"*) in order for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of the Fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. However, at its discretion, the Fund may require an Authorized Participant to submit orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units be placed earlier in the day (such as instances where an applicable market for a security comprising a creation or redemption basket closes earlier than usual).

**Delivery of Redemption Proceeds.** Deliveries of securities to Authorized Participants in connection with redemption orders are generally expected to be made within two Business Days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds for the Fund may take longer than two Business Days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act generally prohibits a registered open-end management investment company from postponing the date of satisfaction of redemption requests for more than seven days after the tender of a security for redemption. This prohibition can cause operational difficulties for ETFs that hold foreign investments and exchange in-kind baskets for Creation Units. For example, local market delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming investors, together with local market holiday schedules, can sometimes require a delivery process in excess of seven days. However, Rule 6c-11 grants relief from Section 22(e) to permit an ETF to delay satisfaction of a redemption request for more than seven days if a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming Authorized Participants, or the combination thereof prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. Under this exemption, an ETF must deliver foreign investments as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 days after the tender to the ETF. The exemption therefore will permit a delay only to the extent that additional time for settlement is actually required, when a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. If a foreign investment settles in less than 15 days, Rule 6c-11 requires an ETF to deliver it pursuant to the standard settlement time of the local market where the investment trades. Rule 6c-11 defines "foreign investment" as any security, asset or other position of the ETF issued by a foreign issuer (as defined by Rule 3b-4 under the 1934 Act), and that is traded on a trading market outside of the United States. This definition is not limited to "foreign securities," but also includes other investments that may not be considered securities. Although these other investments may not be securities, they may present the same challenges for timely settlement as foreign securities if they are transferred in kind.

**Creation Transaction Fees.** The Fund imposes fees in connection with the purchase of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, plus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the creation basket.

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**Redemption Transaction Fees.** The Fund also imposes fees in connection with the redemption of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price received for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, minus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the redemption basket. 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 may also be assessed an amount to cover the cost of such services. The redemption fee charged by the Fund will comply with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act which limits redemption fees to no more than 2% of the value of the shares redeemed.

**Suspension of Creations.** The SEC has stated its position that an ETF generally may suspend the issuance of Creation Units only for a limited time and only due to extraordinary circumstances, such as when the markets on which the ETF's portfolio holdings are traded are closed for a limited period of time. The SEC has also stated that an ETF could not set transaction fees so high as to effectively suspend the issuance of Creation Units. Circumstances in which the Fund may suspend creations include, but are not limited to: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the purchaser or group of related purchasers, upon obtaining the Creation Units of Fund shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the required consideration is not delivered; (iv) the acceptance of the basket would, in the opinion of the Fund, be unlawful; or (v) there exist circumstances outside the control of the Fund that make it impossible to process purchases of Creation Units for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include: acts of God or 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 Fund, First Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the transfer agent, the custodian, any sub-custodian or any other participant in the purchase process; and similar extraordinary events. The Fund reserves the right to reject a creation order transmitted to it provided that such action does not result in a suspension of sales of creation units in contravention of 6c-11 and the SEC's positions thereunder. The Transfer Agent shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such prospective creator of the rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the Fund, the Transfer Agent, 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 baskets, nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

**Suspension of Redemptions.** An ETF may suspend the redemption of Creation Units only in accordance with Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. Section 22(e) stipulates that no registered investment company shall suspend the right of redemption, or postpone the date of payment or satisfaction upon redemption of any redeemable security in accordance with its terms for more than seven days after the tender of such security to the company or its agent designated for that purpose for redemption, except (1) for any period (A) during which the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings or (B) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted; (2) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which (A) disposal by the investment company of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or (B) it is not reasonably practicable for such company fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the investment company.

**Exceptions to Use of Creation Units.** Under Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, ETFs are permitted to sell or redeem individual shares on the day of consummation of a reorganization, merger, conversion, or liquidation. In these limited circumstances, an ETF may need to issue or redeem individual shares and may need to transact without utilizing Authorized Participants.

**Federal Tax Matters**

This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning shares of the Fund. This section is current as of the date of the SAI. 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 foreign tax consequences.

This federal income tax summary is based in part on the advice of counsel to the Fund. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure 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.

The Fund intends to qualify annually and to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (*"RIC"*) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "*Code*").

To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs, the Fund must, among other things, (i) 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; (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs 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 the Fund's total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) 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 RICs) of any one issuer, or two or more issuers which the 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 (iii) 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. There are certain exceptions for failure to qualify if the failure is for reasonable cause or is de minimis, and certain corrective action is taken and certain tax payments are made by the Fund.

As a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its 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 it distributes to shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain. If the 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, the 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 98.2% 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 Fund intends 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 the 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 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.

Subject to certain reasonable cause and de minimis exceptions, if the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC or fails 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 Fund's 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.

Income from the Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to net investment income if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals.

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 RICs.

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Distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, properly reported as capital gain dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements. Shareholders receiving distributions in the form of additional shares, rather than cash, generally will have a tax 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 the 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.

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 Fund, which a shareholder holds as a capital asset, such 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. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

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 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 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 IRS, 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 Fund's 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 Fund 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.

**Futures Contracts and Options** 

The Fund's 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 Fund (*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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 RIC and the distribution requirements for avoiding excise taxes.

**Backup Withholding** 

The Fund 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 Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or fail to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. 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.

**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 the Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the shareholder.

In addition to the rules described in this section concerning the potential imposition of withholding on distributions to non-U.S. persons, distributions to non-U.S. persons that are "financial institutions" may be subject to a withholding tax of 30% unless an agreement is in place between the financial institution and the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose information about accounts, equity investments, or debt interests in the financial institution held by one or more U.S. persons or the institution is resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury. For these purposes, a "financial institution" means any entity that (i) accepts deposits in the ordinary course of a banking or similar business; (ii) holds financial assets for the account of others as a substantial portion of its business; or (iii) is engaged (or holds itself out as being engaged) primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, partnership interests, commodities or any interest (including a futures contract or option) in such securities, partnership interests or commodities. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

Distributions to non-financial non-U.S. entities (other than publicly traded foreign entities, entities owned by residents of U.S. possessions, foreign governments, international organizations or foreign central banks) will also be subject to a withholding tax of 30% if the entity does not certify that the entity does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provide the name, address and TIN of each substantial U.S. owner. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**Income Not Effectively Connected**. If the income from the 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 the Fund which are properly reported by the Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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.

Distributions from the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when

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received by certain non-U.S. shareholders, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

In addition, capital gain distributions attributable to gains from U.S. real property interests (including certain U.S. real property holding corporations) will generally be subject to United States withholding tax and will give rise to an obligation on the part of the non-U.S. shareholder to file a United States tax return.

**Income Effectively Connected**. If the income from the 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 Fund which are properly reported by the Fund as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund 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 Fund.

**Capital Loss Carry-forward**

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, net capital losses of the Fund incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. To the extent that these loss carry-forwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the capital gains so offset will not be distributed to Fund shareholders. As of October 31, 2022, the Fund had net capital losses for federal income tax purposes shown in the table below. The Fund is subject to certain limitations, under U.S. tax rules, on the use of capital loss carry-forwards and net unrealized built-in losses. These limitations generally apply when there has been a 50% change in ownership.

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| |
|:---|
| **Total**<br> **Non-Expiring**<br> **Capital Loss**<br> **Available**<br>|
| $27770776 |

---

**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 Fund.

**Determination of Net Asset Value**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Net Asset Value."

The per share net asset value of the Fund is determined by dividing the total value of the securities and other assets, less liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding. Under normal circumstances, daily calculation of the net asset value will utilize the last closing sale price of each security held by the Fund at the close of the market on which such security is principally listed. In determining net asset value, portfolio securities for the Fund for which accurate market quotations are readily available will be valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Common stocks and other equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange other than Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) will be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded, or the official closing price for Nasdaq and AIM securities. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the Business Day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Shares of open-end funds are valued at NAV per share.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Exchange-traded options and futures contracts are valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are principally traded. If no closing price is available, they will be valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their closing bid price. OTC options and futures contracts are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Forward foreign currency contracts are valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using the current day's spot rate, and the 30-, 60-, 90- and 180- day forward rates provided by a pricing service or by certain independent dealers in such contracts.

In addition, the following types of securities will be fair valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Fixed-income securities, convertible securities, preferred and hybrid securities, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, swaptions, currency-linked notes, credit-linked notes, asset-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities or private label collateralized mortgage obligations, collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, senior loans and other similar instruments will be fair valued using a pricing service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Commercial paper, fixed-income and other debt securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts (amortized cost), provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer specific conditions existing at the time of the determination. Factors that may be considered in determining the appropriateness of the use of amortized cost include, but are not limited to, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the credit conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the liquidity conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the interest rate conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto (such as significant changes in interest rates);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) issuer-specific conditions (such as significant credit deterioration); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) any other market-based data the Advisor considers relevant. In this regard, the Advisor may use last-obtained market-based data to assist it when valuing portfolio securities using amortized cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Repurchase agreements will be valued as follows. Overnight repurchase agreements will be valued at amortized cost when it represents the most appropriate reflection of fair market value. Term repurchase agreements (*i.e.*, those whose maturity exceeds seven days) will be valued by the Advisor at the average of the bid quotations obtained.

The value of any portfolio security held by the 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 will be valued at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities that 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 or fair value 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 net asset value (as may be the case in foreign markets on which the security is primarily traded) or is likely to make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not, in the opinion of the Advisor, reflect the security's fair value. Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a pricing service or are determined by the Advisor. Market value prices represent last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (*i.e.*, a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from pricing services. If no market price or official close price is available from either a pricing service or no quotations are available from one or more brokers or if the Advisor has reason to question

------

the reliability or accuracy of a price supplied or the use of amortized cost, the value of any portfolio security held by the Fund for which reliable market prices/quotations are not readily available will be determined by the Advisor in a manner that most appropriately reflects fair market value of the security on the valuation date, based on a consideration of all available information. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange.

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which a shareholder may purchase shares of the Fund, the value of the Fund's investments may change on the days when shareholders are not able to purchase shares of the Fund. For foreign securities, if an extraordinary market event occurs between the time the last "current" market quotation is available for a security in the Fund's portfolio and the time the Fund's net asset value is determined and calls into doubt whether that earlier market quotation represents fair value at the time the Fund's net asset value is determined, the Fund accounting agent will immediately notify the Advisor and the Advisor shall determine the fair valuation. For foreign securities, the Advisor may seek to determine the "fair value" of such securities by retaining a pricing service to determine the value of the securities.

Foreign securities, currencies and other assets denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar as provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

**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.** Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid monthly. 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 or advisable to preserve the status of the 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 Fund.

**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 Fund for reinvestment 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 the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

**Miscellaneous Information**

**Counsel.** Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, is counsel to the Trust.

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.** Deloitte & Touche LLP, 111 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. The firm audits the Fund's financial statements and performs other related audit services.

**Financial Statements**

The audited financial statements and notes thereto for the Fund, contained in the [<u>Annual Report to Shareholders</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm)dated October 31, 2022, 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 available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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**Exhibit A—Principal Holders Table** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **% OF**<br> **OUTSTANDING**<br> **SHARES OWNED**<br>|
| FIRST TRUST EMERGING MARKETS LOCAL CURRENCY BOND ETF | FIRST TRUST EMERGING MARKETS LOCAL CURRENCY BOND ETF |
| The Bank of New York Mellon | 31.24% |
| TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. | 16.28% |
| Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC | 7.07% |
| LPL Financial LLC | 6.96% |
| Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 6.86% |
| Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 6.10% |
| National Financial Services LLC | 5.31% |

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(1) Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.: 2423 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

(2) LPL Financial LLC: 1055 LPL Way, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715

(3) Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC: 1300 Thames St., 6<sup>th</sup> Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21231

(4) National Financial Services LLC: 499 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

(5) TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc.: 200 S. 108<sup>th</sup> Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68154

(6) The Bank of New York Mellon: 525 William Penn Place, Suite 153-0400, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15259

(7) Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC: 2801 Market Street, H0006-09B, St. Louis, Missouri 63103

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**Exhibit B—Credit Rating Definitions**

**S&P Global RATINGS**

A S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Rating's view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Likelihood of payment: capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation and the promise S&P imputes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **AAA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to <br> meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.<br>|
| **AA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity <br> to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.<br>|
| **A** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and <br> economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its <br> financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.<br>|
| **BBB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions <br> or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial <br> commitment on the obligation.<br>|

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Obligations rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC" and "C" are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **BB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces <br> major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could <br> lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.<br>|
| **B** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated "BB," but the obligor <br> currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or <br> economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on <br> the obligation.<br>|
| **CCC** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, <br> financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the <br> event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to <br> meet its financial commitment on the obligation.<br>|
| **CC** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The "CC" rating is used when a default <br> has not yet occurred but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty regardless of the anticipated time to <br> default. <br>|

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**C** An obligation rated "C" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.

**D** An obligation rated "D" is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

**Plus (+) or Minus (-):** The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.**

A brief description of the applicable Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (*"Moody's"*) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moody's) follows.

Ratings assigned on Moody's global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments.

LONG-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Aaa** | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
| **Aa** | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
| **A** | Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
| **Baa** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may <br> possess certain speculative characteristics.<br>|
| **Ba** | Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
| **B** | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
| **Caa** | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
| **Ca** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of <br> recovery of principal and interest.<br>|
| **C** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of <br> principal or interest.<br>|

---

**Note:** Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

**Fitch Ratings**

A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings (*"Fitch"*) ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows:

Fitch's credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. The agency's credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supra-national and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

The terms "investment grade" and "speculative grade" have established themselves over time as shorthand to describe the categories 'AAA' to 'BBB' (investment grade) and 'BB' to 'D' (speculative grade). The terms "investment grade" and "speculative grade" are market conventions, and do not imply any recommendation or endorsement of a specific security for investment

------

purposes. "Investment grade" categories indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while ratings in the "speculative" categories either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred.

A designation of "Not Rated" or "NR" is used to denote securities not rated by Fitch where Fitch has rated some, but not all, securities comprising an issuance capital structure.

Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss.

Fitch's credit ratings do not directly address any risk other than credit risk. In particular, ratings do not deal with the risk of a market value loss on a rated security due to changes in interest rates, liquidity and other market considerations. However, in terms of payment obligation on the rated liability, market risk may be considered to the extent that it influences the ability of an issuer to pay upon a commitment. Ratings nonetheless do not reflect market risk to the extent that they influence the size or other conditionality of the obligation to pay upon a commitment (for example, in the case of index-linked bonds).

In the default components of ratings assigned to individual obligations or instruments, the agency typically rates to the likelihood of non-payment or default in accordance with the terms of that instrument's documentation. In limited cases, Fitch may include additional considerations (*i.e.* rate to a higher or lower standard than that implied in the obligation's documentation). In such cases, the agency will make clear the assumptions underlying the agency's opinion in the accompanying rating commentary.

INTERNATIONAL LONG-TERM RATINGS

**Issuer Credit Rating Scales**

***Investment Grade*** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **AAA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in <br> cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely <br> to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.<br>|
| **AA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong <br> capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable <br> events.<br>|
| **A** | &nbsp;&nbsp; High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial <br> commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business <br> or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.<br>|
| **BBB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for <br> payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are <br> more likely to impair this capacity.<br>|
| **BB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse <br> changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which <br> supports the servicing of financial commitments.<br>|
| **B** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Highly speculative. 'B' ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety <br> remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is <br> vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.<br>|
| **CCC** | Substantial credit risk. Default is a real possibility. |
| **CC** | Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable. |
| **C** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. <br> Conditions that are indicative of a 'C' category rating for an issuer include:<br> •the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;<br> •the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment <br> default on a material financial obligation; or<br> •Fitch otherwise believes a condition of 'RD' or 'D' to be imminent or inevitable, including through the formal <br> announcement of a distressed debt exchange. <br>|

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **RD** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Restricted default. 'RD' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has experienced an uncured payment <br> default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy <br> filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not <br> otherwise ceased operating. This would include:<br> •the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;<br> •the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a <br> payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;<br> •the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material <br> financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or<br> •execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.<br>|
| **D** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Default. 'D' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, <br> administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased <br> business.<br>|

---

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

"Imminent" default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.

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**Exhibit C—Proxy Voting Guidelines**

**FIRST TRUST ADVISORS L.P.**

**PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES**

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"FTA"* or the *"Adviser"*) serves as investment adviser to separately managed accounts, open- and closed-end investment companies, and other collective investments (*"Clients"*). As part of these services, the Adviser has, in most cases, agreed to or been delegated proxy voting responsibility on such Clients' behalf (*"Proxy Clients"*). FTA is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure proxy voting on behalf of Proxy Clients is conducted in a manner that is in their best interests and addresses how conflicts of interest between FTA interests and Proxy Client interests are managed. FTA has adopted the following policies and procedures to comply with this requirement (the *"Policy"*).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) It is the Adviser's policy to seek and to ensure that proxies are voted consistently and in the best economic interests of the Proxy Client. The FTA Investment Committee is responsible for the implementation of the Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Adviser engaged Institutional Shareholder Services (*"ISS"*) to provide proxy research, recommendations, and voting services. ISS provides a password protected website which is accessible to authorized FTA personnel to download upcoming proxy meeting data, including research reports, of companies held in Proxy Client portfolios. The website can be used to view proposed proxy votes, to enter votes for upcoming meetings for Proxy Client portfolio securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) FTA will generally follow the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines (the *"Guidelines"*) to vote proxies for Proxy Client accounts, so long as such Guidelines are considered to be in the best interests of the Proxy Client, and there are no noted or perceived conflicts of interest. FTA's use of the Guidelines is not intended to constrain FTA's consideration of any proxy proposal, and there are times when FTA deviates from the Guidelines. This includes when required by Rule 12d1-4 agreements between Fund Proxy Clients and certain acquired funds, if applicable. Generally, FTA will not rely on ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines to withhold votes or vote against (i) directors solely based on quota criteria or (ii) the exclusion of certain climate-related disclosures, which may or may not relate to the company's core business or may not materially impact shareholder value. In such cases, FTA will consider such proxy voting decisions in light of merit-based considerations which it believes may impact shareholder value. FTA retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting.

In certain circumstances, where FTA has determined that it is consistent with Proxy Client best interests, FTA will not vote a proxy on behalf of one or more Proxy Clients. Such circumstances include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Limited Value.* Proxies will not be required to be voted on securities in a Proxy Client account if the value of the Proxy Client's economic interest in the securities is indeterminable or insignificant (less than $1,000). Proxies will also not be required to be voted for any securities that are no longer held in Proxy Client account(s).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *Securities Lending Program.* When securities are out on loan, they are transferred into the borrower's name and are voted by the borrower, in its discretion. In most cases, FTA will not recall securities on loan in order to vote a proxy. However, where FTA determines that a proxy vote, or other shareholder action, is materially important to the Proxy Client's account, FTA will make a good faith effort to recall the security for purposes of voting, understanding that in certain cases, the attempt to recall the security may not be effective in time to meet voting deadlines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) *Unjustifiable Costs.* In certain circumstances, based on cost-benefit analysis, FTA may choose not to vote when the cost of voting on behalf of a Proxy Client would exceed any anticipated benefits of the proxy proposal to such Proxy Client (*e.g.* foreign securities).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) *International Markets Share Blocking.* Share blocking is the "freezing" of shares for trading purposes at the custodian/sub-custodian bank level in order to vote proxies. While shares are frozen, they may not be traded. Therefore, the potential exists for a pending trade to fail if trade settlement falls on a date during the blocking period. In international markets where share blocking applies, FTA typically will not, but reserves the right to, vote proxies due to the liquidity constraints associated with share blocking.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) On a weekly basis, a member of FTA Portfolio and Product Management reviews ISS Level Classification and Quality Scores for new proxies. For any proxy meeting deemed material<sup>1</sup> by this review a copy of the ISS research report will be submitted to FTA Research for review and to determine if they agree with the Guidelines. Research will also review the recommendations of target company management and may review information publicly available about the target company, including original and subsequent amendments to the ISS research report, EDGAR filings and any noted conflicts of interest. FTA Research will communicate its determination to the FTA Investment Committee. All other non-material matters will be further reviewed only at the discretion of the FTA Investment Committee, Portfolio Management or Research.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) FTA may determine voting in accordance with the Guidelines is not in the best interests of a Proxy Client. Whenever a conflict of interest arises between ISS and a target company subject to a proxy vote, the Adviser will consider the recommendation of the company and what the Adviser believes to be in the best interests of the Proxy Client and will vote the proxy without using the Guidelines. If FTA has knowledge of a material conflict of interest between itself and a Proxy Client, the Adviser shall vote the applicable proxy in accordance with the Guidelines to avoid such conflict of interest. If there is a decision to vote against the Guidelines, the FTA Investment Committee will document the reason and instruct ISS to change the vote to reflect this decision.

If there is a conflict of interest between a Fund Proxy Client and FTA or other fund service providers, FTA will vote the proxy based on the Guidelines to avoid such conflict of interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) If a Proxy Client requests the Adviser to follow specific voting guidelines or additional guidelines, the Adviser shall review the request and follow such guidelines, unless the Adviser determines that it is unable to do so. In such case, the Adviser shall inform the Proxy Client that it is not able to honor the Proxy Client's request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) FTA periodically reviews proxy votes to ensure compliance with this Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) This Policy, the Guidelines and votes cast for Proxy Clients are available upon request and such Proxy Client requests must be forwarded to FTA Compliance for review and response. This Policy is also provided with each advisory contract and described and provided with the Form ADV, Part 2A.

Shareholders of Fund Proxy Clients can review the Policy and a Fund's voted proxies (if any) during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 on the First Trust website at www.ftportfolios.com or by accessing EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) FTA provides reasonable ongoing oversight of ISS and maintains the following records relating to proxy voting:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) a copy of this Policy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) a copy of each proxy form for which it is responsible to vote;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) a copy of each proxy solicitation, including proxy statements and related materials with regard to each proxy issue it votes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) documents relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest, if any;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) a copy of each written request from any Proxy Client for information on how FTA voted proxies on the Proxy Client's behalf, and a copy of any written response by FTA to any written or oral request for information by a Proxy Client on how FTA voted proxies for that Proxy Client's account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) ISS, on FTA's behalf, maintains the following records relating to FTA proxy voting:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) a copy of each proxy form (as voted);

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<sup>1</sup>

Materiality is generally defined as any proxy with a Classification Level of 4 or higher or a target company's governance Quality Score of 10. **See below for a description of Classification Levels.** Quality Score indicates a company's governance risk (board structure, compensation programs, shareholder rights, and audit and risk oversight). The lowest score of 1 indicates relatively higher quality governance practices and relatively lower governance risk and conversely, the highest score of 10 indicates relatively higher governance risk.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) a copy of each proxy solicitation, including proxy statements and related materials with regard to each vote;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) documents relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest it identifies, if any; and

These records are either maintained at FTA's office or are electronically available to FTA through access to the ISS Proxy Exchange portal.

**ISS Level Classification Descriptions** 

Level 1 – Election of directors (except for proxy contests); fix number of directors; ratification of auditors; name change; change in date of time of meeting; adjourn meeting; other business; can include shareholder proposals.

Level 2 – Employee stock purchase plans; increase in stock (except for private placements); reverse stock splits; standard corporate governance provisions (declassifying the board, supermajority votes, etc.); social/environmental/human rights proposals; standard mutual fund proposals (except for advisory agreements, proposals to open-end the fund).

Level 3 – Compensation Plans.

Level 4 – Private Placements; formation of a holding company; anti-takeover proposals (poison pills, fair price provisions, etc.); reincorporation; director and officer liability indemnification; conversion of securities; liquidation of assets; mutual fund advisory agreements.

Level 5 – Mergers; acquisitions; sale of assets; conversion of closed-end fund to open-end; reorganization; restructuring.

Level 6 – Proxy Contests.

Adopted: September 15, 2003

Amended: December 10, 2007

Amended: September 21, 2009

Amended: September 12, 2016

Amended: March 9, 2020

Amended: June 7, 2021

Amended: January 19, 2022

Amended: May 13, 2022

Amended: September 22, 2022

------

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** 

**Investment Company Act File No. 811-22245** 

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **FUND NAME** | **TICKER SYMBOL** | **EXCHANGE** |
| First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF | FPEI | NYSE Arca |

---

**DATED MARCH 1, 2023**

This Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated March 1, 2023, as it may be revised from time to time (the *"Prospectus"*), for First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF (the *"Fund"*), a series of the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*). Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust's distributor, First Trust Portfolios L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, or by calling toll free at (800) 621-1675.

The audited financial statements for the Fund's most recent fiscal year appear in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the *"SEC"*) on January 6, 2023. The

financial statements from the [<u>Annual Report</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm) are incorporated herein by reference. The Annual Report is available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

------

**Table of Contents** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [General Description of the Trust and the Fund](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_1) | 1 |
| [Exchange Listing and Trading](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Objective and Policies](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Strategies](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_4) | 4 |
| [Investment Risks](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_15) | 15 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_21) | 21 |
| [Sub-Advisor](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_29) | 29 |
| [Brokerage Allocations](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_32) | 32 |
| [Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_33) | 33 |
| [Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_35) | 35 |
| [Additional Information](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_36) | 36 |
| [Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_41) | 41 |
| [Creation and Redemption of Creation Units](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_42) | 42 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_45) | 45 |
| [Determination of Net Asset Value](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_49) | 49 |
| [Dividends and Distributions](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_51) | 51 |
| [Miscellaneous Information](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_51) | 51 |
| [Financial Statements](#xx_a7da8ff8-5f32-4796-8b8f-fc45be243df2_52) | 52 |
| [Exhibit A](#xx_77875459-7169-458d-aa4c-7be742eb99dc_1)[—](#xx_77875459-7169-458d-aa4c-7be742eb99dc_1)[Principal Holders Table](#xx_77875459-7169-458d-aa4c-7be742eb99dc_1) | A-1 |
| [Exhibit B](#xx_72813b16-1a63-4834-bc04-ef24dcd42be5_1)[—](#xx_72813b16-1a63-4834-bc04-ef24dcd42be5_1)[Credit Rating Definitions](#xx_72813b16-1a63-4834-bc04-ef24dcd42be5_1) | B-1 |
| [Exhibit C](#xx_9b36d4f7-e462-4530-949c-83777ea4746f_1)[—](#xx_9b36d4f7-e462-4530-949c-83777ea4746f_1)[Proxy Voting Guidelines](#xx_9b36d4f7-e462-4530-949c-83777ea4746f_1) | C-1 |

---

i

------

**General Description of the Trust and the Fund**

The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 9, 2008 and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares in one or more series. 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 series. This SAI relates to the Fund, which is a diversified series.

The 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," "Board of Trustees"* or *"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"*) requires a shareholder vote only on those matters where the 1940 Act requires a vote of shareholders and otherwise permits the Trustees to take actions without seeking the consent of shareholders. For example, the Declaration gives the Trustees broad authority to approve reorganizations between the Fund and another entity, such as another exchange-traded fund, or the sale of all or substantially all of the Fund's assets, or the termination of the Trust or the Fund without shareholder approval if the 1940 Act would not require such approval.

The Declaration provides that by becoming a shareholder of the Fund, each shareholder shall be expressly held to have agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Declaration and to any By-laws adopted by the Trust. The Declaration provides that, except as set forth therein and authorized by the Trustees, shareholders have no rights, privileges, claims or remedies under any contract or agreement entered into by the Trust or the Fund with any service provider or other agent to or contractor with the Trust or the Fund including, without limitation, any third party beneficiary rights.

The Declaration may, except in limited circumstances, be amended by the Trustees in any respect without a shareholder vote. The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees and that vacancies on the Board of Trustees may be filled by the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that Trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees.

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 Fund or as the Trustees may determine, and ownership of Fund shares may be disclosed by the Fund 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 provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction and other harm that can be caused to the Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. In addition, the Declaration provides that actions that are derivative in nature may not be brought directly. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand must first be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Fund, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholder may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholder is able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Fund. In making such a determination,

------

a Trustee is not considered to have a personal financial interest by virtue of being compensated for his or her services as a Trustee. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholder will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the Fund in connection with the consideration of the demand under a number of circumstances. In addition, if a court determines that a derivative action was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose, or if a derivative or direct action is dismissed on the basis of a failure to comply with the procedural provisions relating to shareholder actions as set forth in the Declaration, or if a direct action is dismissed by a court for failure to state a claim, the shareholder bringing the action may be responsible for the Fund's costs, including attorneys' fees.

The provisions of the Declaration provide that any direct or derivative action commenced by a shareholder must be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (Boston Division) or if any such action may not be brought in that court, then in the Business Litigation Session of Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts (the *"Chosen Courts"*). Except as prohibited by applicable law, if a shareholder commences an applicable action in a court other than a Chosen Court without the consent of the Fund, then such shareholder may be obligated to reimburse the Fund and any applicable Trustee or officer of the Fund made party to such proceeding for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with any successful motion to dismiss, stay or transfer of the action. The Declaration also provides that any shareholder bringing an action against the Fund waives the right to trial by jury to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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 the Fund itself was unable to meet its obligations.

The Declaration provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is liable to the Trust for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his or her duties involved in the conduct of the individual's office, and for nothing else and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Declaration also provides that the Trustees of the Trust will be subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to Massachusetts business trusts, but not to the laws of Massachusetts relating to the trustees of common law trusts, such as donative or probate type trusts. The Declaration further provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is not personally liable to any person other than the Trust, for any act, omission, or obligation of the Trust. The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust for any liability for actions or failure to act except to the extent prohibited by applicable federal law. In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses in connection with a claim for which indemnification is sought, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available. The Declaration provides that any Trustee who serves as chair of the Board of Trustees or of a committee of the Board of Trustees, as lead independent Trustee or as audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.

These provisions are not intended to restrict any shareholder rights under the federal securities laws and the Declaration specifically provides that no provision of the Declaration shall be effective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of, or restrict any shareholder rights expressly granted by, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"1933 Act"*), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*) or the 1940 Act, or any valid rule, regulation or order of the Securities Exchange Commission thereunder.

The Fund is advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the *"Advisor"* or *"First Trust"*) and sub-advised by Stonebridge Advisors LLC (*"Stonebridge"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*).

The shares of the Fund are principally listed and traded on NYSE Arca, Inc. (*"NYSE Arca"* or the *"Exchange"*). ETFs, such as the Fund, do not sell or redeem individual shares of the Fund. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" (which are discussed in greater detail below) have contractual arrangements with the Fund or the Distributor to purchase and redeem Fund shares directly with the Fund in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." An Authorized Participant that purchases a Creation Unit of Fund shares deposits with the Fund a "basket" of securities, cash and/or other assets identified by the Fund that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of Fund shares in return for those assets. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit of Fund shares for a basket of securities,

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cash and/or other assets. The basket is generally representative of the Fund's portfolio, and together with a cash balancing amount, it is equal to the NAV of the Fund shares comprising the Creation Unit. Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, the Fund may utilize baskets that are not representative of the Fund's portfolio. Such "custom baskets" are discussed in the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units."

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 Fund cash at least equal to 115% of the market value of the missing deposit securities. See the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units." 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 Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares of the Fund will continue to be met. The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of the Fund from listing if (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning at the commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the shares of the Fund for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (ii) such other event shall occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the shares of the Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

As in the case of other stocks traded on the Exchange, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

The Fund reserves 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 the Fund.

**Investment Objective and Policies**

The Prospectus describes the investment objective and certain policies of the Fund. The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

The 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 (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Fund may not borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The 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 the Fund from purchasing or selling securities or other instruments backed by real estate or of issuers engaged in real estate activities).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) The 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 the Fund if, as a result, the aggregate of such loans would exceed 33⅓% of the value of the Fund's total assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The 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).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The 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 that the Fund will concentrate its assets in the group of industries constituting the financial sector. This restriction does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies.

For purposes of applying restriction (1) and (2) above, under the 1940 Act as currently in effect, the Fund is not permitted to issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from any bank if immediately after such borrowing the value of the Fund's total assets is at least 300% of the principal amount of all of the Fund's borrowings (*i.e.,* the principal amount of the borrowings may not exceed 33⅓% of the Fund's total assets). In the event that such asset coverage shall at any time fall below 300% the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays), reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300%.

Except for restriction (2) above, 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. With respect to restriction (2), if the limitations are exceeded as a result of a change in market value then the Fund will reduce the amount of borrowings within three days thereafter to the extent necessary to comply with the limitations (not including Sundays and holidays).

The fundamental investment limitations set forth above limit the Fund's ability to engage in certain investment practices and purchase securities or other instruments to the extent permitted by, or consistent with, applicable law. As such, these limitations will change as the statute, rules, regulations or orders (or, if applicable, interpretations) change, and no shareholder vote will be required or sought.

The Fund's investment objective and the foregoing fundamental policies of the Fund may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the 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 the 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 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.

In addition to the foregoing fundamental policies, the Fund is 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**

The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment objective, policies and strategies that appears in the Prospectus.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in institutional preferred securities and income-producing debt securities.

**Types of Investments**

**Convertible Securities.** Convertible securities are generally bonds, debentures, notes, preferred securities or other securities or investments that may be converted or exchanged into equity securities (and/or the cash equivalent thereof), which may be at a stated exchange ratio or predetermined price (the *"conversion price"*). A convertible security is designed to provide current income and also the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit from increases (if any) in the market price of the underlying equity security. Accordingly, these equity-linked instruments offer the potential for equity market participation, along with, in light of their bond-like characteristics, potential mitigated downside risk (which is generally the risk that a security may suffer a decline in value) in periods of equity market declines.

A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to non-convertible debt obligations and are designed to provide for a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than

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common stocks. However, there can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations.

Certain convertible securities in which the Fund may invest have call provisions entitling the issuer to redeem the security at a specified time and at a specified price. This is one of the features of a convertible security which affects valuation. Calls may vary from absolute calls to provisional calls. Convertible securities with superior call protection usually trade at a higher premium. If long term interest rates decline, the interest rates of new convertible securities will also decline. Therefore, in a falling interest rate environment, companies may be expected to call convertible securities with high coupons and the Fund would have to invest the proceeds from such called issues in securities with lower coupons. Thus, convertible securities with superior call protection will permit the Fund to maintain a higher yield than with issues without call protection.

Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore, generally entail less risk than the corporation's common stock. Convertible debt securities may be subordinate in rank to any senior debt obligations of the issuer and, therefore, such subordinated convertible debt securities entail more risk than its senior debt obligations. Convertible preferred securities also may be subordinated to debt instruments and non-convertible series of preferred securities in a company's capital structure in terms of having priority to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore convertible preferred securities may be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments. As such, convertible securities are often rated below investment grade or not rated because they fall below debt obligations and just above common stock in order of preference or priority on an issuer's balance sheet. Below investment grade securities are commonly referred to as "junk bonds." To the extent that the Fund invests in convertible securities with credit ratings below investment grade, such securities may have a higher likelihood of default.

A convertible security may contain features that limit an investor's ability to convert the security into common stock unless certain conditions are met. A typical feature may require that a security be convertible only when the sale price of the underlying common stock exceeds the conversion price by a specified percentage (*e.g.,* the sale price of the common stock is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price) for a certain specified period of time (*e.g.,* for at least 20 days during a span of 30 consecutive days in a month), or upon the occurrence of certain other specified conditions. In addition, a convertible security may be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.

**Contingent Convertible Securities.** Similar to mandatory convertible securities (and unlike traditional convertible securities), contingent convertible securities generally provide for mandatory conversion into common stock of the issuer under certain circumstances. The mandatory conversion might be automatically triggered, for instance, if a company fails to meet the minimum amount of capital described in the security, the company's regulator makes a determination that the security should convert or the company receives specified levels of extraordinary public support. Since the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in these instruments could experience a reduced income rate, potentially to zero; and conversion would deepen the subordination of the investor, hence worsening standing in a bankruptcy. In addition, some contingent convertible securities have a set stock conversion rate that would cause a reduction in value of the security if the price of the stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date.

**Corporate Bonds.** Corporate bonds, also known as fixed-income securities, are debt obligations issued by corporations. Corporate bonds are generally used by corporations to borrow money from investors. Corporate bonds may be either secured or unsecured. Collateral used for secured debt includes, but is not limited to, real property, machinery, equipment, accounts receivable, stocks, bonds or notes. If a corporate bond is unsecured, it is known as a debenture. Holders of corporate bonds, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders as to both income and assets of the issuer for the principal and interest due them and may have a prior claim over other creditors if liens or mortgages are involved. Interest on corporate bonds may be fixed or floating, or the securities may be zero coupon fixed-income securities which pay no interest. Interest on corporate bonds is typically paid semi-annually and is fully taxable to the holder of the bonds. Corporate bonds contain elements of both interest rate risk and credit risk. The market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with changes in interest rates and may also be affected by the credit rating of the issuer, the issuer's performance and perceptions of the issuer in the marketplace. Corporate bonds usually yield more than government or agency bonds due to the presence of credit risk.

**Depositary Receipts.** The Fund may hold securities of certain non U.S. companies in the form of depositary receipts (*"Depositary Receipts"*). Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. American Depositary Receipts (*"ADRs"*) are receipts typically issued by an American bank

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or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation, while Global Depositary Receipts (*"GDRs"*) are receipts issued throughout the world that evidence a similar arrangement. ADRs and GDRs may trade in foreign currencies that differ from the currency the underlying security for each ADR or GDR principally trades in. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets. GDRs, in registered form, are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. The Fund may hold unsponsored Depositary Receipts. The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States; therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts.

**Derivatives.** Under normal market conditions, no more than 20% of the value of the Fund's net assets will be invested in derivative instruments. The Fund may invest in exchange-traded and over-the-counter (*"OTC"*) interest rate swaps, exchange-listed options on U.S. Treasury futures contracts, exchange-listed U.S. Treasury futures contracts, exchange-listed options on Eurodollar futures contracts, exchange-listed Eurodollar futures contracts, exchange-traded and OTC non-U.S. currency swaps, exchange-listed currency options, forward currency contracts and non-deliverable forward currency contracts. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to, among other things, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates. The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments for risk management purposes or as part of its investment strategies. The Fund will use derivative instruments primarily to hedge interest rate risk, actively manage interest rate exposure, hedge foreign currency risk and actively manage foreign currency exposure. The Fund may also use derivative instruments to enhance returns, as a substitute for, or to gain exposure to, a position in an underlying asset, to reduce transaction costs, to maintain full market exposure (which means to adjust the characteristics of its investments to more closely approximate those of the markets in which it invests), to manage cash flows or to preserve capital. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments will be consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and the 1940 Act and will not be used to seek to achieve a multiple or inverse multiple of an index.

**Fixed Income Investments and Cash Equivalents.** Normally, the Fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. However, for temporary or defensive purposes, the Fund may invest in fixed income investments and cash equivalents in order to provide income, liquidity and to preserve capital.

Fixed income investments and cash equivalents held by the Fund may include, without limitation, the types of investments set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund may invest in 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 securities include securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some of the U.S. government agencies that issue or guarantee securities include the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Farmers Home Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Maritime Administration, the Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. An instrumentality of the U.S. government is a government agency organized under federal charter with government supervision. Instrumentalities issuing or guaranteeing securities include, among others, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Land Banks, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and the Federal National Mortgage Association (*"Fannie Mae"*). In the case of those U.S. government securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities; consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate. In addition, the Fund may invest in sovereign debt obligations of non-U.S. countries. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest in a timely manner may be affected by a number of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which it may be subject.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Fund may invest in 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 FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $250,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund may not be fully insured. The Fund may only invest in certificates of deposit issued by U.S. banks with at least $1 billion in assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities with counterparties that are deemed by the Sub-Advisor to present acceptable credit risks. In such an action, at the time the 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 the Fund during its holding period since the resale price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Fund to invest temporarily available cash. The Fund 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 Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Fund is 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 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, the Fund could incur a loss of both principal and interest. The portfolio managers monitor the value of the collateral at the time the action is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement. The portfolio managers do 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 the Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of the Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) The Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The Fund may invest in 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 the Fund and a corporation. There is no secondary market for the notes. However, they are redeemable by the Fund at any time. The Fund's portfolio managers 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 the Fund's liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund may invest in commercial paper only if it has received the highest rating from at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, judged by the Sub-Advisor to be of comparable quality.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The Fund may invest in shares of money market funds, as consistent with its investment objective and policies. Shares of money market funds are subject to management fees and other expenses of those funds. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Fund to bear proportionately the costs incurred by the money market funds' operations. At the same time, the Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of other investment companies. It is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in money market funds.

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**High Yield Securities.** The Fund may invest without limitation in high yield securities, which are commonly referred to as "junk" bonds and are rated below investment grade at the time of purchase. The ratings of a rating agency represent its opinion as to the quality of securities it undertakes to rate. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality; consequently, securities with the same maturity, duration, coupon, and rating may have different yields. If a security owned by the Fund is subsequently downgraded, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such security. The Credit Rating Definitions as published by Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., Fitch Ratings and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. are set forth in *Exhibit B* to this SAI.

**Illiquid Investments.** The Fund may invest in illiquid investments (*i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For purposes of this restriction, illiquid investments may include, but are not limited to, certain 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, and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, among others. However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid investments if, as a result, such investments would comprise more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Advisor, subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees, has the ultimate authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities laws, which investments are liquid or illiquid for purposes of this 15% limitation under the Fund's liquidity risk management program, adopted pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act.

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, the 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, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. Illiquid investments 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 investments or the depreciation of liquid investments, the Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid investments, including restricted securities which are not readily marketable, the Advisor will report such occurrence to the Board of Trustees and take such steps as are deemed advisable to protect liquidity in accordance with the Fund's liquidity risk management program.

**Non-U.S. Investments.** Non-U.S. securities include securities issued or guaranteed by companies organized under the laws of countries other than the United States, securities issued or guaranteed by foreign, national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities and debt obligations of supra-national governmental entities such as the World Bank or European Union. These securities may be issued by companies domiciled in the United States, U.S. dollar-denominated depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign securities. Non-U.S. securities also include U.S. dollar-denominated debt obligations, such as "Yankee Dollar" obligations, of foreign issuers and of supra-national government entities. Yankee Dollar obligations are U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by foreign corporations, banks and governments. Foreign securities also may be traded on foreign securities exchanges or in over-the-counter (*"OTC"*) capital markets.

**Preferred Securities and Hybrid Capital Securities.** The Fund invests in preferred securities. Certain of the preferred securities in which the Fund invests are traditional preferred securities, which issue dividends that qualify for the dividend received deduction under which "qualified" domestic corporations are able to exclude a percentage of the dividends received from their taxable income.

Certain of the preferred securities in which the Fund invests are preferred securities that do not issue dividends that qualify for the dividends received deduction for eligible investors (*"non-DRD preferred securities"*) and debt instruments that are similar in many respects to preferred securities (such debt instruments and non-DRD preferred securities are often referred to as "hybrid capital securities") that do not qualify for the dividends received deduction or issue qualified dividend income. Pursuant to the dividends received deduction, corporations may generally deduct 70% of the dividend income they receive. Corporate shareholders of a regulated investment company like the Fund generally are permitted to claim a deduction with respect to that portion of their distributions attributable to amounts received by the regulated investment company that qualify for the dividends received deduction. However, not all preferred securities pay dividends that are eligible for the dividends received deduction. Any corporate shareholder who otherwise would qualify for the dividends received deduction should assume that none of the distributions it receives from the Fund will qualify for the dividends received deduction.

These types of hybrid securities typically offer additional yield spread versus other types of preferred securities due to this lack of special tax treatment. Hybrid securities are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest

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bearing notes or preferred securities, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of (i) beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities or (ii) more senior debt securities that pay income and trade in a manner similar to preferred securities. The hybrid securities market consists of both fixed and adjustable coupon rate securities that are either perpetual in nature or have stated maturity dates. The hybrid securities market is divided into the "$25 par" and the "institutional" segments. The $25 par segment is typified by securities that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the *"NYSE"*), which trade and are quoted "flat", *i.e.*, without accrued dividend income, and which are typically callable at par value five years after their original issuance date. The institutional segment is typified by $1,000 par value securities that are not exchange-listed, which trade and are quoted on an "accrued income" basis, and which typically have a minimum of 10 years of call protection (at premium prices) from the date of their original issuance.

Hybrid securities are typically junior and fully subordinated liabilities of an issuer or the beneficiary of a guarantee that is junior and fully subordinated to the other liabilities of the guarantor. In addition, hybrid securities typically permit an issuer to defer the payment of income for eighteen months or more without triggering an event of default. Generally, the deferral period is five years or more. Because of their subordinated position in the capital structure of an issuer, the ability to defer payments for extended periods of time without adverse consequence to the issuer, and certain other features (such as restrictions on common dividend payments by the issuer or ultimate guarantor when cumulative payments on the non-DRD preferred securities have not been made), these hybrid securities are often treated as close substitutes for traditional preferred securities, both by issuers and investors. Hybrid securities have many of the key characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuer's capital structure and because their quality and value are heavily dependent on the profitability of the issuer rather than on any legal claims to specific assets or cash flows.

Hybrid securities include but are not limited to: trust originated preferred securities, monthly income preferred securities, quarterly income bond securities, quarterly income debt securities, quarterly income preferred securities, corporate trust securities, public income notes, and other trust preferred securities.

Hybrid securities are typically issued with a final maturity date, although some are perpetual in nature. In certain instances, a final maturity date may be extended and/or the final payment of principal may be deferred at the issuer's option for a specified time without any adverse consequence to the issuer. No redemption can typically take place unless all cumulative payment obligations have been met, although issuers may be able to engage in open-market repurchases without regard to any cumulative dividends payable. A portion of the portfolio may include investments in non-cumulative preferred securities, whereby the issuer does not have an obligation to make up any arrearages to its shareholders. Should an issuer default on its obligations under such a security, the amount of dividends the Fund pays may be adversely affected.

Many hybrid securities are issued by a trust or other special purpose entities established by operating companies, and are not a direct obligation of an operating company. At the time a trust or special purpose entity sells its preferred securities to investors, the trust or special purpose entity purchases debt of the operating company (with terms comparable to those of the trust or special purpose entity securities), which enables the operating company to deduct for tax purposes the interest paid on the debt held by the trust or special purpose entity. The trust or special purpose entity is generally required to be treated as transparent for federal income tax purposes such that the holders of the non-DRD preferred securities are treated as owning beneficial interests in the underlying debt of the operating company. Accordingly, payments of the non-DRD preferred securities are treated as interest rather than dividends for federal income tax purposes and, as such, are not eligible for the dividends received deduction. The trust or special purpose entity in turn would be a holder of the operating company's debt and would have priority with respect to the operating company's earnings and profits over the operating company's common shareholders, but would typically be subordinated to other classes of the operating company's debt. Typically a non-DRD preferred share has a rating that is slightly below that of its corresponding operating company's senior debt securities.

**Real Estate Investment Trusts.** Real estate investment trusts (*"REITs"*) are typically publicly traded corporations or trusts that invest in residential or commercial real estate. REITs generally can be divided into the following three types: (i) equity REITs which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains or real estate appreciation; (ii) mortgage REITs which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgage loans and derive their income primarily from interest payments; and (iii) hybrid REITs which combine the characteristics of equity REITs and mortgage REITs.

**Restricted Securities.** The Fund may invest in restricted securities, which are securities that may not be sold without an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act. 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, the 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.

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If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the 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, the 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 Advisor will report such occurrence to the Board of Trustees and take such steps as are deemed advisable to protect liquidity in accordance with the Fund's liquidity risk management program.

With respect to securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A of the 1933 Act, which is discussed in more detail in the prospectus, First Trust considers 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, 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.

**U.S. Government Securities.** U.S. government securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities which have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

**Warrants.** The Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants acquired by the 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. The 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.

**Hedging Strategies**

***General Description of Hedging Strategies***

The Fund may engage in hedging activities or other investment in derivative instruments as described above. The Fund may utilize a variety of financial instruments, including exchange-listed futures contracts, exchange-listed options, exchange-listed options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, non-deliverable forward currency contracts and exchange-listed currency options to attempt to hedge the Fund's holdings. The use of futures is not a part of a principal investment strategy of the Fund.

Hedging or derivative instruments on securities generally are used to hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions that the 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 market sectors in which the 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, the Fund's ability to use hedging instruments may be limited by tax considerations.

***General Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions***

The Fund limits its direct investments in futures, options on futures and swaps to the extent necessary for the Advisor to claim the exclusion from regulation as a "commodity pool operator" with respect to the Fund under CFTC Rule 4.5, as such rule may be amended from time to time. Under Rule 4.5 as currently in effect, the Fund limits its trading activity in futures, options on futures and swaps (excluding activity for "bona fide hedging purposes," as defined by the CFTC) such that it meets one of the following tests: (i) aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish its futures, options on futures and swap positions do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions; or (ii) aggregate net notional value of the Fund's futures, options on futures and swap positions does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions.

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First Trust has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with respect to the Fund with the National Futures Association, the futures industry's self-regulatory organization. If First Trust were no longer able to claim the exclusion, First Trust would be required to register as a "commodity pool operator," and the Fund and First Trust would be subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act (the *"CEA"*).

The foregoing limitations are non-fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval as regulatory agencies permit.

***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 the Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with 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 Fund.

***Futures Contracts***

The Fund may enter into futures contracts. The Fund's hedging activities 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 Fund 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. 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 the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contracts.

Margin is the amount of funds that must be deposited by the Fund with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures commission merchant in order to initiate futures trading and to maintain the Fund's open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to ensure the Fund's performance of the futures contracts.

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 the Fund. In

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computing daily net asset value, the Fund will mark to market the current value of its open futures contracts. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its 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, the 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 the Fund seeks to close out a futures position. The Fund would continue to be required to meet margin requirements until the position is closed, possibly resulting in a decline in the Fund's net asset value. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.

***Options on Futures***

The Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund uses 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 the 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, the 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, the 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 the 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 the Fund intends to acquire.

As with investments in futures contracts, the Fund is required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it. 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 the Fund. The 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.

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The risks associated with the use of options on futures contracts include the risk that the Fund may close out its position as a writer of an option only if a liquid secondary market exists for such options, which cannot be assured. The 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.

***Swap Agreements***

A swap is a financial instrument that typically involves the exchange of cash flows between two parties on specified dates (settlement dates), where the cash flows are based on agreed-upon prices, rates, indices, etc. The nominal amount on which the cash flows are calculated is called the notional amount. Swaps are individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors, such as interest rates, non-U.S. currency rates, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, security prices, indexes or inflation rates.

Swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the investments of the Fund and its share price. The performance of swap agreements may be affected by a change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses.

Generally, swap agreements have a fixed maturity date that will be agreed upon by the parties. The agreement can be terminated before the maturity date only under limited circumstances, such as default by one of the parties or insolvency, among others, and can be transferred by a party only with the prior written consent of the other party. The Fund may be able to eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or by other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or a similarly creditworthy party. If the counterparty is unable to meet its obligations under the contract, declares bankruptcy, defaults or becomes insolvent, the Fund may not be able to recover the money it expected to receive under the contract.

A swap agreement can be a form of leverage, which can magnify the Fund's gains or losses. In order to reduce the risk associated with leveraging, the Fund may cover its current obligations under swap agreements according to guidelines established by the SEC. If the Fund enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will earmark assets with a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the Fund's accrued obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the Fund is entitled to receive under the agreement. If the Fund enters into a swap agreement on other than a net basis, it will earmark assets with a value equal to the full amount of the Fund's accrued obligations under the agreement.

**Equity Swaps.** In a typical equity swap, one party agrees to pay another party the return on a stock, stock index or basket of stocks in return for a specified interest rate. By entering into an equity index swap, for example, the index receiver can gain exposure to stocks making up the index of securities without actually purchasing those stocks. Equity index swaps involve not only the risk associated with investment in the securities represented in the index, but also the risk that the performance of such securities, including dividends, will not exceed the return on the interest rate that the Fund will be committed to pay.

**Interest Rate Swaps.** Interest rate swaps are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified dates in the future. Some of the different types of interest rate swaps are "fixed-for floating rate swaps," "termed basis swaps" and "index amortizing swaps." Fixed-for floating rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed interest rate cash flows for floating rate cash flows. Termed basis swaps entail cash flows to both parties based on floating interest rates, where the interest rate indices are different. Index amortizing swaps are typically fixed-for floating swaps where the notional amount changes if certain conditions are met. Like a traditional investment in a debt security, the Fund could lose money by investing in an interest rate swap if interest rates change adversely. For example, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate of interest, the Fund may

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have to pay more money than it receives. Similarly, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a fixed rate of interest for a floating rate of interest, the Fund may receive less money than it has agreed to pay.

**Currency Swaps.** A currency swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party agrees to make interest rate payments in one currency and the other promises to make interest rate payments in another currency. The Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has one currency and desires a different currency. Typically the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. Changes in non-U.S. exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above, may negatively affect currency swaps.

**Credit Default Swaps.** A credit default swap is similar to an insurance contract in that it provides the buyer with protection against specific risks. Most often, corporate bond investors buy credit default swaps for protection against a default by the issuer of the corporate bond, but these flexible instruments can be used in many ways to customize exposure to corporate credit. Credit default swap agreements can mitigate risks in bond investing by transferring a given risk from one party to another without transferring the underlying bond or other credit asset. In a credit default swap agreement, one party "sells" risk and the counterparty "buys" that risk. The "seller" of credit risk, who also tends to own the underlying credit asset, pays a periodic fee to the risk "buyer." In return, the risk "buyer" agrees to pay the "seller" a set amount if there is a default, or a credit event.

The Fund's use of credit default swap agreements exposes the Fund to additional risks, including but not limited to, the credit and liquidity risk of a counterparty. If the credit quality of any such counterparty deteriorates, such counterparty may default on its obligations to make payments under the swap agreement. The Fund may also be exposed to liquidity risk because the market for credit default swaps are relatively illiquid and the Fund will generally not be permitted to terminate or assign its credit default swaps without the consent of the related counterparty and accordingly may not be able to terminate or assign such credit default swaps in a timely fashion and for a fair price, potentially restricting its ability to take advantage of market opportunities.

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund buys and sells portfolio securities in the normal course of its investment activities. The proportion of the Fund's investment portfolio that is bought and sold during a year is known as the Fund's portfolio turnover rate. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur, for example, if all of the portfolio securities (other than short-term securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in the payment by the Fund of increased brokerage costs, expenses and taxes. The portfolio turnover rates for the specified years are set forth in the table below. Significant variations in portfolio turnover from year-to-year are generally the result of fluctuations in the size of the Fund or changes to the Fund's portfolio holdings.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Turnover Rate**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Portfolio Turnover Rate**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** |
| 31% | 22% |

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**Lending of Portfolio Securities**

In order to generate additional income, as a non-principal investment strategy, First Trust is authorized to select certain First Trust Funds, including the Fund, with notice to the Board of Trustees, to lend portfolio securities representing up to 33⅓% of the value of its total assets to broker-dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers of securities. As with other extensions of credit, there may be risks of delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, such First Trust Funds will only enter into loan arrangements with broker-dealers, banks or other institutions which First Trust has determined are creditworthy under guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees. The First Trust Funds will pay a portion of the income earned on the lending transaction to the placing broker and may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with these loans. First Trust may select the First Trust Fund to participate in the securities lending program, at its discretion with notice to the Board of Trustees.

In these loan arrangements, the First Trust Funds will receive collateral in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-grade debt obligations in an amount at least equal to the value of the borrowed securities, marked to market daily. This collateral must be valued daily by First Trust or the First Trust Fund's lending agent and, if the market value of the

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loaned securities increases, the borrower must furnish additional collateral to the lending First Trust Fund. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays the lending First Trust Fund any dividends or interest paid on the securities. Loans are subject to termination at any time by the lending First Trust Fund or the borrower. While a First Trust Fund does not have the right to vote securities on loan, it would terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if that were considered important with respect to the investment. When a First Trust Fund lends portfolio securities to a borrower, payments in lieu of dividends made by the borrower to the First Trust Fund will not constitute "qualified dividends" taxable at the same rate as long-term capital gains, even if the actual dividends would have constituted qualified dividends had the First Trust Fund held the securities. Please see "Securities Lending Risk" below for a description of the risks associated with securities lending activities.

**Investment Risks**

The following risk disclosure supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment risks that appears in the Prospectus.

***Overview***

An investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding of the risks that an investment in the Fund's shares entails, including the risk that the financial condition of the issuers of the securities held by the Fund or the general condition of the securities market may worsen and the value of the securities and therefore the value of the Fund may decline. The Fund may not be an appropriate investment for those who are unable or unwilling to assume the risks involved generally with such an investment. The past market and earnings performance of any of the securities included in the Fund is not predictive of their future performance.

***Additional Market Disruption Risk*** 

In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. In response, various countries, including the United States, issued broad-ranging sanctions on Russia and certain Russian companies and individuals. The hostilities between the two countries may escalate and any existing or future sanctions could have a severe adverse effect on Russia's economy, currency, companies and region as well as negatively impact other regional and global economic markets of the world (including Europe and the United States), companies in such countries and various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas. Accordingly, the hostilities and sanctions may have a negative effect on the Fund's investments and performance beyond any direct exposure to Russian issuers or those of adjoining geographic regions. Russia may also take retaliatory actions or countermeasures, such as cyberattacks and espionage, which may negatively impact the countries and companies in which the Fund may invest. The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities; the extent and impact of existing and any future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility; and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant negative impact on certain of the Fund's investments as well as the Fund's performance, and the value or liquidity of certain securities held by the Fund may decline significantly.

***Convertible Securities Risk***

Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. The market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. However, a convertible security's market value tends to reflect the market price of the common stock of the issuing company when that stock price approaches or is greater than the convertible security's "conversion price." The conversion price is defined as the predetermined price at which the convertible security could be exchanged for the associated stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the price of the convertible security tends to be influenced more by the yield of the convertible security. Thus, it may not decline in price to the same extent as the underlying common stock but is subject to market risk nonetheless.

In addition, convertible securities that may not be converted unless certain conditions are met may be subject to increased volatility and trade at a slight discount to similar convertible securities that do not require such conditions to be met prior to conversion.

In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible debt securities which are subordinate in right of payment to the issuer's other debt obligations would be paid before the company's common stockholders but after holders of any senior debt obligations of the company. Consequently, the issuer's convertible securities generally entail less risk than its common stock but more risk than its debt obligations. Convertible preferred securities are also generally subordinated to debt instruments and non-convertible series of preferred securities in a company's capital structure in terms of having priority

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to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore convertible preferred securities may be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt and preferred instruments. Convertible securities are often rated below investment grade or not rated because they fall below debt obligations and just above common equity in order of preference or priority on the issuer's balance sheet. Below investment grade securities are commonly referred to as "junk" or "high yield" securities and are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

***Currency Exchange Rate Risk***

Investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies and investments in securities or derivatives that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates are subject to non-U.S. currency risk. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of non-U.S. currencies will affect the value of the Fund's investment and the value of your Fund shares. Because each Fund's net asset value is determined on the basis of U.S. dollars, the U.S. dollar value of your investment in the Fund may go down if the value of the local currency of the non-U.S. markets in which the Fund invests depreciates against the U.S. dollar. This is true even if the local currency value of securities in the Fund's holdings goes up. Conversely, the U.S. dollar value of your investment in the Fund may go up if the value of the local currency appreciates against the U.S. dollar.

The value of the U.S. dollar against other currencies is influenced by a variety of factors. These factors include national debt levels and trade deficits; changes in balances of payments and trade, domestic and foreign interest and inflation rates; global or regional political, economic or financial events; monetary policies of governments; actual or potential government intervention; and global energy prices. Political instability, the possibility of government intervention and restrictive or opaque business and investment policies may also reduce the value of a country's currency. Government monetary policies and the buying or selling of currency by a country's government may also influence exchange rates.

Currencies of emerging or developing market countries may be subject to significantly greater risks than currencies of developed countries. Many developing market countries have experienced steady declines or even sudden devaluations of their currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. Some non-U.S. market currencies may not be traded internationally, may be subject to strict limitations on foreign investment and may be subject to frequent and unannounced government intervention. Government intervention and currency controls can decrease the value and significantly increase the volatility of an investment in non-U.S. currency. Although the currencies of some developing market countries may be convertible into U.S. dollars, the achievable rates may differ from those experienced by domestic investors because of foreign investment restrictions, withholding taxes, lack of liquidity or other reasons.

***Debt Securities Risk***

In addition to the risks described elsewhere in the Prospectus and this SAI, debt securities are subject to certain other risks, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***Issuer Risk***. The value of debt securities may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods and services. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in that issuer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***Interest Rate Risk***. Interest rate risk is the risk that debt securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of fixed rate securities generally will fall. Currently, interest rates are at or near historical lows and, as a result, they are likely to rise over time. Market value generally falls further for fixed rate securities with longer duration. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected prepayments. This may lock in a below-market yield, increase the security's duration and further reduce the value of the security. Investments in debt securities with long-term maturities may experience significant price declines if long-term interest rates increase. Fluctuations in the value of portfolio securities will not affect interest income on existing portfolio securities but will be reflected in the Fund's net asset value. Since the magnitude of these fluctuations will generally be greater at times when the Fund's average maturity is longer, under certain market conditions the Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, accept lower current income from short-term investments rather than investing in higher yielding long-term securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***Liquidity Risk***. Certain debt securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks traded on an exchange. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Fund or at prices approximating the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities on its books.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***Prepayment Risk***. During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a security may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest the proceeds from such prepayment in lower yielding securities, which may result in a decline in the Fund's income and distributions to common shareholders of the Fund. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Debt securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to redeem the security prior to its stated maturity. An issuer may redeem an obligation if the issuer can refinance the debt at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit standing of the issuer. If the Fund bought a security at a premium, the premium could be lost in the event of a prepayment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***Reinvestment Risk***. Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund's portfolio will decline if the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called bonds at market interest rates that are below the Fund portfolio's current earnings rate. A decline in income could affect the market price of the Fund's common shares or the overall return of the Fund.

***Derivatives Risk***

The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying asset, index or rate, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. In addition, when the Fund invests in certain derivative securities, including, but not limited to, when-issued securities, forward commitments, futures contracts and interest rate swaps, the Fund is effectively leveraging its investments, which could result in exaggerated changes in the net asset value of the Fund's shares and can result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested. The success of the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor's derivatives strategies will depend on its ability to assess and predict the impact of market or economic developments on the underlying asset, index or rate and the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. Liquidity risk exists when a security cannot be purchased or sold at the time desired, or cannot be purchased or sold without adversely affecting the price. Certain specific risks associated with an investment in derivatives may include: market risk, credit risk, correlation risk, liquidity risk, legal risk and systemic or "interconnection" risk, as specified below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 Fund to losses. 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 managers' 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 managers' judgment that the derivative transaction will provide value to the Fund and its shareholders and is consistent with the Fund's objective, investment limitations and operating policies. In making such a judgment, the portfolio managers will analyze the benefits and risks of the derivative transactions and weigh them in the context of the Fund's overall investments and investment objective.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) ***Credit Risk/Counterparty 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 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 Fund 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 Fund. The Fund will enter into transactions in derivative instruments only with counterparties that First Trust reasonably believes are capable of performing under the contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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

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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 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 Fund might be required to maintain segregated accounts and/or make margin payments when taking positions in derivative instruments involving obligations to third parties (*i.e.*, instruments other than purchase options). If the 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 the 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. The 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 the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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.

***Hybrid Capital Securities Risk***

Although it may be considered an equity security within an issuer's capital structure, a hybrid capital security may exhibit characteristics to a debt security, convertible security or other evidence of indebtedness on which the value of the interest, or principal of which, is determined by reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument or financial strength of a reference entity (*e.g.*, a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency or interest rate). Hybrid capital securities may be functionally equivalent to preferred stock and are issued and trade in a manner similar to traditional perpetual preferred stock. Such hybrid capital securities may have a lower par amount, may allow the issuer to defer interest or dividend payments and may be equal to preferred shares or the lowest level of subordinated debt in terms of claims to an issuer's assets in the event of liquidation. Also, the price of a hybrid capital security and any applicable reference instrument may not move in the same direction or at the same time.

An investment in a hybrid capital security may entail significant risks not associated with a similar investment in a traditional equity security or preferred stock. The risks of a particular hybrid capital security will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the possibility of significant changes in the value of any applicable reference instrument. Such risks may depend upon factors unrelated to the operations or credit quality of the issuer of the hybrid capital security. Hybrid capital securities potentially are more volatile and carry greater market and liquidity risks than traditional equity securities. Holders of hybrid preferred securities may have limited voting rights to control the activities of the issuer. The purchase of hybrid preferred securities also may expose a Fund to the credit risk of their issuer, and, depending on the level of the Fund's investment in such hybrid securities, these risks may cause significant fluctuations in the Fund's NAV. Hybrid securities also may carry liquidity risk, since the instruments are often "customized" to meet the needs of an issuer or a particular investor, and therefore the number of investors that are willing and able to buy such instruments in the secondary market may be small.

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***Liquidity Risk***

Whether or not the equity securities held by the Fund are listed on a securities exchange, the principal trading market for certain of the equity securities in the Fund may be in the OTC 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 by the Fund will be adversely affected if trading markets for the equity securities are limited or absent.

***Listing Standards Risk***

The Fund is required to comply with listing requirements adopted by the Exchange. Non-compliance with such requirements may result in the Fund's shares being delisted by the Exchange. Any resulting liquidation of the Fund could cause the Fund to incur elevated transaction costs and could result in negative tax consequences for its shareholders.

***Market Risk*** 

Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. Such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. Such events could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of a Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

Health crises caused by the outbreak of infectious diseases or other public health issues, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, economic, market and financial risks. The impact of any such events, could negatively affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual countries or regions, the financial performance of individual companies, sectors and industries, and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests and negatively impact the Fund's investment return. For example, an outbreak of a respiratory disease designated as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. The ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may be short term or may last for an extended period of time, and in either case could result in a substantial economic downturn or recession.

In addition, the operations of the Fund, the Advisor and the Fund's other service providers may be significantly impacted, or even temporarily or permanently halted, as a result of government quarantine measures, voluntary and precautionary restrictions on travel or meetings and other factors related to a public health emergency, including its potential adverse impact on the health of any such entity's personnel.

***Non-U.S. Securities Risk***

An investment in non-U.S. securities involves risks in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. Non-U.S. securities are affected by the fact that in many countries there is less publicly available information about issuers than is available in the reports and ratings published about companies in the United States and companies may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. Other risks inherent in non-U.S. investments include expropriation; confiscatory taxation; withholding taxes on dividends and interest; less extensive regulation of non-U.S. brokers, securities markets and issuers; diplomatic developments; and political or social instability. Non-U.S. economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in various respects, and many non-U.S. securities are less liquid and their prices tend to be more volatile than comparable U.S. securities. From time to time, non-U.S. securities may be difficult to liquidate rapidly without adverse price effects.

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***Passive Foreign Investment Companies Risk***

The Fund may invest in companies that are considered to be "passive foreign investment companies" (*"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. Therefore, 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 distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner. The Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes.

***Preferred Securities and Trust Preferred Securities Risk***

There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities, including risks related to deferral, noncumulative dividends, subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights and special redemption rights. Trust preferred securities are limited-life preferred securities typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes or preferred securities issued by an affiliated business trust of a corporation whose only assets are generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. Dividend payments on the trust preferred securities generally coincide with interest payments on the underlying obligations. Trust preferred securities generally have a yield advantage over traditional preferred securities, but unlike preferred securities, distributions are treated as interest rather than dividends for federal income tax purposes and therefore, are not eligible for the dividends received deduction and do not constitute qualified dividend income. Trust preferred securities prices fluctuate for several reasons including changes in investors' perception of the financial condition of an issuer or the general economic condition of the market for trust preferred securities, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. Trust preferred securities are also sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase in a rising interest rate environment and the risk that a trust preferred security may be called for redemption in a falling interest rate environment. Certain of the other risks unique to trust preferred securities include: (i) distributions on trust preferred securities will be made only if interest payments on the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures are made; (ii) a corporation issuing the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures may defer interest payments on these instruments for up to 20 consecutive quarters and if such election is made, distributions will not be made on the trust preferred securities during the deferral period; (iii) certain tax or regulatory events may trigger the redemption of the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures by the issuing corporation and result in prepayment of the trust preferred securities prior to their stated maturity date; (iv) future legislation may be proposed or enacted that may prohibit the corporation from deducting its interest payments on the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures for tax purposes, making redemption of these instruments likely; (v) a corporation may redeem the interest bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures in whole at any time or in part from time to time on or after a stated call date; (vi) trust preferred securities holders have very limited voting rights; and (vii) payment of interest on the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures, and therefore distributions on the trust preferred securities, is dependent on the financial condition of the issuing corporation.

***Real Estate Investment Trust Risk***

REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors' capital to purchase or finance real estate. REITs may concentrate their investments in specific geographic areas or in specific property types, *e.g.*, hotels, shopping malls, residential complexes and office buildings. The market value of REIT shares and the ability of the REITs to distribute income may be adversely affected by several factors, including rising interest rates; changes in the national, state and local economic climate and real estate conditions; perceptions of prospective tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the properties; the ability of the owners to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance; the cost of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act; increased competition from new properties; the impact of present or future environmental legislation and compliance with environmental laws; changes in real estate taxes and other operating expenses; adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies; adverse changes in zoning laws; and other factors beyond the control of the issuers of the REITs. In addition, distributions received by the Fund from REITs may consist of dividends, capital gains and/or return of capital. Many of these distributions however will not generally qualify for favorable treatment as qualified dividend income.

***Securities Lending Risk*** 

Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including counterparty risk, collateral risk and operational risk. Counterparty risk is the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, a First Trust Fund engaged in securities lending transactions may suffer a loss and there may be a delay in recovering the lent securities. Any delay in the return of securities on loan may restrict the ability of the Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Collateral risk is the risk that the collateral received may be realized at a value lower than the value of the securities lent, whether due to inaccurate pricing of the collateral, adverse market movements in the value of the collateral, intra-day increases in the value

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of the securities lent, a deterioration in the credit rating of the collateral issuer, or the illiquidity of the market in which the collateral is traded. Securities lending also entails operational risks, such as settlement failures or delays in the settlement of instructions. Such failures or delays may restrict the ability of the Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Lastly, securities lending activities may result in adverse tax consequences for the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, substitute payments for dividends received by the Fund for securities loaned out by the Fund will not be considered qualified dividend income. The Fund could lose money if its short-term investment of the collateral declines in value over the period of the loan.

***Warrants and Rights Risk***

Warrants and rights are subject to the same market risks as common stocks, but are more volatile in price. Warrants and rights do not carry the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to their underlying securities, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. An investment in warrants or rights may be considered speculative. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying security and a warrant or right ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. The purchase of warrants or rights involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant or right if the right to subscribe for additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrants' or rights' expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants and rights involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant or right added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security's market price such as when there is no movement in the price of the underlying security.

**Management of the Fund**

**Trustees and Officers**

The general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement and sub-advisory agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. There are six Trustees of the Trust, one of whom is an "interested person" (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act) and five of whom are Trustees who are not officers or employees of First Trust or any of its affiliates (*"Independent Trustees"*). The Trustees set broad policies for the Fund, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Trust's investment advisor and sub-advisors. The officers of the Trust manage its day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board of Trustees. The following is a list of the Trustees and executive 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 have held during the past five years, if applicable. Each Trustee has been elected for an indefinite term. The officers of the Trust serve indefinite terms. Each Trustee, except for James A. Bowen, is an Independent Trustee. Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (*"Interested Trustee"*) of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor to the Fund. The following table identifies the Trustees and Officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all persons below is c/o First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, IL 60187.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| **Position**<br> **and Offices**<br> **with Trust**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Year First**<br> **Elected or**<br> **Appointed**<br>| **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in the First**<br> **Trust Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee**<br>| **Other**<br> **Trusteeships or**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by**<br> **Trustee**<br> **During the**<br> **Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** |
| James A. Bowen <sup>(1)</sup> <br>1955<br>| Chairman of the <br> Board and Trustee<br>| •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Chief Executive Officer, First Trust <br> Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios <br> L.P.; Chairman of the Board of Directors, <br> BondWave LLC (Software Development <br> Company) and Stonebridge Advisors LLC <br> (Investment Advisor)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| Richard E. Erickson<br> 1951<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Physician, Edward-Elmhurst Medical <br> Group; Physician and Officer, Wheaton <br> Orthopedics (1990 to 2021)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| **Position**<br> **and Offices**<br> **with Trust**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Year First**<br> **Elected or**<br> **Appointed**<br>| **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in the First**<br> **Trust Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee**<br>| **Other**<br> **Trusteeships or**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by**<br> **Trustee**<br> **During the**<br> **Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| Thomas R. Kadlec<br> 1957<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Retired; President, ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc. (Futures Commission <br> Merchant) (2010 to July 2022)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director, National <br> Futures <br> Association; <br> formerly, Director <br> of ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc., <br> ADM Investor <br> Services <br> International, <br> ADMIS Hong Kong <br> Ltd., ADMIS <br> Singapore Ltd. and <br> Futures Industry <br> Association<br>|
| Denise M. Keefe<br> 1964<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since 2021<br>| Executive Vice President, Advocate <br> Aurora Health and President, Advocate <br> Aurora Continuing Health Division <br> (Integrated Healthcare System)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director and Board <br> Chair of Advocate <br> Home Health <br> Services, Advocate <br> Home Care <br> Products and <br> Advocate Hospice; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of Aurora At <br> Home (since <br> 2018); Director of <br> Advocate <br> Physician Partners <br> Accountable Care <br> Organization; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of RML Long <br> Term Acute Care <br> Hospitals; and <br> Director of Senior <br> Helpers (since <br> 2021)<br>|
| Robert F. Keith<br> 1956<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| President, Hibs Enterprises (Financial and <br> Management Consulting)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Formerly, Director <br> of Trust Company <br> of Illinois<br>|
| Niel B. Nielson<br> 1954<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Senior Advisor (2018 to present), <br> Managing Director and Chief Operating <br> Officer (2015 to 2018), Pelita Harapan <br> Educational Foundation (Educational <br> Products and Services)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position and**<br> **Offices with Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of Office and**<br> **Length of Service**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** |
| James M. Dykas<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President and Chief <br> Executive Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, First <br> Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P.; <br> Chief Financial Officer, BondWave LLC (Software <br> Development Company) and Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC (Investment Advisor)<br>|
| W. Scott Jardine<br> 1960<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Secretary and Chief Legal <br> Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.; Secretary and General Counsel, <br> BondWave LLC; and Secretary, Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC<br>|
| Daniel J. Lindquist<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P. <br>|

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position and**<br> **Offices with Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of Office and**<br> **Length of Service**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>|
| Kristi A. Maher<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Compliance Officer <br> and Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Chief Compliance <br> Officer since January <br> 2011<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Assistant Secretary <br> since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Deputy General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. <br> and First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Donald P. Swade<br> 1972<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Treasurer, Chief Financial <br> Officer and Chief <br> Accounting Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Roger F. Testin<br> 1966<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Stan Ueland<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|

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(1) Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor of the Fund.

**Unitary Board Leadership Structure**

Each Trustee serves as a trustee of all open-end and closed-end funds in the First Trust Fund Complex (as defined below), which is known as a "unitary" board leadership structure. Each Trustee currently serves as a trustee of First Trust Series Fund and First Trust Variable Insurance Trust, open-end funds with nine portfolios advised by First Trust; First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II, Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund, First Trust Energy Income and Growth Fund, First Trust Enhanced Equity Income Fund, First Trust/Aberdeen Global Opportunity Income Fund, First Trust Mortgage Income Fund, First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund, First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund, First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund, First Trust MLP and Energy Income Fund, First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund, First Trust Dynamic Europe Equity Income Fund, First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund and First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund, closed-end funds advised by First Trust; and First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund V, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VII, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund and First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund II, exchange-traded funds with 201 portfolios advised by First Trust (each a *"First Trust Fund"* and collectively, the *"First Trust Fund Complex"*). None of the Independent Trustees 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. or their affiliates.

The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Advisor, sub-advisory agreement among the Advisor, Sub-Advisor and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trustees set broad policies for the Fund, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Fund's investment advisor, any sub-advisors and other service providers. The officers of the Trust manage the day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board. The Board is composed of five Independent Trustees and one Interested Trustee. The Interested Trustee, James A. Bowen, serves as the Chairman of the Board for each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex.

The same six persons serve as Trustees on the Board and on the Boards of all other First Trust Funds. The unitary board structure was adopted for the First Trust Funds because of the efficiencies it achieves with respect to the governance and oversight of the First Trust Funds. Each First Trust Fund is subject to the rules and regulations of the 1940 Act (and other applicable securities laws), which means that many of the First Trust Funds face similar issues with respect to certain of their fundamental activities, including risk management, portfolio liquidity, portfolio valuation and financial reporting. Because of the similar and often overlapping issues facing the First Trust Funds, including among the First Trust exchange-traded funds, the Board of the First Trust Funds believes that maintaining a unitary board structure promotes efficiency and consistency in the governance and oversight of all First Trust Funds and reduces the costs, administrative burdens and possible conflicts that may result from having multiple boards. In adopting a unitary board structure, the Trustees seek to provide effective governance through establishing a board the overall composition of which will, as a body, possess the appropriate skills, diversity, independence and experience to oversee the Fund's business.

Annually, the Board reviews its governance structure and the committee structures, their performance and functions, and it reviews any processes that would enhance Board governance over the Fund's business. The Board has determined that

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its leadership structure, including the unitary board and committee structure, is appropriate based on the characteristics of the funds it serves and the characteristics of the First Trust Fund Complex as a whole.

In order to streamline communication between the Advisor and the Independent Trustees and create certain efficiencies, the Board has a Lead Independent Trustee who is responsible for: (i) coordinating activities of the Independent Trustees; (ii) working with the Advisor, Fund counsel and the independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees to determine the agenda for Board meetings; (iii) serving as the principal contact for and facilitating communication between the Independent Trustees and the Fund's service providers, particularly the Advisor; and (iv) any other duties that the Independent Trustees may delegate to the Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee is selected by the Independent Trustees and serves a three-year term or until his or her successor is selected.

The Board has established five standing committees (as described below) and has delegated certain of its responsibilities to those committees. The Board and its committees meet frequently throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, review contractual arrangements with and performance of service providers, oversee compliance with regulatory requirements and review Fund performance. The Independent Trustees are represented by independent legal counsel at all Board and committee meetings (other than meetings of the Dividend Committee). Generally, the Board acts by majority vote of all the Trustees, including a majority vote of the Independent Trustees if required by applicable law.

The four Committee Chairs and the Lead Independent Trustee rotate every three years in serving as Chair of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee or the Dividend Committee, or as Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee and immediately preceding Lead Independent Trustee also serve on the Executive Committee with the Interested Trustee.

The five standing committees of the First Trust Fund Complex are: the Executive Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Dividend 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 of Trust and By Laws. Mr. Nielson, Mr. Bowen and Mr. Keith are members of the Executive Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Executive Committee did not hold any meetings.

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for appointing and nominating non-interested persons to the Board of Trustees. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe 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. The Board of Trustees adopted a mandatory retirement age of 75 for Trustees, beyond which age Trustees are ineligible to serve. The Committee will not consider new trustee candidates who are 72 years of age or older or will turn 72 years old during the initial term. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees occurs or is anticipated to occur 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 Fund. To submit a recommendation for nomination as a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, shareholders of the Fund should mail such recommendation to W. Scott Jardine, Secretary, at the Trust's address, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. Such recommendation shall include the following information: (i) evidence of Fund ownership of the person or entity recommending the candidate (if a Fund shareholder); (ii) a full description of the proposed candidate's background, including education, experience, current employment and date of birth; (iii) names and addresses of at least three professional references for the candidate; (iv) information as to whether the candidate is an "interested person" in relation to the Fund, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, and such other information that may be considered to impair the candidate's independence; and (v) any other information that may be helpful to the 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 Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and to counsel to the Independent Trustees. During the last fiscal year, the Nominating and Governance Committee held four meetings.

The Valuation Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Advisor as the "Valuation Designee" under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act and its implementation of the valuation of the securities held in the Fund's portfolio. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe are members of the Valuation Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Valuation Committee held four meetings.

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund's accounting and financial reporting process, the system of internal controls and audit process and for evaluating and appointing independent auditors (subject also to Board approval).

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Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe serve on the Audit Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Audit Committee held seven meetings.

The Dividend Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in, or assuming the authority and power of the Board with respect to, the declaration and setting of the Fund's dividends. Messrs. Erickson and Nielson serve on the Dividend Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Dividend Committee did not hold any meetings.

**Executive Officers**

The executive officers of the Trust hold the same positions with each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex (representing 224 portfolios) as they hold with the Trust, except Messrs. Russo and Ueland who are executive officers of only the ETFs advised by First Trust and Mr. Testin who is an executive officer of only the ETFs and open-end funds advised by First Trust.

**Risk Oversight**

As part of the general oversight of the Fund, the Board is involved in the risk oversight of the Fund. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address the Fund's risks. Oversight of investment and compliance risk is performed primarily at the Board level in conjunction with the Advisor's investment oversight group and the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (*"CCO"*). Oversight of other risks also occurs at the committee level. The Advisor's investment oversight group reports to the Board at quarterly meetings regarding, among other things, Fund performance and the various drivers of such performance. The Board reviews reports on the Fund's and the service providers' compliance policies and procedures at each quarterly Board meeting and receives an annual report from the CCO regarding the operations of the Fund's and the service providers' compliance programs. In addition, the Independent Trustees meet privately each quarter with the CCO. The Audit Committee reviews, with the Advisor and the Fund's independent auditors, the Fund's major financial risk exposures and the steps the Advisor has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including the Fund's risk assessment and risk management policies and guidelines. The Audit Committee also, as appropriate, reviews in a general manner the processes other Board committees have in place with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The Nominating and Governance Committee monitors all matters related to the corporate governance of the Trust. The Valuation Committee monitors valuation risk and oversees the Advisor's performance as Valuation Designee.

Not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified nor can controls be developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. It may not be practical or cost effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, the processes and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness, and some risks are simply beyond the reasonable control of the Fund or the Advisor or other service providers. For instance, as the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent, the Fund and its service providers have become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cyber security (generally, intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund or a service provider to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity). There can be no guarantee that any risk management systems established by the Fund, its service providers, or issuers of the securities in which the Fund invests to reduce cyber security risks will succeed, and the Fund cannot control such systems put in place by service providers, issuers or other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund and/or its shareholders. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund's goals. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Fund's ability to manage risk is subject to substantial limitations.

**Board Diversification and Trustee Qualifications**

As described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board oversees matters related to the selection and nomination of Trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to establish an effective Board with an appropriate range of skills and diversity, including, as appropriate, differences in background, professional experience, education, vocation, and other individual characteristics and traits in the aggregate. Each Trustee must meet certain basic requirements, including relevant skills and experience, time availability and, if qualifying as an Independent Trustee, independence from the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, underwriters or other service providers, including any affiliates of these entities.

Listed below for each current Trustee are the experiences, qualifications and attributes that led to the conclusion, as of the date of this SAI, that each current Trustee should serve as a Trustee in light of the Trust's business and structure.

Richard E. Erickson, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with Edward-Elmhurst Medical Group. He was previously President of Wheaton Orthopedics, a co-owner and director of a fitness center and a limited partner of two real estate companies. Dr. Erickson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Dr. Erickson

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has also served as the Lead Independent Trustee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019) and on the Executive Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2022), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2003–2007 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2012–2013) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (June 2006–2007; 2010–2011 and 2020–2022) of the First Trust Funds. He currently serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Thomas R. Kadlec was previously President of ADM Investor Services Inc. (*"ADMIS"*), a futures commission merchant and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Archer Daniels Midland Company (*"ADM"*) from 2010 to July 2022. Mr. Kadlec was employed by ADMIS and its affiliates since 1990 in various accounting, financial, operations and risk management capacities. Mr. Kadlec served on the boards of several international affiliates of ADMIS until July 2022 and served as a member of ADM's Integrated Risk Committee from 2008–2018, which was tasked with the duty of implementing and communicating enterprise-wide risk management. From 2014 to 2022, Mr. Kadlec was on the board of the Futures Industry Association. In 2017, Mr. Kadlec was elected to the board of the National Futures Association. Mr. Kadlec has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception. Mr. Kadlec also served on the Executive Committee from the organization of the first First Trust closed-end fund in 2003 through 2005 (and 2014–2019) until he was elected as the first Lead Independent Trustee in December 2005, serving as such through 2007 (and 2014–2016). He also served as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2012–2013). He currently serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Denise M. Keefe is Executive Vice President of Advocate Aurora Health and President of Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division (together, *"Advocate"*), one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the U.S. serving Illinois and Wisconsin. Ms. Keefe has been employed by Advocate since 1993 and is responsible for the Continuing Health Division's strategic direction, fiscal management, business development, revenue enhancement, operational efficiencies, and human resource management of 4,000 employees. Ms. Keefe also currently serves on the boards of several organizations within the Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division and other health care organizations, including RML Long Term Acute Care Hospitals (since 2014) and Senior Helpers (since 2021). Prior thereto, Ms. Keefe was Corporate Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for the Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago (1989–1992) and a former Board Member of Sherman West Court Skilled Nursing Facility. Ms. Keefe has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds and on the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Valuation Committee of the First Trust Funds since November 1, 2021.

Robert F. Keith is President of Hibs Enterprises, a financial and management consulting firm. Mr. Keith has been with Hibs Enterprises since 2003. Prior thereto, Mr. Keith spent 18 years with ServiceMaster and Aramark, including three years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Consumer Services, where he led the initial expansion of certain products overseas; five years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Management Services; and two years as President of Aramark ServiceMaster Management Services. Mr. Keith is a certified public accountant and also has held the positions of Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of ServiceMaster, at which time he oversaw the financial aspects of ServiceMaster's expansion of its Management Services division into Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Mr. Keith has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds since 2006. Mr. Keith has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2014–2016) of the First Trust Funds. He served as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (2012–2016). He currently serves as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2023) and as Chairman of the Dividend Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Niel B. Nielson, Ph.D., has been the Senior Advisor of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation, a global provider of educational products and services since 2018. Prior thereto, Mr. Nielson served as the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation for three years. Mr. Nielson formerly served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dew Learning LLC from 2012 through 2014. Mr. Nielson formerly served as President of Covenant College (2002–2012), and as a partner and trader (of options and futures contracts for hedging options) for Ritchie Capital Markets Group (1996–1997), where he held an administrative management position at this proprietary derivatives trading company. He also held prior positions in new business development for ServiceMaster Management Services Company and in personnel and human resources for NationsBank of North Carolina, N.A. and Chicago Research and Trading Group, Ltd. (*"CRT"*). His international experience includes serving as a director of CRT Europe, Inc. for two years, directing out of London all aspects of business conducted by the U.K. and European subsidiary of CRT. Prior to that, Mr. Nielson was a trader and manager at CRT in Chicago. Mr. Nielson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Mr. Nielson has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2003–2006 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2007–2008), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Dividend Committee

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(2020–2022) and Lead Independent Trustee and a member of the Executive Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022). He currently serves on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2020) and as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

James A. Bowen is Chief Executive Officer of First Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P. Mr. Bowen is involved in the day-to-day management of the First Trust Funds and serves on the Executive Committee. He has over 35 years of experience in the investment company business in sales, sales management and executive management. Mr. Bowen has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999.

Effective January 1, 2023, the fixed annual retainer paid to the Independent Trustees is $275,000 per year and an annual per fund fee of $2,500 for each closed-end fund and actively managed fund, $750 for each target outcome fund and $250 for each index fund. The fixed annual retainer is allocated equally among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex rather than being allocated pro rata based on each fund's net assets. Additionally, the Lead Independent Trustee is paid $30,000 annually, the Chairman of the Audit Committee is paid $25,000 annually, the Chairman of the Valuation Committee is paid $20,000 annually and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee is paid $20,000 annually to serve in such capacities with compensation allocated pro rata among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex based on its net assets.

The following table sets forth the total compensation (including reimbursement for travel and out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Fund and the First Trust Fund Complex to each of the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 and the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. 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. The Trust has no employees. Its officers are compensated by First Trust.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Trustee** | **Total Compensation from**<br> **the Fund** <sup>(1)</sup> <br>| **Total Compensation from**<br> **the First Trust Fund Complex** <sup>(2)</sup> <br>|
| Richard E. Erickson | $3758 | $523750 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec | $3758 | $524820 |
| Denise M. Keefe <sup>(3)</sup> | $3679 | $504158 |
| Robert F. Keith | $3718 | $514231 |
| Niel B. Nielson | $3797 | $533750 |

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(1) The compensation paid by the Fund to the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 for services to the Fund.

(2) The total compensation paid to the Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022 for services to the 225 portfolios existing in 2022, which consisted of 9 open-end mutual funds, 15 closed-end funds and 201 exchange-traded funds.

(3) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Fund and in other funds overseen by the Trustees in the First Trust Fund Complex as of December 31, 2022:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustee** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Fund**<br> **(Number of Shares** <br> **Held)**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar**<br> **Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in the First** <br> **Trust Fund Complex**<br>|
| **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** |
| James A. Bowen |  | Over $100,000 |
| **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** |
| Richard E. Erickson |  | Over $100,000 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec |  | Over $100,000 |
| Denise M. Keefe<sup>(1)</sup> |  | Over $100,000 |
| Robert F. Keith |  | Over $100,000 |
| Niel B. Nielson |  | Over $100,000 |

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(1) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

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As of January 31, 2023, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and their immediate family members did not own beneficially or of record any class of securities of an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Fund or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Fund.

As of January 31, 2023, the officers and Trustees, in the aggregate, owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.

The table set forth in *Exhibit A* shows the percentage ownership of each person or "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*)) who, based on the securities position listing reports as of January 31, 2023, owned of record, or is known by the Trust to have owned of record or beneficially, 5% or more of the shares of the Fund (the *"Principal Holders"*). A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of control. A party that controls the Fund may be able to significantly influence the outcome of any item presented to shareholders for approval. The Fund does not have any knowledge of who the ultimate beneficiaries are of the shares.

**Investment Advisor**. First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Fund. 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 James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities to the Fund subject to the policies of the Board of Trustees.

First Trust provides investment tools and portfolios for advisors and investors. First Trust is committed to theoretically sound portfolio construction and empirically verifiable investment management approaches. Its asset management philosophy and investment discipline are deeply rooted in the application of intuitive factor analysis and model implementation to enhance investment decisions.

First Trust acts as investment advisor for the Fund and is responsible for overseeing the Sub-Advisor, which manages the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund. 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 between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the *"Investment Management Agreement"*), First Trust oversees Stonebridge's management of the Fund's assets and is responsible for paying all expenses of the Fund, excluding the fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees, if any, and expenses, and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

The Fund has agreed to pay First Trust an annual management fee equal to 0.85% of its average daily net assets. First Trust provides fund reporting services to the Fund for a flat annual fee in the amount of $9,250, which is included in the annual unitary management fee.

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 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 terminates automatically upon assignment and is terminable at any time without penalty as to the Fund by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities on 60 days' written notice to First Trust, or by First Trust on 60 days' written notice to the Fund.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to the Advisor will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*) and calculated pursuant to the schedule below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee** | **Breakpoints** |
| 0.85000% | Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion |
| 0.82875% | Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion  |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 0.80750% | Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion |
| 0.78625% | Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion |
| 0.76500% | Fund net assets greater than $10 billion |

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In connection with the introduction of the breakpoints discussed above, the Fund's investment sub-advisory agreement has been amended to reflect that the investment sub-advisory fee paid to Stonebridge Advisors LLC, the Fund's investment sub-advisor, is based on the Advisor's management fee. Accordingly, during any period in which the Advisor's management fee is reduced in accordance with the breakpoints described above, the investment sub-advisory fee will be reduced to reflect the reduction in the Advisor's management fee.

The following table sets forth the unitary management fee paid by the Fund to First Trust for the specified periods.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $4869787 | $3073489 | $2368429 |

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**Sub-Advisor**

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and First Trust have retained Stonebridge Advisors LLC, an affiliate of First Trust, to serve as its investment sub-advisor pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement (the *"Sub-Advisory Agreement"*). In this capacity, Stonebridge is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio. Stonebridge is a Delaware limited liability company with principal offices located at 10 Westport Road, Suite C101, Wilton, Connecticut 06897. Stonebridge is owned 51% by an affiliate of the Advisor and 48% by Stonebridge Asset Management LLP. Stonebridge is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and had approximately $14.408 billion of assets which it managed as of December 30, 2022. Stonebridge is a research-driven firm whose personnel have longstanding experience in investing in preferred securities. Set forth below is information regarding the key executives of Stonebridge who select and monitor the portfolio or provide managerial or executive support to the Fund.

**Portfolio Managers.** The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. There are currently four portfolio managers, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Scott Fleming serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Stonebridge setting the strategic direction of Stonebridge including operations, business and product development, and marketing strategies. Mr. Fleming leads the Investment Committee and oversees investment policies and strategies for all of the company's portfolio management activities. Additionally, Mr. Fleming directs the daily management of preferred stock portfolios. Prior to founding Stonebridge in 2004, Mr. Fleming co-founded Spectrum Asset Management, Inc., an investment advisor that specializes in preferred securities asset management for institutional clients and mutual funds. During his 13-year tenure there, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Under his leadership, Spectrum grew to be the largest preferred securities manager in the country. Mr. Fleming previously served as Vice President, Portfolio Manager for DBL Preferred Management, Inc. in New York City. Mr. Fleming received a B.S. in Accounting from Bentley College in Waltham, MA and his MBA in Finance from Babson College in Wellesley, MA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Robert Wolf serves as Chief Investment Officer, Executive Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Stonebridge. Mr. Wolf is a senior member of Stonebridge Advisors' Investment Committee and oversees investment strategies and portfolio management activities across fund products and separately managed accounts. Mr. Wolf directs the daily management of preferred securities portfolios and performs both credit research and trading functions. Mr. Wolf has over sixteen years of fixed-income experience in both portfolio management and credit research. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2006, Mr. Wolf was a high-yield fixed-income research analyst at Lehman Brothers. In this role, his responsibilities included detailed credit analysis across multiple sectors, relative value analysis, and developing trade recommendations. Mr. Wolf previously worked for Lehman Brothers' commercial mortgage-backed securities (*CMBS*) trading desk as a credit analyst. Mr. Wolf received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from Villanova University and his MBA in Finance from the New York University Stern School of Business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Eric Weaver serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Stonebridge Advisors. Mr. Weaver is a senior member of Stonebridge Advisors' Investment Committee and oversees the investment strategy

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across all fund products and separately managed accounts. In addition, Mr. Weaver leads the development of proprietary portfolio management, security selection, trading, and operational tools. Mr. Weaver has thirteen years of investment management experience in portfolio management, trading, risks analysis, and research. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2013, Mr. Weaver worked at a private proprietary trading firm as a senior derivatives trader, with OTC and electronic trading experience on the NASDAQ OMX PHLX and CBOE options exchanges. In this role, Mr. Weaver focused on trading, portfolio and risk management, and pricing complex derivatives in a large and diverse portfolio of equities, options, and futures. Mr. Weaver received a B.A. degree in Economics and Mathematics and a MS degree in Economics from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Angelo Graci is Executive Vice President, Head of Credit Research, and Portfolio Manager of Stonebridge Advisors. Mr. Graci is a senior member of the Investment Committee and manages a team of analysts that oversees all of Stonebridge's portfolio investments. His extensive knowledge of global banking, insurance, non-bank finance and REITs brings an impressive level of analytical depth to the Stonebridge research team. Mr. Graci has 27 years of credit and equity research experience with a focus on financials. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2018, Mr. Graci was a global financials credit strategist at Stifel Financial, with a particular focus on hybrid/preferred strategy. Before Stifel, he was a senior analyst at Caxton Associates, responsible for financial sector credit and equity analysis and portfolio management. Prior roles included global financials and hybrid strategy at Citadel Securities and credit analysis and trading at Merrill Lynch. Mr. Graci received a BS in Finance from SUNY Albany and an MBA in Finance from the New York University Stern School of Business. He holds the CFA<sup>®</sup> designation awarded by CFA Institute.

As of October 31, 2022, Mr. Fleming beneficially owned shares of the Fund in the amount of over $100,000. Mr. Wolf beneficially owned shares of the Fund in the amount of $1 - $10,000. Mr. Weaver beneficially owned shares of the Fund in the amount of $10,001 - $50,000. Mr. Graci beneficially owned shares of the Fund in the amount of $10,001 - $50,000.

**Compensation.** The portfolio managers are compensated with an industry competitive salary and a year-end discretionary bonus based on client service, asset growth and the performance of the Fund. Each portfolio manager's performance is formally evaluated annually based on a variety of factors. Bonus compensation is primarily a function of the firm's overall annual profitability and the individual portfolio manager's contribution as measured by the overall investment performance of client portfolios in the strategy the portfolio manager manages relative to the strategy's general benchmark.

**Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers** 

In addition to the Fund, as of October 31, 2022, the portfolio managers are also primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Type of Account** <br> **Managed**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **$ Assets**<br> **(in millions)**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Accounts with**<br> **Performance**<br> **Based Fees**<br>| **Assets of**<br> **Accounts with**<br> **Performance**<br> **Based Fees**<br>|
| **Scott T. Fleming** | **Scott T. Fleming** | **Scott T. Fleming** | **Scott T. Fleming** | **Scott T. Fleming** | **Scott T. Fleming** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 4 | $7753.40 | 0 | $0 |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Accounts | 8407 | $2904.56 | 0 | $0 |
| **Robert Wolf** | **Robert Wolf** | **Robert Wolf** | **Robert Wolf** | **Robert Wolf** | **Robert Wolf** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 4 | $7753.40 | 0 | $0 |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Accounts | 8407 | $2904.56 | 0 | $0 |
| **Eric Weaver** | **Eric Weaver** | **Eric Weaver** | **Eric Weaver** | **Eric Weaver** | **Eric Weaver** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 4 | $7753.40 | N/A | $0 |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Accounts | 8407 | $2904.56 | N/A | $0  |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Type of Account** <br> **Managed**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **$ Assets**<br> **(in millions)**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Accounts with**<br> **Performance**<br> **Based Fees**<br>| **Assets of**<br> **Accounts with**<br> **Performance**<br> **Based Fees**<br>|
| **Angelo Graci** | **Angelo Graci** | **Angelo Graci** | **Angelo Graci** | **Angelo Graci** | **Angelo Graci** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 4 | $7753.40 | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | N/A | N/A |

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**Conflicts of Interest.** Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the potential conflicts described below.

The management of multiple funds and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each fund and/or other account. The Sub-Advisor seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of a portfolio manager by having the portfolio manager focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment models that are used in connection with the management of the Fund.

If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, a fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible funds and other accounts. To deal with these situations, the Sub-Advisor adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts.

With respect to securities transactions for the Fund, the Sub-Advisor determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as mutual funds for which the Sub-Advisor acts as sub-advisor, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Sub-Advisor may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for the Fund in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of the Fund or other account(s) involved.

The Sub-Advisor, the Advisor and the Fund have adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

**The Sub-Advisory Agreement.** The Sub-Advisor, subject to the Board of Trustees' and Advisor's supervision, provides the Fund with discretionary investment services. Specifically, the Sub-Advisor is responsible for managing the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions as provided in the Prospectus and this SAI, as may be subsequently changed by the Board of Trustees and communicated to the Sub-Advisor in writing. The Sub-Advisor further agrees to conform to all applicable laws and regulations of the SEC in all material respects and to conduct its activities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement in all material respects in accordance with applicable regulations of any governmental authority pertaining to its investment advisory services. In the performance of its duties, the Sub-Advisor will, in all material respects satisfy any applicable fiduciary duties it may have to the Fund, monitor the Fund's investments, and will comply with the provisions of Declaration and By-Laws, as amended from time to time, and the stated investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is responsible for effecting all security transactions for the Fund's assets. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the Sub-Advisor shall generally not be liable for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Advisor (including, without limitation, by reason of the purchase, sale or retention of any security) in connection with the performance of the Sub-Advisor's duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, except for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Sub-Advisor in performance of its duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Advisor has agreed to pay for the services and facilities provided by the Sub-Advisor through sub-advisory fees equal to the annual rate of 0.425% of the average daily net assets of the Fund less the amount of Fund Expenses (as such term is defined in the Sub-Advisory Agreement) owed by the Sub-Advisor pursuant

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to the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Sub-Advisor's fees are paid by the Advisor out of the Advisor's management fee. The following table sets forth the sub-advisory fees paid to the Sub-Advisor by the Advisor for the specified periods.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $2185756 | $1376712 | $1038024 |

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The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without the payment of any penalty by First Trust, the Board of Trustees, or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), upon 60 days' written notice to the Sub-Advisor.

All fees and expenses are accrued daily and deducted before payment of dividends to investors. The Sub-Advisory Agreement has been approved by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Fund, and the common shareholders of the Fund.

**Brokerage Allocations**

The Sub-Advisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund and for the placement of the Fund's 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 the Sub-Advisor 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 the Sub-Advisor and its clients. The best price to the 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 on the 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 Fund may pay markups on principal transactions. In selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Sub-Advisor 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 1934 Act permits an investment advisor, 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). Such brokerage and research services are often referred to as "soft dollars." The Sub-Advisor has advised the Board of Trustees that it does not currently intend to use soft dollars.

As an investment advisor, the Sub-Advisor has an obligation to seek best execution of trades in a manner intended, considering the circumstances, to secure that combination of net price and execution that will maximize the value of the Sub-Advisor's investment decisions for the benefit of its clients. Subject to the Sub-Advisor's duty to seek best execution, the Sub-Advisor's selection of brokers may be affected by its receipt of research services.

The Sub-Advisor may use client commissions (i) to acquire third party research, including the eligible portion of certain "mixed use" research products, and (ii) for proprietary research provided by brokers participating in the execution process, including access to the brokers' traders and analysts, access to conferences and company management, and the provision of market information.

When the Sub-Advisor receives research products and services in return for client brokerage, it relieves the Sub-Advisor of the expense it would otherwise bear of paying for those items with its own funds, which may provide an incentive to the Sub-Advisor to select a particular broker-dealer or electronic communication network that will provide it with research products or services.

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However, the Sub-Advisor chooses those broker-dealers it believes are best able to provide the best combination of net price and execution in each transaction. The Sub-Advisor uses client brokerage from accounts managed by an investment team for research used by that team. Because virtually all orders are aggregated across all accounts in a strategy for execution by a single broker, all participating accounts, including the Fund, generally will pay the same commission rate for trades and will share pro rata in the costs for the research, except for certain governmental clients that are subject to legal restrictions on the use of their commissions to pay for third-party research products and services (in which case the Sub-Advisor pays for such products and services from its own funds).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in selecting brokers, the Sub-Advisor may in the future 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 the Sub-Advisor 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 the Sub-Advisor or the Trust. In addition, the Sub-Advisor must determine that the research information received in this manner provides the Fund with benefits by supplementing the research otherwise available to the Fund. The Investment Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement provide that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund unless the Advisor or Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation to the services provided. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to First Trust under the Investment Management Agreement would not be reduced as a result of receipt by the Sub-Advisor of research services.

The Sub-Advisor places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts advised by it, and research services furnished by firms through which The Fund effects its securities transactions may be used by the Sub-Advisor in servicing all of its accounts; not all of such services may be used by the Sub-Advisor in connection with the Fund. The Sub-Advisor believes it is not possible to measure separately the benefits from research services to each of the accounts (including the Fund) 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, the Sub-Advisor believes such costs to the Fund will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by the Fund on a continuing basis. The Sub-Advisor seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund 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 Fund. In making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the main factors considered by the Sub-Advisor are the respective investment objective, 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 the Fund for the specified periods. Significant variations in the amount the Fund paid in brokerage commissions from year-to-year are generally the result of fluctuations in the size of the Fund or changes to the Fund's portfolio holdings.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $16 | $15 | $7 |

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During the last fiscal year, First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF held securities of Bank of America Corporation, BNP Parabas Securities Corp., Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA), J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley and Co., LLC, each a regular broker or dealer of the Fund as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act. As of October 31, 2022, the Fund's investment in each was 2.77%, 2.66%, 2.72%, 3.59%, 1.84% and 0.12% of the Fund's net assets, respectively.

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange**

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent and Transfer Agent.** The Trust has appointed Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (*"BBH"*), located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, to serve as the Fund's administrator, fund

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accounting agent and transfer agent pursuant to an administrative agency agreement (the *"Administrative Agency Agreement"*). As administrator, BBH provides various administrative services set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement. As the fund accounting agent, BBH provides transaction processing and review, custodial reconciliation, securities pricing and investment accounting. As the Fund's transfer agent, BBH is responsible for processing the issuance and redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations, the recording of such issuances and redemptions and other services related to the monitoring of cash collateral.

**Custodian.** The Trust has also appointed BBH to serve as the Fund's custodian pursuant to a custodian agreement (the *"Custodian Agreement"*). Pursuant to the terms of the Custodian Agreement, BBH is generally responsible for the safekeeping of the Fund's assets and performing various other administrative duties set forth in the Custodian Agreement.

As set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has agreed to indemnify BBH against, and hold it harmless from, certain losses, claims, liabilities and expenses arising out of BBH's performance of its obligations and duties under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, provided that such losses, claims, liabilities and expenses did not result from BBH's willful malfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such obligations and duties.

As compensation for the services provided by BBH under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has agreed to pay to BBH such compensation as is mutually agreed upon from time to time and reimburse BBH for out-of-pocket expenses which are a normal incident of the services provided under the agreements. This fee is subject to reduction for assets over $1 billion and $2 billion. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreements, the Fund does not directly pay BBH for these services, as First Trust has assumed responsibility for the payment of these expenses out of the unitary management fee it receives from the Fund.

**Distributor.** First Trust Portfolios L.P., an affiliate of First Trust, is the distributor (*"FTP"* or the *"Distributor"*) and principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund. Its principal address is 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. 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 Fund through the Distributor only in Creation Unit Aggregations, as described in the Prospectus under the heading "Other Information - Continuous Offering."

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020, October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2022, there were no underwriting commissions with respect to the sale of Fund shares, and FTP did not receive compensation on redemptions for the Fund during those years.

**12b-1 Plan.** The Trust has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act (the *"Plan"*) pursuant to which the Fund may reimburse the Distributor up to a maximum annual rate of 0.25% of 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. With the exception of the Distributor and its affiliates, no "interested person" of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) and no Trustee of the Trust has a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any related agreement.

No fee is currently paid by the Fund under the Plan and, pursuant to a contractual agreement, the Fund will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024.

**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 1934 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 Fund. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The Distributor has entered into agreements with participants that utilize the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (the *"DTC Participants"*), which have international operational capabilities and place orders for Creation Unit Aggregations of

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Fund shares. Participating Parties (which are participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation) shall be DTC Participants.

**Exchange.** The only relationship that the Exchange has with First Trust or the Distributor of the Fund in connection with the Fund is that the Exchange lists the shares of the Fund and disseminates the intra-day portfolio values that are calculated by the IPV calculator pursuant to its listing agreement with the Trust. The Exchange 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 Fund or in the determination or calculation of the asset value of the Fund. The Exchange has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

**Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries**

First Trust or its affiliates may from time to time make payments, out of their own resources, to certain broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, banks or other intermediaries (collectively, *"intermediaries"*) that sell shares of First Trust mutual funds and ETFs (*"First Trust Funds"*) to promote the sales and retention of Fund shares by those firms and their customers. The amounts of these payments vary by intermediary. The level of payments that First Trust is willing to provide to a particular intermediary may be affected by, among other factors, (i) the firm's total assets or Fund shares held in and recent net investments into First Trust Funds, (ii) the value of the assets invested in the First Trust Funds by the intermediary's customers, (iii) redemption rates, (iv) its ability to attract and retain assets, (v) the intermediary's reputation in the industry, (vi) the level and/or type of marketing assistance and educational activities provided by the intermediary, (vii) the firm's level of participation in First Trust Funds' sales and marketing programs, (viii) the firm's compensation program for its registered representatives who sell Fund shares and provide services to Fund shareholders, and (ix) the asset class of the First Trust Funds for which these payments are provided. Such payments are generally asset-based but also may include the payment of a lump sum.

First Trust may also make payments to certain intermediaries for certain administrative services and shareholder processing services, including record keeping and sub-accounting of shareholder accounts pursuant to a sub-transfer agency, omnibus account service or sub-accounting agreement. All fees payable by First Trust under this category of services may be charged back to the Fund, subject to approval by the Board.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may make payments, out of its own assets, to those firms as compensation and/or reimbursement for marketing support and/or program servicing to selected intermediaries that are registered as holders or dealers of record for accounts invested in one or more of the First Trust Funds or that make First Trust Fund shares available through certain selected Fund no-transaction fee institutional platforms and fee-based wrap programs at certain financial intermediaries. Program servicing payments typically apply to employee benefit plans, such as retirement plans, or fee-based advisory programs but may apply to retail sales and assets in certain situations. The payments are based on such factors as the type and nature of services or support furnished by the intermediary and are generally asset-based. Services for which an intermediary receives marketing support payments may include, but are not limited to, business planning assistance, advertising, educating the intermediary's personnel about First Trust Funds in connection with shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the intermediary's preferred or recommended fund list, and access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the intermediary. In addition, intermediaries may be compensated for enabling representatives of First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events and other events sponsored by the intermediary. Services for which an intermediary receives program servicing payments typically include, but are not limited to, record keeping, reporting or transaction processing and shareholder communications and other account administration services, but may also include services rendered in connection with Fund/investment selection and monitoring, employee enrollment and education, plan balance rollover or separation, or other similar services. An intermediary may perform program services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform program services. These payments, if any, are in addition to the service fee and any applicable omnibus sub-accounting fees paid to these firms with respect to these services by the First Trust Funds out of Fund assets.

From time to time, First Trust and/or its affiliates, at its expense, may provide other compensation to intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the First Trust Funds, which may be in addition to marketing support and program servicing payments described above. For example, First Trust and/or its affiliates may: (i) compensate intermediaries for National Securities Clearing Corporation networking system services (*e.g.*, shareholder communication, account statements, trade confirmations and tax reporting) on an asset-based or per-account basis; (ii) compensate intermediaries for providing Fund shareholder trading information; (iii) make one-time or periodic payments to reimburse selected intermediaries for items such as ticket charges (*i.e.*, fees that an intermediary charges its representatives for effecting transactions in Fund shares) or exchange

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order, operational charges (*e.g.*, fees that an intermediary charges for establishing the Fund on its trading system), and literature printing and/or distribution costs; (iv) at the direction of a retirement plan's sponsor, reimburse or pay direct expenses of an employee benefit plan that would otherwise be payable by the plan; (v) provide payments to broker-dealers to help defray their technology or infrastructure costs; and (vi) make payments for expenses associated with intermediaries' use of First Trust Funds including, but not limited to, the use of First Trust Funds in model portfolios.

When not provided for in a marketing support or program servicing agreement, First Trust and/ or its affiliates may also pay intermediaries for enabling First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other intermediary employees, client and investor events and other intermediary-sponsored events, and for travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with prospecting, asset retention and due diligence trips. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event. First Trust and/or its affiliates make payments for such events as it deems appropriate, subject to its internal guidelines and applicable law.

First Trust and/or its affiliates occasionally sponsor due diligence meetings for registered representatives during which they receive updates on various First Trust Funds and are afforded the opportunity to speak with portfolio managers. Although invitations to these meetings are not conditioned on selling a specific number of shares, those who have shown an interest in First Trust Funds are more likely to be considered. To the extent permitted by their firm's policies and procedures, all or a portion of registered representatives' expenses in attending these meetings may be covered by First Trust and/or its affiliates.

The amounts of payments referenced above made by First Trust and/or its affiliates could be significant and may create an incentive for an intermediary or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the First Trust Funds to its customers. The intermediary may elevate the prominence or profile of the First Trust Funds within the intermediary's organization by, for example, placing the First Trust Funds on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or granting First Trust and/or its affiliates preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the First Trust Funds in various ways within the intermediary's organization. These payments are made pursuant to negotiated agreements with intermediaries. The payments do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a share or the amount the Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales. Furthermore, many of these payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table section of the Fund's Prospectus because they are not paid by the Fund. The types of payments described herein are not mutually exclusive, and a single intermediary may receive some or all types of payments as described.

Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. Investors can ask their intermediaries for information about any payments they receive from First Trust and/or its affiliates and the services it provides for those payments. Investors may wish to take intermediary payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares.

Payments to intermediaries, in certain circumstances, may also be made in connection with the distribution of model portfolios developed by First Trust, such as the inclusion of such model portfolios on an intermediary's platform, as well as in connection with the marketing and sale of, and/or product training regarding such model portfolios, or servicing of accounts tracking such model portfolios. Such payments may be variable or fixed fee payments for platform support, or other payments in the form of a variable or fixed fee or a per position fee, or may relate to the amount of assets an intermediary's clients have invested in the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust, the management fee, the total expense ratio, or sales of the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust. Some intermediaries also provide related data regarding transactions in specific model portfolios, First Trust Funds and investment strategies to First Trust in exchange for a fee.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may enter into arrangements with third parties, such as a software provider, whereby First Trust may license certain technology or other services from such entity in exchange for licensing or other fees which may be, in whole or in part, dependent on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service. Such third party may also offer price concessions to broker dealers, investment advisers or other financial intermediaries that license technology or other services that may be dependent, in whole or in part, on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service.

**Additional Information**

**Book Entry Only System.** The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.

**DTC Acts as Securities Depository for Fund Shares.** Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (*"DTC"*) or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC.

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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 NYSE 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.

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 Fund 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 Fund 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.

**Policy Regarding Investment in Other Investment Companies.** The Fund will not rely on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act to invest in other investment companies.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (*"EEA"*) ONLY** 

The following disclosures are included in this SAI solely for the purposes of compliance with the applicable EEA law and regulation resulting from, of and as a consequence of, the Fund's registration or notification under the EU Directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (Directive (2011/61/EU)) (the *"AIFM Directive"*) national private placement regimes in certain European Union (*"EU"*) and EEA jurisdictions. The following disclosures are not intended for, and should not be relied on by, any investor other than an investor in the relevant EU and/or EEA jurisdictions because the rules, regulations and requirements applicable to the Fund in those jurisdictions as a result of their registration or notification differ from the rules, regulations and requirements applicable to the Fund under the Investment Company Act.

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***European Union's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation*** 

While First Trust Advisors L.P. (the *"Advisor"*) is not itself generally subject to Regulation 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial sector (*"SFDR"*), by virtue of the Fund's registration or notification under the AIFM Directive national private placement regimes in certain EU and EEA jurisdictions, some limited disclosures under the SFDR must be made in respect of the Fund and the following section is intended to satisfy certain of such requirements. The SFDR requires the Advisor to determine, on a product-by-product basis, whether "sustainability risks" are relevant to the Advisor's in-scope financial products, including the Fund.

For the purposes of SFDR, "sustainability risk" means an environmental, social or governance (*"ESG"*) event or condition that, if it occurs, could cause an actual or a potential material negative impact on the value of an investment.

Solely for the purposes of SFDR, the Advisor has determined that sustainability risks are not relevant to the Fund on the basis that the Fund invests principally in investments or asset classes which, in the opinion of the Advisor, are not ordinarily subject to sustainability risk as a material negative impact on the value of those investments, as such terms are interpreted and applied under SFDR.

Consequently, the Advisor does not integrate sustainability risks into its investment decision making for the Fund and the Advisor has not assessed the likely impacts of sustainability risks on the returns of the Fund, as such terms are interpreted and applied under SFDR.

The Advisor will keep its assessment that sustainability risks are not relevant to the Fund under regular review.

SFDR requires the Advisor to disclose whether, and if so how, it considers the principal adverse impacts (*"PAIs"*) of its investment decisions on sustainability factors, in accordance with a specific regime outlined in SFDR, in relation to the Fund. The Advisor does not consider the principal adverse impacts of its investment decisions on sustainability factors (either generally or in relation to the Fund).

In addition, the Advisor considers that its primary investment strategies and client relationships do not support adoption of the PAI regime within SFDR.

***Information for Investors in the EEA Regarding Offering of the Fund*** 

In relation to each Member State of the EEA which has implemented the AIFM Directive, the Prospectus, and any summary Prospectus or SAI relating to the Fund, may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that: (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with the AIFM Directive (as implemented into the local law/regulations of the relevant Member State); or otherwise (2) the Prospectus and SAI may be lawfully distributed and the shares may lawfully be offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor).

In relation to each Member State of the EEA which, at the date of this SAI, has not implemented the AIFM Directive, the Prospectus and this SAI may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed to the extent that the Prospectus and this SAI may be lawfully distributed and the shares may lawfully be offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor).

In addition, the following restrictions apply to the distribution of the Prospectus and SAI in the following Member States:

***Information for Investors in the United Kingdom*** 

Subject always to the foregoing notice in respect of the EEA, this SAI is being issued in the United Kingdom by First Trust Global Portfolios Limited (which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (the *"FCA"*)) only to and/or is directed only at persons who are professional clients or eligible counterparties for the purposes of the FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook. The opportunity to invest in the Fund is only available to such persons in the United Kingdom, and the Prospectus and SAI must not be relied on or acted upon by any other persons in the United Kingdom.

***Information for Investors in Ireland*** 

The distribution of this Prospectus and SAI in Ireland and the offering or purchase of shares is restricted to the individual to whom it is addressed. Accordingly, it may not be reproduced in whole or in part, nor may its contents be distributed in writing or orally to any third party and it may be read solely by the person to whom it is addressed and his/her professional advisers. Shares in the Fund will not be offered or sold by any person:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) otherwise than in conformity with the provisions of the European Communities (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2007 and the European Union (Alternative Investment Fund Managers) Regulations 2013, each as amended; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) in any way which would require the publication of a prospectus under the Companies Act 2014 or any regulations made thereunder; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) in Ireland except in all circumstances that will result in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in Ireland.

***AIFM Directive Disclosures*** 

*Background*. The AIFM Directive is an EU directive which regulates the management and marketing of funds within the EEA. The AIFM Directive distinguishes between EU and non-EU funds and EU and non-EU fund managers and different obligations apply under the AIFM Directive depending on where the fund is based and where the manager is based. Certain disclosure, transparency and reporting obligations are imposed on non-EU fund managers wishing to market funds to investors in the EEA. There are additional requirements imposed on EU fund managers, which do not currently apply to First Trust.

To the extent not already disclosed to you prior to your investment in the Fund, the purpose of this section of this SAI is to satisfy the disclosures which are required to be provided to you under the AIFM Directive.

*Overview of the Fund and the Service Providers*. The Fund is a non-EU AIFs (*"AIF"* means an alternative investment fund for the purposes of the AIFM Directive).

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"*) is the AIFM of the Fund (*"AIFM"* means an alternative investment fund manager for the purposes of the AIFM Directive). First Trust is a non-EU AIFM.

The Trust has entered into agreements with various service providers including First Trust (as the Investment Advisor), the Custodian, Distributor, Transfer Agent, Administrator, index providers and the exchange where the Fund is listed in respect of the Fund. Further details regarding the duties and roles of such service providers can be found in the Prospectus and this SAI for the Fund.

In addition to the parties listed above, the Trust has appointed (i) Chapman and Cutler LLP as its legal counsel which advises it on US legal matters; (ii) Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Fund's auditors who undertake to audit the Fund's financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) (United States); and (iii) CT Corporation System as the Fund's registered agent.

First Trust is not required to ensure that the Fund appoints, and the Fund has not appointed, a depositary for purposes of the AIFM Directive. (A depositary in the context of the AIFM Directive, has a specific role and function. The appointment of such depositary is not required for non-EU AIFs with non-EU AIFMs). As such, investors in the Fund have no rights as against any person in respect of the duties or liabilities of a depositary under the AIFM Directive.

*Investors' Contractual Rights*. In respect of each of the service providers to the Fund, investors who purchase shares in the Fund in the secondary market have no direct rights of action against the service providers, as a matter of contract law or under the establishment documents of the Trust. The proper plaintiff in an action in respect of which a wrongdoing is alleged to have been committed against the Fund or the Trust by a service provider is, prima facie, the Trust itself. An investor may bring a derivative or similar action or proceeding (*"Derivative Action"*) against the Trust or the Fund to recover a judgment in its favor in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration. Accordingly, investors would have no direct contractual right against the relevant service provider for breach of the agreement governing its appointment by the Trust. The foregoing disclosure is without prejudice to such other rights of action (for example, under the securities laws, tort law or in respect of breach of fiduciary duty) which might in certain situations be separately available to investors.

*Investment in the Fund*. Investors will buy shares in the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers and will not subscribe for shares from the Trust directly. As such, there is no direct contractual relationship between the Fund and the investor in connection with the purchase or sale of shares. While the Fund is established under Massachusetts law and Massachusetts law does facilitate the enforcement of judgments obtained in foreign jurisdictions, investors who buy shares on the secondary market will have no direct contractual right of action against the Fund. Investors should refer to "How to Buy and Sell Shares" in the main body of the Prospectus for more detail. The foregoing disclosure is without prejudice to such other rights of action (for example, under the securities laws, tort law or in respect of breach of fiduciary duty) which might in certain situations be separately available to investors.

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*Redemption from the Fund*. Non-US investors will sell shares in secondary market transactions through brokers and will not redeem shares from the Fund directly. Shares can be sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. Investors should refer to "How to Buy and Sell Shares" in the main body of the Prospectus for more detail.

*Liquidity Risk Management*. Investors should note that while First Trust is not required to implement liquidity management arrangements in accordance with the AIFM Directive in respect of the Fund, the Fund is subject to the liquidity limitations established by the SEC. The Trustees have delegated to First Trust the day-to-day determination of illiquidity of equity and fixed income securities as described under "Illiquid Investments" in this SAI.

*Treatment of Investors*. The Trust and the AIFM do not offer any investors preferential treatment or the right to obtain preferential treatment. Whilst the Trust does not take specific steps to ensure the fair treatment of investors, under the 1940 Act the Trustees are required to monitor how the Fund operates and oversee matters where the interests of the Fund and its shareholders may differ from those of its investment adviser.

First Trust is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC, and is subject to regulation and oversight designed to protect shareholders. Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, First Trust is a fiduciary to its clients, including the Fund, and is therefore required to act in the best interests of clients and to place the interests of clients before its own.

*Information Regarding the Use of Leverage and Collateral*. The AIFM Directive requires disclosure of certain information relating to leverage, collateral and asset re-use arrangements. The Fund may obtain leverage through the use of derivatives and other non-fully funded investments such as reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitment agreements if, and to the extent that, such transactions are (i) disclosed in the Fund's Prospectus and SAI and (ii) deemed appropriate investments by First Trust. These leveraged trading practices generally have not been prohibited by the SEC, though the SEC has published guidance on the manner in which the Fund may cover its leveraged trading practices to limit leverage and avoid the need to address the leverage concerns in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, which severely restricts how the Fund may use leverage. All arrangements entered into by First Trust on behalf of the Fund which result in leverage follow the parameter of the guidance published by the SEC.

As a non-EU AIFM, First Trust is not obliged to set a maximum permitted level of leverage which it may employ in its management of the Fund. The total amount of leverage employed by the Fund is provided at www.ftglobalportfolios.com.

Investors should refer to the "Investment Objectives and Policies" and "Investment Strategies" section of this SAI for more details on the use and risk of leverage by the Fund.

*Shareholder Voting Rights*. The Declaration requires a shareholder vote only on those matters where the 1940 Act requires a vote of shareholders and otherwise permits the Trustees to take actions without seeking the consent of shareholders. The Fund's fundamental policies, as described in the "Investment Objectives and Policies" section of this SAI, may not be changed without approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the 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.

*Net Asset Value*. The latest NAV of the Fund, and the latest NAV per share of each class of share of the Fund, is available online at: www.ftglobalportfolios.com and online stock quote services. Generally investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund will therefore be available at the relevant market price rather than NAV.

The historical performance of the Fund since inception is available online at: www.ftglobalportfolios.com.

*Accounts*. Under the AIFM Directive, First Trust is required to make available the annual report of the Funds that it markets in the EEA. This must be prepared by no later than 6 months following the end of the financial year and contain certain specific content requirements set out in the AIFM Directive. Once the annual report has been produced, it will be made available to investors in the manner as set out in the Prospectus.

*Professional Liability Requirements/Delegation by the AIFM/Valuation*. As a non-EU AIFM, First Trust is not subject to certain EU requirements relating to (i) the cover of professional liability risk by holding either additional of its own funds or appropriate professional liability insurance; (ii) permitted delegation and the management and disclosure of conflicts of interest relating to any such delegation; and (iii) valuation as set out in Article 19 of the AIFM Directive. As such, no disclosures for

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the purposes of the AIFM Directive have been made. Notwithstanding this, First Trust and the Fund continue to comply with their requirements under US law.

*Periodic Disclosure Obligations*. The following information will be disclosed to Fund shareholders on a periodic basis by way of a posting being made on www.ftglobalportfolios.com:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the percentage of the Fund's assets, if any, that are subject to special arrangements arising from their illiquid nature (including, but not limited to, deferrals of redemptions and suspensions);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the current risk profile of the Fund and the risk management systems employed by the AIFM to manage those risks; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the total amount of leverage employed by the Fund, if any.

Whenever any new arrangements for managing the liquidity of the Fund are introduced including, but not limited to, any material changes to the liquidity management systems and procedures employed by First Trust, a disclosure to this effect will be uploaded on the Fund's website. The Fund will ensure that a notice is uploaded on an expedited basis whenever deferrals or other similar special arrangements are activated or where redemptions of shares are suspended.

A notice will be posted without undue delay whenever there is a change to a maximum level of leverage which may be employed on behalf of the Fund; and any changes are made to the right of re-use of collateral or any changes to any guarantee granted under any leveraging arrangement.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN HONG KONG ONLY** 

The Fund is a collective investment scheme but is not authorized under Section 104 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. Accordingly, the distribution of the Prospectus, and the placement of Fund shares in Hong Kong, is restricted. The Prospectus may only be distributed, circulated or issued to persons who are professional investors under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance or as otherwise permitted by the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN SINGAPORE ONLY** 

The Prospectus has not been registered as a Prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the Prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of Fund shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may Fund shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor pursuant to Section 304 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the *"SFA"*)) or (ii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN TAIWAN ONLY** 

Fund shares are being made available in the Republic of China (*"R.O.C."*) on a private placement basis only to banks, bills houses, trust enterprises, financial holding companies and other qualified entities or institutions (collectively, *"Qualified Institutions"*) and other entities and individuals meeting specific criteria (*"Other Qualified Investors"*) pursuant to the private placement provisions of the R.O.C. Rules Governing Offshore Funds. No other offer or sale of the shares of the Fund in the R.O.C. is permitted. R.O.C. purchasers of Fund shares may not sell or otherwise dispose of their holdings except by redemption, transfer to a Qualified Institution or Other Qualified Investor, transfer by operation of law or other means approved by the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission.

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

The Trust has adopted a proxy voting policy that seeks to ensure that proxies for securities held by the Fund are voted consistently with the best interests of the Fund.

The Board has delegated to Stonebridge the day-to-day proxy voting responsibility for the Fund and has directed Stonebridge to vote proxies consistent with the Fund's best interests. Stonebridge's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are set forth in *Exhibit C*.

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Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, is available upon request and without charge on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com, by calling (800) 621-1675 or by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

**Portfolio Schedule.** The Fund files portfolio holdings information for each month in a fiscal quarter within 60 days after the end of the relevant fiscal quarter on Form N-PORT. Portfolio holdings information for the third month of each fiscal quarter will be publicly available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Fund's complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year is included in the semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, respectively, and is filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. A semi-annual or annual report for the Fund will become available to investors within 60 days after the period to which it relates. The Fund's Forms N-PORT and Forms N-CSR are available on the SEC's website listed above.

**Policy Regarding Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.** The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to this policy. The 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 websites. 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 each day the NYSE is open for trading via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*). Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act, information regarding the Fund's current portfolio holdings will be available on a daily basis at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx. The Trust, First Trust, FTP, Stonebridge and BBH will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust.

**Codes of Ethics.** In order to mitigate the possibility that the Fund will be adversely affected by personal trading, the Trust, First Trust, Stonebridge 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. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund; however, the Codes of Ethics require that each transaction in such securities be reviewed by the CCO or his or her designee. These Codes of Ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

**Creation and Redemption of Creation Units** 

**General.** ETFs, such as the Fund, generally issue and redeem their shares in primary market transactions through a creation and redemption mechanism and do not sell or redeem individual shares. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" have contractual arrangements with an ETF or one of the ETF's service providers to purchase and redeem ETF shares directly with the ETF in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." Prior to the start of trading on every business day, an ETF publishes through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*) the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets that it will accept in exchange for a Creation Unit of the ETF's shares. An Authorized Participant that wishes to effectuate a creation of an ETF's shares deposits with the ETF the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets identified by the ETF that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of the ETF's shares in return for those assets. After purchasing a Creation Unit, the Authorized Participant may continue to hold the ETF's shares or sell them in the secondary market. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the authorized participant redeems a Creation Unit of ETF shares for a basket of securities, cash or other assets. The combination of the creation and redemption process with secondary market trading in ETF shares and underlying securities provides arbitrage opportunities that are designed to help keep the market price of ETF shares at or close to the NAV per share of the ETF.

**Authorized Participants.** An *"Authorized Participant"* is a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC that has a written agreement with the Fund or one of its service providers that allows the Authorized Participant to place orders for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units (a *"Participant Agreement"*). Orders to purchase Creation Units must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement and must comply with the applicable provisions of such Participant Agreement. Investors wishing to purchase or sell shares generally do so on an exchange. Institutional investors other than Authorized Participants are responsible for making arrangements for a redemption request to be made through an Authorized Participant.

**Business Day.** A *"Business Day"* is generally any day on which the New York Stock Exchange (*"NYSE"*), the Exchange and the Trust are 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, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving

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Day and Christmas Day. The Business Day on which an order to purchase or redeem Creation Units is received in proper form is referred to as the "Transmittal Date."

**Basket Composition.** Rule 6c-11(c)(3) under of the 1940 Act requires an ETF relying on the exemptions offered by Rule 6c-11 to adopt and implement written policies and procedures governing the construction of baskets and the process that the ETF will use for the acceptance of baskets. In general, in connection with the construction and acceptance of baskets, the Advisor may consider various factors, including, but not limited to: (1) whether the securities, assets and other positions comprising a basket are consistent with the ETF's investment objective(s), policies and disclosure; (2) whether the securities, assets and other positions can legally and readily be acquired, transferred and held by the ETF and/or Authorized Participant(s), as applicable; (3) whether to utilize cash, either in lieu of securities or other instruments or as a cash balancing amount; and (4) in the case of an ETF that tracks an index, whether the securities, assets and other positions aid index tracking.

The Fund may utilize a pro rata basket or a custom basket in reliance on Rule 6c-11. A "pro rata basket" is a basket that is a pro rata representation of the ETF's portfolio holdings, except for minor deviations when it is not operationally feasible to include a particular instrument within the basket, except to the extent that the Fund utilized different baskets in transactions on the same Business Day.

Rule 6c-11 defines "custom baskets" to include two categories of baskets. First, a basket containing a non-representative selection of the ETF's portfolio holdings would constitute a custom basket. These types of custom baskets include, but are not limited to, baskets that do not reflect: (i) a pro rata representation of the Fund's portfolio holdings; (ii) a representative sampling of an ETF's portfolio holdings; or (iii) changes due to a rebalancing or reconstitution of an ETF's securities market index, if applicable. Second, if different baskets are used in transactions on the same Business Day, each basket after the initial basket would constitute a custom basket. For example, if an ETF exchanges a basket with either the same or another Authorized Participant that reflects a representative sampling that differs from the initial basket, that basket (and any such subsequent baskets) would be a custom basket. Similarly, if an ETF substitutes cash in lieu of a portion of basket assets for a single Authorized Participant, that basket would be a custom basket. The Advisor's Rule 6c-11 Committee defines any deviation from a pro rata basket to be a "custom basket." Rebalancing and reconstitution baskets do not constitute custom baskets. All cash baskets that are the initial basket on a Business Day also do not constitute custom baskets.

Under a variety of circumstances, an ETF and its shareholders may benefit from the flexibility afforded by custom baskets. In general terms, the use of custom baskets may reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve trading. Because utilizing custom baskets provides a way for an ETF to add, remove and re-weight portfolio securities without transacting in the market, it may help the ETF to avoid transaction costs and adverse tax consequences. Rule 6c-11 provides an ETF with flexibility to use "custom baskets" if the ETF has adopted written policies and procedures that: (1) set forth detailed parameters for the construction and acceptance of custom baskets that are in the best interests of the ETF and its shareholders, including the process for any revisions to, or deviations from, those parameters; and (2) specify the titles or roles of employees of the ETF's investment advisor who are required to review each custom basket for compliance with those parameters.

The use of baskets that do not correspond pro rata to an ETF's portfolio holdings has historically created concern that an Authorized Participant could take advantage of its relationship with an ETF and pressure the ETF to construct a basket that favors an Authorized Participant to the detriment of the ETF's shareholders. For example, because ETFs rely on Authorized Participants to maintain the secondary market by promoting an effective arbitrage mechanism, an Authorized Participant holding less liquid or less desirable securities potentially could pressure an ETF into accepting those securities in its basket in exchange for liquid ETF shares (*i.e.*, dumping). An Authorized Participant also could pressure the ETF into including in its basket certain desirable securities in exchange for ETF shares tendered for redemption (*i.e.*, cherry-picking). In either case, the ETF's other investors would be disadvantaged and would be left holding shares of an ETF with a less liquid or less desirable portfolio of securities. The Advisor has adopted policies and procedures designed to mitigate these concerns but there is ultimately no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be effective.

**Basket Dissemination.** Basket files are published for consumption through the NSCC, a subsidiary of Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, and can be utilized for pricing, creations, redemptions, rebalancing and custom scenarios. In most instances, pro rata baskets are calculated and supplied by the ETF's custodial bank based on ETF holdings, whereas non-pro rata, custom and forward-looking pro rata baskets are calculated by the Fund's investment advisor and disseminated by the ETF's custodial bank through the NSCC process.

**Placement of Creation or Redemption Orders.** All orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units are to be governed according to the applicable Participant Agreement that each Authorized Participant has executed. In general, all orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units must be received by the transfer agent in the proper form required by the Participant

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Agreement no later than the closing time of the regular trading session of the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day the NYSE is open for business (the *"Closing Time"*) in order for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of the Fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. However, at its discretion, the Fund may require an Authorized Participant to submit orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units be placed earlier in the day (such as instances where an applicable market for a security comprising a creation or redemption basket closes earlier than usual).

**Delivery of Redemption Proceeds.** Deliveries of securities to Authorized Participants in connection with redemption orders are generally expected to be made within two Business Days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds for the Fund may take longer than two Business Days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act generally prohibits a registered open-end management investment company from postponing the date of satisfaction of redemption requests for more than seven days after the tender of a security for redemption. This prohibition can cause operational difficulties for ETFs that hold foreign investments and exchange in-kind baskets for Creation Units. For example, local market delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming investors, together with local market holiday schedules, can sometimes require a delivery process in excess of seven days. However, Rule 6c-11 grants relief from Section 22(e) to permit an ETF to delay satisfaction of a redemption request for more than seven days if a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming Authorized Participants, or the combination thereof prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. Under this exemption, an ETF must deliver foreign investments as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 days after the tender to the ETF. The exemption therefore will permit a delay only to the extent that additional time for settlement is actually required, when a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. If a foreign investment settles in less than 15 days, Rule 6c-11 requires an ETF to deliver it pursuant to the standard settlement time of the local market where the investment trades. Rule 6c-11 defines "foreign investment" as any security, asset or other position of the ETF issued by a foreign issuer (as defined by Rule 3b-4 under the 1934 Act), and that is traded on a trading market outside of the United States. This definition is not limited to "foreign securities," but also includes other investments that may not be considered securities. Although these other investments may not be securities, they may present the same challenges for timely settlement as foreign securities if they are transferred in kind.

**Creation Transaction Fees.** The Fund imposes fees in connection with the purchase of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, plus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the creation basket.

**Redemption Transaction Fees.** The Fund also imposes fees in connection with the redemption of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price received for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, minus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the redemption basket. 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 may also be assessed an amount to cover the cost of such services. The redemption fee charged by the Fund will comply with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act which limits redemption fees to no more than 2% of the value of the shares redeemed.

**Suspension of Creations.** The SEC has stated its position that an ETF generally may suspend the issuance of Creation Units only for a limited time and only due to extraordinary circumstances, such as when the markets on which the ETF's portfolio holdings are traded are closed for a limited period of time. The SEC has also stated that an ETF could not set transaction fees so high as to effectively suspend the issuance of Creation Units. Circumstances in which the Fund may suspend creations include, but are not limited to: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the purchaser or group of related purchasers, upon obtaining the Creation Units of Fund shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the required consideration is not delivered; (iv) the acceptance of the basket would, in the opinion of the Fund, be unlawful; or (v) there exist circumstances outside the control of the Fund that make it impossible to process purchases of Creation Units for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include: acts of God or public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme

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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 Fund, First Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the transfer agent, the custodian, any sub-custodian or any other participant in the purchase process; and similar extraordinary events. The Fund reserves the right to reject a creation order transmitted to it provided that such action does not result in a suspension of sales of creation units in contravention of 6c-11 and the SEC's positions thereunder. The Transfer Agent shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such prospective creator of the rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the Fund, the Transfer Agent, 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 baskets, nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

**Suspension of Redemptions.** An ETF may suspend the redemption of Creation Units only in accordance with Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. Section 22(e) stipulates that no registered investment company shall suspend the right of redemption, or postpone the date of payment or satisfaction upon redemption of any redeemable security in accordance with its terms for more than seven days after the tender of such security to the company or its agent designated for that purpose for redemption, except (1) for any period (A) during which the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings or (B) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted; (2) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which (A) disposal by the investment company of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or (B) it is not reasonably practicable for such company fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the investment company.

**Exceptions to Use of Creation Units.** Under Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, ETFs are permitted to sell or redeem individual shares on the day of consummation of a reorganization, merger, conversion, or liquidation. In these limited circumstances, an ETF may need to issue or redeem individual shares and may need to transact without utilizing Authorized Participants.

**Federal Tax Matters**

This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning shares of the Fund. This section is current as of the date of the SAI. 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 foreign tax consequences.

This federal income tax summary is based in part on the advice of counsel to the Fund. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure may not be sufficient for prospective investors to use for the purpose of avoiding penalties under federal tax law.

As with any investment, prospective investors should seek advice based on their individual circumstances from their own tax advisor.

The Fund intends to qualify annually and to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (a *"RIC"*) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the *"Code"*).

To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs, the Fund must, among other things, (i) 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; (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs 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 the Fund's total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) 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 RICs) of any one issuer, or two or more issuers which the 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 (iii) 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. There are certain exceptions for failure to qualify if the failure is for reasonable cause or is *de minimis*, and certain corrective action is taken and certain tax payments are made by the Fund.

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As a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its 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 it distributes to shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain. If the 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, the 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 98.2% 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 Fund intends 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 the 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 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.

Subject to certain reasonable cause and *de minimis* exceptions, if the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC or fails 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 Fund's 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 the Fund may be taxed at capital gains tax rates. In particular, ordinary income dividends received by an individual shareholder from a RIC such as the Fund 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 the Fund itself. Dividends received by the Fund from REITs and foreign corporations are qualifying dividends eligible for this lower tax rate only in certain circumstances. The Fund will provide notice to its shareholders of the amount of any distributions that may be taken into account as a dividend which is eligible for the capital gains tax rates. The Fund cannot make any guarantees as to the amount of any distribution which will be regarded as a qualifying dividend. Some portion of the ordinary income distributions that are attributable to dividends received by the Fund from shares in certain real estate investment trusts may be designated by the Fund as eligible for a deduction for qualified business income, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied.

Income from the Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to net investment income if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals.

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 RICs. However, certain ordinary income dividends on shares that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from certain domestic corporations may be reported by the Fund 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 reported as capital gain dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements. Shareholders receiving distributions in the form of additional shares, rather than cash, generally will have a tax 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 the 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 Fund, which a shareholder holds as a capital asset, such 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. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

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 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 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 IRS, 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 Fund's 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 Fund 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.

**Futures Contracts and Options** 

The Fund's 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 Fund (*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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 RIC and the distribution requirements for avoiding excise taxes.

**Investments in Certain Foreign Corporations** 

If the 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 shareholders. The Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes. The Fund may be able to make an election

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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, the 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 are not treated as qualified dividend income.

**Backup Withholding** 

The Fund 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 Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or fail to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. 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.

**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 the Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the shareholder.

In addition to the rules described in this section concerning the potential imposition of withholding on distributions to non-U.S. persons, distributions to non-U.S. persons that are "financial institutions" may be subject to a withholding tax of 30% unless an agreement is in place between the financial institution and the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose information about accounts, equity investments or debt interests in the financial institution held by one or more U.S. persons or the institution is resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury. For these purposes, a "financial institution" means any entity that (i) accepts deposits in the ordinary course of a banking or similar business, (ii) holds financial assets for the account of others as a substantial portion of its business, or (iii) is engaged (or holds itself out as being engaged) primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, partnership interests, commodities or any interest (including a futures contract or option) in such securities, partnership interests or commodities. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

Distributions to non-financial non-U.S. entities (other than publicly traded foreign entities, entities owned by residents of U.S. possessions, foreign governments, international organizations or foreign central banks) will also be subject to a withholding tax of 30% if the entity does not certify that the entity does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provide the name, address and TIN of each substantial U.S. owner. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**Income Not Effectively Connected.** If the income from the 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 the Fund which are properly reported by the Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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.

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Distributions from the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. shareholders, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

In addition, capital gain distributions attributable to gain from U.S. real property interests (including certain U.S. real property holding corporations) will generally be subject to United States withholding tax and will give rise to an obligation on the part of the non-U.S. shareholder to file a United States tax return.

**Income Effectively Connected.** If the income from the 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 Fund which are properly reported by the Fund as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund 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 Fund.

**Capital Loss Carry-forward** 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, net capital losses of the Fund incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. To the extent that these loss carry-forwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the capital gains so offset will not be distributed to Fund shareholders. As of October 31, 2022, the Fund had net capital losses for federal income tax purposes as shown in the table below. The Fund is subject to certain limitations, under U.S. tax rules, on the use of capital loss carry-forwards and net unrealized built-in losses. These limitations generally apply when there has been a 50% change in ownership.

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| |
|:---|
| **Total**<br> **Non-Expiring**<br> **Capital Loss**<br> **Available**<br>|
| $8287742 |

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**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 Fund.

**Determination of Net Asset Value**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Net Asset Value."

The per share net asset value of the Fund is determined by dividing the total value of the securities and other assets, less liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding. Under normal circumstances, daily calculation of the net asset value will utilize the last closing sale price of each security held by the Fund at the close of the market on which such security is principally listed. In determining net asset value, portfolio securities for the Fund for which accurate market quotations are readily available will be valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Common stocks and other equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange other than Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) will be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded, or the official closing price for Nasdaq and AIM securities. Portfolio

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securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the Business Day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Shares of open-end funds are valued at NAV per share.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Exchange-traded options and futures contracts are valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are principally traded. If no closing price is available, they will be valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their closing bid price. OTC options and futures contracts are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Forward foreign currency contracts are valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using the current day's spot rate, and the 30-, 60-, 90- and 180- day forward rates provided by a pricing service or by certain independent dealers in such contracts.

In addition, the following types of securities will be fair valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Fixed-income securities, convertible securities, preferred and hybrid securities, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, swaptions, currency-linked notes, credit-linked notes, asset-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities or private label collateralized mortgage obligations, collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, senior loans and other similar instruments will be fair valued using a pricing service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Commercial paper, fixed-income and other debt securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts (amortized cost), provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer specific conditions existing at the time of the determination. Factors that may be considered in determining the appropriateness of the use of amortized cost include, but are not limited to, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the credit conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the liquidity conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the interest rate conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto (such as significant changes in interest rates);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) issuer-specific conditions (such as significant credit deterioration); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) any other market-based data the Advisor considers relevant. In this regard, the Advisor may use last-obtained market-based data to assist it when valuing portfolio securities using amortized cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Repurchase agreements will be valued as follows. Overnight repurchase agreements will be valued at amortized cost when it represents the most appropriate reflection of fair market value. Term repurchase agreements (*i.e.*, those whose maturity exceeds seven days) will be valued by the Advisor at the average of the bid quotations obtained.

If the Advisor has reason to question the accuracy or reliability of a price supplied or the use of the amortized cost methodology, the Advisor shall determine if "it needs to fair value" such portfolio security pursuant to established valuation procedures. From time to time, the Advisor, Fund accounting agent, or relevant portfolio management team may submit price challenges to a pricing service, pursuant to a process described in the Fund's Valuation Procedures.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities will be valued at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities that 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 or fair value 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 net asset value (as may be the case in foreign markets on which the

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security is primarily traded) or is likely to make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not, in the opinion of the Advisor, reflect the security's fair value. Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a pricing service or are determined by the Advisor. Market value prices represent last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (*i.e.*, a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from pricing services. If no market price or official close price is available from either a pricing service or no quotations are available from one or more brokers or if the Advisor has reason to question the reliability or accuracy of a price supplied or the use of amortized cost, the value of any portfolio security held by the Fund for which reliable market prices/quotations are not readily available will be determined by the Advisor in a manner that most appropriately reflects fair market value of the security on the valuation date, based on a consideration of all available information. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange.

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which a shareholder may purchase shares of the Fund, the value of the Fund's investments may change on the days when shareholders are not able to purchase shares of the Fund. For foreign securities, if an extraordinary market event occurs between the time the last "current" market quotation is available for a security in the Fund's portfolio and the time the Fund's net asset value is determined and calls into doubt whether that earlier market quotation represents fair value at the time the Fund's net asset value is determined, the Fund accounting agent will immediately notify the Advisor and the Advisor shall determine the fair valuation. For foreign securities, the Advisor may seek to determine the "fair value" of such securities by retaining a pricing service to determine the value of the securities.

Foreign securities, currencies and other assets denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar as provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

**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.** Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid monthly. 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 or advisable to preserve the status of the 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 Fund.

**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 Fund for reinvestment 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 the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

**Miscellaneous Information**

**Counsel.** Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, is counsel to the Trust.

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.** Deloitte & Touche LLP, 111 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. The firm audits the Fund's financial statements and performs other related audit services.

------

**Financial Statements**

The audited financial statements and notes thereto for the Fund, contained in the [<u>Annual Report to Shareholders</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm)dated October 31, 2022, 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 available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

------

**Exhibit A—Principal Holders Table** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **% OF**<br> **OUTSTANDING**<br> **SHARES OWNED**<br>|
| FIRST TRUST INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED SECURITIES AND INCOME ETF | FIRST TRUST INSTITUTIONAL PREFERRED SECURITIES AND INCOME ETF |
| Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 22.81% |
| Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 12.75% |
| National Financial Services LLC | 10.43% |
| UBS Financial Services Inc. | 7.47% |
| Pershing LLC | 7.22% |
| RBC Capital Markets, LLC | 5.93% |
| LPL Financial LLC | 5.17% |
| Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated/8862 MLPF&S TS SUB | 5.13% |

---

(1) Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.: 2423 East Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

(2) LPL Financial LLC: 1055 LPL Way, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715

(3) Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated/8862 MLPF&S TS SUB: 4804 Deer Lake Drive E, Jacksonville, Florida 32246

(4) Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC: 1300 Thames Street, 6th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21231

(5) National Financial Services LLC: 499 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

(6) Pershing LLC: One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, New Jersey 07399

(7) RBC Capital Markets, LLC: 60 S. 6<sup>th</sup> Street, P-09, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

(8) UBS Financial Services Inc.: 1000 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, New Jersey 07086

------

**Exhibit B—Credit Rating Definitions**

**S&P Global RATINGS**

A S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Rating's view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Likelihood of payment: capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation and the promise S&P imputes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **AAA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to <br> meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.<br>|
| **AA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity <br> to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.<br>|
| **A** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and <br> economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its <br> financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.<br>|
| **BBB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions <br> or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial <br> commitment on the obligation.<br>|

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Obligations rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC" and "C" are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **BB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces <br> major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could <br> lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.<br>|
| **B** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated "BB," but the obligor <br> currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or <br> economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on <br> the obligation.<br>|
| **CCC** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, <br> financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the <br> event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to <br> meet its financial commitment on the obligation.<br>|
| **CC** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The "CC" rating is used when a default <br> has not yet occurred but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty regardless of the anticipated time to <br> default. <br>|

---

------

**C** An obligation rated "C" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.

**D** An obligation rated "D" is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

**Plus (+) or Minus (-):** The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.**

A brief description of the applicable Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (*"Moody's"*) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moody's) follows.

Ratings assigned on Moody's global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments.

LONG-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Aaa** | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
| **Aa** | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
| **A** | Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
| **Baa** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may <br> possess certain speculative characteristics.<br>|
| **Ba** | Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
| **B** | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
| **Caa** | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
| **Ca** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of <br> recovery of principal and interest.<br>|
| **C** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of <br> principal or interest.<br>|

---

**Note:** Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

**Fitch Ratings**

A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings (*"Fitch"*) ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows:

Fitch's credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. The agency's credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supra-national and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

The terms "investment grade" and "speculative grade" have established themselves over time as shorthand to describe the categories 'AAA' to 'BBB' (investment grade) and 'BB' to 'D' (speculative grade). The terms "investment grade" and "speculative grade" are market conventions, and do not imply any recommendation or endorsement of a specific security for investment

------

purposes. "Investment grade" categories indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while ratings in the "speculative" categories either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred.

A designation of "Not Rated" or "NR" is used to denote securities not rated by Fitch where Fitch has rated some, but not all, securities comprising an issuance capital structure.

Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss.

Fitch's credit ratings do not directly address any risk other than credit risk. In particular, ratings do not deal with the risk of a market value loss on a rated security due to changes in interest rates, liquidity and other market considerations. However, in terms of payment obligation on the rated liability, market risk may be considered to the extent that it influences the ability of an issuer to pay upon a commitment. Ratings nonetheless do not reflect market risk to the extent that they influence the size or other conditionality of the obligation to pay upon a commitment (for example, in the case of index-linked bonds).

In the default components of ratings assigned to individual obligations or instruments, the agency typically rates to the likelihood of non-payment or default in accordance with the terms of that instrument's documentation. In limited cases, Fitch may include additional considerations (*i.e.* rate to a higher or lower standard than that implied in the obligation's documentation). In such cases, the agency will make clear the assumptions underlying the agency's opinion in the accompanying rating commentary.

INTERNATIONAL LONG-TERM RATINGS

**Issuer Credit Rating Scales** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **AAA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in <br> cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely <br> to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.<br>|
| **AA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong <br> capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable <br> events.<br>|
| **A** | &nbsp;&nbsp; High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial <br> commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business <br> or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.<br>|
| **BBB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for <br> payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are <br> more likely to impair this capacity.<br>|
| **BB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse <br> changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which <br> supports the servicing of financial commitments.<br>|
| **B** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Highly speculative. 'B' ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety <br> remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is <br> vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.<br>|
| **CCC** | Substantial credit risk. Default is a real possibility. |
| **CC** | Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable. |
| **C** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. <br> Conditions that are indicative of a 'C' category rating for an issuer include:<br> •the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;<br> •the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment <br> default on a material financial obligation; or<br> •Fitch otherwise believes a condition of 'RD' or 'D' to be imminent or inevitable, including through the formal <br> announcement of a distressed debt exchange. <br>|

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **RD** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Restricted default. 'RD' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has experienced an uncured payment <br> default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy <br> filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not <br> otherwise ceased operating. This would include:<br> •the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;<br> •the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a <br> payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;<br> •the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material <br> financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or<br> •execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.<br>|
| **D** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Default. 'D' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, <br> administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased <br> business.<br>|

---

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

"Imminent" default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.

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**Exhibit C—Proxy Voting Guidelines**

**Stonebridge Advisors LLC** 

**Proxy Voting Policies (Revised 2022)** 

**General Policy.** 

The preferred and hybrid securities in which we generally invest do not normally carry proxy voting rights, and we do not anticipate acquiring other equity securities that have such rights. But in the event that a proxy vote is solicited on a security held in client portfolios, Stonebridge will strive to cast its vote in the best economic interests of the client, following the Proxy Voting Guidelines detailed below.

Clients may obtain a copy of Stonebridge's Proxy Voting Policy as well as information relating to how proxies were voted.

**Proxy Voting Guidelines.** 

We will normally vote proxies in accordance with the following guidelines unless we determine that it is in the best economic interests of our clients do otherwise:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We will consider the proposal's expected impact on shareholder value and will not consider any benefit to us, our employees or affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We consider the reputation, experience and competence of a company's management when we evaluate the merits of investing in a particular company, and we invest in companies in which we believe management goals and shareholder goals are aligned. Therefore, on most issues, we cast our votes in accordance with management's recommendations. However, when we believe management's position on a particular issue is not in the best interests our clients, we will vote contrary to management's recommendation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With respect to a company's board of directors, we believe there should be a majority of independent directors on company boards, and that audit, compensation and nominating committees should consist solely of independent directors. Therefore, we will normally vote in favor of proposals that insure such independence.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With respect to auditors, we believe that the relationship between a public company and its auditors should be limited primarily to the audit engagement, and we will normally vote in favor of proposals to prohibit or limit fees paid to auditors for any services other than auditing or closely-related activities that do not raise any appearance of impaired independence.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With respect to equity-based compensation plans, we believe that appropriately designed plans approved by a company's shareholders can be an effective way to align the interests of long-term shareholders and the interests of management, employees and directors. However, we will normally vote against plans that substantially dilute our ownership interest in the company or provide participants with excessive awards. We will also normally vote in favor of proposals to require the expensing of options.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With respect to shareholder rights, we believe that all shareholders of a company should have an equal voice and that barriers that limit the ability of shareholders to effect corporate change and to realize the full value of their investment are not desirable. Therefore, we will normally vote against proposals for supermajority voting rights, against the adoption of poison pill plans, and against proposals for different classes of stock with different voting rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With respect to "social responsibility" issues, we believe that matters related to a company's day-to-day business operations are primarily the responsibility of management. We are focused on maximizing long- term shareholder value and will normally vote against shareholder proposals requesting that a company disclose or change certain business practices, unless we believe the proposal would have a substantial, positive economic impact on the company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Sometimes a client will fund an account with in-kind securities. When this happens, we review the in- kind portfolio, retain those preferred and hybrid securities that fit Stonebridge's strategies, and quickly sell the rest to produce cash which can then be invested in securities that do fit our strategies. It may occur that a proxy vote solicitation is received on a security that was received in-kind and slated for immediate sale without further analysis. It is our policy to vote "Abstain" on such securities as we have only transitory possession of them.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In other circumstances, we may also decide to refrain from voting a particular proxy. In these instances, we will document the reasons for our decision.

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**Responsibility.** 

The CCO or his designee is responsible for the administration of the proxy voting policy.

The Chief Investment Officer or his designee is responsible for voting and submitting proxies and monitoring corporate actions of portfolio securities.

**Implementation.** 

Implementation procedures are as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A description of the Proxy Voting Policy is disclosed in Form ADV Part 2A, along with contact information for clients interested in requesting a copy of the policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• An offer is made to all existing clients on an annual basis to allow them to request, at no charge, a copy of the Proxy Voting Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• When a proxy vote is required, the Chief Investment Officer or his designee will maintain documentation of all proxies/corporate action information that was received, records of how and when the proxies were voted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Client requests for information regarding proxy votes or policies and procedures shall be forwarded to the CCO for a written response.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The CCO periodically reviews documentation maintained by the Chief Investment Officer to provide reasonable assurance that procedures are followed and proxies are being voted in the best interest of the clients.

Reviewed January 10, 2022

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**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** 

**Investment Company Act File No. 811-22245** 

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **FUND NAME** | **TICKER SYMBOL** | **EXCHANGE** |
| First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF | FTLS | NYSE Arca |

---

**DATED MARCH 1, 2023**

This Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated March 1, 2023, as it may be revised from time to time (the *"Prospectus"*), for First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (the *"Fund"*), a series of the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*). Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust's distributor, First Trust Portfolios L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, or by calling toll free at (800) 621-1675.

The audited financial statements for the Fund's most recent fiscal year appear in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the *"SEC"*) on January 6, 2023. The

financial statements from the [<u>Annual Report</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm) are incorporated herein by reference. The Annual Report is available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

------

**Table of Contents** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [General Description of the Trust and the Fund](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_1) | 1 |
| [Exchange Listing and Trading](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Objective and Policies](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Strategies](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_4) | 4 |
| [Investment Risks](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_11) | 11 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_15) | 15 |
| [Brokerage Allocations](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_23) | 23 |
| [Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_24) | 24 |
| [Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_26) | 26 |
| [Additional Information](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_27) | 27 |
| [Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_32) | 32 |
| [Creation and Redemption of Creation Units](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_33) | 33 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_36) | 36 |
| [Determination of Net Asset Value](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_40) | 40 |
| [Dividends and Distributions](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_42) | 42 |
| [Miscellaneous Information](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_43) | 43 |
| [Financial Statements](#xx_d1594660-d632-4772-b682-cb6bb5a3bfac_43) | 43 |
| [Exhibit A](#xx_a4fee3ae-0182-45f9-b2a0-dd12b7abbc74_1)[—](#xx_a4fee3ae-0182-45f9-b2a0-dd12b7abbc74_1)[Principal Holders Table](#xx_a4fee3ae-0182-45f9-b2a0-dd12b7abbc74_1) | A-1 |
| [Exhibit B](#xx_134a584e-16db-4885-b6ba-bdf05e9c1988_1)[—](#xx_134a584e-16db-4885-b6ba-bdf05e9c1988_1)[Proxy Voting Guidelines](#xx_134a584e-16db-4885-b6ba-bdf05e9c1988_1) | B-1 |

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**General Description of the Trust and the Fund**

The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 9, 2008 and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares in one or more series. 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 series. This SAI relates to the Fund, which is a diversified series.

The 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 Fund was previously classified as non-diversified. As a result of ongoing operations, the Fund is now classified as a diversified investment company. The Fund may not in the future operate in a non-diversified manner without first obtaining shareholder approval.

The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the *"Board," "Board of Trustees"* or *"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"*) requires a shareholder vote only on those matters where the 1940 Act requires a vote of shareholders and otherwise permits the Trustees to take actions without seeking the consent of shareholders. For example, the Declaration gives the Trustees broad authority to approve reorganizations between the Fund and another entity, such as another exchange-traded fund, or the sale of all or substantially all of the Fund's assets, or the termination of the Trust or the Fund without shareholder approval if the 1940 Act would not require such approval.

The Declaration provides that by becoming a shareholder of the Fund, each shareholder shall be expressly held to have agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Declaration and to any By-laws adopted by the Trust. The Declaration provides that, except as set forth therein and authorized by the Trustees, shareholders have no rights, privileges, claims or remedies under any contract or agreement entered into by the Trust or the Fund with any service provider or other agent to or contractor with the Trust or the Fund including, without limitation, any third party beneficiary rights.

The Declaration may, except in limited circumstances, be amended by the Trustees in any respect without a shareholder vote. The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees and that vacancies on the Board of Trustees may be filled by the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that Trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees.

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 Fund or as the Trustees may determine, and ownership of Fund shares may be disclosed by the Fund 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 provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction and other harm that can be caused to the Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. In addition, the Declaration provides that actions that are derivative in nature may not be brought directly. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand must first be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Fund, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholder may not proceed with the derivative

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action unless the shareholder is able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Fund. In making such a determination, a Trustee is not considered to have a personal financial interest by virtue of being compensated for his or her services as a Trustee. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholder will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the Fund in connection with the consideration of the demand under a number of circumstances. In addition, if a court determines that a derivative action was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose, or if a derivative or direct action is dismissed on the basis of a failure to comply with the procedural provisions relating to shareholder actions as set forth in the Declaration, or if a direct action is dismissed by a court for failure to state a claim, the shareholder bringing the action may be responsible for the Fund's costs, including attorneys' fees.

The provisions of the Declaration provide that any direct or derivative action commenced by a shareholder must be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (Boston Division) or if any such action may not be brought in that court, then in the Business Litigation Session of Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts (the *"Chosen Courts"*). Except as prohibited by applicable law, if a shareholder commences an applicable action in a court other than a Chosen Court without the consent of the Fund, then such shareholder may be obligated to reimburse the Fund and any applicable Trustee or officer of the Fund made party to such proceeding for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with any successful motion to dismiss, stay or transfer of the action. The Declaration also provides that any shareholder bringing an action against the Fund waives the right to trial by jury to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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 the Fund itself was unable to meet its obligations.

The Declaration provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is liable to the Trust for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his or her duties involved in the conduct of the individual's office, and for nothing else and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Declaration also provides that the Trustees of the Trust will be subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to Massachusetts business trusts, but not to the laws of Massachusetts relating to the trustees of common law trusts, such as donative or probate type trusts. The Declaration further provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is not personally liable to any person other than the Trust, for any act, omission, or obligation of the Trust. The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust for any liability for actions or failure to act except to the extent prohibited by applicable federal law. In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses in connection with a claim for which indemnification is sought, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available. The Declaration provides that any Trustee who serves as chair of the Board of Trustees or of a committee of the Board of Trustees, as lead independent Trustee or as audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.

These provisions are not intended to restrict any shareholder rights under the federal securities laws and the Declaration specifically provides that no provision of the Declaration shall be effective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of, or restrict any shareholder rights expressly granted by, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"1933 Act"*), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*) or the 1940 Act, or any valid rule, regulation or order of the Securities Exchange Commission thereunder.

The Fund is advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the *"Advisor"* or *"First Trust"*).

The shares of the Fund are principally listed and traded on NYSE Arca, Inc. (*"NYSE Arca"* or the *"Exchange"*). ETFs, such as the Fund, do not sell or redeem individual shares of the Fund. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" (which are discussed in greater detail below) have contractual arrangements with the Fund or the Distributor to purchase and redeem Fund shares directly with the Fund in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." An Authorized Participant that purchases a Creation Unit of Fund shares deposits with the Fund a "basket" of securities, cash and/or other assets identified by the Fund that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of Fund shares in return for those assets. The redemption process

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is the reverse of the purchase process: the Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit of Fund shares for a basket of securities, cash and/or other assets. The basket is generally representative of the Fund's portfolio, and together with a cash balancing amount, it is equal to the NAV of the Fund shares comprising the Creation Unit. Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, the Fund may utilize baskets that are not representative of the Fund's portfolio. Such "custom baskets" are discussed in the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units."

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 Fund cash at least equal to 115% of the market value of the missing deposit securities. See the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units." 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 Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares of the Fund will continue to be met. The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of the Fund from listing if (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning at the commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the shares of the Fund for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (ii) such other event shall occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the shares of the Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

As in the case of other stocks traded on the Exchange, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

The Fund reserves 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 the Fund.

**Investment Objective and Policies**

The Prospectus describes the investment objective and certain policies of the Fund. The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

The 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 (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Fund may not borrow money, except that the 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 33⅓% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The 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 the Fund from purchasing or selling securities or other instruments backed by real estate or of issuers engaged in real estate activities).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) The 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 the Fund if, as a result, the aggregate of such loans would exceed 33⅓% of the value of the Fund's total assets.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The 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).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The Fund may not invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry. This restriction does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

For purposes of applying restriction (1) above, under the 1940 Act as currently in effect, the Fund is not permitted to issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from any bank if, immediately after such borrowing and at all times thereafter, the value of the Fund's total assets is at least 300% of the principal amount of all of the Fund's borrowings (*i.e.,* the principal amount of the borrowings may not exceed 33⅓% of the Fund's total assets). In the event that such asset coverage shall at any time fall below 300% the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays), reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300%.

Except for restriction (2) above, 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. With respect to restriction (2), if the limitations are exceeded as a result of a change in market value then the Fund will reduce the amount of borrowings within three days thereafter to the extent necessary to comply with the limitations (not including Sundays and holidays).

The fundamental investment limitations set forth above limit the Fund's ability to engage in certain investment practices and purchase securities or other instruments to the extent permitted by, or consistent with, applicable law. As such, these limitations will change as the statute, rules, regulations or orders (or, if applicable, interpretations) change, and no shareholder vote will be required or sought.

The Fund's investment objective and the foregoing fundamental policies of the Fund may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the 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 the 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 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.

In addition to the foregoing fundamental policies, the Fund is 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**

The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment objective, policies and strategies that appears in the Prospectus.

The Fund intends to pursue its investment objective by establishing long and short positions in a portfolio of U.S. exchange-listed equity securities of U.S. and non-U.S. companies by investing in such securities directly and/or in U.S. exchange-traded funds (*"ETFs"*) that provide exposure to such securities (*"Equity Securities"*). Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's net assets (including investment borrowings) will be exposed to Equity Securities. Fund shareholders are entitled to 60 days' notice prior to any change in this non-fundamental investment policy.

**Types of Investments**

**Equities.** Equity securities represent an ownership position in a company. The prices of equity securities fluctuate based on, among other things, events specific to their issuers and market, economic, and other conditions. Equity securities may include common and preferred stocks. Common stocks include the common stock of any class or series of a domestic or foreign corporation or any similar equity interest, such as a trust or partnership interest. These investments may or may not pay dividends and may or may not carry voting rights. Common stock occupies the most junior position in a company's capital structure. The Fund may also invest in warrants and rights related to common stocks.

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The Fund may also invest in preferred equity securities. Preferred stock, unlike common stock, offers a stated dividend rate payable from the issuer's earnings. Preferred stock dividends may be cumulative or non-cumulative, participating or action rate. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stock may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as call/redemption provisions prior to maturity, a negative feature when interest rates decline.

**Fixed Income Investments and Cash Equivalents.** Normally, the Fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective; however, for temporary or defensive purposes, the Fund may invest in fixed income investments and cash equivalents in order to provide income, liquidity and preserve capital.

Fixed income investments and cash equivalents held by the Fund may include, without limitation, the types of investments set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund may invest in 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 securities include securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some of the U.S. government agencies that issue or guarantee securities include the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Farmers Home Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Maritime Administration, the Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. An instrumentality of the U.S. government is a government agency organized under federal charter with government supervision. Instrumentalities issuing or guaranteeing securities include, among others, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Land Banks, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and the Federal National Mortgage Association (*"Fannie Mae"*). In the case of those U.S. government securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities; consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Fund may invest in 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 FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $250,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund may not be fully insured. The Fund may only invest in certificates of deposit issued by U.S. banks with at least $1 billion in assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities with counterparties that are deemed by the Advisor to present acceptable credit risks. In such an action, at the time the 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 the Fund during its holding period since the resale price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Fund to invest temporarily available cash. The Fund 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 Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Fund is limited to the ability of the seller to pay the agreed-upon sum on the repurchase date; in the event of

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default, the repurchase agreement provides that the 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, the Fund could incur a loss of both principal and interest. The portfolio managers monitor the value of the collateral at the time the action is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement. The portfolio managers do 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 the Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of the Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) The Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The Fund may invest in 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 the Fund and a corporation. There is no secondary market for the notes. However, they are redeemable by the Fund at any time. The Fund's portfolio managers 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 the Fund's liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund may invest in commercial paper only if it has received the highest rating from at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, judged by First Trust to be of comparable quality.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The Fund may invest in shares of money market funds, as consistent with its investment objective and policies. Shares of money market funds are subject to management fees and other expenses of those funds. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Fund to bear proportionately the costs incurred by the money market funds' operations. At the same time, the Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of other investment companies. It is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in money market funds.

**Illiquid Investments.** The Fund may invest in illiquid investments (*i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For purposes of this restriction, illiquid investments may include, but are not limited to, certain 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, and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, among others. However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid investments if, as a result, such investments would comprise more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Advisor, subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees, has the ultimate authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities laws, which investments are liquid or illiquid for purposes of this 15% limitation under the Fund's liquidity risk management program, adopted pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act.

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, the 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, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. Illiquid investments 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 investments or the depreciation of liquid investments, the Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid investments, including restricted securities which are not readily marketable, the Advisor will report such occurrence to the Board of Trustees and take such steps as are deemed advisable to protect liquidity in accordance with the Fund's liquidity risk management program.

**Investment Companies and Pooled Investment Vehicles.** The Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles, including ETFs. As a shareholder in a pooled investment vehicle, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that vehicle's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's management fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other pooled investment vehicles. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of ETFs. Other pooled investment vehicles may be

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leveraged, and the net asset value and market value of their securities will therefore be more volatile and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield of unleveraged pooled investment vehicles.

**Short Sales.** The Fund may take short positions in securities, which are often referred to as "short sales". A short sale is a sale of a security the Fund has borrowed, with the expectation that the security will underperform the market. To settle the short sale transaction, the Fund buys the same security at a later date and returns it to the lender of the security. The Fund makes money on a short position if the market price of the security goes down after the short sale or if the market price of the securities it buys with the proceeds of the short sale increases more than that of the security sold short. Conversely, if the price of the security sold short goes up after the short sale, the Fund loses money because it has to pay more to replace the borrowed security than it received when it sold the security short. Short-selling is considered "leverage" and may involve substantial risk.

**Hedging Strategies**

***General Description of Hedging Strategies***

The Fund may engage in hedging activities. First Trust may cause the Fund to utilize a variety of financial instruments, including options, forward contracts, futures contracts and options on futures contracts to attempt to hedge the Fund's holdings.

Hedging or derivative instruments on securities generally are used to hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions that the 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 the 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, the Fund's ability to use hedging instruments may be limited by tax considerations.

***General Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions***

The Fund limits its direct investments in futures, options on futures and swaps to the extent necessary for the Advisor to claim the exclusion from regulation as a "commodity pool operator" with respect to the Fund under CFTC Rule 4.5, as such rule may be amended from time to time. Under Rule 4.5 as currently in effect, the Fund limits its trading activity in futures, options on futures and swaps (excluding activity for "bona fide hedging purposes," as defined by the CFTC) such that it meets one of the following tests: (i) aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish its futures, options on futures and swap positions do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions; or (ii) aggregate net notional value of the Fund's futures, options on futures and swap positions does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions.

First Trust has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with respect to the Fund with the National Futures Association, the futures industry's self-regulatory organization. If First Trust were no longer able to claim the exclusion, First Trust would be required to register as a commodity pool operator," and the Fund and First Trust would be subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act (the *"CEA"*).

The foregoing limitations are non-fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval as regulatory agencies permit.

***Stock Index Options***

The Fund 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 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

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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 S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index or the Value Line<sup>®</sup> Composite Index or a more narrow market index, such as the S&P 100 Index. 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, NYSE Amex Options, The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("*Nasdaq*") and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.

The Fund's use of stock index options is subject to certain risks. Successful use by the 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, the 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 Fund's securities will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with 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 Fund.

***Futures Contracts***

The Fund may enter into futures contracts, including index Futures as a hedge against movements in the securities markets, in order to hedge against changes on securities held or intended to be acquired by the Fund or for other purposes permissible under the CEA. The Fund's hedging activities 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 Fund 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

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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 the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contracts.

Margin is the amount of funds that must be deposited by the Fund with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures commission merchant in order to initiate futures trading and to maintain the Fund's open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to ensure the Fund's performance of the futures contracts.

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 the Fund. In computing daily net asset value, the Fund will mark to market the current value of its open futures contracts. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its 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, the 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 the Fund seeks to close out a futures position. The Fund would continue to be required to meet margin requirements until the position is closed, possibly resulting in a decline in the Fund's net asset value. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading 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<sup>®</sup> Index, the S&P 100 Index, the Nasdaq-100 Index<sup>®</sup>, the Value Line<sup>®</sup> Composite Index and the NYSE Composite Index<sup>®</sup>.

***Options on Futures***

The Fund 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

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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 Fund 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 Fund uses 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 the 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, the 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, the 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 the 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 the Fund intends to acquire.

As with investments in futures contracts, the Fund is required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it. 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 the Fund. The 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 Fund may close out its position as a writer of an option only if a liquid secondary market exists for such options, which cannot be assured. The 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.

***Short Sales***

The Fund may take short positions in securities, which are often referred to as "short sales." A short sale is a sale of a security the Fund has borrowed, with the expectation that the security will underperform the market. To settle the short sale transaction, the Fund buys the same security at a later date and returns it to the lender of the security. The Fund makes money on a short position if the market price of the security goes down after the short sale or if the market price of the securities it buys with the proceeds of the short sale increases more than that of the security sold short. Conversely, if the price of the security sold short goes up after the short sale, the Fund loses money because it has to pay more to replace the borrowed security than it received when it sold the security short. Short-selling is considered "leverage" and may involve substantial risk.

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund buys and sells portfolio securities in the normal course of its investment activities. The proportion of the Fund's investment portfolio that is bought and sold during a year is known as the Fund's portfolio turnover rate. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur, for example, if all of the portfolio securities (other than short-term securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in the payment by the Fund of increased brokerage costs, expenses and taxes. The portfolio turnover rates for the specified periods are set forth in the table below. Significant

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variations in portfolio turnover from year-to-year are generally the result of fluctuations in the size of the Fund or changes to the Fund's portfolio holdings.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Turnover Rate**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Portfolio Turnover Rate**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** |
| 223% | 250% |

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**Lending of Portfolio Securities**

In order to generate additional income, as a non-principal investment strategy, First Trust is authorized to select certain First Trust Funds, including the Fund, with notice to the Board of Trustees, to lend portfolio securities representing up to 33⅓% of the value of its total assets to broker-dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers of securities. As with other extensions of credit, there may be risks of delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, such First Trust Funds will only enter into loan arrangements with broker-dealers, banks or other institutions which First Trust has determined are creditworthy under guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees. The First Trust Funds will pay a portion of the income earned on the lending transaction to the placing broker and may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with these loans. First Trust may select the First Trust Fund to participate in the securities lending program, at its discretion with notice to the Board of Trustees.

In these loan arrangements, the First Trust Funds will receive collateral in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-grade debt obligations in an amount at least equal to the value of the borrowed securities, marked to market daily. This collateral must be valued daily by First Trust or the First Trust Fund's lending agent and, if the market value of the loaned securities increases, the borrower must furnish additional collateral to the lending First Trust Fund. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays the lending First Trust Fund any dividends or interest paid on the securities. Loans are subject to termination at any time by the lending First Trust Fund or the borrower. While a First Trust Fund does not have the right to vote securities on loan, it would terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if that were considered important with respect to the investment. When a First Trust Fund lends portfolio securities to a borrower, payments in lieu of dividends made by the borrower to the First Trust Fund will not constitute "qualified dividends" taxable at the same rate as long-term capital gains, even if the actual dividends would have constituted qualified dividends had the First Trust Fund held the securities. Please see "Securities Lending Risk" below for a description of the risks associated with securities lending activities.

**Investment Risks**

The following risk disclosure supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment risks that appears in the Prospectus.

***Overview***

An investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding of the risks that an investment in the Fund's shares entails, including the risk that the financial condition of the issuers of the securities held by the Fund or the general condition of the securities market may worsen and the value of the securities and therefore the value of the Fund may decline. The Fund may not be an appropriate investment for those who are unable or unwilling to assume the risks involved generally with such an investment. The past market and earnings performance of any of the securities included in the Fund is not predictive of their future performance.

***Additional Market Disruption Risk*** 

In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. In response, various countries, including the United States, issued broad-ranging sanctions on Russia and certain Russian companies and individuals. The hostilities between the two countries may escalate and any existing or future sanctions could have a severe adverse effect on Russia's economy, currency, companies and region as well as negatively impact other regional and global economic markets of the world (including Europe and the United States), companies in such countries and various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas. Accordingly, the hostilities and sanctions may have a negative effect on the Fund's investments and performance beyond any direct exposure to Russian issuers or those of adjoining geographic regions. Russia may also take retaliatory actions or countermeasures, such as cyberattacks and espionage, which may negatively impact the countries and companies in which the Fund may invest. The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities;

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the extent and impact of existing and any future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility; and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant negative impact on certain of the Fund's investments as well as the Fund's performance, and the value or liquidity of certain securities held by the Fund may decline significantly.

***Common Stock Risk***

Equity securities are especially susceptible to general 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 Fund 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 Fund will fluctuate over the life of the Fund and may be more or less than the price at which they were purchased by the Fund. The equity securities held in the Fund may appreciate or depreciate in value (or pay dividends) depending on the full range of economic and market influences affecting these securities, including the impact of the 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.

***Derivatives Risk***

The use of derivatives, such as options, presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying asset, index or rate, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. In addition, when the Fund invests in certain derivative securities, including, but not limited to, when-issued securities, forward commitments, futures contracts and interest rate swaps, the Fund is effectively leveraging its investments, which could result in exaggerated changes in the net asset value of the Fund's shares and can result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested. The success of the Advisor's derivatives strategies will depend on their ability to assess and predict the impact of market or economic developments on the underlying asset, index or rate and the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. Liquidity risk exists when a security cannot be purchased or sold at the time desired, or cannot be purchased or sold without adversely affecting the price. Certain specific risks associated with an investment in derivatives may include: market risk, credit risk, correlation risk, liquidity risk, legal risk and systemic or "interconnection" risk, as specified below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 Fund to losses. 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 managers' 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 managers' judgment that the derivative transaction will provide value to the Fund and

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its shareholders and is consistent with the Fund's objective, investment limitations and operating policies. In making such a judgment, the portfolio managers will analyze the benefits and risks of the derivative transactions and weigh them in the context of the Fund's overall investments and investment objective.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) ***Credit Risk/Counterparty 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 Fund 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 Fund. The Fund will enter into transactions in derivative instruments only with counterparties that First Trust reasonably believes are capable of performing under the contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 Fund might be required to maintain segregated accounts and/or make margin payments when taking positions in derivative instruments involving obligations to third parties (*i.e.*, instruments other than purchase options). If the 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 the 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. The 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 the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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.

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***Liquidity Risk***

Whether or not the equity securities held by the Fund are listed on a securities exchange, the principal trading market for certain of the equity securities in the Fund may be in the OTC 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 by the Fund will be adversely affected if trading markets for the equity securities are limited or absent.

***Listing Standards Risk*** 

The Fund is required to comply with listing requirements adopted by the Exchange. Non-compliance with such requirements may result in the Fund's shares being delisted by the Exchange. Any resulting liquidation of the Fund could cause the Fund to incur elevated transaction costs and could result in negative tax consequences for its shareholders.

***Market Risk*** 

Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. Such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. Such events could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of a Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

Health crises caused by the outbreak of infectious diseases or other public health issues, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, economic, market and financial risks. The impact of any such events, could negatively affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual countries or regions, the financial performance of individual companies, sectors and industries, and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests and negatively impact the Fund's investment return. For example, an outbreak of a respiratory disease designated as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. The ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may be short term or may last for an extended period of time, and in either case could result in a substantial economic downturn or recession.

In addition, the operations of the Fund, the Advisor and the Fund's other service providers may be significantly impacted, or even temporarily or permanently halted, as a result of government quarantine measures, voluntary and precautionary restrictions on travel or meetings and other factors related to a public health emergency, including its potential adverse impact on the health of any such entity's personnel.

***Securities Lending Risk*** 

Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including counterparty risk, collateral risk and operational risk. Counterparty risk is the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, a First Trust Fund engaged in securities lending transactions may suffer a loss and there may be a delay in recovering the lent securities. Any delay in the return of securities on loan may restrict the ability of the Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Collateral risk is the risk that the collateral received may be realized at a value lower than the value of the securities lent, whether due to inaccurate pricing of the collateral, adverse market movements in the value of the collateral, intra-day increases in the value of the securities lent, a deterioration in the credit rating of the collateral issuer, or the illiquidity of the market in which the collateral is traded. Securities lending also entails operational risks, such as settlement failures or delays in the settlement of instructions. Such failures or delays may restrict the ability of the Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Lastly, securities lending activities may result in adverse tax consequences for the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, substitute payments

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for dividends received by the Fund for securities loaned out by the Fund will not be considered qualified dividend income. The Fund could lose money if its short-term investment of the collateral declines in value over the period of the loan.

**Management of the Fund**

**Trustees and Officers**

The general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. There are six Trustees of the Trust, one of whom is an "interested person" (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act) and five of whom are Trustees who are not officers or employees of First Trust or any of its affiliates (*"Independent Trustees"*). The Trustees set broad policies for the Fund, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Trust's investment advisor. The officers of the Trust manage its day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board of Trustees. The following is a list of the Trustees and executive 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 have held during the past five years, if applicable. Each Trustee has been elected for an indefinite term. The officers of the Trust serve indefinite terms. Each Trustee, except for James A. Bowen, is an Independent Trustee. Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (*"Interested Trustee"*) of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor to the Fund. The following table identifies the Trustees and Officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all persons below is c/o First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, IL 60187.

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| **Position**<br> **and Offices**<br> **with Trust**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Year First**<br> **Elected or**<br> **Appointed**<br>| **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in the First**<br> **Trust Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee**<br>| **Other**<br> **Trusteeships or**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by**<br> **Trustee**<br> **During the**<br> **Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** |
| James A. Bowen <sup>(1)</sup> <br>1955<br>| Chairman of the <br> Board and Trustee<br>| •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Chief Executive Officer, First Trust <br> Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios <br> L.P.; Chairman of the Board of Directors, <br> BondWave LLC (Software Development <br> Company) and Stonebridge Advisors LLC <br> (Investment Advisor)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| Richard E. Erickson<br> 1951<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Physician, Edward-Elmhurst Medical <br> Group; Physician and Officer, Wheaton <br> Orthopedics (1990 to 2021)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| Thomas R. Kadlec<br> 1957<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Retired; President, ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc. (Futures Commission <br> Merchant) (2010 to July 2022)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director, National <br> Futures <br> Association; <br> formerly, Director <br> of ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc., <br> ADM Investor <br> Services <br> International, <br> ADMIS Hong Kong <br> Ltd., ADMIS <br> Singapore Ltd. and <br> Futures Industry <br> Association <br>|

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| **Position**<br> **and Offices**<br> **with Trust**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Year First**<br> **Elected or**<br> **Appointed**<br>| **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in the First**<br> **Trust Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee**<br>| **Other**<br> **Trusteeships or**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by**<br> **Trustee**<br> **During the**<br> **Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| Denise M. Keefe<br> 1964<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since 2021<br>| Executive Vice President, Advocate <br> Aurora Health and President, Advocate <br> Aurora Continuing Health Division <br> (Integrated Healthcare System)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director and Board <br> Chair of Advocate <br> Home Health <br> Services, Advocate <br> Home Care <br> Products and <br> Advocate Hospice; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of Aurora At <br> Home (since <br> 2018); Director of <br> Advocate <br> Physician Partners <br> Accountable Care <br> Organization; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of RML Long <br> Term Acute Care <br> Hospitals; and <br> Director of Senior <br> Helpers (since <br> 2021)<br>|
| Robert F. Keith<br> 1956<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| President, Hibs Enterprises (Financial and <br> Management Consulting)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Formerly, Director <br> of Trust Company <br> of Illinois<br>|
| Niel B. Nielson<br> 1954<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Senior Advisor (2018 to present), <br> Managing Director and Chief Operating <br> Officer (2015 to 2018), Pelita Harapan <br> Educational Foundation (Educational <br> Products and Services)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position and**<br> **Offices with Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of Office and**<br> **Length of Service**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** |
| James M. Dykas<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President and Chief <br> Executive Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, First <br> Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P.; <br> Chief Financial Officer, BondWave LLC (Software <br> Development Company) and Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC (Investment Advisor)<br>|
| W. Scott Jardine<br> 1960<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Secretary and Chief Legal <br> Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.; Secretary and General Counsel, <br> BondWave LLC; and Secretary, Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC<br>|
| Daniel J. Lindquist<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Kristi A. Maher<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Compliance Officer <br> and Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Chief Compliance <br> Officer since January <br> 2011<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Assistant Secretary <br> since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Deputy General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. <br> and First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Donald P. Swade<br> 1972<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Treasurer, Chief Financial <br> Officer and Chief <br> Accounting Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Roger F. Testin<br> 1966<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Stan Ueland<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|

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(1) Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor of the Fund.

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**Unitary Board Leadership Structure**

Each Trustee serves as a trustee of all open-end and closed-end funds in the First Trust Fund Complex (as defined below), which is known as a "unitary" board leadership structure. Each Trustee currently serves as a trustee of First Trust Series Fund and First Trust Variable Insurance Trust, open-end funds with nine portfolios advised by First Trust; First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II, Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund, First Trust Energy Income and Growth Fund, First Trust Enhanced Equity Income Fund, First Trust/Aberdeen Global Opportunity Income Fund, First Trust Mortgage Income Fund, First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund, First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund, First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund, First Trust MLP and Energy Income Fund, First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund, First Trust Dynamic Europe Equity Income Fund, First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund and First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund, closed-end funds advised by First Trust; and First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund V, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VII, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund and First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund II, exchange-traded funds with 201 portfolios advised by First Trust (each a *"First Trust Fund"* and collectively, the *"First Trust Fund Complex"*). None of the Independent Trustees 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. or their affiliates.

The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Advisor, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trustees set broad policies for the Fund, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Fund's investment advisor, sub-advisors and other service providers. The officers of the Trust manage the day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board. The Board is composed of five Independent Trustees and one Interested Trustee. The Interested Trustee, James A. Bowen, serves as the Chairman of the Board for each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex.

The same six persons serve as Trustees on the Board and on the Boards of all other First Trust Funds. The unitary board structure was adopted for the First Trust Funds because of the efficiencies it achieves with respect to the governance and oversight of the First Trust Funds. Each First Trust Fund is subject to the rules and regulations of the 1940 Act (and other applicable securities laws), which means that many of the First Trust Funds face similar issues with respect to certain of their fundamental activities, including risk management, portfolio liquidity, portfolio valuation and financial reporting. Because of the similar and often overlapping issues facing the First Trust Funds, including among the First Trust exchange-traded funds, the Board of the First Trust Funds believes that maintaining a unitary board structure promotes efficiency and consistency in the governance and oversight of all First Trust Funds and reduces the costs, administrative burdens and possible conflicts that may result from having multiple boards. In adopting a unitary board structure, the Trustees seek to provide effective governance through establishing a board the overall composition of which will, as a body, possess the appropriate skills, diversity, independence and experience to oversee the Fund's business.

Annually, the Board reviews its governance structure and the committee structures, their performance and functions, and it reviews any processes that would enhance Board governance over the Fund's business. The Board has determined that its leadership structure, including the unitary board and committee structure, is appropriate based on the characteristics of the funds it serves and the characteristics of the First Trust Fund Complex as a whole.

In order to streamline communication between the Advisor and the Independent Trustees and create certain efficiencies, the Board has a Lead Independent Trustee who is responsible for: (i) coordinating activities of the Independent Trustees; (ii) working with the Advisor, Fund counsel and the independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees to determine the agenda for Board meetings; (iii) serving as the principal contact for and facilitating communication between the Independent Trustees and the Fund's service providers, particularly the Advisor; and (iv) any other duties that the Independent Trustees may delegate to the Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee is selected by the Independent Trustees and serves a three-year term or until his or her successor is selected.

The Board has established five standing committees (as described below) and has delegated certain of its responsibilities to those committees. The Board and its committees meet frequently throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, review contractual arrangements with and performance of service providers, oversee compliance with regulatory requirements and review Fund performance. The Independent Trustees are represented by independent legal counsel at all Board and committee meetings (other than meetings of the Dividend Committee). Generally, the Board acts by majority vote of all the Trustees, including a majority vote of the Independent Trustees if required by applicable law.

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The four Committee Chairs and the Lead Independent Trustee rotate every three years in serving as Chair of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee or the Dividend Committee, or as Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee and immediately preceding Lead Independent Trustee also serve on the Executive Committee with the Interested Trustee.

The five standing committees of the First Trust Fund Complex are: the Executive Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Dividend 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 of Trust and By Laws. Mr. Nielson, Mr. Bowen and Mr. Keith are members of the Executive Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Executive Committee did not hold any meetings.

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for appointing and nominating non-interested persons to the Board of Trustees. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe 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. The Board of Trustees adopted a mandatory retirement age of 75 for Trustees, beyond which age Trustees are ineligible to serve. The Committee will not consider new trustee candidates who are 72 years of age or older or will turn 72 years old during the initial term. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees occurs or is anticipated to occur 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 Fund. To submit a recommendation for nomination as a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, shareholders of the Fund should mail such recommendation to W. Scott Jardine, Secretary, at the Trust's address, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. Such recommendation shall include the following information: (i) evidence of Fund ownership of the person or entity recommending the candidate (if a Fund shareholder); (ii) a full description of the proposed candidate's background, including education, experience, current employment and date of birth; (iii) names and addresses of at least three professional references for the candidate; (iv) information as to whether the candidate is an "interested person" in relation to the Fund, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, and such other information that may be considered to impair the candidate's independence; and (v) any other information that may be helpful to the 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 Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and to counsel to the Independent Trustees. During the last fiscal year, the Nominating and Governance Committee held four meetings.

The Valuation Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Advisor as the "Valuation Designee" under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act and its implementation of the valuation of the securities held in the Fund's portfolio. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe are members of the Valuation Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Valuation Committee held four meetings.

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund's accounting and financial reporting process, the system of internal controls and audit process and for evaluating and appointing independent auditors (subject also to Board approval). Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe serve on the Audit Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Audit Committee held seven meetings.

The Dividend Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in, or assuming the authority and power of the Board with respect to, the declaration and setting of the Fund's dividends. Messrs. Erickson and Nielson serve on the Dividend Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Dividend Committee did not hold any meetings.

**Executive Officers**

The executive officers of the Trust hold the same positions with each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex (representing 224 portfolios) as they hold with the Trust, except Messrs. Russo and Ueland who are executive officers of only the ETFs advised by First Trust and Mr. Testin who is an executive officer of only the ETFs and open-end funds advised by First Trust.

**Risk Oversight**

As part of the general oversight of the Fund, the Board is involved in the risk oversight of the Fund. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address the Fund's risks. Oversight of investment and compliance risk is performed primarily at the Board level in conjunction with the Advisor's investment oversight group and the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (*"CCO"*). Oversight of other risks also occurs at the committee level. The Advisor's investment

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oversight group reports to the Board at quarterly meetings regarding, among other things, Fund performance and the various drivers of such performance. The Board reviews reports on the Fund's and the service providers' compliance policies and procedures at each quarterly Board meeting and receives an annual report from the CCO regarding the operations of the Fund's and the service providers' compliance programs. In addition, the Independent Trustees meet privately each quarter with the CCO. The Audit Committee reviews, with the Advisor and the Fund's independent auditors, the Fund's major financial risk exposures and the steps the Advisor has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including the Fund's risk assessment and risk management policies and guidelines. The Audit Committee also, as appropriate, reviews in a general manner the processes other Board committees have in place with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The Nominating and Governance Committee monitors all matters related to the corporate governance of the Trust. The Valuation Committee monitors valuation risk and oversees the Advisor's performance as Valuation Designee.

Not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified nor can controls be developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. It may not be practical or cost effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, the processes and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness, and some risks are simply beyond the reasonable control of the Fund or the Advisor or other service providers. For instance, as the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent, the Fund and its service providers have become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cyber security (generally, intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund or a service provider to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity). There can be no guarantee that any risk management systems established by the Fund, its service providers, or issuers of the securities in which the Fund invests to reduce cyber security risks will succeed, and the Fund cannot control such systems put in place by service providers, issuers or other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund and/or its shareholders. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund's goals. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Fund's ability to manage risk is subject to substantial limitations.

**Board Diversification and Trustee Qualifications**

As described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board oversees matters related to the selection and nomination of Trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to establish an effective Board with an appropriate range of skills and diversity, including, as appropriate, differences in background, professional experience, education, vocation, and other individual characteristics and traits in the aggregate. Each Trustee must meet certain basic requirements, including relevant skills and experience, time availability and, if qualifying as an Independent Trustee, independence from the Advisor and any sub-advisors, underwriters or other service providers, including any affiliates of these entities.

Listed below for each current Trustee are the experiences, qualifications and attributes that led to the conclusion, as of the date of this SAI, that each current Trustee should serve as a Trustee in light of the Trust's business and structure.

Richard E. Erickson, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with Edward-Elmhurst Medical Group. He was previously President of Wheaton Orthopedics, a co-owner and director of a fitness center and a limited partner of two real estate companies. Dr. Erickson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Dr. Erickson has also served as the Lead Independent Trustee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019) and on the Executive Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2022), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2003–2007 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2012–2013) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (June 2006–2007; 2010–2011 and 2020–2022) of the First Trust Funds. He currently serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Thomas R. Kadlec was previously President of ADM Investor Services Inc. (*"ADMIS"*), a futures commission merchant and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Archer Daniels Midland Company (*"ADM"*) from 2010 to July 2022. Mr. Kadlec was employed by ADMIS and its affiliates since 1990 in various accounting, financial, operations and risk management capacities. Mr. Kadlec served on the boards of several international affiliates of ADMIS until July 2022 and served as a member of ADM's Integrated Risk Committee from 2008–2018, which was tasked with the duty of implementing and communicating enterprise-wide risk management. From 2014 to 2022, Mr. Kadlec was on the board of the Futures Industry Association. In 2017, Mr. Kadlec was elected to the board of the National Futures Association. Mr. Kadlec has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception. Mr. Kadlec also served on the Executive Committee from the organization of the first First Trust closed-end fund in 2003 through 2005 (and 2014–2019) until he was elected as the first Lead Independent Trustee in December 2005, serving as such through 2007 (and 2014–2016). He also served as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Nominating and

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Governance Committee (2012–2013). He currently serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Denise M. Keefe is Executive Vice President of Advocate Aurora Health and President of Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division (together, *"Advocate"*), one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the U.S. serving Illinois and Wisconsin. Ms. Keefe has been employed by Advocate since 1993 and is responsible for the Continuing Health Division's strategic direction, fiscal management, business development, revenue enhancement, operational efficiencies, and human resource management of 4,000 employees. Ms. Keefe also currently serves on the boards of several organizations within the Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division and other health care organizations, including RML Long Term Acute Care Hospitals (since 2014) and Senior Helpers (since 2021). Prior thereto, Ms. Keefe was Corporate Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for the Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago (1989–1992) and a former Board Member of Sherman West Court Skilled Nursing Facility. Ms. Keefe has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds and on the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Valuation Committee of the First Trust Funds since November 1, 2021.

Robert F. Keith is President of Hibs Enterprises, a financial and management consulting firm. Mr. Keith has been with Hibs Enterprises since 2003. Prior thereto, Mr. Keith spent 18 years with ServiceMaster and Aramark, including three years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Consumer Services, where he led the initial expansion of certain products overseas; five years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Management Services; and two years as President of Aramark ServiceMaster Management Services. Mr. Keith is a certified public accountant and also has held the positions of Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of ServiceMaster, at which time he oversaw the financial aspects of ServiceMaster's expansion of its Management Services division into Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Mr. Keith has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds since 2006. Mr. Keith has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2014–2016) of the First Trust Funds. He served as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (2012–2016). He currently serves as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2023) and as Chairman of the Dividend Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Niel B. Nielson, Ph.D., has been the Senior Advisor of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation, a global provider of educational products and services since 2018. Prior thereto, Mr. Nielson served as the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation for three years. Mr. Nielson formerly served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dew Learning LLC from 2012 through 2014. Mr. Nielson formerly served as President of Covenant College (2002–2012), and as a partner and trader (of options and futures contracts for hedging options) for Ritchie Capital Markets Group (1996–1997), where he held an administrative management position at this proprietary derivatives trading company. He also held prior positions in new business development for ServiceMaster Management Services Company and in personnel and human resources for NationsBank of North Carolina, N.A. and Chicago Research and Trading Group, Ltd. (*"CRT"*). His international experience includes serving as a director of CRT Europe, Inc. for two years, directing out of London all aspects of business conducted by the U.K. and European subsidiary of CRT. Prior to that, Mr. Nielson was a trader and manager at CRT in Chicago. Mr. Nielson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Mr. Nielson has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2003–2006 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2007–2008), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Dividend Committee (2020–2022) and Lead Independent Trustee and a member of the Executive Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022). He currently serves on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2020) and as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

James A. Bowen is Chief Executive Officer of First Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P. Mr. Bowen is involved in the day-to-day management of the First Trust Funds and serves on the Executive Committee. He has over 35 years of experience in the investment company business in sales, sales management and executive management. Mr. Bowen has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999.

Effective January 1, 2023, the fixed annual retainer paid to the Independent Trustees is $275,000 per year and an annual per fund fee of $2,500 for each closed-end fund and actively managed fund, $750 for each target outcome fund and $250 for each index fund. The fixed annual retainer is allocated equally among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex rather than being allocated pro rata based on each fund's net assets. Additionally, the Lead Independent Trustee is paid $30,000 annually, the Chairman of the Audit Committee is paid $25,000 annually, the Chairman of the Valuation Committee is paid $20,000 annually and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee is paid $20,000 annually to serve in such capacities with compensation allocated pro rata among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex based on its net assets.

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The following table sets forth the total compensation (including reimbursement for travel and out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Fund and the First Trust Fund Complex to each of the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 and the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. 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. The Trust has no employees. Its officers are compensated by First Trust.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Trustee** | **Total Compensation from**<br> **the Fund** <sup>(1)</sup> <br>| **Total Compensation from**<br> **the First Trust Fund Complex** <sup>(2)</sup> <br>|
| Richard E. Erickson | $3744 | $523750 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec | $3744 | $524820 |
| Denise M. Keefe <sup>(3)</sup> | $3679 | $504158 |
| Robert F. Keith | $3712 | $514231 |
| Niel B. Nielson | $3777 | $533750 |

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(1) The compensation paid by the Fund to the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 for services to the Fund.

(2) The total compensation paid to the Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022 for services to the 225 portfolios existing in 2022, which consisted of 9 open-end mutual funds, 15 closed-end funds and 201 exchange-traded funds.

(3) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Fund and in other funds overseen by the Trustees in the First Trust Fund Complex as of December 31, 2022:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustee** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Fund**<br> **(Number of Shares** <br> **Held)**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar**<br> **Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in the First** <br> **Trust Fund Complex**<br>|
| **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** |
| James A. Bowen |  | Over $100,000 |
| **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** |
| Richard E. Erickson |  | Over $100,000 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec |  | Over $100,000 |
| Denise M. Keefe<sup>(1)</sup> |  | Over $100,000 |
| Robert F. Keith |  | Over $100,000 |
| Niel B. Nielson |  | Over $100,000 |

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(1) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

As of January 31, 2023, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and their immediate family members did not own beneficially or of record any class of securities of an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Fund or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Fund.

As of January 31, 2023, the officers and Trustees, in the aggregate, owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.

The table set forth in *Exhibit A* shows the percentage ownership of each person or "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*)) who, based on the securities position listing reports as of January 23, 2023, owned of record, or is known by the Trust to have owned of record or beneficially, 5% or more of the shares of the Fund (the *"Principal Holders"*). A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of control. A party that controls the Fund may be able to significantly influence the outcome of any item presented to shareholders for approval. The Fund does not have any knowledge of who the ultimate beneficiaries are of the shares.

**Investment Advisor.** First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Fund. 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,

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and a number of limited partners. The Charger Corporation is an Illinois corporation controlled by James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities to the Fund subject to the policies of the Board of Trustees.

First Trust provides investment tools and portfolios for advisors and investors. First Trust is committed to theoretically sound portfolio construction and empirically verifiable investment management approaches. Its asset management philosophy and investment discipline are deeply rooted in the application of intuitive factor analysis and model implementation to enhance investment decisions.

First Trust acts as investment advisor for and manages the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund. 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 agreement between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the "*Investment Management Agreement*"), First Trust manages the investment of the Fund's assets and is responsible for paying all expenses of the Fund, excluding the fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

The Fund has agreed to pay First Trust an annual management fee equal to 0.95% of its average daily net assets. First Trust provides fund reporting services to the Fund for a flat annual fee in the amount of $9,250, which is included in the annual unitary management fee.

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 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 terminates automatically upon assignment and is terminable at any time without penalty as to the Fund by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities on 60 days' written notice to First Trust, or by First Trust on 60 days' written notice to the Fund.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to the Advisor will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*) and calculated pursuant to the schedule below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee** | **Breakpoints** |
| 0.95000% | Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion |
| 0.92625% | Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion |
| 0.90250% | Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion |
| 0.87875% | Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion |
| 0.85500% | Fund net assets greater than $10 billion |

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The following table sets forth the unitary management fee paid by the Fund to First Trust for the specified periods.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $4557183 | $3350823 | $2579257 |

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**Portfolio Managers.** The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. There are currently two portfolio managers, as follows:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Position with**<br> **First Trust**<br>| **Length of Service**<br> **with First Trust**<br>| **Principal Occupation During Past Five Years** |
| **John Gambla** | Senior Portfolio Manager | Since 2011 | Senior Portfolio Manager, First Trust Advisors L.P. |
| **Rob A. Guttschow** | Senior Portfolio Manager | Since 2011 | Senior Portfolio Manager, First Trust Advisors L.P. |

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**John Gambla, CFA, FRM, PRM:** Mr. Gambla is a senior portfolio manager for the Alternatives Investment Team at First Trust.

**Rob A. Guttschow, CFA:** Mr. Guttschow is a senior portfolio manager for the Alternatives Investment Team at First Trust.

As of October 31, 2022, Mr. Gambla beneficially owned shares of the Fund in the amount of $1 - $10,000. Mr. Guttschow beneficially owned shares of the Fund in the amount of $10,001 - $50,000.

**Compensation.** The compensation structure for each portfolio manager 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 the portfolio managers are not based upon criteria such as performance of the Fund or the value of assets included in the Fund's portfolio.

**Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers** 

In addition to the Fund, as of October 31, 2022, the portfolio managers are also primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Registered**<br> **Investment Companies**<br> **Number of Accounts**<br> **($ Assets)**<br>| **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles**<br> **Number of Accounts**<br> **($ Assets)**<br>| **Other Accounts**<br> **Number of Accounts**<br> **($ Assets)**<br>|
| John Gambla | 7 ($4766016843) | 1 ($10834270) | N/A |
| Rob A. Guttschow | 7 ($4766016843) | 1 ($10834270) | N/A |

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**Conflicts.** None of the accounts managed by the portfolio managers 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 portfolio managers' management of the Fund's investments and the investments of the other accounts managed by the portfolio managers. However, because the investment strategy of the Fund and the investment strategies of many of the other accounts managed by the portfolio managers are based on fairly mechanical investment processes, the portfolio managers 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 Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers generally result in the clients investing in readily available securities, the Advisor believes that there should not be material conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities between the Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers.

**Brokerage Allocations**

First Trust is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund and for the placement of the Fund's 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 the 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 on the 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 Fund may pay markups 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 1934 Act permits an investment advisor, 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

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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). Such brokerage and research services are often referred to as "soft dollars." First Trust has advised the Board of Trustees that it does not currently intend to use soft dollars.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in selecting brokers, First Trust may in the future 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. In addition, First Trust must determine that the research information received in this manner provides the Fund with benefits by supplementing the research otherwise available to the Fund. The Investment Management Agreement provides that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund unless First Trust determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation to the services provided. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to First Trust under the Investment Management Agreement would not be reduced as a result of receipt by First Trust of research services.

First Trust places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts advised by it, and research services furnished by firms through which The Fund effects its 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 Fund. First Trust believes it is not possible to measure separately the benefits from research services to each of the accounts (including the Fund) 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 Fund will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by the Fund on a continuing basis. First Trust seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund 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 Fund. In making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the main factors considered by First Trust are the respective investment objective, 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 the Fund for the specified periods. Significant variations in the amount the Fund paid in brokerage commissions from year-to-year are generally the result of fluctuations in the size of the Fund or changes to the Fund's portfolio holdings.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $454211 | $397639 | $331769 |

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During the last fiscal year, First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF held securities of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, a regular broker or dealer of the Fund as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act. As of October 31, 2022, the Fund's investment was 0.57% of the Fund's net assets.

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange**

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent and Transfer Agent.** The Trust has appointed Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (*"BBH"*), located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, to serve as the Fund's administrator, fund accounting agent and transfer agent pursuant to an administrative agency agreement (the *"Administrative Agency Agreement"*). As administrator, BBH provides various administrative services set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement. As the fund accounting agent, BBH provides transaction processing and review, custodial reconciliation, securities pricing

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and investment accounting. As the Fund's transfer agent, BBH is responsible for processing the issuance and redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations, the recording of such issuances and redemptions and other services related to the monitoring of cash collateral.

**Custodian.** The Trust has also appointed BBH to serve as the Fund's custodian pursuant to a custodian agreement (the *"Custodian Agreement"*). Pursuant to the terms of the Custodian Agreement, BBH is generally responsible for the safekeeping of the Fund's assets and performing various other administrative duties set forth in the Custodian Agreement.

As set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has agreed to indemnify BBH against, and hold it harmless from, certain losses, claims, liabilities and expenses arising out of BBH's performance of its obligations and duties under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, provided that such losses, claims, liabilities and expenses did not result from BBH's willful malfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such obligations and duties.

As compensation for the services provided by BBH under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has agreed to pay to BBH such compensation as is mutually agreed upon from time to time and reimburse BBH for out-of-pocket expenses which are a normal incident of the services provided under the agreements. This fee is subject to reduction for assets over $1 billion and $2 billion. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreements, the Fund does not directly pay BBH for these services, as First Trust has assumed responsibility for the payment of these expenses out of the unitary management fee it receives from the Fund.

**Distributor.** First Trust Portfolios L.P., an affiliate of First Trust, is the distributor (*"FTP"* or the *"Distributor"*) and principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund. Its principal address is 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. 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 Fund through the Distributor only in Creation Unit Aggregations, as described in the Prospectus under the heading "Other Information - Continuous Offering."

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020, October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2022, there were no underwriting commissions with respect to the sale of Fund shares, and FTP did not receive compensation on redemptions for the Fund for those years..

**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 Fund may reimburse the Distributor up to a maximum annual rate of 0.25% of 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. With the exception of the Distributor and its affiliates, no "interested person" of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) and no Trustee of the Trust has a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any related agreement.

No fee is currently paid by the Fund under the Plan and, pursuant to a contractual agreement, the Fund will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024.

**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 1934 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 Fund. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The Distributor has entered into agreements with participants that utilize the facilities of the Depositary Trust Company (the *"DTC Participants"*), which have international operational capabilities and place orders for Creation Unit Aggregations of Fund shares. Participating Parties (which are participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation) shall be DTC Participants.

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**Exchange.** The only relationship that the Exchange has with First Trust or the Distributor of the Fund in connection with the Fund is that the Exchange lists the shares of the Fund and disseminates the intra-day portfolio values pursuant to its listing agreement with the Trust. The Exchange 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 Fund or in the determination or calculation of the asset value of the Fund. The Exchange has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

**Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries**

First Trust or its affiliates may from time to time make payments, out of their own resources, to certain broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, banks or other intermediaries (collectively, *"intermediaries"*) that sell shares of First Trust mutual funds and ETFs (*"First Trust Funds"*) to promote the sales and retention of Fund shares by those firms and their customers. The amounts of these payments vary by intermediary. The level of payments that First Trust is willing to provide to a particular intermediary may be affected by, among other factors, (i) the firm's total assets or Fund shares held in and recent net investments into First Trust Funds, (ii) the value of the assets invested in the First Trust Funds by the intermediary's customers, (iii) redemption rates, (iv) its ability to attract and retain assets, (v) the intermediary's reputation in the industry, (vi) the level and/or type of marketing assistance and educational activities provided by the intermediary, (vii) the firm's level of participation in First Trust Funds' sales and marketing programs, (viii) the firm's compensation program for its registered representatives who sell Fund shares and provide services to Fund shareholders, and (ix) the asset class of the First Trust Funds for which these payments are provided. Such payments are generally asset-based but also may include the payment of a lump sum.

First Trust may also make payments to certain intermediaries for certain administrative services and shareholder processing services, including record keeping and sub-accounting of shareholder accounts pursuant to a sub-transfer agency, omnibus account service or sub-accounting agreement. All fees payable by First Trust under this category of services may be charged back to the Fund, subject to approval by the Board.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may make payments, out of its own assets, to those firms as compensation and/or reimbursement for marketing support and/or program servicing to selected intermediaries that are registered as holders or dealers of record for accounts invested in one or more of the First Trust Funds or that make First Trust Fund shares available through certain selected Fund no-transaction fee institutional platforms and fee-based wrap programs at certain financial intermediaries. Program servicing payments typically apply to employee benefit plans, such as retirement plans, or fee-based advisory programs but may apply to retail sales and assets in certain situations. The payments are based on such factors as the type and nature of services or support furnished by the intermediary and are generally asset-based. Services for which an intermediary receives marketing support payments may include, but are not limited to, business planning assistance, advertising, educating the intermediary's personnel about First Trust Funds in connection with shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the intermediary's preferred or recommended fund list, and access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the intermediary. In addition, intermediaries may be compensated for enabling representatives of First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events and other events sponsored by the intermediary. Services for which an intermediary receives program servicing payments typically include, but are not limited to, record keeping, reporting or transaction processing and shareholder communications and other account administration services, but may also include services rendered in connection with Fund/investment selection and monitoring, employee enrollment and education, plan balance rollover or separation, or other similar services. An intermediary may perform program services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform program services. These payments, if any, are in addition to the service fee and any applicable omnibus sub-accounting fees paid to these firms with respect to these services by the First Trust Funds out of Fund assets.

From time to time, First Trust and/or its affiliates, at its expense, may provide other compensation to intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the First Trust Funds, which may be in addition to marketing support and program servicing payments described above. For example, First Trust and/or its affiliates may: (i) compensate intermediaries for National Securities Clearing Corporation networking system services (*e.g.*, shareholder communication, account statements, trade confirmations and tax reporting) on an asset-based or per-account basis; (ii) compensate intermediaries for providing Fund shareholder trading information; (iii) make one-time or periodic payments to reimburse selected intermediaries for items such as ticket charges (*i.e.*, fees that an intermediary charges its representatives for effecting transactions in Fund shares) or exchange order, operational charges (*e.g.*, fees that an intermediary charges for establishing the Fund on its trading system), and literature printing and/or distribution costs; (iv) at the direction of a retirement plan's sponsor, reimburse or pay direct expenses of an employee benefit plan that would otherwise be payable by the plan; (v) provide payments to broker-dealers to help defray

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their technology or infrastructure costs; and (vi) make payments for expenses associated with intermediaries' use of First Trust Funds including, but not limited to, the use of First Trust Funds in model portfolios.

When not provided for in a marketing support or program servicing agreement, First Trust and/ or its affiliates may also pay intermediaries for enabling First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other intermediary employees, client and investor events and other intermediary-sponsored events, and for travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with prospecting, asset retention and due diligence trips. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event. First Trust and/or its affiliates make payments for such events as it deems appropriate, subject to its internal guidelines and applicable law.

First Trust and/or its affiliates occasionally sponsor due diligence meetings for registered representatives during which they receive updates on various First Trust Funds and are afforded the opportunity to speak with portfolio managers. Although invitations to these meetings are not conditioned on selling a specific number of shares, those who have shown an interest in First Trust Funds are more likely to be considered. To the extent permitted by their firm's policies and procedures, all or a portion of registered representatives' expenses in attending these meetings may be covered by First Trust and/or its affiliates.

The amounts of payments referenced above made by First Trust and/or its affiliates could be significant and may create an incentive for an intermediary or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the First Trust Funds to its customers. The intermediary may elevate the prominence or profile of the First Trust Funds within the intermediary's organization by, for example, placing the First Trust Funds on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or granting First Trust and/or its affiliates preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the First Trust Funds in various ways within the intermediary's organization. These payments are made pursuant to negotiated agreements with intermediaries. The payments do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a share or the amount the Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales. Furthermore, many of these payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table section of the Fund's Prospectus because they are not paid by the Fund. The types of payments described herein are not mutually exclusive, and a single intermediary may receive some or all types of payments as described.

Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. Investors can ask their intermediaries for information about any payments they receive from First Trust and/or its affiliates and the services it provides for those payments. Investors may wish to take intermediary payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares.

Payments to intermediaries, in certain circumstances, may also be made in connection with the distribution of model portfolios developed by First Trust, such as the inclusion of such model portfolios on an intermediary's platform, as well as in connection with the marketing and sale of, and/or product training regarding such model portfolios, or servicing of accounts tracking such model portfolios. Such payments may be variable or fixed fee payments for platform support, or other payments in the form of a variable or fixed fee or a per position fee, or may relate to the amount of assets an intermediary's clients have invested in the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust, the management fee, the total expense ratio, or sales of the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust. Some intermediaries also provide related data regarding transactions in specific model portfolios, First Trust Funds and investment strategies to First Trust in exchange for a fee.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may enter into arrangements with third parties, such as a software provider, whereby First Trust may license certain technology or other services from such entity in exchange for licensing or other fees which may be, in whole or in part, dependent on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service. Such third party may also offer price concessions to broker dealers, investment advisers or other financial intermediaries that license technology or other services that may be dependent, in whole or in part, on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service.

**Additional Information**

**Book Entry Only System.** The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.

**DTC Acts as Securities Depository for Fund Shares.** Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (*"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

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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 NYSE 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.

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 Fund 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 Fund 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.

**Policy Regarding Investment in Other Investment Companies.** The Fund will not rely on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act to invest in other investment companies.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (*"EEA"*) ONLY** 

The following disclosures are included in this SAI solely for the purposes of compliance with the applicable EEA law and regulation resulting from, of and as a consequence of, the Fund's registration or notification under the EU Directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (Directive (2011/61/EU)) (the *"AIFM Directive"*) national private placement regimes in certain European Union (*"EU"*) and EEA jurisdictions. The following disclosures are not intended for, and should not be relied on by, any investor other than an investor in the relevant EU and/or EEA jurisdictions because the rules, regulations and requirements applicable to the Fund in those jurisdictions as a result of their registration or notification differ from the rules, regulations and requirements applicable to the Fund under the Investment Company Act.

***European Union's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation*** 

While First Trust Advisors L.P. (the *"Advisor"*) is not itself generally subject to Regulation 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial sector (*"SFDR"*), by virtue of the Fund's registration or notification under the AIFM Directive national private placement regimes in certain EU and EEA jurisdictions, some limited

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disclosures under the SFDR must be made in respect of the Fund and the following section is intended to satisfy certain of such requirements. The SFDR requires the Advisor to determine, on a product-by-product basis, whether "sustainability risks" are relevant to the Advisor's in-scope financial products, including the Fund.

For the purposes of SFDR, "sustainability risk" means an environmental, social or governance (*"ESG"*) event or condition that, if it occurs, could cause an actual or a potential material negative impact on the value of an investment.

Solely for the purposes of SFDR, the Advisor has determined that sustainability risks are not relevant to the Fund on the basis that the Fund invests principally in investments or asset classes which, in the opinion of the Advisor, are not ordinarily subject to sustainability risk as a material negative impact on the value of those investments, as such terms are interpreted and applied under SFDR.

Consequently, the Advisor does not integrate sustainability risks into its investment decision making for the Fund and the Advisor has not assessed the likely impacts of sustainability risks on the returns of the Fund, as such terms are interpreted and applied under SFDR.

The Advisor will keep its assessment that sustainability risks are not relevant to the Fund under regular review.

SFDR requires the Advisor to disclose whether, and if so how, it considers the principal adverse impacts (*"PAIs"*) of its investment decisions on sustainability factors, in accordance with a specific regime outlined in SFDR, in relation to the Fund. The Advisor does not consider the principal adverse impacts of its investment decisions on sustainability factors (either generally or in relation to the Fund).

In addition, the Advisor considers that its primary investment strategies and client relationships do not support adoption of the PAI regime within SFDR.

***Information for Investors in the EEA Regarding Offering of the Fund*** 

In relation to each Member State of the EEA which has implemented the AIFM Directive, the Prospectus, and any summary Prospectus or SAI relating to the Fund, may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that: (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with the AIFM Directive (as implemented into the local law/regulations of the relevant Member State); or otherwise (2) the Prospectus and SAI may be lawfully distributed and the shares may lawfully be offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor).

In relation to each Member State of the EEA which, at the date of this SAI, has not implemented the AIFM Directive, the Prospectus and this SAI may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed to the extent that the Prospectus and this SAI may be lawfully distributed and the shares may lawfully be offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor).

In addition, the following restrictions apply to the distribution of the Prospectus and SAI in the following Member States:

***Information for Investors in the United Kingdom*** 

Subject always to the foregoing notice in respect of the EEA, this SAI is being issued in the United Kingdom by First Trust Global Portfolios Limited (which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (the *"FCA"*)) only to and/or is directed only at persons who are professional clients or eligible counterparties for the purposes of the FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook. The opportunity to invest in the Fund is only available to such persons in the United Kingdom, and the Prospectus and SAI must not be relied on or acted upon by any other persons in the United Kingdom.

***Information for Investors in Ireland*** 

The distribution of this Prospectus and SAI in Ireland and the offering or purchase of shares is restricted to the individual to whom it is addressed. Accordingly, it may not be reproduced in whole or in part, nor may its contents be distributed in writing or orally to any third party and it may be read solely by the person to whom it is addressed and his/her professional advisers. Shares in the Fund will not be offered or sold by any person:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) otherwise than in conformity with the provisions of the European Communities (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2007 and the European Union (Alternative Investment Fund Managers) Regulations 2013, each as amended; or

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) in any way which would require the publication of a prospectus under the Companies Act 2014 or any regulations made thereunder; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) in Ireland except in all circumstances that will result in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in Ireland.

***AIFM Directive Disclosures*** 

*Background*. The AIFM Directive is an EU directive which regulates the management and marketing of funds within the EEA. The AIFM Directive distinguishes between EU and non-EU funds and EU and non-EU fund managers and different obligations apply under the AIFM Directive depending on where the fund is based and where the manager is based. Certain disclosure, transparency and reporting obligations are imposed on non-EU fund managers wishing to market funds to investors in the EEA. There are additional requirements imposed on EU fund managers, which do not currently apply to First Trust.

To the extent not already disclosed to you prior to your investment in the Fund, the purpose of this section of this SAI is to satisfy the disclosures which are required to be provided to you under the AIFM Directive.

*Overview of the Fund and the Service Providers*. The Fund is a non-EU AIFs (*"AIF"* means an alternative investment fund for the purposes of the AIFM Directive).

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"*) is the AIFM of the Fund (*"AIFM"* means an alternative investment fund manager for the purposes of the AIFM Directive). First Trust is a non-EU AIFM.

The Trust has entered into agreements with various service providers including First Trust (as the Investment Advisor), the Custodian, Distributor, Transfer Agent, Administrator, index providers and the exchange where the Fund is listed in respect of the Fund. Further details regarding the duties and roles of such service providers can be found in the Prospectus and this SAI for the Fund.

In addition to the parties listed above, the Trust has appointed (i) Chapman and Cutler LLP as its legal counsel which advises it on US legal matters; (ii) Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Fund's auditors who undertake to audit the Fund's financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) (United States); and (iii) CT Corporation System as the Fund's registered agent.

First Trust is not required to ensure that the Fund appoints, and the Fund has not appointed, a depositary for purposes of the AIFM Directive. (A depositary in the context of the AIFM Directive, has a specific role and function. The appointment of such depositary is not required for non-EU AIFs with non-EU AIFMs). As such, investors in the Fund have no rights as against any person in respect of the duties or liabilities of a depositary under the AIFM Directive.

*Investors' Contractual Rights*. In respect of each of the service providers to the Fund, investors who purchase shares in the Fund in the secondary market have no direct rights of action against the service providers, as a matter of contract law or under the establishment documents of the Trust. The proper plaintiff in an action in respect of which a wrongdoing is alleged to have been committed against the Fund or the Trust by a service provider is, prima facie, the Trust itself. An investor may bring a derivative or similar action or proceeding (*"Derivative Action"*) against the Trust or the Fund to recover a judgment in its favor in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration. Accordingly, investors would have no direct contractual right against the relevant service provider for breach of the agreement governing its appointment by the Trust. The foregoing disclosure is without prejudice to such other rights of action (for example, under the securities laws, tort law or in respect of breach of fiduciary duty) which might in certain situations be separately available to investors.

*Investment in the Fund*. Investors will buy shares in the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers and will not subscribe for shares from the Trust directly. As such, there is no direct contractual relationship between the Fund and the investor in connection with the purchase or sale of shares. While the Fund is established under Massachusetts law and Massachusetts law does facilitate the enforcement of judgments obtained in foreign jurisdictions, investors who buy shares on the secondary market will have no direct contractual right of action against the Fund. Investors should refer to "How to Buy and Sell Shares" in the main body of the Prospectus for more detail. The foregoing disclosure is without prejudice to such other rights of action (for example, under the securities laws, tort law or in respect of breach of fiduciary duty) which might in certain situations be separately available to investors.

*Redemption from the Fund*. Non-US investors will sell shares in secondary market transactions through brokers and will not redeem shares from the Fund directly. Shares can be sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. Investors should refer to "How to Buy and Sell Shares" in the main body of the Prospectus for more detail.

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*Liquidity Risk Management*. Investors should note that while First Trust is not required to implement liquidity management arrangements in accordance with the AIFM Directive in respect of the Fund, the Fund is subject to the liquidity limitations established by the SEC. The Trustees have delegated to First Trust the day-to-day determination of illiquidity of equity and fixed income securities as described under "Illiquid Investments" in this SAI.

*Treatment of Investors*. The Trust and the AIFM do not offer any investors preferential treatment or the right to obtain preferential treatment. Whilst the Trust does not take specific steps to ensure the fair treatment of investors, under the 1940 Act the Trustees are required to monitor how the Fund operates and oversee matters where the interests of the Fund and its shareholders may differ from those of its investment adviser.

First Trust is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC, and is subject to regulation and oversight designed to protect shareholders. Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, First Trust is a fiduciary to its clients, including the Fund, and is therefore required to act in the best interests of clients and to place the interests of clients before its own.

*Information Regarding the Use of Leverage and Collateral*. The AIFM Directive requires disclosure of certain information relating to leverage, collateral and asset re-use arrangements. The Fund may obtain leverage through the use of derivatives and other non-fully funded investments such as reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitment agreements if, and to the extent that, such transactions are (i) disclosed in the Fund's Prospectus and SAI and (ii) deemed appropriate investments by First Trust. These leveraged trading practices generally have not been prohibited by the SEC, though the SEC has published guidance on the manner in which the Fund may cover its leveraged trading practices to limit leverage and avoid the need to address the leverage concerns in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, which severely restricts how the Fund may use leverage. All arrangements entered into by First Trust on behalf of the Fund which result in leverage follow the parameter of the guidance published by the SEC.

As a non-EU AIFM, First Trust is not obliged to set a maximum permitted level of leverage which it may employ in its management of the Fund. The total amount of leverage employed by the Fund is provided at www.ftglobalportfolios.com.

Investors should refer to the "Investment Objectives and Policies" and "Investment Strategies" section of this SAI for more details on the use and risk of leverage by the Fund.

*Shareholder Voting Rights*. The Declaration requires a shareholder vote only on those matters where the 1940 Act requires a vote of shareholders and otherwise permits the Trustees to take actions without seeking the consent of shareholders. The Fund's fundamental policies, as described in the "Investment Objectives and Policies" section of this SAI, may not be changed without approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the 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.

*Net Asset Value*. The latest NAV of the Fund, and the latest NAV per share of each class of share of the Fund, is available online at: www.ftglobalportfolios.com and online stock quote services. Generally investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund will therefore be available at the relevant market price rather than NAV.

The historical performance of the Fund since inception is available online at: www.ftglobalportfolios.com.

*Accounts*. Under the AIFM Directive, First Trust is required to make available the annual report of the Funds that it markets in the EEA. This must be prepared by no later than 6 months following the end of the financial year and contain certain specific content requirements set out in the AIFM Directive. Once the annual report has been produced, it will be made available to investors in the manner as set out in the Prospectus.

*Professional Liability Requirements/Delegation by the AIFM/Valuation*. As a non-EU AIFM, First Trust is not subject to certain EU requirements relating to (i) the cover of professional liability risk by holding either additional of its own funds or appropriate professional liability insurance; (ii) permitted delegation and the management and disclosure of conflicts of interest relating to any such delegation; and (iii) valuation as set out in Article 19 of the AIFM Directive. As such, no disclosures for the purposes of the AIFM Directive have been made. Notwithstanding this, First Trust and the Fund continue to comply with their requirements under US law.

*Periodic Disclosure Obligations*. The following information will be disclosed to Fund shareholders on a periodic basis by way of a posting being made on www.ftglobalportfolios.com:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the percentage of the Fund's assets, if any, that are subject to special arrangements arising from their illiquid nature (including, but not limited to, deferrals of redemptions and suspensions);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the current risk profile of the Fund and the risk management systems employed by the AIFM to manage those risks; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the total amount of leverage employed by the Fund, if any.

Whenever any new arrangements for managing the liquidity of the Fund are introduced including, but not limited to, any material changes to the liquidity management systems and procedures employed by First Trust, a disclosure to this effect will be uploaded on the Fund's website. The Fund will ensure that a notice is uploaded on an expedited basis whenever deferrals or other similar special arrangements are activated or where redemptions of shares are suspended.

A notice will be posted without undue delay whenever there is a change to a maximum level of leverage which may be employed on behalf of the Fund; and any changes are made to the right of re-use of collateral or any changes to any guarantee granted under any leveraging arrangement.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN HONG KONG ONLY** 

The Fund is a collective investment scheme but is not authorized under Section 104 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. Accordingly, the distribution of the Prospectus, and the placement of Fund shares in Hong Kong, is restricted. The Prospectus may only be distributed, circulated or issued to persons who are professional investors under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance or as otherwise permitted by the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN SINGAPORE ONLY** 

The Prospectus has not been registered as a Prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the Prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of Fund shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may Fund shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor pursuant to Section 304 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the *"SFA"*)) or (ii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN TAIWAN ONLY** 

Fund shares are being made available in the Republic of China (*"R.O.C."*) on a private placement basis only to banks, bills houses, trust enterprises, financial holding companies and other qualified entities or institutions (collectively, *"Qualified Institutions"*) and other entities and individuals meeting specific criteria (*"Other Qualified Investors"*) pursuant to the private placement provisions of the R.O.C. Rules Governing Offshore Funds. No other offer or sale of the shares of the Fund in the R.O.C. is permitted. R.O.C. purchasers of Fund shares may not sell or otherwise dispose of their holdings except by redemption, transfer to a Qualified Institution or Other Qualified Investor, transfer by operation of law or other means approved by the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission.

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

The Trust has adopted a proxy voting policy that seeks to ensure that proxies for securities held by the Fund are voted consistently with the best interests of the Fund.

The Board has delegated to First Trust the proxy voting responsibilities for the Fund and has directed First Trust to vote proxies consistent with the Fund's best interests. The First Trust Proxy Voting Guidelines are attached hereto as *Exhibit B*. 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 Fund. 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 generally 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. First Trust's use of the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines is not intended to constrain First Trust's consideration of any proxy proposal, and there are times when First Trust deviates from

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the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines. This includes when required by Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act or when agreed to by the Fund and certain acquired funds as permitted under Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, if applicable. Generally, First Trust will not rely on ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines to withhold votes or vote against directors solely based on quota criteria or the exclusion of certain climate-related disclosures, which may or may not relate to the company's core business or may not materially impact shareholder value. First Trust will consider such proxy voting decisions in light of merit-based considerations which it believes may impact shareholder value. First Trust retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available upon request and without charge on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com, by calling (800) 621-1675 or by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

**Portfolio Schedule.** The Fund files portfolio holdings information for each month in a fiscal quarter within 60 days after the end of the relevant fiscal quarter on Form N-PORT. Portfolio holdings information for the third month of each fiscal quarter will be publicly available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Fund's complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year is included in the semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, respectively, and is filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. A semi-annual or annual report for the Fund will become available to investors within 60 days after the period to which it relates. The Fund's Forms N-PORT and Forms N-CSR are available on the SEC's website listed above.

**Policy Regarding Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.** The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to this policy. The 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 websites. 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 each day the NYSE is open for trading via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*). Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act, information regarding the Fund's current portfolio holdings will be available on a daily basis at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx. The Trust, First Trust, FTP and BBH will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust.

**Codes of Ethics.** In order to mitigate the possibility that the Fund 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. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund; however, the Codes of Ethics require that each transaction in such securities be reviewed by the CCO or his or her designee. These Codes of Ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

**Creation and Redemption of Creation Units** 

**General.** ETFs, such as the Fund, generally issue and redeem their shares in primary market transactions through a creation and redemption mechanism and do not sell or redeem individual shares. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" have contractual arrangements with an ETF or one of the ETF's service providers to purchase and redeem ETF shares directly with the ETF in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." Prior to the start of trading on every business day, an ETF publishes through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*) the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets that it will accept in exchange for a Creation Unit of the ETF's shares. An Authorized Participant that wishes to effectuate a creation of an ETF's shares deposits with the ETF the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets identified by the ETF that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of the ETF's shares in return for those assets. After purchasing a Creation Unit, the Authorized Participant may continue to hold the ETF's shares or sell them in the secondary market. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the authorized participant redeems a Creation Unit of ETF shares for a basket of securities, cash or other assets. The combination of the creation and redemption process with secondary market trading in ETF shares and underlying securities provides arbitrage opportunities that are designed to help keep the market price of ETF shares at or close to the NAV per share of the ETF.

**Authorized Participants.** An *"Authorized Participant"* is a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC that has a written agreement with the Fund or one of its service providers that allows the Authorized Participant to place orders for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units (a *"Participant Agreement"*). Orders to purchase Creation Units must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement and must comply with the applicable provisions of such Participant Agreement. Investors wishing to purchase or sell shares generally do so on an exchange.

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Institutional investors other than Authorized Participants are responsible for making arrangements for a redemption request to be made through an Authorized Participant.

**Business Day.** A *"Business Day"* is generally any day on which the New York Stock Exchange (*"NYSE"*), the Exchange and the Trust are 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, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Business Day on which an order to purchase or redeem Creation Units is received in proper form is referred to as the "Transmittal Date."

**Basket Composition.** Rule 6c-11(c)(3) under of the 1940 Act requires an ETF relying on the exemptions offered by Rule 6c-11 to adopt and implement written policies and procedures governing the construction of baskets and the process that the ETF will use for the acceptance of baskets. In general, in connection with the construction and acceptance of baskets, the Advisor may consider various factors, including, but not limited to: (1) whether the securities, assets and other positions comprising a basket are consistent with the ETF's investment objective(s), policies and disclosure; (2) whether the securities, assets and other positions can legally and readily be acquired, transferred and held by the ETF and/or Authorized Participant(s), as applicable; (3) whether to utilize cash, either in lieu of securities or other instruments or as a cash balancing amount; and (4) in the case of an ETF that tracks an index, whether the securities, assets and other positions aid index tracking.

The Fund may utilize a pro rata basket or a custom basket in reliance on Rule 6c-11. A "pro rata basket" is a basket that is a pro rata representation of the ETF's portfolio holdings, except for minor deviations when it is not operationally feasible to include a particular instrument within the basket, except to the extent that the Fund utilized different baskets in transactions on the same Business Day.

Rule 6c-11 defines "custom baskets" to include two categories of baskets. First, a basket containing a non-representative selection of the ETF's portfolio holdings would constitute a custom basket. These types of custom baskets include, but are not limited to, baskets that do not reflect: (i) a pro rata representation of the Fund's portfolio holdings; (ii) a representative sampling of an ETF's portfolio holdings; or (iii) changes due to a rebalancing or reconstitution of an ETF's securities market index, if applicable. Second, if different baskets are used in transactions on the same Business Day, each basket after the initial basket would constitute a custom basket. For example, if an ETF exchanges a basket with either the same or another Authorized Participant that reflects a representative sampling that differs from the initial basket, that basket (and any such subsequent baskets) would be a custom basket. Similarly, if an ETF substitutes cash in lieu of a portion of basket assets for a single Authorized Participant, that basket would be a custom basket. The Advisor's Rule 6c-11 Committee defines any deviation from a pro rata basket to be a "custom basket." Rebalancing and reconstitution baskets do not constitute custom baskets. All cash baskets that are the initial basket on a Business Day also do not constitute custom baskets.

Under a variety of circumstances, an ETF and its shareholders may benefit from the flexibility afforded by custom baskets. In general terms, the use of custom baskets may reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve trading. Because utilizing custom baskets provides a way for an ETF to add, remove and re-weight portfolio securities without transacting in the market, it may help the ETF to avoid transaction costs and adverse tax consequences. Rule 6c-11 provides an ETF with flexibility to use "custom baskets" if the ETF has adopted written policies and procedures that: (1) set forth detailed parameters for the construction and acceptance of custom baskets that are in the best interests of the ETF and its shareholders, including the process for any revisions to, or deviations from, those parameters; and (2) specify the titles or roles of employees of the ETF's investment advisor who are required to review each custom basket for compliance with those parameters.

The use of baskets that do not correspond pro rata to an ETF's portfolio holdings has historically created concern that an Authorized Participant could take advantage of its relationship with an ETF and pressure the ETF to construct a basket that favors an Authorized Participant to the detriment of the ETF's shareholders. For example, because ETFs rely on Authorized Participants to maintain the secondary market by promoting an effective arbitrage mechanism, an Authorized Participant holding less liquid or less desirable securities potentially could pressure an ETF into accepting those securities in its basket in exchange for liquid ETF shares (*i.e.*, dumping). An Authorized Participant also could pressure the ETF into including in its basket certain desirable securities in exchange for ETF shares tendered for redemption (*i.e.*, cherry-picking). In either case, the ETF's other investors would be disadvantaged and would be left holding shares of an ETF with a less liquid or less desirable portfolio of securities. The Advisor has adopted policies and procedures designed to mitigate these concerns but there is ultimately no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be effective.

**Basket Dissemination.** Basket files are published for consumption through the NSCC, a subsidiary of Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, and can be utilized for pricing, creations, redemptions, rebalancing and custom scenarios. In most instances, pro rata baskets are calculated and supplied by the ETF's custodial bank based on ETF holdings, whereas non-pro

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rata, custom and forward-looking pro rata baskets are calculated by the Fund's investment advisor and disseminated by the ETF's custodial bank through the NSCC process.

**Placement of Creation or Redemption Orders.** All orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units are to be governed according to the applicable Participant Agreement that each Authorized Participant has executed. In general, all orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units must be received by the transfer agent in the proper form required by the Participant Agreement no later than the closing time of the regular trading session of the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day the NYSE is open for business (the *"Closing Time"*) in order for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of the Fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. However, at its discretion, the Fund may require an Authorized Participant to submit orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units be placed earlier in the day (such as instances where an applicable market for a security comprising a creation or redemption basket closes earlier than usual).

**Delivery of Redemption Proceeds.** Deliveries of securities to Authorized Participants in connection with redemption orders are generally expected to be made within two Business Days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds for the Fund may take longer than two Business Days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act generally prohibits a registered open-end management investment company from postponing the date of satisfaction of redemption requests for more than seven days after the tender of a security for redemption. This prohibition can cause operational difficulties for ETFs that hold foreign investments and exchange in-kind baskets for Creation Units. For example, local market delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming investors, together with local market holiday schedules, can sometimes require a delivery process in excess of seven days. However, Rule 6c-11 grants relief from Section 22(e) to permit an ETF to delay satisfaction of a redemption request for more than seven days if a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming Authorized Participants, or the combination thereof prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. Under this exemption, an ETF must deliver foreign investments as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 days after the tender to the ETF. The exemption therefore will permit a delay only to the extent that additional time for settlement is actually required, when a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. If a foreign investment settles in less than 15 days, Rule 6c-11 requires an ETF to deliver it pursuant to the standard settlement time of the local market where the investment trades. Rule 6c-11 defines "foreign investment" as any security, asset or other position of the ETF issued by a foreign issuer (as defined by Rule 3b-4 under the 1934 Act), and that is traded on a trading market outside of the United States. This definition is not limited to "foreign securities," but also includes other investments that may not be considered securities. Although these other investments may not be securities, they may present the same challenges for timely settlement as foreign securities if they are transferred in kind.

**Creation Transaction Fees.** The Fund imposes fees in connection with the purchase of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, plus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the creation basket.

**Redemption Transaction Fees.** The Fund also imposes fees in connection with the redemption of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price received for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, minus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the redemption basket. 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 may also be assessed an amount to cover the cost of such services. The redemption fee charged by the Fund will comply with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act which limits redemption fees to no more than 2% of the value of the shares redeemed.

**Suspension of Creations.** The SEC has stated its position that an ETF generally may suspend the issuance of Creation Units only for a limited time and only due to extraordinary circumstances, such as when the markets on which the ETF's portfolio holdings are traded are closed for a limited period of time. The SEC has also stated that an ETF could not set transaction fees

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so high as to effectively suspend the issuance of Creation Units. Circumstances in which the Fund may suspend creations include, but are not limited to: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the purchaser or group of related purchasers, upon obtaining the Creation Units of Fund shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the required consideration is not delivered; (iv) the acceptance of the basket would, in the opinion of the Fund, be unlawful; or (v) there exist circumstances outside the control of the Fund that make it impossible to process purchases of Creation Units for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include: acts of God or 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 Fund, First Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the transfer agent, the custodian, any sub-custodian or any other participant in the purchase process; and similar extraordinary events. The Fund reserves the right to reject a creation order transmitted to it provided that such action does not result in a suspension of sales of creation units in contravention of 6c-11 and the SEC's positions thereunder. The Transfer Agent shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such prospective creator of the rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the Fund, the Transfer Agent, 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 baskets, nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

**Suspension of Redemptions.** An ETF may suspend the redemption of Creation Units only in accordance with Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. Section 22(e) stipulates that no registered investment company shall suspend the right of redemption, or postpone the date of payment or satisfaction upon redemption of any redeemable security in accordance with its terms for more than seven days after the tender of such security to the company or its agent designated for that purpose for redemption, except (1) for any period (A) during which the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings or (B) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted; (2) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which (A) disposal by the investment company of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or (B) it is not reasonably practicable for such company fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the investment company.

**Exceptions to Use of Creation Units.** Under Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, ETFs are permitted to sell or redeem individual shares on the day of consummation of a reorganization, merger, conversion, or liquidation. In these limited circumstances, an ETF may need to issue or redeem individual shares and may need to transact without utilizing Authorized Participants.

**Federal Tax Matters**

This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning shares of the Fund. This section is current as of the date of the SAI. 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 foreign tax consequences.

This federal income tax summary is based in part on the advice of counsel to the Fund. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure may not be sufficient for prospective investors to use for the purpose of avoiding penalties under federal tax law.

As with any investment, prospective investors should seek advice based on their individual circumstances from their own tax advisor.

The Fund intends to qualify annually and to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (a *"RIC"*) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the *"Code"*).

To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs, the Fund must, among other things, (i) 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; (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs 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 the Fund's total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) 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 RICs) of any one issuer, or two or more issuers which the

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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 (iii) 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. There are certain exceptions for failure to qualify if the failure is for reasonable cause or is *de minimis*, and certain corrective action is taken and certain tax payments are made by the Fund.

As a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its 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 it distributes to shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain. If the 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, the 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 98.2% 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 Fund intends 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 the 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 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.

Subject to certain reasonable cause and *de minimis* exceptions, if the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC or fails 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 Fund's 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 the Fund may be taxed at capital gains tax rates. In particular, ordinary income dividends received by an individual shareholder from a RIC such as the Fund 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 the Fund itself. Dividends received by the Fund from REITs and foreign corporations are qualifying dividends eligible for this lower tax rate only in certain circumstances. The Fund will provide notice to its shareholders of the amount of any distributions that may be taken into account as a dividend which is eligible for the capital gains tax rates. The Fund cannot make any guarantees as to the amount of any distribution which will be regarded as a qualifying dividend. Some portion of the ordinary income distributions that are attributable to dividends received by the Fund from shares in certain real estate investment trusts may be designated by the Fund as eligible for a deduction for qualified business income, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied. The use of the Long/Short strategy may reduce the amount of dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the capital gains tax rates.

Income from the Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to net investment income if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals.

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 RICs. However, certain ordinary income dividends on shares that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from certain domestic corporations may be reported by the Fund as being eligible for the dividends received deduction. The use of the Long/Short strategy may reduce the amount of dividends that would otherwise be 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 reported as capital gain dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend

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if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements. Shareholders receiving distributions in the form of additional shares, rather than cash, generally will have a tax 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 the 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.

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 Fund, 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. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

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 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 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 IRS, 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 Fund's 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 Fund 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.

**Futures Contracts and Options**

The Fund's 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 Fund (*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 Fund and may defer Fund losses. These rules could, therefore, affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (i) will require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio (*i.e.*, treat them as if they were closed out); and (ii) may cause the Fund 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 RIC and the distribution requirements for avoiding excise taxes.

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**Investments in Certain Foreign Corporations**

If the 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 shareholders. The Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes. The 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, the 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 are not treated as qualified dividend income.

**Backup Withholding**

The Fund 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 Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or fail to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. 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.

**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 the Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the shareholder.

In addition to the rules described in this section concerning the potential imposition of withholding on distributions to non-U.S. persons, distributions to non-U.S. persons that are "financial institutions" may be subject to a withholding tax of 30% unless an agreement is in place between the financial institution and the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose information about accounts, equity investments or debt interests in the financial institution held by one or more U.S. persons or the institution is resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury. For these purposes, a "financial institution" means any entity that (i) accepts deposits in the ordinary course of a banking or similar business; (ii) holds financial assets for the account of others as a substantial portion of its business; or (iii) is engaged (or holds itself out as being engaged) primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, partnership interests, commodities or any interest (including a futures contract or option) in such securities, partnership interests or commodities. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

Distributions to non-financial non-U.S. entities (other than publicly traded foreign entities, entities owned by residents of U.S. possessions, foreign governments, international organizations or foreign central banks) will also be subject to a withholding tax of 30% if the entity does not certify that the entity does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provide the name, address and TIN of each substantial U.S. owner. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**Income Not Effectively Connected.** If the income from the 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 the Fund which are properly reported by the Fund 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

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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 Fund 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 Fund 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.

Distributions from the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. shareholders, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

In addition, capital gain distributions attributable to gains from U.S. real property interests (including certain U.S. real property holding corporations) will generally be subject to United States withholding tax and will give rise to an obligation on the part of the non-U.S. shareholder to file a United States tax return.

**Income Effectively Connected.** If the income from the 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 Fund which are properly reported by the Fund as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund 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 Fund.

**Capital Loss Carry-forward**

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, net capital losses of the Fund incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. To the extent that these loss carry-forwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the capital gains so offset will not be distributed to Fund shareholders. As of October 31, 2022, the Fund had net capital losses for federal income tax purposes as shown in the table below. The Fund is subject to certain limitations, under U.S. tax rules, on the use of capital loss carry-forwards and net unrealized built-in losses. These limitations generally apply when there has been a 50% change in ownership.

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| |
|:---|
| **Total**<br> **Non-Expiring**<br> **Capital Loss**<br> **Available**<br>|
| $60966459 |

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**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 Fund.

**Determination of Net Asset Value**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Net Asset Value."

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The per share net asset value of the Fund is determined by dividing the total value of the securities and other assets, less liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding. Under normal circumstances, daily calculation of the net asset value will utilize the last closing sale price of each security held by the Fund at the close of the market on which such security is principally listed. In determining net asset value, portfolio securities for the Fund for which accurate market quotations are readily available will be valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Common stocks and other equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange other than Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) will be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded, or the official closing price for Nasdaq and AIM securities. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the Business Day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Shares of open-end funds are valued at NAV per share.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Exchange-traded options and futures contracts are valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are principally traded. If no closing price is available, they will be valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their closing bid price. OTC options and futures contracts are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Forward foreign currency contracts are valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using the current day's spot rate, and the 30-, 60-, 90- and 180- day forward rates provided by a pricing service or by certain independent dealers in such contracts.

In addition, the following types of securities will be fair valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Fixed-income securities, convertible securities, preferred and hybrid securities, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, swaptions, currency-linked notes, credit-linked notes, asset-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities or private label collateralized mortgage obligations, collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, senior loans and other similar instruments will be fair valued using a pricing service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Commercial paper, fixed-income and other debt securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts (amortized cost), provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer specific conditions existing at the time of the determination. Factors that may be considered in determining the appropriateness of the use of amortized cost include, but are not limited to, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the credit conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the liquidity conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the interest rate conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto (such as significant changes in interest rates);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) issuer-specific conditions (such as significant credit deterioration); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) any other market-based data the Advisor considers relevant. In this regard, the Advisor may use last-obtained market-based data to assist it when valuing portfolio securities using amortized cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Repurchase agreements will be valued as follows. Overnight repurchase agreements will be valued at amortized cost when it represents the most appropriate reflection of fair market value. Term repurchase agreements (*i.e.*, those whose maturity exceeds seven days) will be valued by the Advisor at the average of the bid quotations obtained.

If the Advisor has reason to question the accuracy or reliability of a price supplied or the use of the amortized cost methodology, the Advisor shall determine if "it needs to fair value" such portfolio security pursuant to established valuation

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procedures. From time to time, the Advisor, Fund accounting agent, or relevant portfolio management team may submit price challenges to a pricing service, pursuant to a process described in the Fund's Valuation Procedures.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities will be valued at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities that 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 or fair value 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 net asset value (as may be the case in foreign markets on which the security is primarily traded) or is likely to make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not, in the opinion of the Advisor, reflect the security's fair value. Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a pricing service or are determined by the Advisor. Market value prices represent last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (i.e., a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from pricing services. If no market price or official close price is available from either a pricing service or no quotations are available from one or more brokers or if the Advisor has reason to question the reliability or accuracy of a price supplied or the use of amortized cost, the value of any portfolio security held by the Fund for which reliable market prices/quotations are not readily available will be determined by the Advisor in a manner that most appropriately reflects fair market value of the security on the valuation date, based on a consideration of all available information. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange.

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which a shareholder may purchase shares of the Fund, the value of the Fund's investments may change on the days when shareholders are not able to purchase shares of the Fund. For foreign securities, if an extraordinary market event occurs between the time the last "current" market quotation is available for a security in the Fund's portfolio and the time the Fund's net asset value is determined and calls into doubt whether that earlier market quotation represents fair value at the time the Fund's net asset value is determined, the Fund accounting agent will immediately notify the Advisor and the Advisor shall determine the fair valuation. For foreign securities, the Advisor may seek to determine the "fair value" of such securities by retaining a pricing service to determine the value of the securities.

Foreign securities, currencies and other assets denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar as provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

**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.** Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, 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 or advisable to preserve the status of the 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 Fund.

**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 Fund for reinvestment 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 the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

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**Miscellaneous Information**

**Counsel.** Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, is counsel to the Trust.

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.** Deloitte & Touche LLP, 111 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. The firm audits the Fund's financial statements and performs other related audit services.

**Financial Statements**

The audited financial statements and notes thereto for the Fund, contained in the [<u>Annual Report to Shareholders</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm)dated October 31, 2022, 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 available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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**Exhibit A—Principal Holders Table** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **% OF**<br> **OUTSTANDING**<br> **SHARES OWNED**<br>|
| FIRST TRUST LONG/SHORT EQUITY ETF | FIRST TRUST LONG/SHORT EQUITY ETF |
| Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 17.59% |
| TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. | 14.37% |
| RBC Capital Markets, LLC | 13.52% |
| National Financial Services LLC | 12.74% |
| LPL Financial LLC | 10.42% |
| Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 10.06% |
| Pershing LLC | 8.98% |

---

(1) Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.: 2423 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

(2) LPL Financial LLC: 1055 LPL Way, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715

(3) Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC: 1300 Thames St., 6<sup>th</sup> Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21231

(4) National Financial Services LLC: 499 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

(5) Pershing LLC: One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, New Jersey 07399

(6) RBC Capital Markets, LLC: 60 South 6<sup>th</sup> Street, PO-9, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

(7) TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc.: 200 S. 108<sup>th</sup> Ave., Omaha, Nebraska 68154

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**Exhibit B—Proxy Voting Guidelines**

**FIRST TRUST ADVISORS L.P.**

**PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES**

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"FTA"* or the *"Adviser"*) serves as investment adviser to separately managed accounts, open- and closed-end investment companies, and other collective investments (*"Clients"*). As part of these services, the Adviser has, in most cases, agreed to or been delegated proxy voting responsibility on such Clients' behalf (*"Proxy Clients"*). FTA is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure proxy voting on behalf of Proxy Clients is conducted in a manner that is in their best interests and addresses how conflicts of interest between FTA interests and Proxy Client interests are managed. FTA has adopted the following policies and procedures to comply with this requirement (the *"Policy"*).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) It is the Adviser's policy to seek and to ensure that proxies are voted consistently and in the best economic interests of the Proxy Client. The FTA Investment Committee is responsible for the implementation of the Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Adviser engaged Institutional Shareholder Services (*"ISS"*) to provide proxy research, recommendations, and voting services. ISS provides a password protected website which is accessible to authorized FTA personnel to download upcoming proxy meeting data, including research reports, of companies held in Proxy Client portfolios. The website can be used to view proposed proxy votes, to enter votes for upcoming meetings for Proxy Client portfolio securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) FTA will generally follow the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines (the *"Guidelines"*) to vote proxies for Proxy Client accounts, so long as such Guidelines are considered to be in the best interests of the Proxy Client, and there are no noted or perceived conflicts of interest. FTA's use of the Guidelines is not intended to constrain FTA's consideration of any proxy proposal, and there are times when FTA deviates from the Guidelines. This includes when required by Rule 12d1-4 agreements between Fund Proxy Clients and certain acquired funds, if applicable. Generally, FTA will not rely on ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines to withhold votes or vote against (i) directors solely based on quota criteria or (ii) the exclusion of certain climate-related disclosures, which may or may not relate to the company's core business or may not materially impact shareholder value. In such cases, FTA will consider such proxy voting decisions in light of merit-based considerations which it believes may impact shareholder value. FTA retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting.

In certain circumstances, where FTA has determined that it is consistent with Proxy Client best interests, FTA will not vote a proxy on behalf of one or more Proxy Clients. Such circumstances include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Limited Value.* Proxies will not be required to be voted on securities in a Proxy Client account if the value of the Proxy Client's economic interest in the securities is indeterminable or insignificant (less than $1,000). Proxies will also not be required to be voted for any securities that are no longer held in Proxy Client account(s).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *Securities Lending Program.* When securities are out on loan, they are transferred into the borrower's name and are voted by the borrower, in its discretion. In most cases, FTA will not recall securities on loan in order to vote a proxy. However, where FTA determines that a proxy vote, or other shareholder action, is materially important to the Proxy Client's account, FTA will make a good faith effort to recall the security for purposes of voting, understanding that in certain cases, the attempt to recall the security may not be effective in time to meet voting deadlines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) *Unjustifiable Costs.* In certain circumstances, based on cost-benefit analysis, FTA may choose not to vote when the cost of voting on behalf of a Proxy Client would exceed any anticipated benefits of the proxy proposal to such Proxy Client (*e.g.* foreign securities).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) *International Markets Share Blocking.* Share blocking is the "freezing" of shares for trading purposes at the custodian/sub-custodian bank level in order to vote proxies. While shares are frozen, they may not be traded. Therefore, the potential exists for a pending trade to fail if trade settlement falls on a date during the blocking period. In international markets where share blocking applies, FTA typically will not, but reserves the right to, vote proxies due to the liquidity constraints associated with share blocking.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) On a weekly basis, a member of FTA Portfolio and Product Management reviews ISS Level Classification and Quality Scores for new proxies. For any proxy meeting deemed material<sup>1</sup> by this review a copy of the ISS research report will be submitted to FTA Research for review and to determine if they agree with the Guidelines. Research will also review the recommendations of target company management and may review information publicly available about the target company, including original and subsequent amendments to the ISS research report, EDGAR filings and any noted conflicts of interest. FTA Research will communicate its determination to the FTA Investment Committee. All other non-material matters will be further reviewed only at the discretion of the FTA Investment Committee, Portfolio Management or Research.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) FTA may determine voting in accordance with the Guidelines is not in the best interests of a Proxy Client. Whenever a conflict of interest arises between ISS and a target company subject to a proxy vote, the Adviser will consider the recommendation of the company and what the Adviser believes to be in the best interests of the Proxy Client and will vote the proxy without using the Guidelines. If FTA has knowledge of a material conflict of interest between itself and a Proxy Client, the Adviser shall vote the applicable proxy in accordance with the Guidelines to avoid such conflict of interest. If there is a decision to vote against the Guidelines, the FTA Investment Committee will document the reason and instruct ISS to change the vote to reflect this decision.

If there is a conflict of interest between a Fund Proxy Client and FTA or other fund service providers, FTA will vote the proxy based on the Guidelines to avoid such conflict of interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) If a Proxy Client requests the Adviser to follow specific voting guidelines or additional guidelines, the Adviser shall review the request and follow such guidelines, unless the Adviser determines that it is unable to do so. In such case, the Adviser shall inform the Proxy Client that it is not able to honor the Proxy Client's request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) FTA periodically reviews proxy votes to ensure compliance with this Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) This Policy, the Guidelines and votes cast for Proxy Clients are available upon request and such Proxy Client requests must be forwarded to FTA Compliance for review and response. This Policy is also provided with each advisory contract and described and provided with the Form ADV, Part 2A.

Shareholders of Fund Proxy Clients can review the Policy and a Fund's voted proxies (if any) during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 on the First Trust website at www.ftportfolios.com or by accessing EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) FTA provides reasonable ongoing oversight of ISS and maintains the following records relating to proxy voting:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) a copy of this Policy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) a copy of each proxy form for which it is responsible to vote;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) a copy of each proxy solicitation, including proxy statements and related materials with regard to each proxy issue it votes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) documents relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest, if any;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) a copy of each written request from any Proxy Client for information on how FTA voted proxies on the Proxy Client's behalf, and a copy of any written response by FTA to any written or oral request for information by a Proxy Client on how FTA voted proxies for that Proxy Client's account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) ISS, on FTA's behalf, maintains the following records relating to FTA proxy voting:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) a copy of each proxy form (as voted);

------

<sup>1</sup>

Materiality is generally defined as any proxy with a Classification Level of 4 or higher or a target company's governance Quality Score of 10. **See below for a description of Classification Levels.** Quality Score indicates a company's governance risk (board structure, compensation programs, shareholder rights, and audit and risk oversight). The lowest score of 1 indicates relatively higher quality governance practices and relatively lower governance risk and conversely, the highest score of 10 indicates relatively higher governance risk.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) a copy of each proxy solicitation, including proxy statements and related materials with regard to each vote;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) documents relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest it identifies, if any; and

These records are either maintained at FTA's office or are electronically available to FTA through access to the ISS Proxy Exchange portal.

**ISS Level Classification Descriptions** 

Level 1 – Election of directors (except for proxy contests); fix number of directors; ratification of auditors; name change; change in date of time of meeting; adjourn meeting; other business; can include shareholder proposals.

Level 2 – Employee stock purchase plans; increase in stock (except for private placements); reverse stock splits; standard corporate governance provisions (declassifying the board, supermajority votes, etc.); social/environmental/human rights proposals; standard mutual fund proposals (except for advisory agreements, proposals to open-end the fund).

Level 3 – Compensation Plans.

Level 4 – Private Placements; formation of a holding company; anti-takeover proposals (poison pills, fair price provisions, etc.); reincorporation; director and officer liability indemnification; conversion of securities; liquidation of assets; mutual fund advisory agreements.

Level 5 – Mergers; acquisitions; sale of assets; conversion of closed-end fund to open-end; reorganization; restructuring.

Level 6 – Proxy Contests.

Adopted: September 15, 2003

Amended: December 10, 2007

Amended: September 21, 2009

Amended: September 12, 2016

Amended: March 9, 2020

Amended: June 7, 2021

Amended: January 19, 2022

Amended: May 13, 2022

Amended: September 22, 2022

------

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** 

**Investment Company Act File No. 811-22245** 

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **FUND NAME** | **TICKER SYMBOL** | **EXCHANGE** |
| First Trust Managed Municipal ETF | FMB | Nasdaq |

---

**DATED MARCH 1, 2023**

This Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated March 1, 2023, as it may be revised from time to time (the *"Prospectus"*), for First Trust Managed Municipal ETF (the *"Fund"*), a series of the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*). Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust's distributor, First Trust Portfolios L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, or by calling toll free at (800) 621-1675.

The audited financial statements for the Fund's most recent fiscal year appear in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the *"SEC"*) on January 6, 2023. The

financial statements from the [<u>Annual Report</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm) are incorporated herein by reference. The Annual Report is available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

------

**Table of Contents** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [General Description of the Trust and the Fund](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_1) | 1 |
| [Exchange Listing and Trading](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Objectives and Policies](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Strategies](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_4) | 4 |
| [Investment Risks](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_13) | 13 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_16) | 16 |
| [Brokerage Allocations](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_25) | 25 |
| [Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_26) | 26 |
| [Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_27) | 27 |
| [Additional Information](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_29) | 29 |
| [Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_30) | 30 |
| [Creation and Redemption of Creation Units](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_30) | 30 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_33) | 33 |
| [Determination of Net Asset Value](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_37) | 37 |
| [Dividends and Distributions](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_39) | 39 |
| [Miscellaneous Information](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_39) | 39 |
| [Financial Statements](#xx_248a5f85-c21f-41cb-8518-c680eeb7be82_40) | 40 |
| [Exhibit A](#xx_305514ee-7111-4d36-9535-af78d6e4462d_1)[—](#xx_305514ee-7111-4d36-9535-af78d6e4462d_1)[Principal Holders Table](#xx_305514ee-7111-4d36-9535-af78d6e4462d_1) | A-1 |
| [Exhibit B](#xx_a71df92d-28c8-4a26-ae89-2c2c5619179e_1)[—](#xx_a71df92d-28c8-4a26-ae89-2c2c5619179e_1)[Proxy Voting Guidelines](#xx_a71df92d-28c8-4a26-ae89-2c2c5619179e_1) | B-1 |
| [Exhibit C](#xx_35173846-77b6-4ef2-ba06-78a3ff5ebe4e_1)[—](#xx_35173846-77b6-4ef2-ba06-78a3ff5ebe4e_1)[Credit Rating Definitions](#xx_35173846-77b6-4ef2-ba06-78a3ff5ebe4e_1) | C-1 |

---

i

------

**General Description of the Trust and the Fund**

The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 9, 2008 and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares in one or more series. 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 series. This SAI relates to the Fund, which is a diversified series.

The 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 Fund was previously classified as non-diversified. As a result of ongoing operations, the Fund is now classified as a diversified investment company. The Fund may not in the future operate in a non-diversified manner without first obtaining shareholder approval.

The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the *"Board," "Board of Trustees"* or *"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"*) requires a shareholder vote only on those matters where the 1940 Act requires a vote of shareholders and otherwise permits the Trustees to take actions without seeking the consent of shareholders. For example, the Declaration gives the Trustees broad authority to approve reorganizations between the Fund and another entity, such as another exchange-traded fund, or the sale of all or substantially all of the Fund's assets, or the termination of the Trust or the Fund without shareholder approval if the 1940 Act would not require such approval.

The Declaration provides that by becoming a shareholder of the Fund, each shareholder shall be expressly held to have agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Declaration and to any By-laws adopted by the Trust. The Declaration provides that, except as set forth therein and authorized by the Trustees, shareholders have no rights, privileges, claims or remedies under any contract or agreement entered into by the Trust or the Fund with any service provider or other agent to or contractor with the Trust or the Fund including, without limitation, any third party beneficiary rights.

The Declaration may, except in limited circumstances, be amended by the Trustees in any respect without a shareholder vote. The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees and that vacancies on the Board of Trustees may be filled by the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that Trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees.

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 Fund or as the Trustees may determine, and ownership of Fund shares may be disclosed by the Fund 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 provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction and other harm that can be caused to the Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. In addition, the Declaration provides that actions that are derivative in nature may not be brought directly. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand must first be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Fund, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholder may not proceed with the derivative

------

action unless the shareholder is able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Fund. In making such a determination, a Trustee is not considered to have a personal financial interest by virtue of being compensated for his or her services as a Trustee. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholder will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the Fund in connection with the consideration of the demand under a number of circumstances. In addition, if a court determines that a derivative action was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose, or if a derivative or direct action is dismissed on the basis of a failure to comply with the procedural provisions relating to shareholder actions as set forth in the Declaration, or if a direct action is dismissed by a court for failure to state a claim, the shareholder bringing the action may be responsible for the Fund's costs, including attorneys' fees.

The provisions of the Declaration provide that any direct or derivative action commenced by a shareholder must be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (Boston Division) or if any such action may not be brought in that court, then in the Business Litigation Session of Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts (the *"Chosen Courts"*). Except as prohibited by applicable law, if a shareholder commences an applicable action in a court other than a Chosen Court without the consent of the Fund, then such shareholder may be obligated to reimburse the Fund and any applicable Trustee or officer of the Fund made party to such proceeding for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with any successful motion to dismiss, stay or transfer of the action. The Declaration also provides that any shareholder bringing an action against the Fund waives the right to trial by jury to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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 the Fund itself was unable to meet its obligations.

The Declaration provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is liable to the Trust for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his or her duties involved in the conduct of the individual's office, and for nothing else and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Declaration also provides that the Trustees of the Trust will be subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to Massachusetts business trusts, but not to the laws of Massachusetts relating to the trustees of common law trusts, such as donative or probate type trusts. The Declaration further provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is not personally liable to any person other than the Trust, for any act, omission, or obligation of the Trust. The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust for any liability for actions or failure to act except to the extent prohibited by applicable federal law. In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses in connection with a claim for which indemnification is sought, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available. The Declaration provides that any Trustee who serves as chair of the Board of Trustees or of a committee of the Board of Trustees, as lead independent Trustee or as audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.

These provisions are not intended to restrict any shareholder rights under the federal securities laws and the Declaration specifically provides that no provision of the Declaration shall be effective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of, or restrict any shareholder rights expressly granted by, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"1933 Act"*), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*) or the 1940 Act, or any valid rule, regulation or order of the Securities Exchange Commission thereunder.

The Fund is advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the *"Advisor"* or *"First Trust"*).

The shares of the Fund are principally listed and traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (*"Nasdaq"* or the *"Exchange"*). ETFs, such as the Fund, do not sell or redeem individual shares of the Fund. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" (which are discussed in greater detail below) have contractual arrangements with the Fund or the Distributor to purchase and redeem Fund shares directly with the Fund in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." An Authorized Participant that purchases a Creation Unit of Fund shares deposits with the Fund a "basket" of securities, cash and/or other assets identified by the Fund that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of Fund shares in return for those

------

assets. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit of Fund shares for a basket of securities, cash and/or other assets. The basket is generally representative of the Fund's portfolio, and together with a cash balancing amount, it is equal to the NAV of the Fund shares comprising the Creation Unit. Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, the Fund may utilize baskets that are not representative of the Fund's portfolio. Such "custom baskets" are discussed in the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units."

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 Fund cash at least equal to 115% of the market value of the missing deposit securities. See the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units." 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 Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares of the Fund will continue to be met. The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of the Fund from listing if (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning at the commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the shares of the Fund for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (ii) such other event shall occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the shares of the Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

As in the case of other stocks traded on Nasdaq, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

The Fund reserves 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 the Fund.

**Investment Objectives and Policies**

The Prospectus describes the investment objectives and certain policies of the Fund. The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objectives and policies of the Fund.

The 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 (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Fund may not borrow money, except that the 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 33⅓% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The 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 the Fund from purchasing or selling securities or other instruments backed by real estate or of issuers engaged in real estate activities).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) The 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 the Fund if, as a result, the aggregate of such loans would exceed 33⅓% of the value of the Fund's total assets.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The 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).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The Fund may not invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry. This restriction does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

For purposes of applying restriction (1) above, under the 1940 Act as currently in effect, the Fund is not permitted to issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from any bank if, immediately after such borrowing and at all times thereafter, the value of the Fund's total assets is at least 300% of the principal amount of all of the Fund's borrowings (*i.e.,* the principal amount of the borrowings may not exceed 33⅓% of the Fund's total assets). In the event that such asset coverage shall at any time fall below 300% the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays), reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300%.

Except for restriction (2) above, 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. With respect to restriction (2), if the limitations are exceeded as a result of a change in market value then the Fund will reduce the amount of borrowings within three days thereafter to the extent necessary to comply with the limitations (not including Sundays and holidays).

The fundamental investment limitations set forth above limit the Fund's ability to engage in certain investment practices and purchase securities or other instruments to the extent permitted by, or consistent with, applicable law. As such, these limitations will change as the statute, rules, regulations or orders (or, if applicable, interpretations) change, and no shareholder vote will be required or sought.

The Fund has adopted a fundamental investment policy pursuant to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act (the *"Name Policy"*), whereby the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in municipal debt securities that pay interest that is exempt from regular federal income taxes. The Name Policy may not be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.

The Fund's investment objectives and the foregoing fundamental policies of the Fund may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the 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 the 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 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.

In addition to the foregoing fundamental policies, the Fund is 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**

The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment objectives, policies and strategies that appears in the Prospectus.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowing) in municipal debt securities that pay interest that is exempt from regular federal income taxes.

**Types of Investments**

***Municipal Bonds and Other Municipal Obligations***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Fund invests in municipal bonds and other municipal obligations. These bonds and other obligations are issued by the states and by their local and special-purpose political subdivisions. The term "municipal bond" includes short-term municipal notes issued by the states and their political subdivisions, including, but not limited to, tax anticipation notes

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(*"TANs"*), bond anticipation notes (*"BANs"*), revenue anticipation notes (*"RANs"*), construction loan notes, tax free commercial paper, and tax free participation certificates. In general, municipal obligations include debt obligations issued by states, cities and local authorities to obtain funds for various public purposes, including construction of a wide range of public facilities such as airports, bridges, highways, hospitals, housing, mass transportation, schools, streets and water and sewer works. Industrial development bonds and pollution control bonds that are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to finance various privately-rated facilities are included within the term municipal obligations if the interest paid thereon is exempt from federal income tax.

Obligations of issuers of municipal obligations are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. In addition, the obligations of such issuers may become subject to the laws enacted in the future by Congress, state legislatures or referenda extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon municipalities to levy taxes. There is also the possibility that, as a result of legislation or other conditions, the power or ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its municipal obligations may be materially affected.

**Municipal Bonds:** The two general classifications of municipal bonds are "general obligation" bonds and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the governmental issuer's pledge of its faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest upon a default by the issuer of its principal and interest payment obligations. They are usually paid from general revenues of the issuing governmental entity. Revenue bonds, on the other hand, are usually payable only out of a specific revenue source rather than from general revenues. Revenue bonds ordinarily are not backed by the faith, credit or general taxing power of the issuing governmental entity. The principal and interest on revenue bonds for private facilities are typically paid out of rents or other specified payments made to the issuing governmental entity by a private company which uses or operates the facilities. Examples of these types of obligations are industrial revenue bond and pollution control revenue bonds. Industrial revenue bonds are issued by governmental entities to provide financing aid to community facilities such as hospitals, hotels, business or residential complexes, convention halls and sport complexes. Pollution control revenue bonds are issued to finance air, water and solids pollution control systems for privately operated industrial or commercial facilities.

Revenue bonds for private facilities usually do not represent a pledge of the credit, general revenues or taxing powers of issuing governmental entity. Instead, the private company operating the facility is the sole source of payment of the obligation. Sometimes, the funds for payment of revenue bonds come solely from revenue generated by operation of the facility. Federal income tax laws place substantial limitations on industrial revenue bonds, and particularly certain specified private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986. In the future, legislation could be introduced in Congress which could further restrict or eliminate the income tax exemption for interest on debt obligations in which the Fund may invest.

**Refunded Bonds:** The Fund may invest in refunded bonds. Refunded bonds may have originally been issued as general obligation or revenue bonds, but become refunded when they are secured by an escrow fund, usually consisting entirely of direct U.S. government obligations and/or U.S. government agency obligations sufficient for paying the bondholders. There are two types of refunded bonds: pre-refunded bonds and escrowed-to-maturity (*"ETM"*) bonds. The escrow fund for a pre-refunded municipal bond may be structured so that the refunded bonds are to be called at the first possible date or a subsequent call date established in the original bond debenture. The call price usually includes a premium from 1% to 3% above par. This type of structure usually is used for those refundings that either reduce the issuer's interest payment expenses or change the debt maturity schedule. In escrow funds for ETM refunded municipal bonds, the maturity schedules of the securities in the escrow funds match the regular debt-service requirements on the bonds as originally stated in the bond indentures.

**Municipal Leases and Certificates of Participation:** The Fund also may purchase municipal lease obligations, primarily through certificates of participation. Certificates of participation in municipal leases are undivided interests in a lease, installment purchase contract or conditional sale contract entered into by a state or local governmental unit to acquire equipment or facilities. Municipal leases frequently have special risks which generally are not associated with general obligation bonds or revenue bonds.

Municipal leases and installment purchase or conditional sales contracts (which usually provide for title to the leased asset to pass to the governmental issuer upon payment of all amounts due under the contract) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of municipal debt. The debt issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases and contracts of "non-appropriation" clauses that provide that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for this purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. Although these kinds of obligations are secured by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the pledged property in the event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might, in some cases, prove difficult and

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time consuming. In addition, disposition upon non-appropriation or foreclosure might not result in recovery by the Fund of the full principal amount represented by an obligation.

**Escrowed-To-Maturity Municipal Bonds:** The Fund may invest in ETM municipal bonds. ETM bonds may have originally been issued as general obligation or revenue bonds, but become refunded when they are secured by an escrow fund, usually consisting entirely of direct U.S. government obligations and/or U.S. government agency obligations sufficient for paying the bondholders. The maturity schedules of the securities in the escrow funds match the regular debt-service requirements on the bonds as originally stated in the bond indentures.

**Pre-Refunded Municipal Bonds:** The Fund may invest in pre-refunded municipal bonds. A pre-refunded municipal bond is a municipal bond that has been refunded to a call date on or before the final maturity of principal and remains outstanding in the municipal market. The payment of principal and interest of the pre-refunded municipal bonds held by the Fund will be funded from securities in a designated escrow account that holds U.S. Treasury securities or other obligations of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities). As the payment of principal and interest is generated from securities held in a designated escrow account, the pledge of the municipality has been fulfilled and the original pledge of revenue by the municipality is no longer in place. The escrow account securities pledged to pay the principal and interest of the pre-refunded municipal bond do not guarantee the price movement of the bond before maturity.

**Derivative Municipal Securities:** The Fund may also acquire derivative municipal securities, which are custodial receipts of certificates underwritten by securities dealers or banks that evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain municipal securities. The underwriter of these certificates or receipts typically purchases municipal securities and deposits them in an irrevocable trust or custodial account with a custodian bank, which then issues receipts or certificates that evidence ownership of the periodic unmatured coupon payments and the final principal payment on the obligation.

The principal and interest payments on the municipal securities underlying custodial receipts may be allocated in a number of ways. For example, payments may be allocated such that certain custodial receipts may have variable or floating interest rates and others may be stripped securities which pay only the principal or interest due on the underlying municipal securities. The Fund may invest in custodial receipts which have inverse floating interest rates and other inverse floating rate municipal obligations, as described below.

**Inverse Floating Rate Municipal Securities:** The Fund may invest in inverse floating rate municipal securities or "inverse floaters," whose rates vary inversely to interest rates on a specified short-term municipal bond index or on another instrument. Such securities involve special risks as compared to conventional fixed-rate bonds. Should short-term interest rates rise, the Fund's investment in inverse floaters likely would adversely affect the Fund's earnings and distributions to shareholders. Also, because changes in the interest rate on the other index or other instrument inversely affect the rate of interest received on an inverse floater, and because inverse floaters essentially represent a leveraged investment in a long-term bond, the value of an inverse floater is generally more volatile than that of a conventional fixed-rate bond having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturity. Although volatile in value, inverse floaters typically offer the potential for yields substantially exceeding the yields available on conventional fixed-rate bonds with comparable credit quality, coupon, call provisions and maturity. The markets for inverse floating rate securities may be less developed and have less liquidity than the markets for conventional securities.

**Other Investments**

**Derivatives.** The Fund may invest in exchange-listed options on U.S. Treasury securities, exchange-listed options on U.S. Treasury futures contracts, exchange-listed U.S. Treasury futures contracts and other derivative instruments to seek to enhance return, to hedge some of the risks of its investments in securities, as a substitute for a position in the underlying asset, to reduce transaction costs, to maintain full market exposure (which means to adjust the characteristics of its investments to more closely approximate those of the markets in which it invests), to manage cash flows, to limit exposure to losses due to changes to non-U.S. currency exchange rates or to preserve capital.

The Fund expects that no more than 20% of the value of the Fund's net assets will be invested in derivative instruments. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments will be consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and the 1940 Act and will not be used to seek to achieve a multiple or inverse multiple of an index.

**Fixed Income Investments and Cash Equivalents.** Normally, the Fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objectives; however, for temporary or defensive purposes, the Fund may invest in fixed income investments and cash equivalents in order to provide income, liquidity and preserve capital.

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Fixed income investments and cash equivalents held by the Fund may include, without limitation, the types of investments set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund may invest in 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 securities include securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some of the U.S. government agencies that issue or guarantee securities include the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Farmers Home Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Maritime Administration, the Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. An instrumentality of the U.S. government is a government agency organized under federal charter with government supervision. Instrumentalities issuing or guaranteeing securities include, among others, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Land Banks, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and the Federal National Mortgage Association (*"Fannie Mae"*). In the case of those U.S. government securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities; consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate. In addition, the Fund may invest in sovereign debt obligations of non-U.S. countries. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest in a timely manner may be affected by a number of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which it may be subject.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Fund may invest in 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 FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $250,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund may not be fully insured. The Fund may only invest in certificates of deposit issued by U.S. banks with at least $1 billion in assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities with counterparties that are deemed by the Advisor to present acceptable credit risks. In such an action, at the time the 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 the Fund during its holding period since the resale price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Fund to invest temporarily available cash. The Fund 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 Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Fund is 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 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, the Fund could incur a loss of both principal and interest. The portfolio managers monitor the value of the collateral at

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the time the action is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement. The portfolio managers 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 the Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of the Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) The Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The Fund may invest in 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 the Fund and a corporation. There is no secondary market for the notes. However, they are redeemable by the Fund at any time. The Fund's portfolio managers 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 the Fund's liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund may invest in commercial paper only if it has received the highest rating from at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, judged by First Trust to be of comparable quality.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The Fund may invest in shares of money market funds, as consistent with its investment objectives and policies. Shares of money market funds are subject to management fees and other expenses of those funds. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Fund to bear proportionately the costs incurred by the money market funds' operations. At the same time, the Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of other investment companies. It is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in money market funds.

**Illiquid Investments.** The Fund may invest in illiquid investments (*i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For purposes of this restriction, illiquid investments may include, but are not limited to, certain 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, and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, among others. However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid investments if, as a result, such investments would comprise more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Advisor, subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees, has the ultimate authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities laws, which investments are liquid or illiquid for purposes of this 15% limitation under the Fund's liquidity risk management program, adopted pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act.

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, the 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, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. Illiquid investments 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 investments or the depreciation of liquid investments, the Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid investments, including restricted securities which are not readily marketable, the Advisor will report such occurrence to the Board of Trustees and take such steps as are deemed advisable to protect liquidity in accordance with the Fund's liquidity risk management program.

**When Issued or Delayed-Delivery Transactions.** The Fund 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. During the period between the purchase and settlement, the 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 the Fund's other assets. While securities purchased in delayed-delivery transactions may be sold prior to the settlement date, the Fund intends

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to purchase such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them. At the time the 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 net asset value.

The Fund 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, the Fund will meet its obligations from then-available cash flow, sale of the securities earmarked or held in the segregated account as 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 the Fund's payment obligation).

Although the Prospectus and this SAI describe certain permitted methods of segregating assets or otherwise "covering" certain transactions, such descriptions are not all-inclusive. The Fund may segregate against or cover such transactions using other methods permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, or orders issued by the SEC thereunder.

**Hedging Strategies**

***General Description of Hedging Strategies***

The Fund may engage in hedging activities. First Trust may cause the Fund to utilize a variety of financial instruments, including options, forward contracts, futures contracts and options on futures contracts to attempt to hedge the Fund's holdings.

Hedging or derivative instruments on securities generally are used to hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions that the 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 market sectors in which the 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, the Fund's ability to use hedging instruments may be limited by tax considerations.

***General Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions***

The Fund limits its direct investments in futures, options on futures and swaps to the extent necessary for First Trust to claim the exclusion from regulation as a "commodity pool operator" with respect to the Fund under CFTC Rule 4.5, as such rule may be amended from time to time. Under Rule 4.5 as currently in effect, the Fund limits its trading activity in futures, options on futures and swaps (excluding activity for "bona fide hedging purposes," as defined by the CFTC) such that it meets one of the following tests: (i) aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish its futures, options on futures and swap positions do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions; or (ii) aggregate net notional value of the Fund's futures, options on futures and swap positions does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions.

First Trust has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with respect to the Fund with the National Futures Association, the futures industry's self-regulatory organization. If First Trust were no longer able to claim the exclusion, First Trust would be required to register as a commodity pool operator," and the Fund and First Trust would be subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act (the *"CEA"*).

The foregoing limitations are non-fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval as regulatory agencies permit.

***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 the Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If the Fund is unable to

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effect a closing sale transaction with 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 Fund.

***Futures Contracts***

The Fund may enter into futures contracts, including index futures as a hedge against movements in the securities markets, in order to hedge against changes on securities held or intended to be acquired by the Fund or for other purposes permissible under the CEA. The Fund's hedging activities 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 Fund 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 the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contracts.

Margin is the amount of funds that must be deposited by the Fund with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures commission merchant in order to initiate futures trading and to maintain the Fund's open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to ensure the Fund's performance of the futures contracts.

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 the Fund. In computing daily net asset value, the Fund will mark to market the current value of its open futures contracts. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its 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, the 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.

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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 the Fund seeks to close out a futures position. The Fund would continue to be required to meet margin requirements until the position is closed, possibly resulting in a decline in the Fund's net asset value. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading 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<sup>®</sup> Index, the S&P 100 Index, the Nasdaq-100 Index<sup>®</sup>, the Value Line<sup>®</sup> Composite Index and the NYSE Composite Index<sup>®</sup>.

***Options on Futures***

The Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund uses 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 the 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, the 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, the 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 the 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 the Fund intends to acquire.

As with investments in futures contracts, the Fund is required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it. 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 the Fund. The 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 Fund may close out its position as a writer of an option only if a liquid secondary market exists for such options, which cannot be assured. The 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

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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.

***Swap Agreements***

A swap is a financial instrument that typically involves the exchange of cash flows between two parties on specified dates (settlement dates), where the cash flows are based on agreed-upon prices, rates, indices, etc. The nominal amount on which the cash flows are calculated is called the notional amount. Swaps are individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors, such as interest rates, non-U.S. currency rates, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, security prices, indexes or inflation rates.

Swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the investments of the Fund and its share price. The performance of swap agreements may be affected by a change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses.

Generally, swap agreements have a fixed maturity date that will be agreed upon by the parties. The agreement can be terminated before the maturity date only under limited circumstances, such as default by one of the parties or insolvency, among others, and can be transferred by a party only with the prior written consent of the other party. The Fund may be able to eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or by other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or a similarly creditworthy party. If the counterparty is unable to meet its obligations under the contract, declares bankruptcy, defaults or becomes insolvent, the Fund may not be able to recover the money it expected to receive under the contract.

A swap agreement can be a form of leverage, which can magnify the Fund's gains or losses. In order to reduce the risk associated with leveraging, the Fund may cover its current obligations under swap agreements according to guidelines established by the SEC. If the Fund enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will earmark assets with a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the Fund's accrued obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the Fund is entitled to receive under the agreement. If the Fund enters into a swap agreement on other than a net basis, it will earmark assets with a value equal to the full amount of the Fund's accrued obligations under the agreement.

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund buys and sells portfolio securities in the normal course of its investment activities. The proportion of the Fund's investment portfolio that is bought and sold during a year is known as the Fund's portfolio turnover rate. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur, for example, if all of the portfolio securities (other than short-term securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in the payment by the Fund of increased brokerage costs, expenses and taxes. The portfolio turnover rates for the specified periods are set forth in the table below. Significant variations in portfolio turnover from year-to-year are generally the result of fluctuations in the size of the Fund or changes to the Fund's portfolio holdings.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Turnover Rate**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Portfolio Turnover Rate**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** |
| 63% | 9% |

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**Lending of Portfolio Securities**

In order to generate additional income, as a non-principal investment strategy, First Trust is authorized to select the First Trust Funds, including the Fund, with notice to the Board of Trustees, to lend portfolio securities representing up to 33⅓% of the value of its total assets to broker-dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers of securities. As with other extensions of credit, there may be risks of delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, such First Trust Funds will only enter into loan arrangements with broker-dealers, banks or other institutions which First Trust has determined are creditworthy under guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees.

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The First Trust Funds will pay a portion of the income earned on the lending transaction to the placing broker and may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with these loans. First Trust may select the First Trust Fund to participate in the securities lending program, at its discretion with notice to the Board of Trustees.

In these loan arrangements, the First Trust Funds will receive collateral in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-grade debt obligations in an amount at least equal to the value of the borrowed securities, marked to market daily. This collateral must be valued daily by First Trust or the First Trust Fund's lending agent and, if the market value of the loaned securities increases, the borrower must furnish additional collateral to the lending First Trust Fund. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays the lending First Trust Fund any dividends or interest paid on the securities. Loans are subject to termination at any time by the lending First Trust Fund or the borrower. While a First Trust Fund does not have the right to vote securities on loan, it would terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if that were considered important with respect to the investment. When a First Trust Fund lends portfolio securities to a borrower, payments in lieu of dividends made by the borrower to the First Trust Fund will not constitute "qualified dividends" taxable at the same rate as long-term capital gains, even if the actual dividends would have constituted qualified dividends had the First Trust Fund held the securities. Please see "Securities Lending Risk" below for a description of the risks associated with securities lending activities.

**Investment Risks**

The following risk disclosure supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment risks that appears in the Prospectus.

***Overview***

An investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding of the risks that an investment in the Fund's shares entails, including the risk that the financial condition of the issuers of the securities held by the Fund or the general condition of the securities market may worsen and the value of the securities and therefore the value of the Fund may decline. The Fund may not be an appropriate investment for those who are unable or unwilling to assume the risks involved generally with such an investment. The past market and earnings performance of any of the securities included in the Fund is not predictive of their future performance.

***Additional Market Disruption Risk*** 

In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. In response, various countries, including the United States, issued broad-ranging sanctions on Russia and certain Russian companies and individuals. The hostilities between the two countries may escalate and any existing or future sanctions could have a severe adverse effect on Russia's economy, currency, companies and region as well as negatively impact other regional and global economic markets of the world (including Europe and the United States), companies in such countries and various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas. Accordingly, the hostilities and sanctions may have a negative effect on the Fund's investments and performance beyond any direct exposure to Russian issuers or those of adjoining geographic regions. Russia may also take retaliatory actions or countermeasures, such as cyberattacks and espionage, which may negatively impact the countries and companies in which the Fund may invest. The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities; the extent and impact of existing and any future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility; and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant negative impact on certain of the Fund's investments as well as the Fund's performance, and the value or liquidity of certain securities held by the Fund may decline significantly.

***Debt Securities Risk***

The risks of investing in debt securities include (without limitation): (i) credit risk, *e.g.*, the issuer or guarantor of a debt security may be unable or unwilling (or be perceived as unable or unwilling) to make timely principal and/or interest payments or otherwise honor its obligations; (ii) interest rate risk, *e.g.,* when interest rates go up, the value of a debt security generally goes down, and when interest rates go down, the value of a debt security generally goes up; (iii) liquidity risk and valuation risk, *e.g.*, debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange, making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock; (iv) call risk and income risk, *e.g.*, during a period of falling interest rates, the issuer may redeem a security by repaying it early, which may reduce the Fund's income if the proceeds are reinvested at lower interest rates; and (v) extension risk, *e.g.*, if interest rates rise, repayments of debt securities may occur more slowly than anticipated by the market, which may drive the prices of these securities down because their interest rates are lower than the current interest rate and the securities remain outstanding longer. Debt securities most frequently trade in institutional round lot size

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transactions. If the Fund purchases bonds in amounts less than the institutional round lot size, which are frequently referred to as "odd" lots, the odd lot size positions may have more price volatility than institutional round lot size positions.

***Derivatives Risk***

The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying asset, index or rate, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. In addition, when the Fund invests in certain derivative securities, including, but not limited to, when-issued securities, forward commitments, futures contracts and interest rate swaps, the Fund is effectively leveraging its investments, which could result in exaggerated changes in the net asset value of the Fund's shares and can result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested. The success of First Trust's derivatives strategies will depend on its ability to assess and predict the impact of market or economic developments on the underlying asset, index or rate and the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. Liquidity risk exists when a security cannot be purchased or sold at the time desired, or cannot be purchased or sold without adversely affecting the price. Certain specific risks associated with an investment in derivatives may include: market risk, credit risk, correlation risk, liquidity risk, legal risk and systemic or "interconnection" risk, as specified below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 Fund to losses. 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 managers' 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 managers' judgment that the derivative transaction will provide value to the Fund and its shareholders and is consistent with the Fund's objectives, investment limitations and operating policies. In making such a judgment, the portfolio managers will analyze the benefits and risks of the derivative transactions and weigh them in the context of the Fund's overall investments and investment objectives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) ***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 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) ***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. Over-the counter (*"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 Fund might be required to maintain segregated accounts and/or make margin payments when taking positions in derivative instruments involving obligations to third parties (*i.e.*, instruments other than purchase options). If the 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 the 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. The 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

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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 the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) ***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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) ***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.

***Escrowed-to-Maturity Municipal Bond Risk***

Investment in ETM municipal bonds held by the Fund may subject the Fund to interest rate risk, market risk and credit risk. In addition, while a secondary market exists for ETM municipal bonds, if the Fund sells ETM municipal bonds prior to maturity, the price received may be more or less than the original cost, depending on market conditions at the time of sale.

***Liquidity Risk***

Although the Fund limits its investments in illiquid securities to no more than 15% of its net assets at the time of purchase, securities that are deemed to be liquid at the time of purchase may become illiquid or less liquid. No active trading market may exist for certain securities and certain securities may be subject to restrictions on resale or have a limited secondary market. Certain securities may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. The inability to dispose of certain securities in a timely fashion or at a favorable price could result in losses to the Fund.

Whether or not the securities held by the Fund are listed on a securities exchange, the principal trading market for certain of the securities in the Fund may be in the OTC market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading market for the securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in the securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made for any of the securities, that any market for the securities will be maintained or that there will be sufficient liquidity of the securities in any markets made. The price at which the securities are held by the Fund will be adversely affected if trading markets for the securities are limited or absent.

***Listing Standards Risk*** 

The Fund is required to comply with listing requirements adopted by the Exchange. Non-compliance with such requirements may result in the Fund's shares being delisted by the Exchange. Any resulting liquidation of the Fund could cause the Fund to incur elevated transaction costs and could result in negative tax consequences for its shareholders.

***Market Risk*** 

Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. Such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. Such events could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of a Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

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Health crises caused by the outbreak of infectious diseases or other public health issues, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, economic, market and financial risks. The impact of any such events, could negatively affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual countries or regions, the financial performance of individual companies, sectors and industries, and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests and negatively impact the Fund's investment return. For example, an outbreak of a respiratory disease designated as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. The ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may be short term or may last for an extended period of time, and in either case could result in a substantial economic downturn or recession.

In addition, the operations of the Fund, the Advisor and the Fund's other service providers may be significantly impacted, or even temporarily or permanently halted, as a result of government quarantine measures, voluntary and precautionary restrictions on travel or meetings and other factors related to a public health emergency, including its potential adverse impact on the health of any such entity's personnel.

***Pre-refunded Municipal Bonds Risk***

Investment in pre-refunded municipal bonds held by the Fund may subject the Fund to interest rate risk, market risk and credit risk. In addition, while a secondary market exists for pre-refunded municipal bonds, if the Fund sells pre-refunded municipal bonds prior to maturity, the price received may be more or less than the original cost, depending on market conditions at the time of sale.

***Repurchase Agreement Risk***

Repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk with respect to the collateral securing the repurchase agreements. Investments in repurchase agreements also may be subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying obligations may decline prior to the expiration of the repurchase agreement term.

***Securities Lending Risk*** 

Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including counterparty risk, collateral risk and operational risk. Counterparty risk is the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, a First Trust Fund engaged in securities lending transactions may suffer a loss and there may be a delay in recovering the lent securities. Any delay in the return of securities on loan may restrict the ability of the Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Collateral risk is the risk that the collateral received may be realized at a value lower than the value of the securities lent, whether due to inaccurate pricing of the collateral, adverse market movements in the value of the collateral, intra-day increases in the value of the securities lent, a deterioration in the credit rating of the collateral issuer, or the illiquidity of the market in which the collateral is traded. Securities lending also entails operational risks, such as settlement failures or delays in the settlement of instructions. Such failures or delays may restrict the ability of the Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Lastly, securities lending activities may result in adverse tax consequences for the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, substitute payments for dividends received by the Fund for securities loaned out by the Fund will not be considered qualified dividend income. The Fund could lose money if its short-term investment of the collateral declines in value over the period of the loan.

**Management of the Fund**

**Trustees and Officers**

The general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. There are six Trustees of the Trust, one of whom is an "interested person" (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act) and five of whom are Trustees who are not officers or employees of First Trust or any of its affiliates (*"Independent Trustees"*). The Trustees set broad policies for the Fund, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Trust's investment advisor. The officers of the Trust manage its day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board of Trustees. The following is a list of the Trustees and executive 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 have held during the past five years, if applicable. Each Trustee has been elected for an indefinite term. The officers of the Trust serve indefinite terms. Each Trustee, except for James A. Bowen, is an Independent Trustee. Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" (as

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that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (*"Interested Trustee"*) of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor to the Fund. The following table identifies the Trustees and Officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all persons below is c/o First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, IL 60187.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| **Position**<br> **and Offices**<br> **with Trust**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Year First**<br> **Elected or**<br> **Appointed**<br>| **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in the First**<br> **Trust Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee**<br>| **Other**<br> **Trusteeships or**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by**<br> **Trustee**<br> **During the**<br> **Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** |
| James A. Bowen <sup>(1)</sup> <br>1955<br>| Chairman of the <br> Board and Trustee<br>| •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Chief Executive Officer, First Trust <br> Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios <br> L.P.; Chairman of the Board of Directors, <br> BondWave LLC (Software Development <br> Company) and Stonebridge Advisors LLC <br> (Investment Advisor)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| Richard E. Erickson<br> 1951<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Physician, Edward-Elmhurst Medical <br> Group; Physician and Officer, Wheaton <br> Orthopedics (1990 to 2021)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| Thomas R. Kadlec<br> 1957<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Retired; President, ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc. (Futures Commission <br> Merchant) (2010 to July 2022)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director, National <br> Futures <br> Association; <br> formerly, Director <br> of ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc., <br> ADM Investor <br> Services <br> International, <br> ADMIS Hong Kong <br> Ltd., ADMIS <br> Singapore Ltd. and <br> Futures Industry <br> Association<br>|
| Denise M. Keefe<br> 1964<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since 2021<br>| Executive Vice President, Advocate <br> Aurora Health and President, Advocate <br> Aurora Continuing Health Division <br> (Integrated Healthcare System)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director and Board <br> Chair of Advocate <br> Home Health <br> Services, Advocate <br> Home Care <br> Products and <br> Advocate Hospice; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of Aurora At <br> Home (since <br> 2018); Director of <br> Advocate <br> Physician Partners <br> Accountable Care <br> Organization; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of RML Long <br> Term Acute Care <br> Hospitals; and <br> Director of Senior <br> Helpers (since <br> 2021)<br>|
| Robert F. Keith<br> 1956<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| President, Hibs Enterprises (Financial and <br> Management Consulting)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Formerly, Director <br> of Trust Company <br> of Illinois<br>|
| Niel B. Nielson<br> 1954<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Senior Advisor (2018 to present), <br> Managing Director and Chief Operating <br> Officer (2015 to 2018), Pelita Harapan <br> Educational Foundation (Educational <br> Products and Services)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position and**<br> **Offices with Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of Office and**<br> **Length of Service**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** |
| James M. Dykas<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President and Chief <br> Executive Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, First <br> Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P.; <br> Chief Financial Officer, BondWave LLC (Software <br> Development Company) and Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC (Investment Advisor)<br>|
| W. Scott Jardine<br> 1960<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Secretary and Chief Legal <br> Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.; Secretary and General Counsel, <br> BondWave LLC; and Secretary, Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC<br>|
| Daniel J. Lindquist<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Kristi A. Maher<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Compliance Officer <br> and Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Chief Compliance <br> Officer since January <br> 2011<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Assistant Secretary <br> since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Deputy General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. <br> and First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Donald P. Swade<br> 1972<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Treasurer, Chief Financial <br> Officer and Chief <br> Accounting Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Roger F. Testin<br> 1966<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Stan Ueland<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|

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(1) Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor of the Fund.

**Unitary Board Leadership Structure**

Each Trustee serves as a trustee of all open-end and closed-end funds in the First Trust Fund Complex (as defined below), which is known as a "unitary" board leadership structure. Each Trustee currently serves as a trustee of First Trust Series Fund and First Trust Variable Insurance Trust, open-end funds with nine portfolios advised by First Trust; First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II, Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund, First Trust Energy Income and Growth Fund, First Trust Enhanced Equity Income Fund, First Trust/Aberdeen Global Opportunity Income Fund, First Trust Mortgage Income Fund, First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund, First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund, First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund, First Trust MLP and Energy Income Fund, First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund, First Trust Dynamic Europe Equity Income Fund, First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund and First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund, closed-end funds advised by First Trust; and First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund V, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VII, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund and First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund II, exchange-traded funds with 201 portfolios advised by First Trust (each a *"First Trust Fund"* and collectively, the *"First Trust Fund Complex"*). None of the Independent Trustees 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. or their affiliates.

The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Advisor, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trustees set broad policies for the Fund, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Fund's investment advisor, sub-advisors and other service providers. The officers of the Trust manage the day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board. The Board is composed of five Independent Trustees and one Interested Trustee. The Interested Trustee, James A. Bowen, serves as the Chairman of the Board for each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex.

The same six persons serve as Trustees on the Board and on the Boards of all other First Trust Funds. The unitary board structure was adopted for the First Trust Funds because of the efficiencies it achieves with respect to the governance and oversight of the First Trust Funds. Each First Trust Fund is subject to the rules and regulations of the 1940 Act (and other applicable securities laws), which means that many of the First Trust Funds face similar issues with respect to certain of their fundamental activities, including risk management, portfolio liquidity, portfolio valuation and financial reporting. Because of the similar and often overlapping issues facing the First Trust Funds, including among the First Trust exchange-traded funds,

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the Board of the First Trust Funds believes that maintaining a unitary board structure promotes efficiency and consistency in the governance and oversight of all First Trust Funds and reduces the costs, administrative burdens and possible conflicts that may result from having multiple boards. In adopting a unitary board structure, the Trustees seek to provide effective governance through establishing a board the overall composition of which will, as a body, possess the appropriate skills, diversity, independence and experience to oversee the Fund's business.

Annually, the Board reviews its governance structure and the committee structures, their performance and functions, and it reviews any processes that would enhance Board governance over the Fund's business. The Board has determined that its leadership structure, including the unitary board and committee structure, is appropriate based on the characteristics of the funds it serves and the characteristics of the First Trust Fund Complex as a whole.

In order to streamline communication between the Advisor and the Independent Trustees and create certain efficiencies, the Board has a Lead Independent Trustee who is responsible for: (i) coordinating activities of the Independent Trustees; (ii) working with the Advisor, Fund counsel and the independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees to determine the agenda for Board meetings; (iii) serving as the principal contact for and facilitating communication between the Independent Trustees and the Fund's service providers, particularly the Advisor; and (iv) any other duties that the Independent Trustees may delegate to the Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee is selected by the Independent Trustees and serves a three-year term or until his or her successor is selected.

The Board has established five standing committees (as described below) and has delegated certain of its responsibilities to those committees. The Board and its committees meet frequently throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, review contractual arrangements with and performance of service providers, oversee compliance with regulatory requirements and review Fund performance. The Independent Trustees are represented by independent legal counsel at all Board and committee meetings (other than meetings of the Dividend Committee). Generally, the Board acts by majority vote of all the Trustees, including a majority vote of the Independent Trustees if required by applicable law.

The four Committee Chairs and the Lead Independent Trustee rotate every three years in serving as Chair of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee or the Dividend Committee, or as Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee and immediately preceding Lead Independent Trustee also serve on the Executive Committee with the Interested Trustee.

The five standing committees of the First Trust Fund Complex are: the Executive Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Dividend 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 of Trust and By Laws. Mr. Nielson, Mr. Bowen and Mr. Keith are members of the Executive Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Executive Committee did not hold any meetings.

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for appointing and nominating non-interested persons to the Board of Trustees. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe 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. The Board of Trustees adopted a mandatory retirement age of 75 for Trustees, beyond which age Trustees are ineligible to serve. The Committee will not consider new trustee candidates who are 72 years of age or older or will turn 72 years old during the initial term. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees occurs or is anticipated to occur 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 Fund. To submit a recommendation for nomination as a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, shareholders of the Fund should mail such recommendation to W. Scott Jardine, Secretary, at the Trust's address, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. Such recommendation shall include the following information: (i) evidence of Fund ownership of the person or entity recommending the candidate (if a Fund shareholder); (ii) a full description of the proposed candidate's background, including education, experience, current employment and date of birth; (iii) names and addresses of at least three professional references for the candidate; (iv) information as to whether the candidate is an "interested person" in relation to the Fund, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, and such other information that may be considered to impair the candidate's independence; and (v) any other information that may be helpful to the 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 Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and to counsel to the Independent Trustees. During the last fiscal year, the Nominating and Governance Committee held four meetings.

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The Valuation Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Advisor as the "Valuation Designee" under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act and its implementation of the valuation of the securities held in the Fund's portfolio. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe are members of the Valuation Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Valuation Committee held four meetings.

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund's accounting and financial reporting process, the system of internal controls and audit process and for evaluating and appointing independent auditors (subject also to Board approval). Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe serve on the Audit Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Audit Committee held seven meetings.

The Dividend Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in, or assuming the authority and power of the Board with respect to, the declaration and setting of the Fund's dividends. Messrs. Erickson and Nielson serve on the Dividend Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Dividend Committee did not hold any meetings.

**Executive Officers**

The executive officers of the Trust hold the same positions with each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex (representing 224 portfolios) as they hold with the Trust, except Messrs. Russo and Ueland who are executive officers of only the ETFs advised by First Trust and Mr. Testin who is an executive officer of only the ETFs and open-end funds advised by First Trust.

**Risk Oversight**

As part of the general oversight of the Fund, the Board is involved in the risk oversight of the Fund. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address the Fund's risks. Oversight of investment and compliance risk is performed primarily at the Board level in conjunction with the Advisor's investment oversight group and the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (*"CCO"*). Oversight of other risks also occurs at the committee level. The Advisor's investment oversight group reports to the Board at quarterly meetings regarding, among other things, Fund performance and the various drivers of such performance. The Board reviews reports on the Fund's and the service providers' compliance policies and procedures at each quarterly Board meeting and receives an annual report from the CCO regarding the operations of the Fund's and the service providers' compliance programs. In addition, the Independent Trustees meet privately each quarter with the CCO. The Audit Committee reviews, with the Advisor and the Fund's independent auditors, the Fund's major financial risk exposures and the steps the Advisor has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including the Fund's risk assessment and risk management policies and guidelines. The Audit Committee also, as appropriate, reviews in a general manner the processes other Board committees have in place with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The Nominating and Governance Committee monitors all matters related to the corporate governance of the Trust. The Valuation Committee monitors valuation risk and oversees the Advisor's performance as Valuation Designee.

Not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified nor can controls be developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. It may not be practical or cost effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, the processes and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness, and some risks are simply beyond the reasonable control of the Fund or the Advisor or other service providers. For instance, as the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent, the Fund and its service providers have become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cyber security (generally, intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund or a service provider to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity). There can be no guarantee that any risk management systems established by the Fund, its service providers, or issuers of the securities in which the Fund invests to reduce cyber security risks will succeed, and the Fund cannot control such systems put in place by service providers, issuers or other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund and/or its shareholders. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund's goals. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Fund's ability to manage risk is subject to substantial limitations.

**Board Diversification and Trustee Qualifications**

As described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board oversees matters related to the selection and nomination of Trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to establish an effective Board with an appropriate range of skills and diversity, including, as appropriate, differences in background, professional experience, education, vocation, and other individual characteristics and traits in the aggregate. Each Trustee must meet certain basic requirements, including relevant skills and experience, time availability and, if qualifying as an Independent Trustee, independence from the Advisor and any sub-advisors, underwriters or other service providers, including any affiliates of these entities.

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Listed below for each current Trustee are the experiences, qualifications and attributes that led to the conclusion, as of the date of this SAI, that each current Trustee should serve as a Trustee in light of the Trust's business and structure.

Richard E. Erickson, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with Edward-Elmhurst Medical Group. He was previously President of Wheaton Orthopedics, a co-owner and director of a fitness center and a limited partner of two real estate companies. Dr. Erickson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Dr. Erickson has also served as the Lead Independent Trustee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019) and on the Executive Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2022), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2003–2007 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2012–2013) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (June 2006–2007; 2010–2011 and 2020–2022) of the First Trust Funds. He currently serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Thomas R. Kadlec was previously President of ADM Investor Services Inc. (*"ADMIS"*), a futures commission merchant and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Archer Daniels Midland Company (*"ADM"*) from 2010 to July 2022. Mr. Kadlec was employed by ADMIS and its affiliates since 1990 in various accounting, financial, operations and risk management capacities. Mr. Kadlec served on the boards of several international affiliates of ADMIS until July 2022 and served as a member of ADM's Integrated Risk Committee from 2008–2018, which was tasked with the duty of implementing and communicating enterprise-wide risk management. From 2014 to 2022, Mr. Kadlec was on the board of the Futures Industry Association. In 2017, Mr. Kadlec was elected to the board of the National Futures Association. Mr. Kadlec has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception. Mr. Kadlec also served on the Executive Committee from the organization of the first First Trust closed-end fund in 2003 through 2005 (and 2014–2019) until he was elected as the first Lead Independent Trustee in December 2005, serving as such through 2007 (and 2014–2016). He also served as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2012–2013). He currently serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Robert F. Keith is President of Hibs Enterprises, a financial and management consulting firm. Mr. Keith has been with Hibs Enterprises since 2003. Prior thereto, Mr. Keith spent 18 years with ServiceMaster and Aramark, including three years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Consumer Services, where he led the initial expansion of certain products overseas; five years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Management Services; and two years as President of Aramark ServiceMaster Management Services. Mr. Keith is a certified public accountant and also has held the positions of Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of ServiceMaster, at which time he oversaw the financial aspects of ServiceMaster's expansion of its Management Services division into Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Mr. Keith has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds since 2006. Mr. Keith has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2014–2016) of the First Trust Funds. He served as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (2012–2016). He currently serves as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2023) and as Chairman of the Dividend Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Niel B. Nielson, Ph.D., has been the Senior Advisor of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation, a global provider of educational products and services since 2018. Prior thereto, Mr. Nielson served as the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation for three years. Mr. Nielson formerly served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dew Learning LLC from 2012 through 2014. Mr. Nielson formerly served as President of Covenant College (2002–2012), and as a partner and trader (of options and futures contracts for hedging options) for Ritchie Capital Markets Group (1996–1997), where he held an administrative management position at this proprietary derivatives trading company. He also held prior positions in new business development for ServiceMaster Management Services Company and in personnel and human resources for NationsBank of North Carolina, N.A. and Chicago Research and Trading Group, Ltd. (*"CRT"*). His international experience includes serving as a director of CRT Europe, Inc. for two years, directing out of London all aspects of business conducted by the U.K. and European subsidiary of CRT. Prior to that, Mr. Nielson was a trader and manager at CRT in Chicago. Mr. Nielson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Mr. Nielson has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2003–2006 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2007–2008), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Dividend Committee (2020–2022) and Lead Independent Trustee and a member of the Executive Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022). He currently serves on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2020) and as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

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James A. Bowen is Chief Executive Officer of First Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P. Mr. Bowen is involved in the day-to-day management of the First Trust Funds and serves on the Executive Committee. He has over 35 years of experience in the investment company business in sales, sales management and executive management. Mr. Bowen has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999.

Effective January 1, 2023, the fixed annual retainer paid to the Independent Trustees is $275,000 per year and an annual per fund fee of $2,500 for each closed-end fund and actively managed fund, $750 for each target outcome fund and $250 for each index fund. The fixed annual retainer is allocated equally among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex rather than being allocated pro rata based on each fund's net assets. Additionally, the Lead Independent Trustee is paid $30,000 annually, the Chairman of the Audit Committee is paid $25,000 annually, the Chairman of the Valuation Committee is paid $20,000 annually and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee is paid $20,000 annually to serve in such capacities with compensation allocated pro rata among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex based on its net assets.

The following table sets forth the total compensation (including reimbursement for travel and out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Fund and the First Trust Fund Complex to each of the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 and the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. 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. The Trust has no employees. Its officers are compensated by First Trust.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Trustee** | **Total Compensation from**<br> **the Fund** <sup>(1)</sup> <br>| **Total Compensation from**<br> **the First Trust Fund Complex** <sup>(2)</sup> <br>|
| Richard E. Erickson | $3979 | $523750 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec | $3979 | $524820 |
| Denise M. Keefe <sup>(3)</sup> | $3679 | $504158 |
| Robert F. Keith | $3829 | $514231 |
| Niel B. Nielson | $4129 | $533750 |

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(1) The compensation paid by the Fund to the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 for services to the Fund.

(2) The total compensation paid to the Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022 for services to the 225 portfolios existing in 2022, which consisted of 9 open-end mutual funds, 15 closed-end funds and 201 exchange-traded funds.

(3) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Fund and in other funds overseen by the Trustees in the First Trust Fund Complex as of December 31, 2022:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustee** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Fund**<br> **(Number of Shares** <br> **Held)**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar**<br> **Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in the First** <br> **Trust Fund Complex**<br>|
| **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** |
| James A. Bowen |  | Over $100,000 |
| **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** |
| Richard E. Erickson |  | Over $100,000 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec |  | Over $100,000 |
| Denise M. Keefe<sup>(1)</sup> |  | Over $100,000 |
| Robert F. Keith |  | Over $100,000 |
| Niel B. Nielson |  | Over $100,000 |

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(1) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

As of January 31, 2023, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and their immediate family members did not own beneficially or of record any class of securities of an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Fund or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Fund.

As of January 31, 2023, the officers and Trustees, in the aggregate, owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.

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The table set forth in *Exhibit A* shows the percentage ownership of each person or "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*)) who, based on the securities position listing reports as of January 31, 2023, owned of record, or is known by the Trust to have owned of record or beneficially, 5% or more of the shares of the Fund (the *"Principal Holders"*). A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of control. A party that controls the Fund may be able to significantly influence the outcome of any item presented to shareholders for approval. The Fund does not have any knowledge of who the ultimate beneficiaries are of the shares.

**Investment Advisor**. First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Fund. 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 James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities to the Fund subject to the policies of the Board of Trustees.

First Trust provides investment tools and portfolios for advisors and investors. First Trust is committed to theoretically sound portfolio construction and empirically verifiable investment management approaches. Its asset management philosophy and investment discipline are deeply rooted in the application of intuitive factor analysis and model implementation to enhance investment decisions.

First Trust acts as investment advisor for and manages the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund. 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 agreement between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the "*Investment Management Agreement*"), First Trust manages the investment of the Fund's assets and is responsible for paying all expenses of the Fund, excluding the fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses. The Fund has agreed to pay First Trust an annual unitary management fee equal to 0.65% of its average daily net assets. First Trust provides fund reporting services to the Fund for a flat annual fee in the amount of $9,250, which is covered under the annual management fee.

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 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 terminates automatically upon assignment and is terminable at any time without penalty as to the Fund by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities on 60 days' written notice to First Trust, or by First Trust on 60 days' written notice to the Fund.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to the Advisor will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*) and calculated pursuant to the schedule below, subject to the exception described herein:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee** | **Breakpoints** |
| 0.65000% | Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion |
| 0.63375% | Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion |
| 0.61750% | Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion |
| 0.60125% | Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion |
| 0.58500% | Fund net assets greater than $10 billion |

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The following table sets forth the unitary management fee (net of any applicable fee waivers) paid by the Fund to First Trust and the fees waived by First Trust for the specified periods.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Amount of Fees Waived By First Trust**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Amount of Fees Waived By First Trust**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Amount of Fees Waived By First Trust**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $10964707 | $10491806 | $7255562 | $3289412 | $3147542 | $2176669 |

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**Portfolio Managers.** The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. There are currently two portfolio managers, as follows:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Position with**<br> **First Trust**<br>| **Length of Service**<br> **with First Trust**<br>| **Principal Occupation During Past**<br> **Five Years**<br>|
| Johnathan N. Wilhelm | Senior Vice<br> President and<br> Senior Portfolio<br> Manager<br>| Since 2013 | Senior Portfolio Manager (September 2013 to present),<br> First Trust Advisors L.P.<br>|
| Tom Byron | Senior Vice<br> President and<br> Senior Portfolio<br> Manager<br>| Since March 2022 | Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio<br> Manager (March 2022 to present), First Trust Advisors L.P.;<br> formerly, Director and Portfolio Manager (2016-2022),<br> BMO Global Asset Management.<br>|

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**Mr. Wilhelm:** As a Senior Portfolio Manager at First Trust, Mr. Wilhelm is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Fund's portfolio management decisions.

**Mr. Byron:** As a Senior Vice President at First Trust, Mr. Byron is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Fund's portfolio management decisions.

As of October 31, 2022, Mr. Wilhelm beneficially owned shares of the Fund in the over $100,000 range. Mr. Byron beneficially owned shares of the Fund in the $1-$10,000 range.

**Compensation.** The compensation structure for each portfolio manager 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 portfolio managers are not based upon criteria such as performance of the Fund or the value of assets included in the Fund's portfolio. In addition, Mr. Byron and Mr. Wilhelm also have an indirect ownership stake in the firm and will therefore receive their allocable share of ownership-related distributions.

**Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers** 

In addition to the Fund, as of October 31, 2022, the portfolio managers are also primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Registered**<br> **Investment Companies**<br> **Number of Accounts**<br> **($ Assets)**<br>| **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles**<br> **Number of Accounts**<br> **($ Assets)**<br>| **Other Accounts**<br> **Number of Accounts**<br> **($ Assets)**<br>|
| Johnathan N. Wilhelm | 7 ($1155149434) | N/A | 52 ($56255925) |
| Thomas Byron | 7 ($1155149434) | N/A | 52 ($56255925) |

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**Conflicts.** None of the accounts managed by the portfolio managers 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 portfolio managers' management of the Fund's investments and the investments of the other accounts managed by the portfolio managers. However, because the investment strategy of the Fund and the investment strategies of many of the other accounts managed by the portfolio managers are based on fairly mechanical investment processes, the portfolio managers 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 Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers 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 Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers.

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**Brokerage Allocations**

First Trust is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund and for the placement of the Fund's 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 the 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 on the 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 Fund may pay markups 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 1934 Act permits an investment advisor, 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). Such brokerage and research services are often referred to as "soft dollars." First Trust has advised the Board of Trustees that it does not currently intend to use soft dollars.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in selecting brokers, First Trust may in the future 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. In addition, First Trust must determine that the research information received in this manner provides the Fund with benefits by supplementing the research otherwise available to the Fund. The Investment Management Agreement provides that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund unless the Advisor determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation to the services provided. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to First Trust under the Investment Management Agreement would not be reduced as a result of receipt by First Trust of research services.

First Trust places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts advised by it, and research services furnished by firms through which The Fund effects its 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 Fund. First Trust believes it is not possible to measure separately the benefits from research services to each of the accounts (including the Fund) 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 Fund will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by the Fund on a continuing basis. First Trust seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund 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 Fund. In making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the 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 the Fund for the specified periods. Significant variations in the amount the Fund paid in brokerage commissions from year-to-year are generally the result of fluctuations in the size of the Fund or changes to the Fund's portfolio holdings.

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---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |

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During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund did not acquire shares of a regular broker or dealer of the Fund as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act.

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange**

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent and Transfer Agent.** The Trust has appointed Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (*"BBH"*), located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, to serve as the Fund's administrator, fund accounting agent and transfer agent pursuant to an administrative agency agreement (the *"Administrative Agency Agreement"*). As administrator, BBH provides various administrative services set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement. As the fund accounting agent, BBH provides transaction processing and review, custodial reconciliation, securities pricing and investment accounting. As the Fund's transfer agent, BBH is responsible for processing the issuance and redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations, the recording of such issuances and redemptions and other services related to the monitoring of cash collateral.

**Custodian.** The Trust has also appointed BBH to serve as the Fund's custodian pursuant to a custodian agreement (the *"Custodian Agreement"*). Pursuant to the terms of the Custodian Agreement, BBH is generally responsible for the safekeeping of the Fund's assets and performing various other administrative duties set forth in the Custodian Agreement.

As set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has agreed to indemnify BBH against, and hold it harmless from, certain losses, claims, liabilities and expenses arising out of BBH's performance of its obligations and duties under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, provided that such losses, claims, liabilities and expenses did not result from BBH's willful malfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such obligations and duties.

As compensation for the services provided by BBH under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has agreed to pay to BBH such compensation as is mutually agreed upon from time to time and reimburse BBH for out-of-pocket expenses which are a normal incident of the services provided under the agreements. This fee is subject to reduction for assets over $1 billion and $2 billion. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreements, the Fund does not directly pay BBH for these services, as First Trust has assumed responsibility for the payment of these expenses out of the unitary management fee it receives from the Fund.

**Distributor.** First Trust Portfolios L.P., an affiliate of First Trust, is the distributor (*"FTP"* or the *"Distributor"*) and principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund. Its principal address is 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. 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 Fund through the Distributor only in Creation Unit Aggregations, as described in the Prospectus under the heading "Other Information - Continuous Offering."

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020, October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2022, there were no underwriting commissions with respect to the sale of Fund shares and FTP did not receive compensation on redemptions for the Fund for those years.

**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 Fund may reimburse the Distributor up to a maximum annual rate of 0.25% of 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. With the exception of the Distributor and its affiliates, no "interested person" of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) and no Trustee of the Trust has a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any related agreement.

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No fee is currently paid by the Fund under the Plan and, pursuant to a contractual agreement, the Fund will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024.

**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 1934 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 Fund. 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 participants that utilize the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (the "*DTC Participants*"), which have international, operational, capabilities and place orders for Creation Unit Aggregations of Fund shares. Participating Parties (which are participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation) shall be DTC Participants.

**Exchange.** The only relationship that the Exchange has with First Trust or the Distributor of the Fund in connection with the Fund is that the Exchange lists the shares of the Fund and disseminates the intra-day portfolio values pursuant to its listing agreement with the Trust. The Exchange 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 Fund or in the determination or calculation of the asset value of the Fund. The Exchange has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

**Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries**

First Trust or its affiliates may from time to time make payments, out of their own resources, to certain broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, banks or other intermediaries (collectively, *"intermediaries"*) that sell shares of First Trust mutual funds and ETFs (*"First Trust Funds"*) to promote the sales and retention of Fund shares by those firms and their customers. The amounts of these payments vary by intermediary. The level of payments that First Trust is willing to provide to a particular intermediary may be affected by, among other factors, (i) the firm's total assets or Fund shares held in and recent net investments into First Trust Funds, (ii) the value of the assets invested in the First Trust Funds by the intermediary's customers, (iii) redemption rates, (iv) its ability to attract and retain assets, (v) the intermediary's reputation in the industry, (vi) the level and/or type of marketing assistance and educational activities provided by the intermediary, (vii) the firm's level of participation in First Trust Funds' sales and marketing programs, (viii) the firm's compensation program for its registered representatives who sell Fund shares and provide services to Fund shareholders, and (ix) the asset class of the First Trust Funds for which these payments are provided. Such payments are generally asset-based but also may include the payment of a lump sum.

First Trust may also make payments to certain intermediaries for certain administrative services and shareholder processing services, including record keeping and sub-accounting of shareholder accounts pursuant to a sub-transfer agency, omnibus account service or sub-accounting agreement. All fees payable by First Trust under this category of services may be charged back to the Fund, subject to approval by the Board.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may make payments, out of its own assets, to those firms as compensation and/or reimbursement for marketing support and/or program servicing to selected intermediaries that are registered as holders or dealers of record for accounts invested in one or more of the First Trust Funds or that make First Trust Fund shares available through certain selected Fund no-transaction fee institutional platforms and fee-based wrap programs at certain financial intermediaries. Program servicing payments typically apply to employee benefit plans, such as retirement plans, or fee-based advisory programs but may apply to retail sales and assets in certain situations. The payments are based on such factors as the type and nature of services or support furnished by the intermediary and are generally asset-based. Services for which an intermediary receives marketing support payments may include, but are not limited to, business planning assistance, advertising, educating the intermediary's personnel about First Trust Funds in connection with shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the intermediary's preferred or recommended fund list, and access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the intermediary. In addition, intermediaries may be compensated for enabling representatives of First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events and other events sponsored by the intermediary. Services for which an intermediary receives program servicing payments typically include, but are not limited to, record keeping, reporting or transaction processing and shareholder communications and other account administration services, but may also

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include services rendered in connection with Fund/investment selection and monitoring, employee enrollment and education, plan balance rollover or separation, or other similar services. An intermediary may perform program services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform program services. These payments, if any, are in addition to the service fee and any applicable omnibus sub-accounting fees paid to these firms with respect to these services by the First Trust Funds out of Fund assets.

From time to time, First Trust and/or its affiliates, at its expense, may provide other compensation to intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the First Trust Funds, which may be in addition to marketing support and program servicing payments described above. For example, First Trust and/or its affiliates may: (i) compensate intermediaries for National Securities Clearing Corporation networking system services (*e.g.*, shareholder communication, account statements, trade confirmations and tax reporting) on an asset-based or per-account basis; (ii) compensate intermediaries for providing Fund shareholder trading information; (iii) make one-time or periodic payments to reimburse selected intermediaries for items such as ticket charges (*i.e.*, fees that an intermediary charges its representatives for effecting transactions in Fund shares) or exchange order, operational charges (*e.g.*, fees that an intermediary charges for establishing the Fund on its trading system), and literature printing and/or distribution costs; (iv) at the direction of a retirement plan's sponsor, reimburse or pay direct expenses of an employee benefit plan that would otherwise be payable by the plan; (v) provide payments to broker-dealers to help defray their technology or infrastructure costs; and (vi) make payments for expenses associated with intermediaries' use of First Trust Funds including, but not limited to, the use of First Trust Funds in model portfolios.

When not provided for in a marketing support or program servicing agreement, First Trust and/ or its affiliates may also pay intermediaries for enabling First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other intermediary employees, client and investor events and other intermediary-sponsored events, and for travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with prospecting, asset retention and due diligence trips. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event. First Trust and/or its affiliates make payments for such events as it deems appropriate, subject to its internal guidelines and applicable law.

First Trust and/or its affiliates occasionally sponsor due diligence meetings for registered representatives during which they receive updates on various First Trust Funds and are afforded the opportunity to speak with portfolio managers. Although invitations to these meetings are not conditioned on selling a specific number of shares, those who have shown an interest in First Trust Funds are more likely to be considered. To the extent permitted by their firm's policies and procedures, all or a portion of registered representatives' expenses in attending these meetings may be covered by First Trust and/or its affiliates.

The amounts of payments referenced above made by First Trust and/or its affiliates could be significant and may create an incentive for an intermediary or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the First Trust Funds to its customers. The intermediary may elevate the prominence or profile of the First Trust Funds within the intermediary's organization by, for example, placing the First Trust Funds on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or granting First Trust and/or its affiliates preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the First Trust Funds in various ways within the intermediary's organization. These payments are made pursuant to negotiated agreements with intermediaries. The payments do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a share or the amount the Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales. Furthermore, many of these payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table section of the Fund's Prospectus because they are not paid by the Fund. The types of payments described herein are not mutually exclusive, and a single intermediary may receive some or all types of payments as described.

Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. Investors can ask their intermediaries for information about any payments they receive from First Trust and/or its affiliates and the services it provides for those payments. Investors may wish to take intermediary payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares.

Payments to intermediaries, in certain circumstances, may also be made in connection with the distribution of model portfolios developed by First Trust, such as the inclusion of such model portfolios on an intermediary's platform, as well as in connection with the marketing and sale of, and/or product training regarding such model portfolios, or servicing of accounts tracking such model portfolios. Such payments may be variable or fixed fee payments for platform support, or other payments in the form of a variable or fixed fee or a per position fee, or may relate to the amount of assets an intermediary's clients have invested in the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust, the management fee, the total expense ratio, or sales of the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust. Some intermediaries also provide related data regarding transactions in specific model portfolios, First Trust Funds and investment strategies to First Trust in exchange for a fee.

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First Trust and/or its affiliates may enter into arrangements with third parties, such as a software provider, whereby First Trust may license certain technology or other services from such entity in exchange for licensing or other fees which may be, in whole or in part, dependent on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service. Such third party may also offer price concessions to broker dealers, investment advisers or other financial intermediaries that license technology or other services that may be dependent, in whole or in part, on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service.

**Additional Information**

**Book Entry Only System.** The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.

**DTC Acts as Securities Depository for Fund Shares.** Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (*"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"*) 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.

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 Fund 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 Fund 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.

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**Policy Regarding Investment in Other Investment Companies**. The Fund will not rely on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act to invest in other investment companies.

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

The Trust has adopted a proxy voting policy that seeks to ensure that proxies for securities held by the Fund are voted consistently with the best interests of the Fund.

The Board has delegated to First Trust the proxy voting responsibilities for the Fund and has directed First Trust to vote proxies consistent with the Fund's best interests. The First Trust Proxy Voting Guidelines are attached hereto as *Exhibit B*. 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 Fund. 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 generally 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. First Trust's use of the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines is not intended to constrain First Trust's consideration of any proxy proposal, and there are times when First Trust deviates from the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines. This includes when required by Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act or when agreed to by the Fund and certain acquired funds as permitted under Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, if applicable. Generally, First Trust will not rely on ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines to withhold votes or vote against directors solely based on quota criteria or the exclusion of certain climate-related disclosures, which may or may not relate to the company's core business or may not materially impact shareholder value. First Trust will consider such proxy voting decisions in light of merit-based considerations which it believes may impact shareholder value. First Trust retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available upon request and without charge on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com, by calling (800) 621-1675 or by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

**Portfolio Schedule.** The Fund files portfolio holdings information for each month in a fiscal quarter within 60 days after the end of the relevant fiscal quarter on Form N-PORT. Portfolio holdings information for the third month of each fiscal quarter will be publicly available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Fund's complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year is included in the semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, respectively, and is filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. A semi-annual or annual report for the Fund will become available to investors within 60 days after the period to which it relates. The Fund's Forms N-PORT and Forms N-CSR are available on the SEC's website listed above.

**Policy Regarding Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.** The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to this policy. The 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 websites. 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 each day the NYSE is open for trading via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*). Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act, information regarding the Fund's current portfolio holdings will be available on a daily basis at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx. The Trust, First Trust, FTP and BBH will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust.

**Codes of Ethics.** In order to mitigate the possibility that the Fund 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. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund; however, the Codes of Ethics require that each transaction in such securities be reviewed by the CCO or his or her designee. These Codes of Ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

**Creation and Redemption of Creation Units** 

**General.** ETFs, such as the Fund, generally issue and redeem their shares in primary market transactions through a creation and redemption mechanism and do not sell or redeem individual shares. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized

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Participants" have contractual arrangements with an ETF or one of the ETF's service providers to purchase and redeem ETF shares directly with the ETF in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." Prior to the start of trading on every business day, an ETF publishes through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*) the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets that it will accept in exchange for a Creation Unit of the ETF's shares. An Authorized Participant that wishes to effectuate a creation of an ETF's shares deposits with the ETF the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets identified by the ETF that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of the ETF's shares in return for those assets. After purchasing a Creation Unit, the Authorized Participant may continue to hold the ETF's shares or sell them in the secondary market. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the authorized participant redeems a Creation Unit of ETF shares for a basket of securities, cash or other assets. The combination of the creation and redemption process with secondary market trading in ETF shares and underlying securities provides arbitrage opportunities that are designed to help keep the market price of ETF shares at or close to the NAV per share of the ETF.

**Authorized Participants.** An *"Authorized Participant"* is a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC that has a written agreement with the Fund or one of its service providers that allows the Authorized Participant to place orders for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units (a *"Participant Agreement"*). Orders to purchase Creation Units must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement and must comply with the applicable provisions of such Participant Agreement. Investors wishing to purchase or sell shares generally do so on an exchange. Institutional investors other than Authorized Participants are responsible for making arrangements for a redemption request to be made through an Authorized Participant.

**Business Day.** A *"Business Day"* is generally any day on which the New York Stock Exchange (*"NYSE"*), the Exchange and the Trust are 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, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Business Day on which an order to purchase or redeem Creation Units is received in proper form is referred to as the "Transmittal Date."

**Basket Composition.** Rule 6c-11(c)(3) under of the 1940 Act requires an ETF relying on the exemptions offered by Rule 6c-11 to adopt and implement written policies and procedures governing the construction of baskets and the process that the ETF will use for the acceptance of baskets. In general, in connection with the construction and acceptance of baskets, the Advisor may consider various factors, including, but not limited to: (1) whether the securities, assets and other positions comprising a basket are consistent with the ETF's investment objective(s), policies and disclosure; (2) whether the securities, assets and other positions can legally and readily be acquired, transferred and held by the ETF and/or Authorized Participant(s), as applicable; (3) whether to utilize cash, either in lieu of securities or other instruments or as a cash balancing amount; and (4) in the case of an ETF that tracks an index, whether the securities, assets and other positions aid index tracking.

The Fund may utilize a pro rata basket or a custom basket in reliance on Rule 6c-11. A "pro rata basket" is a basket that is a pro rata representation of the ETF's portfolio holdings, except for minor deviations when it is not operationally feasible to include a particular instrument within the basket, except to the extent that the Fund utilized different baskets in transactions on the same Business Day.

Rule 6c-11 defines "custom baskets" to include two categories of baskets. First, a basket containing a non-representative selection of the ETF's portfolio holdings would constitute a custom basket. These types of custom baskets include, but are not limited to, baskets that do not reflect: (i) a pro rata representation of the Fund's portfolio holdings; (ii) a representative sampling of an ETF's portfolio holdings; or (iii) changes due to a rebalancing or reconstitution of an ETF's securities market index, if applicable. Second, if different baskets are used in transactions on the same Business Day, each basket after the initial basket would constitute a custom basket. For example, if an ETF exchanges a basket with either the same or another Authorized Participant that reflects a representative sampling that differs from the initial basket, that basket (and any such subsequent baskets) would be a custom basket. Similarly, if an ETF substitutes cash in lieu of a portion of basket assets for a single Authorized Participant, that basket would be a custom basket. The Advisor's Rule 6c-11 Committee defines any deviation from a pro rata basket to be a "custom basket." Rebalancing and reconstitution baskets do not constitute custom baskets. All cash baskets that are the initial basket on a Business Day also do not constitute custom baskets.

Under a variety of circumstances, an ETF and its shareholders may benefit from the flexibility afforded by custom baskets. In general terms, the use of custom baskets may reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve trading. Because utilizing custom baskets provides a way for an ETF to add, remove and re-weight portfolio securities without transacting in the market, it may help the ETF to avoid transaction costs and adverse tax consequences. Rule 6c-11 provides an ETF with flexibility to use "custom baskets" if the ETF has adopted written policies and procedures that: (1) set forth detailed parameters for the construction and acceptance of custom baskets that are in the best interests of the ETF and its shareholders, including the

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process for any revisions to, or deviations from, those parameters; and (2) specify the titles or roles of employees of the ETF's investment advisor who are required to review each custom basket for compliance with those parameters.

The use of baskets that do not correspond pro rata to an ETF's portfolio holdings has historically created concern that an Authorized Participant could take advantage of its relationship with an ETF and pressure the ETF to construct a basket that favors an Authorized Participant to the detriment of the ETF's shareholders. For example, because ETFs rely on Authorized Participants to maintain the secondary market by promoting an effective arbitrage mechanism, an Authorized Participant holding less liquid or less desirable securities potentially could pressure an ETF into accepting those securities in its basket in exchange for liquid ETF shares (*i.e.*, dumping). An Authorized Participant also could pressure the ETF into including in its basket certain desirable securities in exchange for ETF shares tendered for redemption (*i.e.*, cherry-picking). In either case, the ETF's other investors would be disadvantaged and would be left holding shares of an ETF with a less liquid or less desirable portfolio of securities. The Advisor has adopted policies and procedures designed to mitigate these concerns but there is ultimately no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be effective.

**Basket Dissemination.** Basket files are published for consumption through the NSCC, a subsidiary of Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, and can be utilized for pricing, creations, redemptions, rebalancing and custom scenarios. In most instances, pro rata baskets are calculated and supplied by the ETF's custodial bank based on ETF holdings, whereas non-pro rata, custom and forward-looking pro rata baskets are calculated by the Fund's investment advisor and disseminated by the ETF's custodial bank through the NSCC process.

**Placement of Creation or Redemption Orders.** All orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units are to be governed according to the applicable Participant Agreement that each Authorized Participant has executed. In general, all orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units must be received by the transfer agent in the proper form required by the Participant Agreement no later than the closing time of the regular trading session of the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day the NYSE is open for business (the *"Closing Time"*) in order for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of the Fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. However, at its discretion, the Fund may require an Authorized Participant to submit orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units be placed earlier in the day (such as instances where an applicable market for a security comprising a creation or redemption basket closes earlier than usual).

**Delivery of Redemption Proceeds.** Deliveries of securities to Authorized Participants in connection with redemption orders are generally expected to be made within two Business Days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds for the Fund may take longer than two Business Days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act generally prohibits a registered open-end management investment company from postponing the date of satisfaction of redemption requests for more than seven days after the tender of a security for redemption. This prohibition can cause operational difficulties for ETFs that hold foreign investments and exchange in-kind baskets for Creation Units. For example, local market delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming investors, together with local market holiday schedules, can sometimes require a delivery process in excess of seven days. However, Rule 6c-11 grants relief from Section 22(e) to permit an ETF to delay satisfaction of a redemption request for more than seven days if a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming Authorized Participants, or the combination thereof prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. Under this exemption, an ETF must deliver foreign investments as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 days after the tender to the ETF. The exemption therefore will permit a delay only to the extent that additional time for settlement is actually required, when a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. If a foreign investment settles in less than 15 days, Rule 6c-11 requires an ETF to deliver it pursuant to the standard settlement time of the local market where the investment trades. Rule 6c-11 defines "foreign investment" as any security, asset or other position of the ETF issued by a foreign issuer (as defined by Rule 3b-4 under the 1934 Act), and that is traded on a trading market outside of the United States. This definition is not limited to "foreign securities," but also includes other investments that may not be considered securities. Although these other investments may not be securities, they may present the same challenges for timely settlement as foreign securities if they are transferred in kind.

**Creation Transaction Fees.** The Fund imposes fees in connection with the purchase of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, plus the fees described above and, if applicable,

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any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the creation basket.

**Redemption Transaction Fees.** The Fund also imposes fees in connection with the redemption of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price received for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, minus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the redemption basket. 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 may also be assessed an amount to cover the cost of such services. The redemption fee charged by the Fund will comply with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act which limits redemption fees to no more than 2% of the value of the shares redeemed.

**Suspension of Creations.** The SEC has stated its position that an ETF generally may suspend the issuance of Creation Units only for a limited time and only due to extraordinary circumstances, such as when the markets on which the ETF's portfolio holdings are traded are closed for a limited period of time. The SEC has also stated that an ETF could not set transaction fees so high as to effectively suspend the issuance of Creation Units. Circumstances in which the Fund may suspend creations include, but are not limited to: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the purchaser or group of related purchasers, upon obtaining the Creation Units of Fund shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the required consideration is not delivered; (iv) the acceptance of the basket would, in the opinion of the Fund, be unlawful; or (v) there exist circumstances outside the control of the Fund that make it impossible to process purchases of Creation Units for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include: acts of God or 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 Fund, First Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the transfer agent, the custodian, any sub-custodian or any other participant in the purchase process; and similar extraordinary events. The Fund reserves the right to reject a creation order transmitted to it provided that such action does not result in a suspension of sales of creation units in contravention of 6c-11 and the SEC's positions thereunder. The Transfer Agent shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such prospective creator of the rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the Fund, the Transfer Agent, 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 baskets, nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

**Suspension of Redemptions.** An ETF may suspend the redemption of Creation Units only in accordance with Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. Section 22(e) stipulates that no registered investment company shall suspend the right of redemption, or postpone the date of payment or satisfaction upon redemption of any redeemable security in accordance with its terms for more than seven days after the tender of such security to the company or its agent designated for that purpose for redemption, except (1) for any period (A) during which the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings or (B) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted; (2) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which (A) disposal by the investment company of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or (B) it is not reasonably practicable for such company fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the investment company.

**Exceptions to Use of Creation Units.** Under Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, ETFs are permitted to sell or redeem individual shares on the day of consummation of a reorganization, merger, conversion, or liquidation. In these limited circumstances, an ETF may need to issue or redeem individual shares and may need to transact without utilizing Authorized Participants.

**Federal Tax Matters**

This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning shares of the Fund. This section is current as of the date of the SAI. 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 foreign tax consequences.

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This federal income tax summary is based in part on the advice of counsel to the Fund. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure may not be sufficient for prospective investors to use for the purpose of avoiding penalties under federal tax law.

As with any investment, prospective investors should seek advice based on their individual circumstances from their own tax advisor.

The Fund intends to qualify annually and to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (a *"RIC"*) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "*Code*").

To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs, the Fund must, among other things, (i) 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; (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs 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 the Fund's total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) 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 RICs) of any one issuer, or two or more issuers which the 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 (iii) distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, taxable 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. There are certain exceptions for failure to qualify if the failure is for reasonable cause or is de minimis, and certain corrective action is taken and certain tax payments are made by the Fund.

As a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its 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 it distributes to shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain. If the 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, the 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 98.2% 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 Fund intends 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 the 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 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.

Subject to certain reasonable cause and de minimis exceptions, if the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC or fails 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 that qualify as "exempt-interest dividends" generally are excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes. Some or all of the exempt-interest dividends, however, may be taken into account in determining the alternative minimum tax on individuals and may have other tax consequences (*e.g.*, they may affect the amount of a shareholder's social security benefits that are taxed). For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, exempt-interest dividends may affect the corporate alternative minimum tax for certain corporations. Other dividends paid out of the Fund's 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.

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Income from the Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to net investment income if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals. Interest that is excluded from gross income and exempt-interest dividends from the Fund are generally not included in net investment income for purposes of this tax.

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 RICs.

Distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, properly reported as capital gain dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements. Shareholders receiving distributions in the form of additional shares, rather than cash, generally will have a tax 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 the 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.

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 Fund, which a shareholder holds as a capital asset, such 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. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

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 disallowed to the extent of the exempt-interest dividends the shareholder received, except in the case of a regular dividend paid by the Fund if the Fund declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90 percent of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. To the extent, if any, it is not disallowed, it will be recharacterized as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividend received.

**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units** 

If a shareholder exchanges 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 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 IRS, 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 Fund's 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 Fund to recognize income or gain without

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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.

**Futures Contracts and Options** 

The Fund's 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 Fund (*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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 RIC and the distribution requirements for avoiding excise taxes.

**Backup Withholding** 

The Fund 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 Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or fail to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. 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.

**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 the Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the shareholder.

In addition to the rules described in this section concerning the potential imposition of withholding on distributions to non-U.S. persons, distributions to non-U.S. persons that are "financial institutions" may be subject to a withholding tax of 30% unless an agreement is in place between the financial institution and the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose information about accounts, equity investments, or debt interests in the financial institution held by one or more U.S. persons or the institution is resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury. For these purposes, a "financial institution" means any entity that (i) accepts deposits in the ordinary course of a banking or similar business; (ii) holds financial assets for the account of others as a substantial portion of its business; or (iii) is engaged (or holds itself out as being engaged) primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, partnership interests, commodities or any interest (including a futures contract or option) in such securities, partnership interests or commodities. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

Distributions to non-financial non-U.S. entities (other than publicly traded foreign entities, entities owned by residents of U.S. possessions, foreign governments, international organizations, or foreign central banks) will also be subject to a withholding tax of 30% if the entity does not certify that the entity does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provide the name, address and TIN of each substantial U.S. owner. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

*Income Not Effectively Connected.* If the income from the 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, generally not including exempt-interest dividends, 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 the Fund which are properly reported by the Fund 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

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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 Fund 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 Fund 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.

Distributions from the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. shareholders, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

*Income Effectively Connected.* If the income from the 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, generally not including exempt-interest dividends, and capital gain dividends, any amounts retained by the Fund which are properly reported by the Fund as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund 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 Fund.

**Capital Loss Carry-forward** 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, net capital losses of the Fund incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. To the extent that these loss carry-forwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the capital gains so offset will not be distributed to Fund shareholders. As of October 31, 2022, the Fund had net capital losses for federal income tax purposes as shown in the table below. The Fund is subject to certain limitations, under U.S. tax rules, on the use of capital loss carry-forwards and net unrealized built-in losses. These limitations generally apply when there has been a 50% change in ownership.

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| |
|:---|
| **Total**<br> **Non-Expiring**<br> **Capital Loss**<br> **Available**<br>|
| $122643308 |

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**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 Fund.

**Determination of Net Asset Value**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Net Asset Value."

The per share net asset value of the Fund is determined by dividing the total value of the securities and other assets, less liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding. Under normal circumstances, daily calculation of the net asset value will utilize the last closing sale price of each security held by the Fund at the close of the market on which such security is principally listed. In determining net asset value, portfolio securities for the Fund for which accurate market quotations are readily available will be valued as follows:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Common stocks and other equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange other than Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) will be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded, or the official closing price for Nasdaq and AIM securities. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the Business Day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Shares of open-end funds are valued at NAV per share.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Exchange-traded options and futures contracts are valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are principally traded. If no closing price is available, they will be valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their closing bid price. OTC options and futures contracts are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Forward foreign currency contracts are valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using the current day's spot rate, and the 30-, 60-, 90- and 180- day forward rates provided by a pricing service or by certain independent dealers in such contracts.

In addition, the following types of securities will be fair valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Fixed-income securities, convertible securities, preferred and hybrid securities, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, swaptions, currency-linked notes, credit-linked notes, asset-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities or private label collateralized mortgage obligations, collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, senior loans and other similar instruments will be fair valued using a pricing service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Commercial paper, fixed-income and other debt securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts (amortized cost), provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer specific conditions existing at the time of the determination. Factors that may be considered in determining the appropriateness of the use of amortized cost include, but are not limited to, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the credit conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the liquidity conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the interest rate conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto (such as significant changes in interest rates);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) issuer-specific conditions (such as significant credit deterioration); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) any other market-based data the Advisor considers relevant. In this regard, the Advisor may use last-obtained market-based data to assist it when valuing portfolio securities using amortized cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Repurchase agreements will be valued as follows. Overnight repurchase agreements will be valued at amortized cost when it represents the most appropriate reflection of fair market value. Term repurchase agreements (*i.e.*, those whose maturity exceeds seven days) will be valued by the Advisor at the average of the bid quotations obtained.

If the Advisor has reason to question the accuracy or reliability of a price supplied or the use of the amortized cost methodology, the Advisor shall determine if "it needs to fair value" such portfolio security pursuant to established valuation procedures. From time to time, the Advisor, Fund accounting agent, or relevant portfolio management team may submit price challenges to a pricing service, pursuant to a process described in the Fund's Valuation Procedures.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities will be valued at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities that 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 or fair value 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 net asset value (as may be the case in foreign markets on which the security is primarily traded) or is likely to make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not, in the opinion of the Advisor, reflect the security's fair value. Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a pricing service or are determined by the Advisor. Market value prices represent last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (*i.e.,* a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from pricing services. If no market price or official close price is available from either a pricing service or no quotations are available from one or more brokers or if the Advisor has reason to question the reliability or accuracy of a price supplied or the use of amortized cost, the value of any portfolio security held by the Fund for which reliable market prices/quotations are not readily available will be determined by the Advisor in a manner that most appropriately reflects fair market value of the security on the valuation date, based on a consideration of all available information. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange.

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which a shareholder may purchase shares of the Fund, the value of the Fund's investments may change on the days when shareholders are not able to purchase shares of the Fund. For foreign securities, if an extraordinary market event occurs between the time the last "current" market quotation is available for a security in the Fund's portfolio and the time the Fund's net asset value is determined and calls into doubt whether that earlier market quotation represents fair value at the time the Fund's net asset value is determined, the Fund accounting agent will immediately notify the Advisor and the Advisor shall determine the fair valuation. For foreign securities, the Advisor may seek to determine the "fair value" of such securities by retaining a pricing service to determine the value of the securities.

Foreign securities, currencies and other assets denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar as provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

**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.** Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid monthly. 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 or advisable to preserve the status of the 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 Fund.

**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 Fund for reinvestment 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 the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

**Miscellaneous Information**

**Counsel.** Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, is counsel to the Trust.

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.** Deloitte & Touche LLP, 111 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. The firm audits the Fund's financial statements and performs other related audit services.

------

**Financial Statements**

The audited financial statements and notes thereto for the Fund, contained in the [<u>Annual Report to Shareholders</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm)dated October 31, 2022, 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 available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

------

**Exhibit A—Principal Holders Table** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **% OF**<br> **OUTSTANDING**<br> **SHARES OWNED**<br>|
| FIRST TRUST MANAGED MUNICIPAL ETF | FIRST TRUST MANAGED MUNICIPAL ETF |
| Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 13.40% |
| National Financial Services LLC | 13.08% |
| TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. | 11.26% |
| LPL Financial LLC | 10.82% |
| Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 8.30% |
| UBS Financial Services Inc. | 6.96% |
| Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC | 6.85% |
| Raymond James & Associates, Inc. | 6.05% |
| Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated/8862 MLPF&S TS SUB | 6.02% |

---

(1) Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.: 2423 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

(2) LPL Financial LLC: 1055 LPL Way, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715

(3) Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated/8862 MLPF&S TS SUB: 4804 Deer Lake Drive E, Jacksonville, Florida 32246

(4) Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC: 1300 Thames St., 6<sup>th</sup> Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21231

(5) National Financial Services LLC: 499 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

(6) Raymond James & Associates, Inc.: 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716

(7) TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc.: 200 S. 108th Ave., Omaha, Nebraska 68154

(8) UBS Financial Services Inc.: 1000 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, New Jersey 07086

(9) Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC: 2801 Market Street, H0006-09B, St. Louis, Missouri 63103

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**Exhibit B—Proxy Voting Guidelines**

**FIRST TRUST ADVISORS L.P.**

**PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES**

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"FTA"* or the *"Adviser"*) serves as investment adviser to separately managed accounts, open- and closed-end investment companies, and other collective investments (*"Clients"*). As part of these services, the Adviser has, in most cases, agreed to or been delegated proxy voting responsibility on such Clients' behalf (*"Proxy Clients"*). FTA is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure proxy voting on behalf of Proxy Clients is conducted in a manner that is in their best interests and addresses how conflicts of interest between FTA interests and Proxy Client interests are managed. FTA has adopted the following policies and procedures to comply with this requirement (the *"Policy"*).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) It is the Adviser's policy to seek and to ensure that proxies are voted consistently and in the best economic interests of the Proxy Client. The FTA Investment Committee is responsible for the implementation of the Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Adviser engaged Institutional Shareholder Services (*"ISS"*) to provide proxy research, recommendations, and voting services. ISS provides a password protected website which is accessible to authorized FTA personnel to download upcoming proxy meeting data, including research reports, of companies held in Proxy Client portfolios. The website can be used to view proposed proxy votes, to enter votes for upcoming meetings for Proxy Client portfolio securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) FTA will generally follow the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines (the *"Guidelines"*) to vote proxies for Proxy Client accounts, so long as such Guidelines are considered to be in the best interests of the Proxy Client, and there are no noted or perceived conflicts of interest. FTA's use of the Guidelines is not intended to constrain FTA's consideration of any proxy proposal, and there are times when FTA deviates from the Guidelines. This includes when required by Rule 12d1-4 agreements between Fund Proxy Clients and certain acquired funds, if applicable. Generally, FTA will not rely on ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines to withhold votes or vote against (i) directors solely based on quota criteria or (ii) the exclusion of certain climate-related disclosures, which may or may not relate to the company's core business or may not materially impact shareholder value. In such cases, FTA will consider such proxy voting decisions in light of merit-based considerations which it believes may impact shareholder value. FTA retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting.

In certain circumstances, where FTA has determined that it is consistent with Proxy Client best interests, FTA will not vote a proxy on behalf of one or more Proxy Clients. Such circumstances include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Limited Value.* Proxies will not be required to be voted on securities in a Proxy Client account if the value of the Proxy Client's economic interest in the securities is indeterminable or insignificant (less than $1,000). Proxies will also not be required to be voted for any securities that are no longer held in Proxy Client account(s).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *Securities Lending Program.* When securities are out on loan, they are transferred into the borrower's name and are voted by the borrower, in its discretion. In most cases, FTA will not recall securities on loan in order to vote a proxy. However, where FTA determines that a proxy vote, or other shareholder action, is materially important to the Proxy Client's account, FTA will make a good faith effort to recall the security for purposes of voting, understanding that in certain cases, the attempt to recall the security may not be effective in time to meet voting deadlines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) *Unjustifiable Costs.* In certain circumstances, based on cost-benefit analysis, FTA may choose not to vote when the cost of voting on behalf of a Proxy Client would exceed any anticipated benefits of the proxy proposal to such Proxy Client (*e.g.* foreign securities).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) *International Markets Share Blocking.* Share blocking is the "freezing" of shares for trading purposes at the custodian/sub-custodian bank level in order to vote proxies. While shares are frozen, they may not be traded. Therefore, the potential exists for a pending trade to fail if trade settlement falls on a date during the blocking period. In international markets where share blocking applies, FTA typically will not, but reserves the right to, vote proxies due to the liquidity constraints associated with share blocking.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) On a weekly basis, a member of FTA Portfolio and Product Management reviews ISS Level Classification and Quality Scores for new proxies. For any proxy meeting deemed material<sup>1</sup> by this review a copy of the ISS research report will be submitted to FTA Research for review and to determine if they agree with the Guidelines. Research will also review the recommendations of target company management and may review information publicly available about the target company, including original and subsequent amendments to the ISS research report, EDGAR filings and any noted conflicts of interest. FTA Research will communicate its determination to the FTA Investment Committee. All other non-material matters will be further reviewed only at the discretion of the FTA Investment Committee, Portfolio Management or Research.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) FTA may determine voting in accordance with the Guidelines is not in the best interests of a Proxy Client. Whenever a conflict of interest arises between ISS and a target company subject to a proxy vote, the Adviser will consider the recommendation of the company and what the Adviser believes to be in the best interests of the Proxy Client and will vote the proxy without using the Guidelines. If FTA has knowledge of a material conflict of interest between itself and a Proxy Client, the Adviser shall vote the applicable proxy in accordance with the Guidelines to avoid such conflict of interest. If there is a decision to vote against the Guidelines, the FTA Investment Committee will document the reason and instruct ISS to change the vote to reflect this decision.

If there is a conflict of interest between a Fund Proxy Client and FTA or other fund service providers, FTA will vote the proxy based on the Guidelines to avoid such conflict of interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) If a Proxy Client requests the Adviser to follow specific voting guidelines or additional guidelines, the Adviser shall review the request and follow such guidelines, unless the Adviser determines that it is unable to do so. In such case, the Adviser shall inform the Proxy Client that it is not able to honor the Proxy Client's request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) FTA periodically reviews proxy votes to ensure compliance with this Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) This Policy, the Guidelines and votes cast for Proxy Clients are available upon request and such Proxy Client requests must be forwarded to FTA Compliance for review and response. This Policy is also provided with each advisory contract and described and provided with the Form ADV, Part 2A.

Shareholders of Fund Proxy Clients can review the Policy and a Fund's voted proxies (if any) during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 on the First Trust website at www.ftportfolios.com or by accessing EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) FTA provides reasonable ongoing oversight of ISS and maintains the following records relating to proxy voting:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) a copy of this Policy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) a copy of each proxy form for which it is responsible to vote;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) a copy of each proxy solicitation, including proxy statements and related materials with regard to each proxy issue it votes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) documents relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest, if any;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) a copy of each written request from any Proxy Client for information on how FTA voted proxies on the Proxy Client's behalf, and a copy of any written response by FTA to any written or oral request for information by a Proxy Client on how FTA voted proxies for that Proxy Client's account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) ISS, on FTA's behalf, maintains the following records relating to FTA proxy voting:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) a copy of each proxy form (as voted);

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<sup>1</sup>

Materiality is generally defined as any proxy with a Classification Level of 4 or higher or a target company's governance Quality Score of 10. **See below for a description of Classification Levels.** Quality Score indicates a company's governance risk (board structure, compensation programs, shareholder rights, and audit and risk oversight). The lowest score of 1 indicates relatively higher quality governance practices and relatively lower governance risk and conversely, the highest score of 10 indicates relatively higher governance risk.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) a copy of each proxy solicitation, including proxy statements and related materials with regard to each vote;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) documents relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest it identifies, if any; and

These records are either maintained at FTA's office or are electronically available to FTA through access to the ISS Proxy Exchange portal.

**ISS Level Classification Descriptions** 

Level 1 – Election of directors (except for proxy contests); fix number of directors; ratification of auditors; name change; change in date of time of meeting; adjourn meeting; other business; can include shareholder proposals.

Level 2 – Employee stock purchase plans; increase in stock (except for private placements); reverse stock splits; standard corporate governance provisions (declassifying the board, supermajority votes, etc.); social/environmental/human rights proposals; standard mutual fund proposals (except for advisory agreements, proposals to open-end the fund).

Level 3 – Compensation Plans.

Level 4 – Private Placements; formation of a holding company; anti-takeover proposals (poison pills, fair price provisions, etc.); reincorporation; director and officer liability indemnification; conversion of securities; liquidation of assets; mutual fund advisory agreements.

Level 5 – Mergers; acquisitions; sale of assets; conversion of closed-end fund to open-end; reorganization; restructuring.

Level 6 – Proxy Contests.

Adopted: September 15, 2003

Amended: December 10, 2007

Amended: September 21, 2009

Amended: September 12, 2016

Amended: March 9, 2020

Amended: June 7, 2021

Amended: January 19, 2022

Amended: May 13, 2022

Amended: September 22, 2022

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**Exhibit C—Credit Rating Definitions**

**S&P Global RATINGS**

A S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Rating's view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Likelihood of payment: capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation and the promise S&P imputes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **AAA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to <br> meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.<br>|
| **AA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity <br> to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.<br>|
| **A** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and <br> economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its <br> financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.<br>|
| **BBB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions <br> or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial <br> commitment on the obligation.<br>|

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Obligations rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC" and "C" are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **BB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces <br> major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could <br> lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.<br>|
| **B** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated "BB," but the obligor <br> currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or <br> economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on <br> the obligation.<br>|
| **CCC** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, <br> financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the <br> event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to <br> meet its financial commitment on the obligation.<br>|
| **CC** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The "CC" rating is used when a default <br> has not yet occurred but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty regardless of the anticipated time to <br> default. <br>|

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**C** An obligation rated "C" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.

**D** An obligation rated "D" is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

**Plus (+) or Minus (-):** The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.**

A brief description of the applicable Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (*"Moody's"*) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moody's) follows.

Ratings assigned on Moody's global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments.

LONG-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Aaa** | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
| **Aa** | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
| **A** | Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
| **Baa** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may <br> possess certain speculative characteristics.<br>|
| **Ba** | Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
| **B** | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
| **Caa** | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
| **Ca** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of <br> recovery of principal and interest.<br>|
| **C** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of <br> principal or interest.<br>|

---

**Note:** Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

**Fitch Ratings**

A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings (*"Fitch"*) ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows:

Fitch's credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. The agency's credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supra-national and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

The terms "investment grade" and "speculative grade" have established themselves over time as shorthand to describe the categories 'AAA' to 'BBB' (investment grade) and 'BB' to 'D' (speculative grade). The terms "investment grade" and "speculative grade" are market conventions, and do not imply any recommendation or endorsement of a specific security for investment

------

purposes. "Investment grade" categories indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while ratings in the "speculative" categories either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred.

A designation of "Not Rated" or "NR" is used to denote securities not rated by Fitch where Fitch has rated some, but not all, securities comprising an issuance capital structure.

Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss.

Fitch's credit ratings do not directly address any risk other than credit risk. In particular, ratings do not deal with the risk of a market value loss on a rated security due to changes in interest rates, liquidity and other market considerations. However, in terms of payment obligation on the rated liability, market risk may be considered to the extent that it influences the ability of an issuer to pay upon a commitment. Ratings nonetheless do not reflect market risk to the extent that they influence the size or other conditionality of the obligation to pay upon a commitment (for example, in the case of index-linked bonds).

In the default components of ratings assigned to individual obligations or instruments, the agency typically rates to the likelihood of non-payment or default in accordance with the terms of that instrument's documentation. In limited cases, Fitch may include additional considerations (*i.e.* rate to a higher or lower standard than that implied in the obligation's documentation). In such cases, the agency will make clear the assumptions underlying the agency's opinion in the accompanying rating commentary.

INTERNATIONAL LONG-TERM RATINGS

**Issuer Credit Rating Scales** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **AAA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in <br> cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely <br> to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.<br>|
| **AA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong <br> capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable <br> events.<br>|
| **A** | &nbsp;&nbsp; High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial <br> commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business <br> or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.<br>|
| **BBB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for <br> payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are <br> more likely to impair this capacity.<br>|
| **BB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse <br> changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which <br> supports the servicing of financial commitments.<br>|
| **B** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Highly speculative. 'B' ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety <br> remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is <br> vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.<br>|
| **CCC** | Substantial credit risk. Default is a real possibility. |
| **CC** | Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable. |
| **C** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. <br> Conditions that are indicative of a 'C' category rating for an issuer include:<br> •the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;<br> •the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment <br> default on a material financial obligation; or<br> •Fitch otherwise believes a condition of 'RD' or 'D' to be imminent or inevitable, including through the formal <br> announcement of a distressed debt exchange. <br>|

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **RD** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Restricted default. 'RD' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has experienced an uncured payment <br> default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy <br> filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not <br> otherwise ceased operating. This would include:<br> •the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;<br> •the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a <br> payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;<br> •the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material <br> financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or<br> •execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.<br>|
| **D** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Default. 'D' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, <br> administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased <br> business.<br>|

---

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

"Imminent" default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.

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**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** 

**Investment Company Act File No. 811-22245** 

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **FUND NAME** | **TICKER SYMBOL** | **EXCHANGE** |
| First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF | FPE | NYSE Arca |

---

**DATED MARCH 1, 2023**

This Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated March 1, 2023, as it may be revised from time to time (the *"Prospectus"*), for First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF (the *"Fund"*), a series of the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*). Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust's distributor, First Trust Portfolios L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, or by calling toll free at (800) 621-1675.

The audited financial statements for the Fund's most recent fiscal year appear in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the *"SEC"*) on January 6, 2023. The

financial statements from the [<u>Annual Report</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm) are incorporated herein by reference. The Annual Report is available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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**Table of Contents** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [General Description of the Trust and the Fund](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_1) | 1 |
| [Exchange Listing and Trading](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Objective and Policies](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Strategies](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_4) | 4 |
| [Investment Risks](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_14) | 14 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_21) | 21 |
| [Sub-Advisor](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_29) | 29 |
| [Brokerage Allocations](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_31) | 31 |
| [Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_33) | 33 |
| [Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_34) | 34 |
| [Additional Information](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_36) | 36 |
| [Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_41) | 41 |
| [Creation and Redemption of Creation Units](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_42) | 42 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_45) | 45 |
| [Determination of Net Asset Value](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_49) | 49 |
| [Dividends and Distributions](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_51) | 51 |
| [Miscellaneous Information](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_51) | 51 |
| [Financial Statements](#xx_0f5adb87-31cb-458a-b134-7eeb418f1474_51) | 51 |
| [Exhibit A](#xx_dcd8c5c1-fbcc-46db-8988-6c75bbd27054_1)[—](#xx_dcd8c5c1-fbcc-46db-8988-6c75bbd27054_1)[Principal Holders Table](#xx_dcd8c5c1-fbcc-46db-8988-6c75bbd27054_1) | A-1 |
| [Exhibit B](#xx_7b42facf-a3ad-4660-ae42-b711392ccbf6_1)[—](#xx_7b42facf-a3ad-4660-ae42-b711392ccbf6_1)[Credit Rating Definitions](#xx_7b42facf-a3ad-4660-ae42-b711392ccbf6_1) | B-1 |
| [Exhibit C](#xx_13df4bda-9180-4f7a-b08b-91d96d982655_1)[—](#xx_13df4bda-9180-4f7a-b08b-91d96d982655_1)[Proxy Voting Guidelines](#xx_13df4bda-9180-4f7a-b08b-91d96d982655_1) | C-1 |

---

i

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**General Description of the Trust and the Fund**

The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 9, 2008 and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares in one or more series. 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 series. This SAI relates to the Fund, which is a diversified series.

The 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 Fund was previously classified as non-diversified. As a result of ongoing operations, the Fund is now classified as a diversified investment company. The Fund may not in the future operate in a non-diversified manner without first obtaining shareholder approval.

The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the *"Board," "Board of Trustees"* or *"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"*) requires a shareholder vote only on those matters where the 1940 Act requires a vote of shareholders and otherwise permits the Trustees to take actions without seeking the consent of shareholders. For example, the Declaration gives the Trustees broad authority to approve reorganizations between the Fund and another entity, such as another exchange-traded fund, or the sale of all or substantially all of the Fund's assets, or the termination of the Trust or the Fund without shareholder approval if the 1940 Act would not require such approval.

The Declaration provides that by becoming a shareholder of the Fund, each shareholder shall be expressly held to have agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Declaration and to any By-laws adopted by the Trust. The Declaration provides that, except as set forth therein and authorized by the Trustees, shareholders have no rights, privileges, claims or remedies under any contract or agreement entered into by the Trust or the Fund with any service provider or other agent to or contractor with the Trust or the Fund including, without limitation, any third party beneficiary rights.

The Declaration may, except in limited circumstances, be amended by the Trustees in any respect without a shareholder vote. The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees and that vacancies on the Board of Trustees may be filled by the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that Trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees.

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 Fund or as the Trustees may determine, and ownership of Fund shares may be disclosed by the Fund 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 provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction and other harm that can be caused to the Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. In addition, the Declaration provides that actions that are derivative in nature may not be brought directly. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand must first be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Fund, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholder may not proceed with the derivative

------

action unless the shareholder is able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Fund. In making such a determination, a Trustee is not considered to have a personal financial interest by virtue of being compensated for his or her services as a Trustee. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholder will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the Fund in connection with the consideration of the demand under a number of circumstances. In addition, if a court determines that a derivative action was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose, or if a derivative or direct action is dismissed on the basis of a failure to comply with the procedural provisions relating to shareholder actions as set forth in the Declaration, or if a direct action is dismissed by a court for failure to state a claim, the shareholder bringing the action may be responsible for the Fund's costs, including attorneys' fees.

The provisions of the Declaration provide that any direct or derivative action commenced by a shareholder must be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (Boston Division) or if any such action may not be brought in that court, then in the Business Litigation Session of Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts (the *"Chosen Courts"*). Except as prohibited by applicable law, if a shareholder commences an applicable action in a court other than a Chosen Court without the consent of the Fund, then such shareholder may be obligated to reimburse the Fund and any applicable Trustee or officer of the Fund made party to such proceeding for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with any successful motion to dismiss, stay or transfer of the action. The Declaration also provides that any shareholder bringing an action against the Fund waives the right to trial by jury to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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 the Fund itself was unable to meet its obligations.

The Declaration provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is liable to the Trust for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his or her duties involved in the conduct of the individual's office, and for nothing else and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Declaration also provides that the Trustees of the Trust will be subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to Massachusetts business trusts, but not to the laws of Massachusetts relating to the trustees of common law trusts, such as donative or probate type trusts. The Declaration further provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is not personally liable to any person other than the Trust, for any act, omission, or obligation of the Trust. The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust for any liability for actions or failure to act except to the extent prohibited by applicable federal law. In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses in connection with a claim for which indemnification is sought, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available. The Declaration provides that any Trustee who serves as chair of the Board of Trustees or of a committee of the Board of Trustees, as lead independent Trustee or as audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.

These provisions are not intended to restrict any shareholder rights under the federal securities laws and the Declaration specifically provides that no provision of the Declaration shall be effective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of, or restrict any shareholder rights expressly granted by, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"1933 Act"*), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*) or the 1940 Act, or any valid rule, regulation or order of the Securities Exchange Commission thereunder.

The Fund is advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the *"Advisor"* or *"First Trust"*) and sub-advised by Stonebridge Advisors LLC (*"Stonebridge"* or the *"Sub-Advisor"*).

The shares of the Fund are principally listed and traded on NYSE Arca, Inc. (*"NYSE Arca"* or the *"Exchange"*). ETFs, such as the Fund, do not sell or redeem individual shares of the Fund. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" (which are discussed in greater detail below) have contractual arrangements with the Fund or the Distributor to purchase and redeem Fund shares directly with the Fund in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." An Authorized Participant that purchases a Creation Unit of Fund shares deposits with the Fund a "basket" of securities, cash and/or other assets identified

------

by the Fund that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of Fund shares in return for those assets. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit of Fund shares for a basket of securities, cash and/or other assets. The basket is generally representative of the Fund's portfolio, and together with a cash balancing amount, it is equal to the NAV of the Fund shares comprising the Creation Unit. Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, the Fund may utilize baskets that are not representative of the Fund's portfolio. Such "custom baskets" are discussed in the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units."

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 Fund cash at least equal to 115% of the market value of the missing deposit securities. See the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units." 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 Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares of the Fund will continue to be met. The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of the Fund from listing if (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning at the commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the shares of the Fund for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (ii) such other event shall occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the shares of the Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

As in the case of other stocks traded on the Exchange, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

The Fund reserves 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 the Fund.

**Investment Objective and Policies**

The Prospectus describes the investment objective and certain policies of the Fund. The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

The 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 (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Fund may not borrow money, except that the 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 33⅓% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed), less the Fund's liabilities (other than borrowings).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The 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 the Fund from purchasing or selling securities or other instruments backed by real estate or of issuers engaged in real estate activities).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) The 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 the Fund if, as a result, the aggregate of such loans would exceed 33⅓% of the value of the Fund's total assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The 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).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The 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 that the Fund will concentrate its assets in any of the group of industries constituting the financial sector. This restriction does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

For purposes of applying restriction (1) above, under the 1940 Act as currently in effect, the Fund is not permitted to issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from any bank if, immediately after such borrowing and at all times thereafter, the value of the Fund's total assets is at least 300% of the principal amount of all of the Fund's borrowings (*i.e.,* the principal amount of the borrowings may not exceed 33⅓% of the Fund's total assets). In the event that such asset coverage shall at any time fall below 300% the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays), reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300%.

Except for restriction (2) above, 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. With respect to restriction (2), if the limitations are exceeded as a result of a change in market value then the Fund will reduce the amount of borrowings within three days thereafter to the extent necessary to comply with the limitations (not including Sundays and holidays).

The fundamental investment limitations set forth above limit the Fund's ability to engage in certain investment practices and purchase securities or other instruments to the extent permitted by, or consistent with, applicable law. As such, these limitations will change as the statute, rules, regulations or orders (or, if applicable, interpretations) change, and no shareholder vote will be required or sought.

The Fund's investment objective and the foregoing fundamental policies of the Fund may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the 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 the 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 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.

In addition to the foregoing fundamental policies, the Fund is 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**

The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment objective, policies and strategies that appears in the Prospectus.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in preferred securities and income-producing debt securities.

**Types of Investments**

**Corporate Bonds.** Corporate bonds, also known as fixed-income securities, are debt obligations issued by corporations. Corporate bonds are generally used by corporations to borrow money from investors. Corporate bonds may be either secured or unsecured. Collateral used for secured debt includes, but is not limited to, real property, machinery, equipment, accounts receivable, stocks, bonds or notes. If a corporate bond is unsecured, it is known as a debenture. Holders of corporate bonds,

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as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders as to both income and assets of the issuer for the principal and interest due them and may have a prior claim over other creditors if liens or mortgages are involved. Interest on corporate bonds may be fixed or floating, or the securities may be zero coupon fixed-income securities which pay no interest. Interest on corporate bonds is typically paid semi-annually and is fully taxable to the holder of the bonds. Corporate bonds contain elements of both interest rate risk and credit risk. The market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with changes in interest rates and may also be affected by the credit rating of the issuer, the issuer's performance and perceptions of the issuer in the marketplace. Corporate bonds usually yield more than government or agency bonds due to the presence of credit risk.

**Derivatives.** Under normal market conditions, no more than 20% of the value of the Fund's net assets will be invested in derivative instruments. The Fund may invest in exchange-traded and over-the-counter (*"OTC"*) interest rate swaps, exchange-listed options on U.S. Treasury futures contracts, exchange-listed U.S. Treasury futures contracts, exchange-listed options on Eurodollar futures contracts, exchange-listed Eurodollar futures contracts, exchange-traded and OTC non-U.S. currency swaps, exchange-listed currency options, forward currency contracts and non-deliverable forward currency contracts. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to, among other things, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates. The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments for risk management purposes or as part of its investment strategies. The Fund will use derivative instruments primarily to hedge interest rate risk, actively manage interest rate exposure, hedge foreign currency risk and actively manage foreign currency exposure. The Fund may also use derivative instruments to enhance returns, as a substitute for, or to gain exposure to, a position in an underlying asset, to reduce transaction costs, to maintain full market exposure (which means to adjust the characteristics of its investments to more closely approximate those of the markets in which it invests), to manage cash flows or to preserve capital. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments will be consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and the 1940 Act and will not be used to seek to achieve a multiple or inverse multiple of an index.

**Fixed Income Investments and Cash Equivalents.** Normally, the Fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objectives and consequently may invest significantly in fixed income securities and cash equivalents; however, for temporary or defensive purposes, the Fund may also invest in other fixed income investments and cash equivalents in order to provide income, liquidity and preserve capital.

Fixed income investments and cash equivalents held by the Fund may include, without limitation, the types of investments set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund may invest in 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 securities include securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some of the U.S. government agencies that issue or guarantee securities include the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Farmers Home Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Maritime Administration, the Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. An instrumentality of the U.S. government is a government agency organized under federal charter with government supervision. Instrumentalities issuing or guaranteeing securities include, among others, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Land Banks, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and the Federal National Mortgage Association (*"Fannie Mae"*). In the case of those U.S. government securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities; consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate. In addition, the Fund may invest in sovereign debt obligations of non-U.S. countries. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest in a timely manner may be affected by a number of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which it may be subject.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Fund may invest in 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 FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $250,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund may not be fully insured. The Fund may only invest in certificates of deposit issued by U.S. banks with at least $1 billion in assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities with counterparties that are deemed by the Sub-Advisor to present acceptable credit risks. In such an action, at the time the 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 the Fund during its holding period since the resale price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Fund to invest temporarily available cash. The Fund 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 Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Fund is 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 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, the Fund could incur a loss of both principal and interest. The portfolio managers monitor the value of the collateral at the time the action is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement. The portfolio managers do 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 the Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of the Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) The Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The Fund may invest in 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 the Fund and a corporation. There is no secondary market for the notes. However, they are redeemable by the Fund at any time. The Fund's portfolio managers 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 the Fund's liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund may invest in commercial paper only if it has received the highest rating from at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, judged by the Sub-Advisor to be of comparable quality.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The Fund may invest in shares of money market funds, as consistent with its investment objective and policies. Shares of money market funds are subject to management fees and other expenses of those funds. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Fund to bear proportionately the costs incurred by the money market funds' operations. At the same time, the Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of other investment companies. It is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in money market funds.

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**High Yield Securities.** The Fund will invest in securities that are rated below investment grade at the time of purchase. The ratings of a rating agency represent its opinion as to the quality of securities it undertakes to rate. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality; consequently, securities with the same maturity, duration, coupon, and rating may have different yields. If a security owned by the Fund is subsequently downgraded, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such security. The Credit Rating Definitions as published by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (*"Standard & Poor's"*), Fitch Ratings (*"Fitch"*) and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (*"Moody's"*), are set forth in *Exhibit B* to this SAI.

**Illiquid Investments.** The Fund may invest in illiquid investments (*i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For purposes of this restriction, illiquid investments may include, but are not limited to, certain 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, and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, among others. However, the Fund will not acquire illiquid investments if, as a result, such investments would comprise more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Advisor, subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees, has the ultimate authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities laws, which investments are liquid or illiquid for purposes of this 15% limitation under the Fund's liquidity risk management program, adopted pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act.

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, the 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, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. Illiquid investments 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 investments or the depreciation of liquid investments, the Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid investments, including restricted securities which are not readily marketable, the Advisor will report such occurrence to the Board of Trustees and take such steps as are deemed advisable to protect liquidity in accordance with the Fund's liquidity risk management program.

**Investment Companies and Pooled Investment Vehicles.** The Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles, including open-end or closed-end investment companies, other ETFs and business development companies that invest primarily in securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. As a shareholder in a pooled investment vehicle, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that vehicle's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's management fees with respect to assets so invested. Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other pooled investment vehicles. In addition, the Fund will incur brokerage costs when purchasing and selling shares of ETFs. Other pooled investment vehicles may be leveraged, and the net asset value and market value of their securities will therefore be more volatile and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield of unleveraged pooled investment vehicles.

**Money Market Funds.** The Fund may invest in shares of money market funds to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

**Non-U.S. Investments.** Non-U.S. securities include securities issued or guaranteed by companies organized under the laws of countries other than the United States, securities issued or guaranteed by foreign, national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities and debt obligations of supra-national governmental entities such as the World Bank or European Union. These securities may be issued by companies domiciled in the United States, U.S. dollar-denominated depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign securities. Non-U.S. securities may also include U.S. dollar-denominated debt obligations, such as "Yankee Dollar" obligations, of foreign issuers and of supranational government entities. Yankee Dollar obligations are U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by foreign corporations, banks and governments. Foreign securities also may be traded on foreign securities exchanges or in over-the-counter (*"OTC"*) capital markets.

**Preferred Securities and Hybrid Securities.** The Fund invests in preferred securities. Certain of the preferred securities in which the Fund invests are traditional preferred securities, which issue dividends that qualify for the dividend received deduction under which "qualified" domestic corporations are able to exclude a percentage of the dividends received from their taxable income.

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Certain of the preferred securities in which the Fund invests are preferred securities that do not issue dividends that qualify for the dividends received deduction for eligible investors (*"non-DRD preferred securities"*) and debt instruments that are similar in many respects to preferred securities (such debt instruments and non-DRD preferred securities are often referred to as *"hybrid securities"*) that do not qualify for the dividends received deduction or issue qualified dividend income. Pursuant to the dividends received deduction, corporations may generally deduct 70% of the dividend income they receive. Corporate shareholders of a regulated investment company like the Fund generally are permitted to claim a deduction with respect to that portion of their distributions attributable to amounts received by the regulated investment company that qualify for the dividends received deduction. However, not all preferred securities pay dividends that are eligible for the dividends received deduction. Any corporate shareholder who otherwise would qualify for the dividends received deduction should assume that none of the distributions it receives from the Fund will qualify for the dividends received deduction.

These types of hybrid securities typically offer additional yield spread versus other types of preferred securities due to this lack of special tax treatment. Hybrid securities are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest bearing notes or preferred securities, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of (i) beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities or (ii) more senior debt securities that pay income and trade in a manner similar to preferred securities. The hybrid securities market consists of both fixed and adjustable coupon rate securities that are either perpetual in nature or have stated maturity dates. The hybrid securities market is divided into the "$25 par" and the "institutional" segments. The $25 par segment is typified by securities that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the *"NYSE"*), which trade and are quoted "flat", *i.e.*, without accrued dividend income, and which are typically callable at par value five years after their original issuance date. The institutional segment is typified by $1,000 par value securities that are not exchange-listed, which trade and are quoted on an "accrued income" basis, and which typically have a minimum of 10 years of call protection (at premium prices) from the date of their original issuance.

Hybrid securities are typically junior and fully subordinated liabilities of an issuer or the beneficiary of a guarantee that is junior and fully subordinated to the other liabilities of the guarantor. In addition, hybrid securities typically permit an issuer to defer the payment of income for eighteen months or more without triggering an event of default. Generally, the deferral period is five years or more. Because of their subordinated position in the capital structure of an issuer, the ability to defer payments for extended periods of time without adverse consequence to the issuer, and certain other features (such as restrictions on common dividend payments by the issuer or ultimate guarantor when cumulative payments on the non-DRD preferred securities have not been made), these hybrid securities are often treated as close substitutes for traditional preferred securities, both by issuers and investors. Hybrid securities have many of the key characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuer's capital structure and because their quality and value are heavily dependent on the profitability of the issuer rather than on any legal claims to specific assets or cash flows.

Hybrid securities include but are not limited to: trust originated preferred securities, monthly income preferred securities, quarterly income bond securities, quarterly income debt securities, quarterly income preferred securities, corporate trust securities, public income notes, and other trust preferred securities.

Hybrid securities are typically issued with a final maturity date, although some are perpetual in nature. In certain instances, a final maturity date may be extended and/or the final payment of principal may be deferred at the issuer's option for a specified time without any adverse consequence to the issuer. No redemption can typically take place unless all cumulative payment obligations have been met, although issuers may be able to engage in open-market repurchases without regard to any cumulative dividends payable. A portion of the portfolio may include investments in non-cumulative preferred securities, whereby the issuer does not have an obligation to make up any arrearages to its shareholders. Should an issuer default on its obligations under such a security, the amount of dividends the Fund pays may be adversely affected.

Many hybrid securities are issued by a trust or other special purpose entities established by operating companies, and are not a direct obligation of an operating company. At the time a trust or special purpose entity sells its preferred securities to investors, the trust or special purpose entity purchases debt of the operating company (with terms comparable to those of the trust or special purpose entity securities), which enables the operating company to deduct for tax purposes the interest paid on the debt held by the trust or special purpose entity. The trust or special purpose entity is generally required to be treated as transparent for federal income tax purposes such that the holders of the non-DRD preferred securities are treated as owning beneficial interests in the underlying debt of the operating company. Accordingly, payments of the non-DRD preferred securities are treated as interest rather than dividends for federal income tax purposes and, as such, are not eligible for the dividends received deduction. The trust or special purpose entity in turn would be a holder of the operating company's debt and would have priority with respect to the operating company's earnings and profits over the operating company's common

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shareholders, but would typically be subordinated to other classes of the operating company's debt. Typically a non-DRD preferred share has a rating that is slightly below that of its corresponding operating company's senior debt securities.

**Real Estate Investment Trusts.** The Fund may invest in shares of beneficial interest of real estate investment trusts (*"REITs"*). REITs are typically publicly traded corporations or trusts that invest in residential or commercial real estate. REITs generally can be divided into the following three types: (i) equity REITs which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains or real estate appreciation; (ii) mortgage REITs which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgage loans and derive their income primarily from interest payments; and (iii) hybrid REITs which combine the characteristics of equity REITs and mortgage REITs.

**Restricted Securities.** The Fund may invest in restricted securities, which are securities that may not be sold without an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act. 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, the 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, the 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, the 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 Advisor will report such occurrence to the Board of Trustees and take such steps as are deemed advisable to protect liquidity in accordance with the Fund's liquidity risk management program.

With respect to securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A of the 1933 Act, which is discussed in more detail in the prospectus, First Trust considers 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, 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.

**U.S. Government Securities.** U.S. government securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities which have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

**Warrants.** The Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants acquired by the 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. The 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.

**Hedging Strategies**

***General Description of Hedging Strategies***

The Fund may engage in hedging activities or other investment in derivative instruments, as described above. The Fund may utilize a variety of financial instruments, including exchange-listed futures contracts, exchange-listed options, exchange-listed options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, non-deliverable forward currency contracts and exchange-listed currency options to attempt to hedge the Fund's holdings. The use of futures is not part of a principal investment strategy of the Fund.

Hedging or derivative instruments on securities generally are used to hedge against price movements in one or more particular securities positions that the 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 market sectors in which the 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

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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, the Fund's ability to use hedging instruments may be limited by tax considerations.

***General Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions***

The Fund limits its direct investments in futures, options on futures and swaps to the extent necessary for the Advisor to claim the exclusion from regulation as a "commodity pool operator" with respect to the Fund under CFTC Rule 4.5, as such rule may be amended from time to time. Under Rule 4.5 as currently in effect, the Fund limits its trading activity in futures, options on futures and swaps (excluding activity for "bona fide hedging purposes," as defined by the CFTC) such that it meets one of the following tests: (i) aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish its futures, options on futures and swap positions do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions; or (ii) aggregate net notional value of the Fund's futures, options on futures and swap positions does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions.

First Trust has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with respect to the Fund with the National Futures Association, the futures industry's self-regulatory organization. If First Trust were no longer able to claim the exclusion, First Trust would be required to register as a "commodity pool operator," and the Fund and First Trust would be subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act (the *"CEA"*).

The foregoing limitations are non-fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval as regulatory agencies permit.

***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 the Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with 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 Fund.

***Futures Contracts***

The Fund may enter into futures contracts. The Fund's hedging activities 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 Fund 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. 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 the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction

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with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contracts.

Margin is the amount of funds that must be deposited by the Fund with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures commission merchant in order to initiate futures trading and to maintain the Fund's open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to ensure the Fund's performance of the futures contracts.

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 the Fund. In computing daily net asset value, the Fund will mark to market the current value of its open futures contracts. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its 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, the 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 the Fund seeks to close out a futures position. The Fund would continue to be required to meet margin requirements until the position is closed, possibly resulting in a decline in the Fund's net asset value. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.

***Options on Futures***

The Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund uses 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 the 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, the Fund

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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, the 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 the 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 the Fund intends to acquire.

As with investments in futures contracts, the Fund is required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it. 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 the Fund. The 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 Fund may close out its position as a writer of an option only if a liquid secondary market exists for such options, which cannot be assured. The 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.

***Swap Agreements***

A swap is a financial instrument that typically involves the exchange of cash flows between two parties on specified dates (settlement dates), where the cash flows are based on agreed-upon prices, rates, indices, etc. The nominal amount on which the cash flows are calculated is called the notional amount. Swaps are individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors, such as interest rates, non-U.S. currency rates, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, security prices, indexes or inflation rates.

Swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the investments of the Fund and its share price. The performance of swap agreements may be affected by a change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty's creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses.

Generally, swap agreements have a fixed maturity date that will be agreed upon by the parties. The agreement can be terminated before the maturity date only under limited circumstances, such as default by one of the parties or insolvency, among others, and can be transferred by a party only with the prior written consent of the other party. The Fund may be able to eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or by other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or a similarly creditworthy party. If the counterparty is unable to meet its obligations under the contract, declares bankruptcy, defaults or becomes insolvent, the Fund may not be able to recover the money it expected to receive under the contract.

A swap agreement can be a form of leverage, which can magnify the Fund's gains or losses. In order to reduce the risk associated with leveraging, the Fund may cover its current obligations under swap agreements according to guidelines established by the SEC. If the Fund enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will earmark assets with a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the Fund's accrued obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the Fund is entitled to receive under the agreement. If the Fund enters into a swap agreement on other than a net basis, it will earmark assets with a value equal to the full amount of the Fund's accrued obligations under the agreement.

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**Equity Swaps.** In a typical equity swap, one party agrees to pay another party the return on a stock, stock index or basket of stocks in return for a specified interest rate. By entering into an equity index swap, for example, the index receiver can gain exposure to stocks making up the index of securities without actually purchasing those stocks. Equity index swaps involve not only the risk associated with investment in the securities represented in the index, but also the risk that the performance of such securities, including dividends, will not exceed the return on the interest rate that the Fund will be committed to pay.

**Interest Rate Swaps.** Interest rate swaps are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified dates in the future. Some of the different types of interest rate swaps are "fixed-for floating rate swaps," "termed basis swaps" and "index amortizing swaps." Fixed-for floating rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed interest rate cash flows for floating rate cash flows. Termed basis swaps entail cash flows to both parties based on floating interest rates, where the interest rate indices are different. Index amortizing swaps are typically fixed-for floating swaps where the notional amount changes if certain conditions are met. Like a traditional investment in a debt security, the Fund could lose money by investing in an interest rate swap if interest rates change adversely. For example, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate of interest, the Fund may have to pay more money than it receives. Similarly, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a fixed rate of interest for a floating rate of interest, the Fund may receive less money than it has agreed to pay.

**Currency Swaps.** A currency swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party agrees to make interest rate payments in one currency and the other promises to make interest rate payments in another currency. The Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has one currency and desires a different currency. Typically the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. Changes in non-U.S. exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above, may negatively affect currency swaps.

**Credit Default Swaps.** A credit default swap is similar to an insurance contract in that it provides the buyer with protection against specific risks. Most often, corporate bond investors buy credit default swaps for protection against a default by the issuer of the corporate bond, but these flexible instruments can be used in many ways to customize exposure to corporate credit. Credit default swap agreements can mitigate risks in bond investing by transferring a given risk from one party to another without transferring the underlying bond or other credit asset. In a credit default swap agreement, one party "sells" risk and the counterparty "buys" that risk. The "seller" of credit risk, who also tends to own the underlying credit asset, pays a periodic fee to the risk "buyer." In return, the risk "buyer" agrees to pay the "seller" a set amount if there is a default, or a credit event.

The Fund's use of credit default swap agreements exposes the Fund to additional risks, including but not limited to, the credit and liquidity risk of a counterparty. If the credit quality of any such counterparty deteriorates, such counterparty may default on its obligations to make payments under the swap agreement. The Fund may also be exposed to liquidity risk because the market for credit default swaps are relatively illiquid and the Fund will generally not be permitted to terminate or assign its credit default swaps without the consent of the related counterparty and accordingly may not be able to terminate or assign such credit default swaps in a timely fashion and for a fair price, potentially restricting its ability to take advantage of market opportunities.

**Portfolio Turnover**

The Fund buys and sells portfolio securities in the normal course of its investment activities. The proportion of the Fund's investment portfolio that is bought and sold during a year is known as the Fund's portfolio turnover rate. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur, for example, if all of the portfolio securities (other than short-term securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in the payment by the Fund of increased brokerage costs, expenses and taxes. The portfolio turnover rates for the specified periods are set forth in the table below. Significant variations in portfolio turnover from year-to-year are generally the result of fluctuations in the size of the Fund or changes to the Fund's portfolio holdings.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Turnover Rate**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Portfolio Turnover Rate**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** |
| 35% | 27% |

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**Lending of Portfolio Securities**

In order to generate additional income, as a non-principal investment strategy, First Trust is authorized to select the First Trust Funds, including the Fund, with notice to the Board of Trustees, to lend portfolio securities representing up to 33⅓% of the value of its total assets to broker-dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers of securities. As with other extensions of credit, there may be risks of delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, such First Trust Funds will only enter into loan arrangements with broker-dealers, banks or other institutions which First Trust has determined are creditworthy under guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees. The First Trust Funds will pay a portion of the income earned on the lending transaction to the placing broker and may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with these loans. First Trust may select the First Trust Fund to participate in the securities lending program, at its discretion with notice to the Board of Trustees.

In these loan arrangements, the First Trust Funds will receive collateral in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-grade debt obligations in an amount at least equal to the value of the borrowed securities, marked to market daily. This collateral must be valued daily by First Trust or the First Trust Fund's lending agent and, if the market value of the loaned securities increases, the borrower must furnish additional collateral to the First Trust Fund. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays the First Trust Fund any dividends or interest paid on the securities. Loans are subject to termination at any time by the First Trust Fund or the borrower. While a First Trust Fund does not have the right to vote securities on loan, it would terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if that were considered important with respect to the investment. When a First Trust Fund lends portfolio securities to a borrower, payments in lieu of dividends made by the borrower to the First Trust Fund will not constitute "qualified dividends" taxable at the same rate as long-term capital gains, even if the actual dividends would have constituted qualified dividends had the First Trust Fund held the securities. Please see "Securities Lending Risk" below for a description of the risks associated with securities lending activities.

**Investment Risks**

The following risk disclosure supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment risks that appears in the Prospectus.

***Overview***

An investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding of the risks that an investment in the Fund's shares entails, including the risk that the financial condition of the issuers of the securities held by the Fund or the general condition of the securities market may worsen and the value of the securities and therefore the value of the Fund may decline. The Fund may not be an appropriate investment for those who are unable or unwilling to assume the risks involved generally with such an investment. The past market and earnings performance of any of the securities included in the Fund is not predictive of their future performance.

***Additional Market Disruption Risk*** 

In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. In response, various countries, including the United States, issued broad-ranging sanctions on Russia and certain Russian companies and individuals. The hostilities between the two countries may escalate and any existing or future sanctions could have a severe adverse effect on Russia's economy, currency, companies and region as well as negatively impact other regional and global economic markets of the world (including Europe and the United States), companies in such countries and various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas. Accordingly, the hostilities and sanctions may have a negative effect on the Fund's investments and performance beyond any direct exposure to Russian issuers or those of adjoining geographic regions. Russia may also take retaliatory actions or countermeasures, such as cyberattacks and espionage, which may negatively impact the countries and companies in which the Fund may invest. The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities; the extent and impact of existing and any future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility; and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant negative impact on certain of the Fund's investments as well as the Fund's performance, and the value or liquidity of certain securities held by the Fund may decline significantly.

***Convertible Securities Risk***

Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. The market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. However, a convertible security's market value tends to reflect the market price of the common stock of the issuing company when that stock price approaches or is greater than the convertible security's "conversion price." The conversion

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price is defined as the predetermined price at which the convertible security could be exchanged for the associated stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the price of the convertible security tends to be influenced more by the yield of the convertible security. Thus, it may not decline in price to the same extent as the underlying common stock but is subject to market risk nonetheless.

In addition, convertible securities that may not be converted unless certain conditions are met may be subject to increased volatility and trade at a slight discount to similar convertible securities that do not require such conditions to be met prior to conversion.

In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible debt securities which are subordinate in right of payment to the issuer's other debt obligations would be paid before the company's common stockholders but after holders of any senior debt obligations of the company. Consequently, the issuer's convertible securities generally entail less risk than its common stock but more risk than its debt obligations. Convertible preferred securities are also generally subordinated to debt instruments and non-convertible series of preferred securities in a company's capital structure in terms of having priority to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore convertible preferred securities may be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt and preferred instruments. Convertible securities are often rated below investment grade or not rated because they fall below debt obligations and just above common equity in order of preference or priority on the issuer's balance sheet. Below investment grade securities are commonly referred to as "junk" or "high yield" securities and are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

***Currency Exchange Rate Risk***

Investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies and investments in securities or derivatives that provide exposure to such currencies, currency exchange rates or interest rates are subject to non-U.S. currency risk. Changes in currency exchange rates and the relative value of non-U.S. currencies will affect the value of the Fund's investment and the value of your Fund shares. Because each Fund's net asset value is determined on the basis of U.S. dollars, the U.S. dollar value of your investment in the Fund may go down if the value of the local currency of the non-U.S. markets in which the Fund invests depreciates against the U.S. dollar. This is true even if the local currency value of securities in the Fund's holdings goes up. Conversely, the U.S. dollar value of your investment in the Fund may go up if the value of the local currency appreciates against the U.S. dollar.

The value of the U.S. dollar against other currencies is influenced by a variety of factors. These factors include national debt levels and trade deficits; changes in balances of payments and trade, domestic and foreign interest and inflation rates; global or regional political, economic or financial events; monetary policies of governments; actual or potential government intervention; and global energy prices. Political instability, the possibility of government intervention and restrictive or opaque business and investment policies may also reduce the value of a country's currency. Government monetary policies and the buying or selling of currency by a country's government may also influence exchange rates.

Currencies of emerging or developing market countries may be subject to significantly greater risks than currencies of developed countries. Many developing market countries have experienced steady declines or even sudden devaluations of their currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. Some non-U.S. market currencies may not be traded internationally, may be subject to strict limitations on foreign investment and may be subject to frequent and unannounced government intervention. Government intervention and currency controls can decrease the value and significantly increase the volatility of an investment in non-U.S. currency. Although the currencies of some developing market countries may be convertible into U.S. dollars, the achievable rates may differ from those experienced by domestic investors because of foreign investment restrictions, withholding taxes, lack of liquidity or other reasons.

***Debt Securities Risk***

In addition to the risks described elsewhere in the Prospectus and this SAI, debt securities are subject to certain other risks, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***Issuer Risk***. The value of debt securities may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods and services. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in that issuer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***Interest Rate Risk***. Interest rate risk is the risk that debt securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of fixed rate securities generally will fall. Currently, interest rates are at or near historical lows and, as a result, they are likely to rise over time. Market value generally

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falls further for fixed rate securities with longer duration. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected prepayments. This may lock in a below-market yield, increase the security's duration and further reduce the value of the security. Investments in debt securities with long-term maturities may experience significant price declines if long-term interest rates increase. Fluctuations in the value of portfolio securities will not affect interest income on existing portfolio securities but will be reflected in the Fund's net asset value. Since the magnitude of these fluctuations will generally be greater at times when the Fund's average maturity is longer, under certain market conditions the Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, accept lower current income from short-term investments rather than investing in higher yielding long-term securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***Liquidity Risk***. Certain debt securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks traded on an exchange. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Fund or at prices approximating the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities on its books.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***Prepayment Risk***. During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a security may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest the proceeds from such prepayment in lower yielding securities, which may result in a decline in the Fund's income and distributions to common shareholders of the Fund. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Debt securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to redeem the security prior to its stated maturity. An issuer may redeem an obligation if the issuer can refinance the debt at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit standing of the issuer. If the Fund bought a security at a premium, the premium could be lost in the event of a prepayment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ***Reinvestment Risk***. Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund's portfolio will decline if the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called bonds at market interest rates that are below the Fund portfolio's current earnings rate. A decline in income could affect the market price of the Fund's common shares or the overall return of the Fund.

***Depositary Receipts Risk***

The Fund may hold securities of certain non-U.S. companies in the form of depositary receipts (*"Depositary Receipts"*). Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. American Depositary Receipts (*"ADRs"*) are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation, while Global Depositary Receipts (*"GDRs"*) are receipts issued throughout the world that evidence a similar arrangement. ADRs and GDRs may trade in foreign currencies that differ from the currency the underlying security for each ADR or GDR principally trades in. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets. GDRs, in registered form, are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. The Fund may hold unsponsored Depositary Receipts. The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States; therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts.

***Derivatives Risk***

The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying asset, index or rate, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. In addition, when the Fund invests in certain derivative securities, including, but not limited to, when-issued securities, forward commitments, futures contracts and interest rate swaps, the Fund is effectively leveraging its investments, which could result in exaggerated changes in the net asset value of the Fund's shares and can result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested. The success of the Advisor's and Sub-Advisor's derivatives strategies will depend on its ability to assess and predict the impact of market or economic developments on the underlying asset, index or rate and the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. Liquidity risk exists when a security cannot be purchased or sold at the time desired, or cannot be purchased or sold without adversely affecting the price. Certain specific risks associated with an investment in derivatives may include: market risk, credit risk, correlation risk, liquidity risk, legal risk and systemic or "interconnection" risk, as specified below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 Fund to losses. Derivative instruments may include elements

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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 managers' 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 managers' judgment that the derivative transaction will provide value to the Fund and its shareholders and is consistent with the Fund's objective, investment limitations and operating policies. In making such a judgment, the portfolio managers will analyze the benefits and risks of the derivative transactions and weigh them in the context of the Fund's overall investments and investment objective.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 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 Fund 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 Fund. The Fund will enter into transactions in derivative instruments only with counterparties that First Trust reasonably believes are capable of performing under the contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 Fund might be required to maintain segregated accounts and/or make margin payments when taking positions in derivative instruments involving obligations to third parties (*i.e.*, instruments other than purchase options). If the 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 the 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. The 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 the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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

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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.

***Hybrid Capital Securities Risk***

Although it may be considered an equity security within an issuer's capital structure, a hybrid capital security may exhibit characteristics to a debt security, convertible security or other evidence of indebtedness on which the value of the interest, or principal of which, is determined by reference to changes in the value of a reference instrument or financial strength of a reference entity (*e.g.*, a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency or interest rate). Hybrid capital securities may be functionally equivalent to preferred stock and are issued and trade in a manner similar to traditional perpetual preferred stock. Such hybrid capital securities may have a lower par amount, may allow the issuer to defer interest or dividend payments and may be equal to preferred shares or the lowest level of subordinated debt in terms of claims to an issuer's assets in the event of liquidation. Also, the price of a hybrid capital security and any applicable reference instrument may not move in the same direction or at the same time.

An investment in a hybrid capital security may entail significant risks not associated with a similar investment in a traditional equity security or preferred stock. The risks of a particular hybrid capital security will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the possibility of significant changes in the value of any applicable reference instrument. Such risks may depend upon factors unrelated to the operations or credit quality of the issuer of the hybrid capital security. Hybrid capital securities potentially are more volatile and carry greater market and liquidity risks than traditional equity securities. Holders of hybrid preferred securities may have limited voting rights to control the activities of the issuer. The purchase of hybrid preferred securities also may expose a Fund to the credit risk of their issuer, and, depending on the level of the Fund's investment in such hybrid securities, these risks may cause significant fluctuations in the Fund's NAV. Hybrid securities also may carry liquidity risk, since the instruments are often "customized" to meet the needs of an issuer or a particular investor, and therefore the number of investors that are willing and able to buy such instruments in the secondary market may be small.

***Leverage Risk***

Leverage risk is the risk that the Fund may be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged due to leverage's tendency to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's portfolio. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation requirements.

***Listing Standards Risk*** 

The Fund is required to comply with listing requirements adopted by the Exchange. Non-compliance with such requirements may result in the Fund's shares being delisted by the Exchange. Any resulting liquidation of the Fund could cause the Fund to incur elevated transaction costs and could result in negative tax consequences for its shareholders.

***Liquidity Risk***

Whether or not the equity securities held by the Fund are listed on a securities exchange, the principal trading market for certain of the equity securities in the Fund may be in the OTC 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 by the Fund will be adversely affected if trading markets for the equity securities are limited or absent.

***Market Risk*** 

Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. Such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. Such events could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of a Fund's shares and result in increased market

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volatility. During any such events, the Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on the Fund's shares may widen.

Health crises caused by the outbreak of infectious diseases or other public health issues, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, economic, market and financial risks. The impact of any such events, could negatively affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual countries or regions, the financial performance of individual companies, sectors and industries, and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests and negatively impact the Fund's investment return. For example, an outbreak of a respiratory disease designated as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. The ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may be short term or may last for an extended period of time, and in either case could result in a substantial economic downturn or recession.

In addition, the operations of the Fund, the Advisor and the Fund's other service providers may be significantly impacted, or even temporarily or permanently halted, as a result of government quarantine measures, voluntary and precautionary restrictions on travel or meetings and other factors related to a public health emergency, including its potential adverse impact on the health of any such entity's personnel.

***Non-U.S. Securities Risk***

An investment in non-U.S. securities involves risks in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments, including currency risk. The value of a non-U.S. security in U.S. dollars tends to decrease when the value of the U.S. dollar rises against the non-U.S. currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the U.S. dollar falls against such currency. Non-U.S. securities are affected by the fact that in many countries there is less publicly available information about issuers than is available in the reports and ratings published about companies in the United States and companies may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. Other risks inherent in non-U.S. investments may include expropriation; confiscatory taxation; withholding taxes on dividends and interest; less extensive regulation of non-U.S. brokers, securities markets and issuers; diplomatic developments; and political or social instability. Non-U.S. economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in various respects, and many non-U.S. securities are less liquid and their prices tend to be more volatile than comparable U.S. securities. From time to time, non-U.S. securities may be difficult to liquidate rapidly without adverse price effects.

***Passive Foreign Investment Companies Risk***

The Fund may invest in companies that are considered to be "passive foreign investment companies" (*"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. Therefore, 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 distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner. The Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes.

***Preferred Securities and Trust Preferred Securities Risk***

There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities, including risks related to deferral, noncumulative dividends, subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights and special redemption rights. Trust preferred securities are limited-life preferred securities typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes or preferred securities issued by an affiliated business trust of a corporation whose only assets are generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. Dividend payments on the trust preferred securities generally coincide with interest payments on the underlying obligations. Trust preferred securities generally have a yield advantage over traditional preferred securities, but unlike preferred securities, distributions are treated as interest rather than dividends for federal income tax purposes and therefore, are not eligible for the dividends received deduction and do not constitute qualified dividend income. Trust preferred securities prices fluctuate for several reasons including changes in investors' perception of the financial condition of an issuer or the general economic condition of the market for trust preferred securities, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. Trust preferred securities are also sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase in a rising interest rate environment and the risk that a trust preferred security may be called for redemption in a falling interest rate environment. Certain of the other risks unique to trust preferred securities include:

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(i) distributions on trust preferred securities will be made only if interest payments on the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures are made; (ii) a corporation issuing the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures may defer interest payments on these instruments for up to 20 consecutive quarters and if such election is made, distributions will not be made on the trust preferred securities during the deferral period; (iii) certain tax or regulatory events may trigger the redemption of the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures by the issuing corporation and result in prepayment of the trust preferred securities prior to their stated maturity date; (iv) future legislation may be proposed or enacted that may prohibit the corporation from deducting its interest payments on the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures for tax purposes, making redemption of these instruments likely; (v) a corporation may redeem the interest bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures in whole at any time or in part from time to time on or after a stated call date; (vi) trust preferred securities holders have very limited voting rights; and (vii) payment of interest on the interest-bearing notes, preferred securities or subordinated debentures, and therefore distributions on the trust preferred securities, is dependent on the financial condition of the issuing corporation.

***Real Estate Investment Trust Risk***

REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors' capital to purchase or finance real estate. REITs may concentrate their investments in specific geographic areas or in specific property types, *e.g.*, hotels, shopping malls, residential complexes and office buildings. The market value of REIT shares and the ability of the REITs to distribute income may be adversely affected by several factors, including rising interest rates; changes in the national, state and local economic climate and real estate conditions; perceptions of prospective tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the properties; the ability of the owners to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance; the cost of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act; increased competition from new properties; the impact of present or future environmental legislation and compliance with environmental laws; changes in real estate taxes and other operating expenses; adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies; adverse changes in zoning laws; and other factors beyond the control of the issuers of the REITs. In addition, distributions received by the Fund from REITs may consist of dividends, capital gains and/or return of capital. Many of these distributions however will not generally qualify for favorable treatment as qualified dividend income.

***Securities Lending Risk*** 

Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including counterparty risk, collateral risk and operational risk. Counterparty risk is the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, a First Trust Fund engaged in securities lending transactions may suffer a loss and there may be a delay in recovering the lent securities. Any delay in the return of securities on loan may restrict the ability of the Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Collateral risk is the risk that the collateral received may be realized at a value lower than the value of the securities lent, whether due to inaccurate pricing of the collateral, adverse market movements in the value of the collateral, intra-day increases in the value of the securities lent, a deterioration in the credit rating of the collateral issuer, or the illiquidity of the market in which the collateral is traded. Securities lending also entails operational risks, such as settlement failures or delays in the settlement of instructions. Such failures or delays may restrict the ability of the Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Lastly, securities lending activities may result in adverse tax consequences for the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, substitute payments for dividends received by the Fund for securities loaned out by the Fund will not be considered qualified dividend income. The Fund could lose money if its short-term investment of the collateral declines in value over the period of the loan.

***Warrants and Rights Risk***

Warrants and rights are subject to the same market risks as common stocks, but are more volatile in price. Warrants and rights do not carry the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to their underlying securities, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. An investment in warrants or rights may be considered speculative. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying security and a warrant or right ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. The purchase of warrants or rights involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant or right if the right to subscribe for additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrants' or rights' expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants and rights involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant or right added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security's market price such as when there is no movement in the price of the underlying security.

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**Management of the Fund**

**Trustees and Officers**

The general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement and sub-advisory agreement is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. There are six Trustees of the Trust, one of whom is an "interested person" (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act) and five of whom are Trustees who are not officers or employees of First Trust or any of its affiliates (*"Independent Trustees"*). The Trustees set broad policies for the Fund, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Trust's investment advisor and Sub-Advisor. The officers of the Trust manage its day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board of Trustees. The following is a list of the Trustees and executive 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 have held during the past five years, if applicable. Each Trustee has been elected for an indefinite term. The officers of the Trust serve indefinite terms. Each Trustee, except for James A. Bowen, is an Independent Trustee. Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (*"Interested Trustee"*) of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor to the Fund. The following table identifies the Trustees and Officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all persons below is c/o First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, IL 60187.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| **Position**<br> **and Offices**<br> **with Trust**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Year First**<br> **Elected or**<br> **Appointed**<br>| **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in the First**<br> **Trust Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee**<br>| **Other**<br> **Trusteeships or**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by**<br> **Trustee**<br> **During the**<br> **Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** |
| James A. Bowen <sup>(1)</sup> <br>1955<br>| Chairman of the <br> Board and Trustee<br>| •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Chief Executive Officer, First Trust <br> Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios <br> L.P.; Chairman of the Board of Directors, <br> BondWave LLC (Software Development <br> Company) and Stonebridge Advisors LLC <br> (Investment Advisor)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| Richard E. Erickson<br> 1951<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Physician, Edward-Elmhurst Medical <br> Group; Physician and Officer, Wheaton <br> Orthopedics (1990 to 2021)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| Thomas R. Kadlec<br> 1957<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Retired; President, ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc. (Futures Commission <br> Merchant) (2010 to July 2022)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director, National <br> Futures <br> Association; <br> formerly, Director <br> of ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc., <br> ADM Investor <br> Services <br> International, <br> ADMIS Hong Kong <br> Ltd., ADMIS <br> Singapore Ltd. and <br> Futures Industry <br> Association <br>|

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| **Position**<br> **and Offices**<br> **with Trust**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Year First**<br> **Elected or**<br> **Appointed**<br>| **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in the First**<br> **Trust Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee**<br>| **Other**<br> **Trusteeships or**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by**<br> **Trustee**<br> **During the**<br> **Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| Denise M. Keefe<br> 1964<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since 2021<br>| Executive Vice President, Advocate <br> Aurora Health and President, Advocate <br> Aurora Continuing Health Division <br> (Integrated Healthcare System)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director and Board <br> Chair of Advocate <br> Home Health <br> Services, Advocate <br> Home Care <br> Products and <br> Advocate Hospice; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of Aurora At <br> Home (since <br> 2018); Director of <br> Advocate <br> Physician Partners <br> Accountable Care <br> Organization; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of RML Long <br> Term Acute Care <br> Hospitals; and <br> Director of Senior <br> Helpers (since <br> 2021)<br>|
| Robert F. Keith<br> 1956<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| President, Hibs Enterprises (Financial and <br> Management Consulting)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Formerly, Director <br> of Trust Company <br> of Illinois<br>|
| Niel B. Nielson<br> 1954<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Senior Advisor (2018 to present), <br> Managing Director and Chief Operating <br> Officer (2015 to 2018), Pelita Harapan <br> Educational Foundation (Educational <br> Products and Services)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position and**<br> **Offices with Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of Office and**<br> **Length of Service**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** |
| James M. Dykas<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President and Chief <br> Executive Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, First <br> Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P.; <br> Chief Financial Officer, BondWave LLC (Software <br> Development Company) and Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC (Investment Advisor)<br>|
| W. Scott Jardine<br> 1960<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Secretary and Chief Legal <br> Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.; Secretary and General Counsel, <br> BondWave LLC; and Secretary, Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC<br>|
| Daniel J. Lindquist<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Kristi A. Maher<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Compliance Officer <br> and Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Chief Compliance <br> Officer since January <br> 2011<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Assistant Secretary <br> since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Deputy General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. <br> and First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Donald P. Swade<br> 1972<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Treasurer, Chief Financial <br> Officer and Chief <br> Accounting Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Roger F. Testin<br> 1966<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Stan Ueland<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|

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(1) Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor of the Fund.

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**Unitary Board Leadership Structure**

Each Trustee serves as a trustee of all open-end and closed-end funds in the First Trust Fund Complex (as defined below), which is known as a "unitary" board leadership structure. Each Trustee currently serves as a trustee of First Trust Series Fund and First Trust Variable Insurance Trust, open-end funds with nine portfolios advised by First Trust; First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II, Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund, First Trust Energy Income and Growth Fund, First Trust Enhanced Equity Income Fund, First Trust/Aberdeen Global Opportunity Income Fund, First Trust Mortgage Income Fund, First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund, First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund, First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund, First Trust MLP and Energy Income Fund, First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund, First Trust Dynamic Europe Equity Income Fund, First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund and First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund, closed-end funds advised by First Trust; and First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund V, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VII, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund and First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund II, exchange-traded funds with 201 portfolios advised by First Trust (each a *"First Trust Fund"* and collectively, the *"First Trust Fund Complex"*). None of the Independent Trustees 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. or their affiliates.

The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Advisor, and the sub-advisory agreement among the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trustees set broad policies for the Fund, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Fund's investment advisor, sub-advisors and other service providers. The officers of the Trust manage the day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board. The Board is composed of five Independent Trustees and one Interested Trustee. The Interested Trustee, James A. Bowen, serves as the Chairman of the Board for each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex.

The same six persons serve as Trustees on the Board and on the Boards of all other First Trust Funds. The unitary board structure was adopted for the First Trust Funds because of the efficiencies it achieves with respect to the governance and oversight of the First Trust Funds. Each First Trust Fund is subject to the rules and regulations of the 1940 Act (and other applicable securities laws), which means that many of the First Trust Funds face similar issues with respect to certain of their fundamental activities, including risk management, portfolio liquidity, portfolio valuation and financial reporting. Because of the similar and often overlapping issues facing the First Trust Funds, including among the First Trust exchange-traded funds, the Board of the First Trust Funds believes that maintaining a unitary board structure promotes efficiency and consistency in the governance and oversight of all First Trust Funds and reduces the costs, administrative burdens and possible conflicts that may result from having multiple boards. In adopting a unitary board structure, the Trustees seek to provide effective governance through establishing a board the overall composition of which will, as a body, possess the appropriate skills, diversity, independence and experience to oversee the Fund's business.

Annually, the Board reviews its governance structure and the committee structures, their performance and functions, and it reviews any processes that would enhance Board governance over the Fund's business. The Board has determined that its leadership structure, including the unitary board and committee structure, is appropriate based on the characteristics of the funds it serves and the characteristics of the First Trust Fund Complex as a whole.

In order to streamline communication between the Advisor and the Independent Trustees and create certain efficiencies, the Board has a Lead Independent Trustee who is responsible for: (i) coordinating activities of the Independent Trustees; (ii) working with the Advisor, Fund counsel and the independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees to determine the agenda for Board meetings; (iii) serving as the principal contact for and facilitating communication between the Independent Trustees and the Fund's service providers, particularly the Advisor; and (iv) any other duties that the Independent Trustees may delegate to the Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee is selected by the Independent Trustees and serves a three-year term or until his or her successor is selected.

The Board has established five standing committees (as described below) and has delegated certain of its responsibilities to those committees. The Board and its committees meet frequently throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, review contractual arrangements with and performance of service providers, oversee compliance with regulatory requirements and review Fund performance. The Independent Trustees are represented by independent legal counsel at all Board and committee meetings (other than meetings of the Dividend Committee). Generally, the Board acts by majority vote of all the Trustees, including a majority vote of the Independent Trustees if required by applicable law.

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The four Committee Chairs and the Lead Independent Trustee rotate every three years in serving as Chair of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee or the Dividend Committee, or as Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee and immediately preceding Lead Independent Trustee also serve on the Executive Committee with the Interested Trustee.

The five standing committees of the First Trust Fund Complex are: the Executive Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Dividend 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 of Trust and By Laws. Mr. Nielson, Mr. Bowen and Mr. Keith are members of the Executive Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Executive Committee did not hold any meetings.

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for appointing and nominating non-interested persons to the Board of Trustees. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe 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. The Board of Trustees adopted a mandatory retirement age of 75 for Trustees, beyond which age Trustees are ineligible to serve. The Committee will not consider new trustee candidates who are 72 years of age or older or will turn 72 years old during the initial term. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees occurs or is anticipated to occur 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 Fund. To submit a recommendation for nomination as a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, shareholders of the Fund should mail such recommendation to W. Scott Jardine, Secretary, at the Trust's address, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. Such recommendation shall include the following information: (i) evidence of Fund ownership of the person or entity recommending the candidate (if a Fund shareholder); (ii) a full description of the proposed candidate's background, including education, experience, current employment and date of birth; (iii) names and addresses of at least three professional references for the candidate; (iv) information as to whether the candidate is an "interested person" in relation to the Fund, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, and such other information that may be considered to impair the candidate's independence; and (v) any other information that may be helpful to the 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 Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and to counsel to the Independent Trustees. During the last fiscal year, the Nominating and Governance Committee held four meetings.

The Valuation Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Advisor as the "Valuation Designee" under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act and its implementation of the valuation of the securities held in the Fund's portfolio. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe are members of the Valuation Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Valuation Committee held four meetings.

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund's accounting and financial reporting process, the system of internal controls and audit process and for evaluating and appointing independent auditors (subject also to Board approval). Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe serve on the Audit Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Audit Committee held seven meetings.

The Dividend Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in, or assuming the authority and power of the Board with respect to, the declaration and setting of the Fund's dividends. Messrs. Erickson and Nielson serve on the Dividend Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Dividend Committee did not hold any meetings.

**Executive Officers**

The executive officers of the Trust hold the same positions with each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex (representing 224 portfolios) as they hold with the Trust, except Messrs. Russo and Ueland who are executive officers of only the ETFs advised by First Trust and Mr. Testin who is an executive officer of only the ETFs and open-end funds advised by First Trust.

**Risk Oversight**

As part of the general oversight of the Fund, the Board is involved in the risk oversight of the Fund. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address the Fund's risks. Oversight of investment and compliance risk is performed primarily at the Board level in conjunction with the Advisor's investment oversight group and the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (*"CCO"*). Oversight of other risks also occurs at the committee level. The Advisor's investment

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oversight group reports to the Board at quarterly meetings regarding, among other things, Fund performance and the various drivers of such performance as well as information related to the Sub-Advisor and its operations and processes. The Board reviews reports on the Fund's and the service providers' compliance policies and procedures at each quarterly Board meeting and receives an annual report from the CCO regarding the operations of the Fund's and the service providers' compliance programs. In addition, the Independent Trustees meet privately each quarter with the CCO. The Audit Committee reviews, with the Advisor and the Fund's independent auditors, the Fund's major financial risk exposures and the steps the Advisor has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including the Fund's risk assessment and risk management policies and guidelines. The Audit Committee also, as appropriate, reviews in a general manner the processes other Board committees have in place with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The Nominating and Governance Committee monitors all matters related to the corporate governance of the Trust. The Valuation Committee monitors valuation risk and oversees the Advisor's performance as Valuation Designee.

Not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified nor can controls be developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. It may not be practical or cost effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, the processes and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness, and some risks are simply beyond the reasonable control of the Fund or the Advisor or other service providers. For instance, as the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent, the Fund and its service providers have become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cyber security (generally, intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund or a service provider to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity). There can be no guarantee that any risk management systems established by the Fund, its service providers, or issuers of the securities in which the Fund invests to reduce cyber security risks will succeed, and the Fund cannot control such systems put in place by service providers, issuers or other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund and/or its shareholders. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund's goals. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Fund's ability to manage risk is subject to substantial limitations.

**Board Diversification and Trustee Qualifications**

As described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board oversees matters related to the selection and nomination of Trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to establish an effective Board with an appropriate range of skills and diversity, including, as appropriate, differences in background, professional experience, education, vocation, and other individual characteristics and traits in the aggregate. Each Trustee must meet certain basic requirements, including relevant skills and experience, time availability and, if qualifying as an Independent Trustee, independence from the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, underwriters or other service providers, including any affiliates of these entities.

Listed below for each current Trustee are the experiences, qualifications and attributes that led to the conclusion, as of the date of this SAI, that each current Trustee should serve as a Trustee in light of the Trust's business and structure.

Richard E. Erickson, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with Edward-Elmhurst Medical Group. He was previously President of Wheaton Orthopedics, a co-owner and director of a fitness center and a limited partner of two real estate companies. Dr. Erickson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Dr. Erickson has also served as the Lead Independent Trustee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019) and on the Executive Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2022), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2003–2007 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2012–2013) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (June 2006–2007; 2010–2011 and 2020–2022) of the First Trust Funds. He currently serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Thomas R. Kadlec was previously President of ADM Investor Services Inc. (*"ADMIS"*), a futures commission merchant and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Archer Daniels Midland Company (*"ADM"*) from 2010 to July 2022. Mr. Kadlec was employed by ADMIS and its affiliates since 1990 in various accounting, financial, operations and risk management capacities. Mr. Kadlec served on the boards of several international affiliates of ADMIS until July 2022 and served as a member of ADM's Integrated Risk Committee from 2008–2018, which was tasked with the duty of implementing and communicating enterprise-wide risk management. From 2014 to 2022, Mr. Kadlec was on the board of the Futures Industry Association. In 2017, Mr. Kadlec was elected to the board of the National Futures Association. Mr. Kadlec has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception. Mr. Kadlec also served on the Executive Committee from the organization of the first First Trust closed-end fund in 2003 through 2005 (and 2014–2019) until he was elected as the first Lead Independent Trustee in December 2005, serving as such through 2007 (and 2014–2016). He also served as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Nominating and

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Governance Committee (2012–2013). He currently serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Denise M. Keefe is Executive Vice President of Advocate Aurora Health and President of Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division (together, *"Advocate"*), one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the U.S. serving Illinois and Wisconsin. Ms. Keefe has been employed by Advocate since 1993 and is responsible for the Continuing Health Division's strategic direction, fiscal management, business development, revenue enhancement, operational efficiencies, and human resource management of 4,000 employees. Ms. Keefe also currently serves on the boards of several organizations within the Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division and other health care organizations, including RML Long Term Acute Care Hospitals (since 2014) and Senior Helpers (since 2021). Prior thereto, Ms. Keefe was Corporate Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for the Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago (1989–1992) and a former Board Member of Sherman West Court Skilled Nursing Facility. Ms. Keefe has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds and on the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Valuation Committee of the First Trust Funds since November 1, 2021.

Robert F. Keith is President of Hibs Enterprises, a financial and management consulting firm. Mr. Keith has been with Hibs Enterprises since 2003. Prior thereto, Mr. Keith spent 18 years with ServiceMaster and Aramark, including three years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Consumer Services, where he led the initial expansion of certain products overseas; five years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Management Services; and two years as President of Aramark ServiceMaster Management Services. Mr. Keith is a certified public accountant and also has held the positions of Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of ServiceMaster, at which time he oversaw the financial aspects of ServiceMaster's expansion of its Management Services division into Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Mr. Keith has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds since 2006. Mr. Keith has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2014–2016) of the First Trust Funds. He served as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (2012–2016). He currently serves as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2023) and as Chairman of the Dividend Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Niel B. Nielson, Ph.D., has been the Senior Advisor of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation, a global provider of educational products and services since 2018. Prior thereto, Mr. Nielson served as the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation for three years. Mr. Nielson formerly served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dew Learning LLC from 2012 through 2014. Mr. Nielson formerly served as President of Covenant College (2002–2012), and as a partner and trader (of options and futures contracts for hedging options) for Ritchie Capital Markets Group (1996–1997), where he held an administrative management position at this proprietary derivatives trading company. He also held prior positions in new business development for ServiceMaster Management Services Company and in personnel and human resources for NationsBank of North Carolina, N.A. and Chicago Research and Trading Group, Ltd. (*"CRT"*). His international experience includes serving as a director of CRT Europe, Inc. for two years, directing out of London all aspects of business conducted by the U.K. and European subsidiary of CRT. Prior to that, Mr. Nielson was a trader and manager at CRT in Chicago. Mr. Nielson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Mr. Nielson has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2003–2006 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2007–2008), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Dividend Committee (2020–2022) and Lead Independent Trustee and a member of the Executive Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022). He currently serves on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2020) and as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

James A. Bowen is Chief Executive Officer of First Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P. Mr. Bowen is involved in the day-to-day management of the First Trust Funds and serves on the Executive Committee. He has over 35 years of experience in the investment company business in sales, sales management and executive management. Mr. Bowen has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999.

Effective January 1, 2023, the fixed annual retainer paid to the Independent Trustees is $275,000 per year and an annual per fund fee of $2,500 for each closed-end fund and actively managed fund, $750 for each target outcome fund and $250 for each index fund. The fixed annual retainer is allocated equally among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex rather than being allocated pro rata based on each fund's net assets. Additionally, the Lead Independent Trustee is paid $30,000 annually, the Chairman of the Audit Committee is paid $25,000 annually, the Chairman of the Valuation Committee is paid $20,000 annually and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee is paid $20,000 annually to serve in such capacities with compensation allocated pro rata among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex based on its net assets.

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The following table sets forth the total compensation (including reimbursement for travel and out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Fund and the First Trust Fund Complex to each of the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 and the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. 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. The Trust has no employees. Its officers are compensated by First Trust.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Trustee** | **Total Compensation from**<br> **the Fund** <sup>(1)</sup> <br>| **Total Compensation from**<br> **the First Trust Fund Complex** <sup>(2)</sup> <br>|
| Richard E. Erickson | $4656 | $523750 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec | $4656 | $524820 |
| Denise M. Keefe <sup>(3)</sup> | $3679 | $504158 |
| Robert F. Keith | $4167 | $514231 |
| Niel B. Nielson | $5144 | $533750 |

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(1) The compensation paid by the Fund to the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 for services to the Fund.

(2) The total compensation paid to the Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022 for services to the 225 portfolios existing in 2022, which consisted of 9 open-end mutual funds, 15 closed-end funds and 201 exchange-traded funds.

(3) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Fund and in other funds overseen by the Trustees in the First Trust Fund Complex as of December 31, 2022:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustee** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Fund**<br> **(Number of Shares** <br> **Held)**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar**<br> **Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in the First** <br> **Trust Fund Complex**<br>|
| **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** |
| James A. Bowen | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
| **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** |
| Richard E. Erickson |  | Over $100,000 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec |  | Over $100,000 |
| Denise M. Keefe<sup>(1)</sup> |  | Over $100,000 |
| Robert F. Keith |  | Over $100,000 |
| Niel B. Nielson |  | Over $100,000 |

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(1) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

As of January 31, 2023, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and their immediate family members did not own beneficially or of record any class of securities of an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Fund or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Fund.

As of January 31, 2023, the officers and Trustees, in the aggregate, owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.

The table set forth in *Exhibit C* shows the percentage ownership of each person or "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*)) who, based on the securities position listing reports as of January 31, 2023, owned of record, or is known by the Trust to have owned of record or beneficially, 5% or more of the shares of the Fund (the *"Principal Holders"*). A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of control. A party that controls the Fund may be able to significantly influence the outcome of any item presented to shareholders for approval. The Fund does not have any knowledge of who the ultimate beneficiaries are of the shares.

**Investment Advisor**. First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor to the Fund. 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,

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and a number of limited partners. The Charger Corporation is an Illinois corporation controlled by James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities to the Fund subject to the policies of the Board of Trustees.

First Trust provides investment tools and portfolios for advisors and investors. First Trust is committed to theoretically sound portfolio construction and empirically verifiable investment management approaches. Its asset management philosophy and investment discipline are deeply rooted in the application of intuitive factor analysis and model implementation to enhance investment decisions.

First Trust acts as investment advisor for and manages the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund. 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 agreement between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the *"Investment Management Agreement"*), First Trust oversees Stonebridge's management of the Fund's assets and is responsible for paying all expenses of the Fund, excluding the fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

The Fund has agreed to pay First Trust an annual management fee equal to 0.85% of its average daily net assets. First Trust provides fund reporting services to the Fund for a flat annual fee in the amount of $9,250, which is included in the annual unitary management fee.

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 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 terminates automatically upon assignment and is terminable at any time without penalty as to the Fund by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities on 60 days' written notice to First Trust, or by First Trust on 60 days' written notice to the Fund.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to the Advisor will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*) and calculated pursuant to the schedule below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee** | **Breakpoints** |
| 0.85000% | Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion |
| 0.82875% | Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion |
| 0.80750% | Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion |
| 0.78625% | Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion |
| 0.76500% | Fund net assets greater than $10 billion |

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In connection with the introduction of the breakpoints discussed above, the Fund's investment sub-advisory agreement has been amended to reflect that the investment sub-advisory fee paid to Stonebridge Advisors LLC, the Fund's investment sub-advisor, is based on the Advisor's management fee. Accordingly, during any period in which the Advisor's management fee is reduced in accordance with the breakpoints described above, the investment sub-advisory fee will be reduced to reflect the reduction in the Advisor's management fee.

The following table sets forth the unitary management fee paid by the Fund to First Trust for the specified periods.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $60708917 | $56050117 | $43030408 |

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**Sub-Advisor**

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and First Trust have retained Stonebridge Advisors LLC, an affiliate of First Trust, to serve as the Fund's investment sub-advisor pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement (the *"Sub-Advisory Agreement"*). In this capacity, Stonebridge is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio. Stonebridge is a Delaware limited liability company with principal offices located at 10 Westport Road, Suite C101, Wilton, Connecticut 06897. Stonebridge is owned 51% by an affiliate of the Advisor and 48% by Stonebridge Asset Management LLP. Stonebridge is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the *"Advisers Act"*), and had approximately $14.408 billion of assets which it managed as of December 31, 2022. Stonebridge is a research-driven firm whose personnel have longstanding experience in investing in preferred securities. Set forth below is information regarding the key executives of Stonebridge who select and monitor the portfolio or provide managerial or executive support to the Fund.

**Portfolio Managers.** The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. There are currently four portfolio managers, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Scott Fleming serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Stonebridge setting the strategic direction of Stonebridge including operations, business and product development, and marketing strategies. Mr. Fleming leads the Investment Committee and oversees investment policies and strategies for all of the company's portfolio management activities. Additionally, Mr. Fleming directs the daily management of preferred stock portfolios. Prior to founding Stonebridge in 2004, Mr. Fleming co-founded Spectrum Asset Management, Inc., an investment advisor that specializes in preferred securities asset management for institutional clients and mutual funds. During his 13-year tenure there, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Under his leadership, Spectrum grew to be the largest preferred securities manager in the country. Mr. Fleming previously served as Vice President, Portfolio Manager for DBL Preferred Management, Inc. in New York City. Mr. Fleming received a B.S. in Accounting from Bentley College in Waltham, MA and his MBA in Finance from Babson College in Wellesley, MA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Robert Wolf serves as Chief Investment Officer, Executive Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Stonebridge. Mr. Wolf is a senior member of Stonebridge Advisors' Investment Committee and oversees investment strategies and portfolio management activities across fund products and separately managed accounts. Mr. Wolf directs the daily management of preferred securities portfolios and performs both credit research and trading functions. Mr. Wolf has over sixteen years of fixed-income experience in both portfolio management and credit research. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2006, Mr. Wolf was a high-yield fixed-income research analyst at Lehman Brothers. In this role, his responsibilities included detailed credit analysis across multiple sectors, relative value analysis, and developing trade recommendations. Mr. Wolf previously worked for Lehman Brothers' commercial mortgage-backed securities (*CMBS*) trading desk as a credit analyst. Mr. Wolf received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from Villanova University and his MBA in Finance from the New York University Stern School of Business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Eric Weaver serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Stonebridge Advisors. Mr. Weaver is a senior member of Stonebridge Advisors' Investment Committee and oversees the investment strategy across all fund products and separately managed accounts. In addition, Mr. Weaver leads the development of proprietary portfolio management, security selection, trading, and operational tools. Mr. Weaver has thirteen years of investment management experience in portfolio management, trading, risks analysis, and research. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2013, Mr. Weaver worked at a private proprietary trading firm as a senior derivatives trader, with OTC and electronic trading experience on the NASDAQ OMX PHLX and CBOE options exchanges. In this role, Mr. Weaver focused on trading, portfolio and risk management, and pricing complex derivatives in a large and diverse portfolio of equities, options, and futures. Mr. Weaver received a B.A. degree in Economics and Mathematics and a MS degree in Economics from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Angelo Graci is Executive Vice President, Head of Credit Research, and Portfolio Manager of Stonebridge Advisors. Mr. Graci is a senior member of the Investment Committee and manages a team of analysts that oversees all of Stonebridge's portfolio investments. His extensive knowledge of global banking, insurance, non-bank finance and REITs brings an impressive level of analytical depth to the Stonebridge research team. Mr. Graci has 27 years of credit and equity research experience with a focus on financials. Prior to joining Stonebridge in 2018, Mr. Graci was a global financials credit strategist at Stifel Financial, with a particular focus on hybrid/preferred strategy. Before Stifel, he was a senior analyst at Caxton Associates, responsible for financial sector credit and equity analysis and

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portfolio management. Prior roles included global financials and hybrid strategy at Citadel Securities and credit analysis and trading at Merrill Lynch. Mr. Graci received a BS in Finance from SUNY Albany and an MBA in Finance from the New York University Stern School of Business. He holds the CFA<sup>®</sup> designation awarded by CFA Institute.

As of October 31, 2022, Mr. Wolf beneficially owned shares of the Fund in the amount of $1 - $10,000. Mr. Weaver beneficially owned shares of the Fund in the amount of $10,001 - $50,000.

**Compensation.** The portfolio managers are compensated with an industry competitive salary and a year-end discretionary bonus based on client service, asset growth and the performance of the Fund. Each portfolio manager's performance is formally evaluated annually based on a variety of factors. Bonus compensation is primarily a function of the firm's overall annual profitability and the individual portfolio manager's contribution as measured by the overall investment performance of client portfolios in the strategy the portfolio manager manages relative to the strategy's general benchmark.

**Accounts Managed by Sub-Advisor** 

In addition to the Fund, as of October 31, 2022, the portfolio managers are also primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the following accounts:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Type of Account** <br> **Managed**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **$ Assets**<br> **(in millions)**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Accounts with**<br> **Performance**<br> **Based Fees**<br>| **Assets of**<br> **Accounts with**<br> **Performance**<br> **Based Fees**<br>|
| **Scott T. Fleming** | **Scott T. Fleming** | **Scott T. Fleming** | **Scott T. Fleming** | **Scott T. Fleming** | **Scott T. Fleming** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 4 | $2837.74 | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Accounts | 8407 | $2904.56 | N/A | N/A |
| **Robert Wolf** | **Robert Wolf** | **Robert Wolf** | **Robert Wolf** | **Robert Wolf** | **Robert Wolf** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 4 | $2837.74 | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Accounts | 8407 | $2904.56 | N/A | N/A |
| **Eric Weaver** | **Eric Weaver** | **Eric Weaver** | **Eric Weaver** | **Eric Weaver** | **Eric Weaver** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 4 | $2837.74 | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Accounts | 8407 | $2904.56 | N/A | N/A |
| **Angelo Graci** | **Angelo Graci** | **Angelo Graci** | **Angelo Graci** | **Angelo Graci** | **Angelo Graci** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 4 | $2837.74 | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | N/A | N/A |

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**Conflicts of Interest.** Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the potential conflicts described below.

The management of multiple funds and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each fund and/or other account. The Sub-Advisor seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of a portfolio manager by having the portfolio manager focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment models that are used in connection with the management of the Fund.

If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, a fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale

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orders across all eligible funds and other accounts. To deal with these situations, the Sub-Advisor adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts.

With respect to securities transactions for the Fund, the Sub-Advisor determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as mutual funds for which the Sub-Advisor acts as sub-advisor, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Sub-Advisor may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for the Fund in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of the Fund or other account(s) involved.

The Sub-Advisor, the Advisor and the Fund have adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

**The Sub-Advisory Agreement.** The Sub-Advisor, subject to the Board of Trustees' and Advisor's supervision, provides the Fund with discretionary investment services. Specifically, the Sub-Advisor is responsible for managing the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions as provided in the Prospectus and this SAI, as may be subsequently changed by the Board of Trustees and communicated to the Sub-Advisor in writing. The Sub-Advisor further agrees to conform to all applicable laws and regulations of the SEC in all material respects and to conduct its activities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement in all material respects in accordance with applicable regulations of any governmental authority pertaining to its investment advisory services. In the performance of its duties, the Sub-Advisor will, in all material respects satisfy any applicable fiduciary duties it may have to the Fund, monitor the Fund's investments, and will comply with the provisions of the Fund's Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, as amended from time to time, and the stated investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund. The Sub-Advisor is responsible for effecting all security transactions for the Fund's assets. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the Sub-Advisor shall generally not be liable for any loss suffered by the Fund or the advisor (including, without limitation, by reason of the purchase, sale or retention of any security) in connection with the performance of the Sub-Advisor's duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, except for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Sub-Advisor in performance of its duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Advisor has agreed to pay for the services and facilities provided by the Sub-Advisor through sub-advisory fees equal to the annual rate of 0.425% of the average daily net assets of the Fund less the amount of Fund Expenses (as such term is defined in the Sub-Advisory Agreement) owed by the Sub-Advisor pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Sub-Advisor's fees are paid by the Advisor out of the Advisor's management fee. The following table sets forth the sub-advisory fees paid to the Sub-Advisor by the Advisor for the specified periods.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $28658038 | $26616038 | $20296527 |

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The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without the payment of any penalty by First Trust, the Board of Trustees, or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), upon 60 days' written notice to the Sub-Advisor.

All fees and expenses are accrued daily and deducted before payment of dividends to investors. The Sub-Advisory Agreement has been approved by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees and the initial shareholders of the Fund.

**Brokerage Allocations**

The Sub-Advisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund and for the placement of the Fund's 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 the Sub-Advisor to seek the best execution at the best security price available with respect to each transaction, and with respect to brokered transactions

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in light of the overall quality of brokerage and research services provided to the Sub-Advisor and its clients. The best price to the 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 on the 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 Fund may pay markups on principal transactions. In selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating commissions, the Sub-Advisor 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 1934 Act permits an investment advisor, 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). Such brokerage and research services are often referred to as "soft dollars." The Sub-Advisor has advised the Board of Trustees that it does not currently intend to use soft dollars.

As an investment advisor, the Sub-Advisor has an obligation to seek best execution of trades in a manner intended, considering the circumstances, to secure that combination of net price and execution that will maximize the value of the Sub-Advisor's investment decisions for the benefit of its clients. Subject to the Sub-Advisor's duty to seek best execution, the Sub-Advisor's selection of brokers may be affected by its receipt of research services.

The Sub-Advisor may use client commissions (i) to acquire third party research, including the eligible portion of certain "mixed use" research products, and (ii) for proprietary research provided by brokers participating in the execution process, including access to the brokers' traders and analysts, access to conferences and company management, and the provision of market information.

When the Sub-Advisor receives research products and services in return for client brokerage, it relieves the Sub-Advisor of the expense it would otherwise bear of paying for those items with its own funds, which may provide an incentive to the Sub-Advisor to select a particular broker-dealer or electronic communication network that will provide it with research products or services.

However, the Sub-Advisor chooses those broker-dealers it believes are best able to provide the best combination of net price and execution in each transaction. The Sub-Advisor uses client brokerage from accounts managed by an investment team for research used by that team. Because virtually all orders are aggregated across all accounts in a strategy for execution by a single broker, all participating accounts, including the Fund, generally will pay the same commission rate for trades and will share pro rata in the costs for the research, except for certain governmental clients that are subject to legal restrictions on the use of their commissions to pay for third-party research products and services (in which case the Sub-Advisor pays for such products and services from its own funds).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in selecting brokers, the Sub-Advisor may in the future 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 the Sub-Advisor 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 the Sub-Advisor or the Trust. In addition, the Sub-Advisor must determine that the research information received in this manner provides the Fund with benefits by supplementing the research otherwise available to the Fund. The Investment Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement provide that such higher commissions will not be paid by the Fund unless the Advisor or Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation to the services provided. The investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to First Trust under the Investment Management Agreement would not be reduced as a result of receipt by the Sub-Advisor of research services.

The Sub-Advisor places portfolio transactions for other advisory accounts advised by it, and research services furnished by firms through which The Fund effects its securities transactions may be used by the Sub-Advisor in servicing all of its accounts; not all of such services may be used by the Sub-Advisor in connection with the Fund. The Sub-Advisor believes it is not possible

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to measure separately the benefits from research services to each of the accounts (including the Fund) 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, the Sub-Advisor believes such costs to the Fund will not be disproportionate to the benefits received by the Fund on a continuing basis. The Sub-Advisor seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by the Fund 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 Fund. In making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the main factors considered by the Sub-Advisor are the respective investment objective, 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 the Fund for the specified periods. Significant variations in the amount the Fund paid in brokerage commissions from year-to-year are generally the result of fluctuations in the size of the Fund or changes to the Fund's portfolio holdings.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| $99007 | $71856 | $108834 |

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During the last fiscal year, First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF held securities of Bank of America Corporation, Barclays Capital, Inc. FIX Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA), J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley and Co., LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, each a regular broker or dealer of the Fund as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act. As of October 31, 2022, the Fund's investment in each was 2.47%, 4.01%, 2.09%, 2.77%, 3.12%, 0.54%, 0.38% and 3.51% of the Fund's net assets, respectively.

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange**

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent and Transfer Agent.** The Trust has appointed Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (*"BBH"*), located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, to serve as the Fund's administrator, fund accounting agent and transfer agent pursuant to an administrative agency agreement (the *"Administrative Agency Agreement"*). As administrator, BBH provides various administrative services set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement. As the fund accounting agent, BBH provides transaction processing and review, custodial reconciliation, securities pricing and investment accounting. As the Fund's transfer agent, BBH is responsible for processing the issuance and redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations, the recording of such issuances and redemptions and other services related to the monitoring of cash collateral.

**Custodian.** The Trust has also appointed BBH to serve as the Fund's custodian pursuant to a custodian agreement (the *"Custodian Agreement"*). Pursuant to the terms of the Custodian Agreement, BBH is generally responsible for the safekeeping of the Fund's assets and performing various other administrative duties set forth in the Custodian Agreement.

As set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has agreed to indemnify BBH against, and hold it harmless from, certain losses, claims, liabilities and expenses arising out of BBH's performance of its obligations and duties under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, provided that such losses, claims, liabilities and expenses did not result from BBH's willful malfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such obligations and duties.

As compensation for the services provided by BBH under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has agreed to pay to BBH such compensation as is mutually agreed upon from time to time and reimburse BBH for out-of-pocket expenses which are a normal incident of the services provided under the agreements. This fee is subject to reduction for assets over $1 billion and $2 billion. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreements, the Fund does not directly pay BBH for these services, as First Trust has assumed responsibility for the payment of these expenses out of the unitary management fee it receives from the Fund.

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**Distributor.** First Trust Portfolios L.P., an affiliate of First Trust, is the distributor (*"FTP"* or the *"Distributor"*) and principal underwriter of the shares of the Fund. Its principal address is 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. 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 Fund through the Distributor only in Creation Unit Aggregations, as described in the Prospectus under the heading "Other Information - Continuous Offering."

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020, October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2022, there were no underwriting commissions with respect to the sale of Fund shares, and FTP did not receive compensation on redemptions for the Fund for those years.

**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 Fund may reimburse the Distributor up to a maximum annual rate of 0.25% of 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. With the exception of the Distributor and its affiliates, no "interested person" of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) and no Trustee of the Trust has a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any related agreement.

No fee is currently paid by the Fund under the Plan and, pursuant to a contractual agreement, the Fund will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024.

**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 1934 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 Fund. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The Distributor has entered into agreements with participants that utilize the facilities of the Depositary Trust Company (the *"DTC Participants"*), which have international operational capabilities and place orders for Creation Unit Aggregations of Fund shares. Participating Parties (which are participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation) shall be DTC Participants.

**Exchange.** The only relationship that the Exchange has with First Trust or the Distributor of the Fund in connection with the Fund is that the Exchange lists the shares of the Fund and disseminates the intra-day portfolio values that are calculated by the IPV calculator pursuant to its listing agreement with the Trust. The Exchange 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 Fund or in the determination or calculation of the asset value of the Fund. The Exchange has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.

**Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries**

First Trust or its affiliates may from time to time make payments, out of their own resources, to certain broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, banks or other intermediaries (collectively, *"intermediaries"*) that sell shares of First Trust mutual funds and ETFs (*"First Trust Funds"*) to promote the sales and retention of Fund shares by those firms and their customers. The amounts of these payments vary by intermediary. The level of payments that First Trust is willing to provide to a particular intermediary may be affected by, among other factors, (i) the firm's total assets or Fund shares held in and recent net investments into First Trust Funds, (ii) the value of the assets invested in the First Trust Funds by the intermediary's customers, (iii) redemption rates, (iv) its ability to attract and retain assets, (v) the intermediary's reputation in the industry, (vi) the level and/or type of marketing assistance and educational activities provided by the intermediary, (vii) the firm's level of participation in First Trust Funds' sales and marketing programs, (viii) the firm's compensation program for its registered representatives who sell Fund shares and provide services to Fund shareholders, and (ix) the asset class of the First Trust Funds for which these payments are provided. Such payments are generally asset-based but also may include the payment of a lump sum.

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First Trust may also make payments to certain intermediaries for certain administrative services and shareholder processing services, including record keeping and sub-accounting of shareholder accounts pursuant to a sub-transfer agency, omnibus account service or sub-accounting agreement. All fees payable by First Trust under this category of services may be charged back to the Fund, subject to approval by the Board.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may make payments, out of its own assets, to those firms as compensation and/or reimbursement for marketing support and/or program servicing to selected intermediaries that are registered as holders or dealers of record for accounts invested in one or more of the First Trust Funds or that make First Trust Fund shares available through certain selected Fund no-transaction fee institutional platforms and fee-based wrap programs at certain financial intermediaries. Program servicing payments typically apply to employee benefit plans, such as retirement plans, or fee-based advisory programs but may apply to retail sales and assets in certain situations. The payments are based on such factors as the type and nature of services or support furnished by the intermediary and are generally asset-based. Services for which an intermediary receives marketing support payments may include, but are not limited to, business planning assistance, advertising, educating the intermediary's personnel about First Trust Funds in connection with shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the intermediary's preferred or recommended fund list, and access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the intermediary. In addition, intermediaries may be compensated for enabling representatives of First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events and other events sponsored by the intermediary. Services for which an intermediary receives program servicing payments typically include, but are not limited to, record keeping, reporting or transaction processing and shareholder communications and other account administration services, but may also include services rendered in connection with Fund/investment selection and monitoring, employee enrollment and education, plan balance rollover or separation, or other similar services. An intermediary may perform program services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform program services. These payments, if any, are in addition to the service fee and any applicable omnibus sub-accounting fees paid to these firms with respect to these services by the First Trust Funds out of Fund assets.

From time to time, First Trust and/or its affiliates, at its expense, may provide other compensation to intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the First Trust Funds, which may be in addition to marketing support and program servicing payments described above. For example, First Trust and/or its affiliates may: (i) compensate intermediaries for National Securities Clearing Corporation networking system services (*e.g.*, shareholder communication, account statements, trade confirmations and tax reporting) on an asset-based or per-account basis; (ii) compensate intermediaries for providing Fund shareholder trading information; (iii) make one-time or periodic payments to reimburse selected intermediaries for items such as ticket charges (*i.e.*, fees that an intermediary charges its representatives for effecting transactions in Fund shares) or exchange order, operational charges (*e.g.*, fees that an intermediary charges for establishing the Fund on its trading system), and literature printing and/or distribution costs; (iv) at the direction of a retirement plan's sponsor, reimburse or pay direct expenses of an employee benefit plan that would otherwise be payable by the plan; (v) provide payments to broker-dealers to help defray their technology or infrastructure costs; and (vi) make payments for expenses associated with intermediaries' use of First Trust Funds including, but not limited to, the use of First Trust Funds in model portfolios.

When not provided for in a marketing support or program servicing agreement, First Trust and/ or its affiliates may also pay intermediaries for enabling First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other intermediary employees, client and investor events and other intermediary-sponsored events, and for travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with prospecting, asset retention and due diligence trips. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event. First Trust and/or its affiliates make payments for such events as it deems appropriate, subject to its internal guidelines and applicable law.

First Trust and/or its affiliates occasionally sponsor due diligence meetings for registered representatives during which they receive updates on various First Trust Funds and are afforded the opportunity to speak with portfolio managers. Although invitations to these meetings are not conditioned on selling a specific number of shares, those who have shown an interest in First Trust Funds are more likely to be considered. To the extent permitted by their firm's policies and procedures, all or a portion of registered representatives' expenses in attending these meetings may be covered by First Trust and/or its affiliates.

The amounts of payments referenced above made by First Trust and/or its affiliates could be significant and may create an incentive for an intermediary or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the First Trust Funds to its customers. The intermediary may elevate the prominence or profile of the First Trust Funds within the intermediary's organization by, for example, placing the First Trust Funds on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or granting First Trust and/or its

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affiliates preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the First Trust Funds in various ways within the intermediary's organization. These payments are made pursuant to negotiated agreements with intermediaries. The payments do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a share or the amount the Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales. Furthermore, many of these payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table section of the Fund's Prospectus because they are not paid by the Fund. The types of payments described herein are not mutually exclusive, and a single intermediary may receive some or all types of payments as described.

Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. Investors can ask their intermediaries for information about any payments they receive from First Trust and/or its affiliates and the services it provides for those payments. Investors may wish to take intermediary payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares.

Payments to intermediaries, in certain circumstances, may also be made in connection with the distribution of model portfolios developed by First Trust, such as the inclusion of such model portfolios on an intermediary's platform, as well as in connection with the marketing and sale of, and/or product training regarding such model portfolios, or servicing of accounts tracking such model portfolios. Such payments may be variable or fixed fee payments for platform support, or other payments in the form of a variable or fixed fee or a per position fee, or may relate to the amount of assets an intermediary's clients have invested in the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust, the management fee, the total expense ratio, or sales of the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust. Some intermediaries also provide related data regarding transactions in specific model portfolios, First Trust Funds and investment strategies to First Trust in exchange for a fee.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may enter into arrangements with third parties, such as a software provider, whereby First Trust may license certain technology or other services from such entity in exchange for licensing or other fees which may be, in whole or in part, dependent on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service. Such third party may also offer price concessions to broker dealers, investment advisers or other financial intermediaries that license technology or other services that may be dependent, in whole or in part, on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service.

**Additional Information**

**Book Entry Only System.** The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.

**DTC Acts as Securities Depository for Fund Shares.** Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (*"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 NYSE 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.

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 Fund 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

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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 Fund 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.

**Policy Regarding Investment in Other Investment Companies.** The Fund will not rely on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act to invest in other investment companies.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (*"EEA"*) ONLY** 

The following disclosures are included in this SAI solely for the purposes of compliance with the applicable EEA law and regulation resulting from, of and as a consequence of, the Fund's registration or notification under the EU Directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (Directive (2011/61/EU)) (the *"AIFM Directive"*) national private placement regimes in certain European Union (*"EU"*) and EEA jurisdictions. The following disclosures are not intended for, and should not be relied on by, any investor other than an investor in the relevant EU and/or EEA jurisdictions because the rules, regulations and requirements applicable to the Fund in those jurisdictions as a result of their registration or notification differ from the rules, regulations and requirements applicable to the Fund under the Investment Company Act.

***European Union's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation*** 

While First Trust Advisors L.P. (the *"Advisor"*) is not itself generally subject to Regulation 2019/2088 of the European Parliament and of the Council on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial sector (*"SFDR"*), by virtue of the Fund's registration or notification under the AIFM Directive national private placement regimes in certain EU and EEA jurisdictions, some limited disclosures under the SFDR must be made in respect of the Fund and the following section is intended to satisfy certain of such requirements. The SFDR requires the Advisor to determine, on a product-by-product basis, whether "sustainability risks" are relevant to the Advisor's in-scope financial products, including the Fund.

For the purposes of SFDR, "sustainability risk" means an environmental, social or governance (*"ESG"*) event or condition that, if it occurs, could cause an actual or a potential material negative impact on the value of an investment.

Solely for the purposes of SFDR, the Advisor has determined that sustainability risks are not relevant to the Fund on the basis that the Fund invests principally in investments or asset classes which, in the opinion of the Advisor, are not ordinarily subject to sustainability risk as a material negative impact on the value of those investments, as such terms are interpreted and applied under SFDR.

Consequently, the Advisor does not integrate sustainability risks into its investment decision making for the Fund and the Advisor has not assessed the likely impacts of sustainability risks on the returns of the Fund, as such terms are interpreted and applied under SFDR.

The Advisor will keep its assessment that sustainability risks are not relevant to the Fund under regular review.

SFDR requires the Advisor to disclose whether, and if so how, it considers the principal adverse impacts (*"PAIs"*) of its investment decisions on sustainability factors, in accordance with a specific regime outlined in SFDR, in relation to the Fund. The Advisor does not consider the principal adverse impacts of its investment decisions on sustainability factors (either generally or in relation to the Fund).

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In addition, the Advisor considers that its primary investment strategies and client relationships do not support adoption of the PAI regime within SFDR.

***Information for Investors in the EEA Regarding Offering of the Fund*** 

In relation to each Member State of the EEA which has implemented the AIFM Directive, the Prospectus, and any summary Prospectus or SAI relating to the Fund, may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that: (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with the AIFM Directive (as implemented into the local law/regulations of the relevant Member State); or otherwise (2) the Prospectus and SAI may be lawfully distributed and the shares may lawfully be offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor).

In relation to each Member State of the EEA which, at the date of this SAI, has not implemented the AIFM Directive, the Prospectus and this SAI may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed to the extent that the Prospectus and this SAI may be lawfully distributed and the shares may lawfully be offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor).

In addition, the following restrictions apply to the distribution of the Prospectus and SAI in the following Member States:

***Information for Investors in the United Kingdom*** 

Subject always to the foregoing notice in respect of the EEA, this SAI is being issued in the United Kingdom by First Trust Global Portfolios Limited (which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (the *"FCA"*)) only to and/or is directed only at persons who are professional clients or eligible counterparties for the purposes of the FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook. The opportunity to invest in the Fund is only available to such persons in the United Kingdom, and the Prospectus and SAI must not be relied on or acted upon by any other persons in the United Kingdom.

***Information for Investors in Ireland*** 

The distribution of this Prospectus and SAI in Ireland and the offering or purchase of shares is restricted to the individual to whom it is addressed. Accordingly, it may not be reproduced in whole or in part, nor may its contents be distributed in writing or orally to any third party and it may be read solely by the person to whom it is addressed and his/her professional advisers. Shares in the Fund will not be offered or sold by any person:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) otherwise than in conformity with the provisions of the European Communities (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2007 and the European Union (Alternative Investment Fund Managers) Regulations 2013, each as amended; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) in any way which would require the publication of a prospectus under the Companies Act 2014 or any regulations made thereunder; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) in Ireland except in all circumstances that will result in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in Ireland.

***AIFM Directive Disclosures*** 

*Background*. The AIFM Directive is an EU directive which regulates the management and marketing of funds within the EEA. The AIFM Directive distinguishes between EU and non-EU funds and EU and non-EU fund managers and different obligations apply under the AIFM Directive depending on where the fund is based and where the manager is based. Certain disclosure, transparency and reporting obligations are imposed on non-EU fund managers wishing to market funds to investors in the EEA. There are additional requirements imposed on EU fund managers, which do not currently apply to First Trust.

To the extent not already disclosed to you prior to your investment in the Fund, the purpose of this section of this SAI is to satisfy the disclosures which are required to be provided to you under the AIFM Directive.

*Overview of the Fund and the Service Providers*. The Fund is a non-EU AIFs (*"AIF"* means an alternative investment fund for the purposes of the AIFM Directive).

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"First Trust"*) is the AIFM of the Fund (*"AIFM"* means an alternative investment fund manager for the purposes of the AIFM Directive). First Trust is a non-EU AIFM.

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The Trust has entered into agreements with various service providers including First Trust (as the Investment Advisor), the Custodian, Distributor, Transfer Agent, Administrator, index providers and the exchange where the Fund is listed in respect of the Fund. Further details regarding the duties and roles of such service providers can be found in the Prospectus and this SAI for the Fund.

In addition to the parties listed above, the Trust has appointed (i) Chapman and Cutler LLP as its legal counsel which advises it on US legal matters; (ii) Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Fund's auditors who undertake to audit the Fund's financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) (United States); and (iii) CT Corporation System as the Fund's registered agent.

First Trust is not required to ensure that the Fund appoints, and the Fund has not appointed, a depositary for purposes of the AIFM Directive. (A depositary in the context of the AIFM Directive, has a specific role and function. The appointment of such depositary is not required for non-EU AIFs with non-EU AIFMs). As such, investors in the Fund have no rights as against any person in respect of the duties or liabilities of a depositary under the AIFM Directive.

*Investors' Contractual Rights*. In respect of each of the service providers to the Fund, investors who purchase shares in the Fund in the secondary market have no direct rights of action against the service providers, as a matter of contract law or under the establishment documents of the Trust. The proper plaintiff in an action in respect of which a wrongdoing is alleged to have been committed against the Fund or the Trust by a service provider is, prima facie, the Trust itself. An investor may bring a derivative or similar action or proceeding (*"Derivative Action"*) against the Trust or the Fund to recover a judgment in its favor in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration. Accordingly, investors would have no direct contractual right against the relevant service provider for breach of the agreement governing its appointment by the Trust. The foregoing disclosure is without prejudice to such other rights of action (for example, under the securities laws, tort law or in respect of breach of fiduciary duty) which might in certain situations be separately available to investors.

*Investment in the Fund*. Investors will buy shares in the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers and will not subscribe for shares from the Trust directly. As such, there is no direct contractual relationship between the Fund and the investor in connection with the purchase or sale of shares. While the Fund is established under Massachusetts law and Massachusetts law does facilitate the enforcement of judgments obtained in foreign jurisdictions, investors who buy shares on the secondary market will have no direct contractual right of action against the Fund. Investors should refer to "How to Buy and Sell Shares" in the main body of the Prospectus for more detail. The foregoing disclosure is without prejudice to such other rights of action (for example, under the securities laws, tort law or in respect of breach of fiduciary duty) which might in certain situations be separately available to investors.

*Redemption from the Fund*. Non-US investors will sell shares in secondary market transactions through brokers and will not redeem shares from the Fund directly. Shares can be sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. Investors should refer to "How to Buy and Sell Shares" in the main body of the Prospectus for more detail.

*Liquidity Risk Management*. Investors should note that while First Trust is not required to implement liquidity management arrangements in accordance with the AIFM Directive in respect of the Fund, the Fund is subject to the liquidity limitations established by the SEC. The Trustees have delegated to First Trust the day-to-day determination of illiquidity of equity and fixed income securities as described under "Illiquid Investments" in this SAI.

*Treatment of Investors*. The Trust and the AIFM do not offer any investors preferential treatment or the right to obtain preferential treatment. Whilst the Trust does not take specific steps to ensure the fair treatment of investors, under the 1940 Act the Trustees are required to monitor how the Fund operates and oversee matters where the interests of the Fund and its shareholders may differ from those of its investment adviser.

First Trust is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC, and is subject to regulation and oversight designed to protect shareholders. Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, First Trust is a fiduciary to its clients, including the Fund, and is therefore required to act in the best interests of clients and to place the interests of clients before its own.

*Information Regarding the Use of Leverage and Collateral*. The AIFM Directive requires disclosure of certain information relating to leverage, collateral and asset re-use arrangements. The Fund may obtain leverage through the use of derivatives and other non-fully funded investments such as reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitment agreements if, and to the extent that, such transactions are (i) disclosed in the Fund's Prospectus and SAI and (ii) deemed appropriate investments by First Trust. These leveraged trading practices generally have not been prohibited by the SEC, though the SEC has published guidance on the manner in which the Fund may cover its leveraged trading practices to limit leverage and avoid the need to address the leverage concerns in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, which severely restricts

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how the Fund may use leverage. All arrangements entered into by First Trust on behalf of the Fund which result in leverage follow the parameter of the guidance published by the SEC.

As a non-EU AIFM, First Trust is not obliged to set a maximum permitted level of leverage which it may employ in its management of the Fund. The total amount of leverage employed by the Fund is provided at www.ftglobalportfolios.com.

Investors should refer to the "Investment Objectives and Policies" and "Investment Strategies" section of this SAI for more details on the use and risk of leverage by the Fund.

*Shareholder Voting Rights*. The Declaration requires a shareholder vote only on those matters where the 1940 Act requires a vote of shareholders and otherwise permits the Trustees to take actions without seeking the consent of shareholders. The Fund's fundamental policies, as described in the "Investment Objectives and Policies" section of this SAI, may not be changed without approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the 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.

*Net Asset Value*. The latest NAV of the Fund, and the latest NAV per share of each class of share of the Fund, is available online at: www.ftglobalportfolios.com and online stock quote services. Generally investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund will therefore be available at the relevant market price rather than NAV.

The historical performance of the Fund since inception is available online at: www.ftglobalportfolios.com.

*Accounts*. Under the AIFM Directive, First Trust is required to make available the annual report of the Funds that it markets in the EEA. This must be prepared by no later than 6 months following the end of the financial year and contain certain specific content requirements set out in the AIFM Directive. Once the annual report has been produced, it will be made available to investors in the manner as set out in the Prospectus.

*Professional Liability Requirements/Delegation by the AIFM/Valuation*. As a non-EU AIFM, First Trust is not subject to certain EU requirements relating to (i) the cover of professional liability risk by holding either additional of its own funds or appropriate professional liability insurance; (ii) permitted delegation and the management and disclosure of conflicts of interest relating to any such delegation; and (iii) valuation as set out in Article 19 of the AIFM Directive. As such, no disclosures for the purposes of the AIFM Directive have been made. Notwithstanding this, First Trust and the Fund continue to comply with their requirements under US law.

*Periodic Disclosure Obligations*. The following information will be disclosed to Fund shareholders on a periodic basis by way of a posting being made on www.ftglobalportfolios.com:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the percentage of the Fund's assets, if any, that are subject to special arrangements arising from their illiquid nature (including, but not limited to, deferrals of redemptions and suspensions);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the current risk profile of the Fund and the risk management systems employed by the AIFM to manage those risks; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the total amount of leverage employed by the Fund, if any.

Whenever any new arrangements for managing the liquidity of the Fund are introduced including, but not limited to, any material changes to the liquidity management systems and procedures employed by First Trust, a disclosure to this effect will be uploaded on the Fund's website. The Fund will ensure that a notice is uploaded on an expedited basis whenever deferrals or other similar special arrangements are activated or where redemptions of shares are suspended.

A notice will be posted without undue delay whenever there is a change to a maximum level of leverage which may be employed on behalf of the Fund; and any changes are made to the right of re-use of collateral or any changes to any guarantee granted under any leveraging arrangement.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN HONG KONG ONLY** 

The Fund is a collective investment scheme but is not authorized under Section 104 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. Accordingly, the distribution of the Prospectus,

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and the placement of Fund shares in Hong Kong, is restricted. The Prospectus may only be distributed, circulated or issued to persons who are professional investors under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance or as otherwise permitted by the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN SINGAPORE ONLY** 

The Prospectus has not been registered as a Prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the Prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of Fund shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may Fund shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor pursuant to Section 304 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the *"SFA"*)) or (ii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

**INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS IN TAIWAN ONLY** 

Fund shares are being made available in the Republic of China (*"R.O.C."*) on a private placement basis only to banks, bills houses, trust enterprises, financial holding companies and other qualified entities or institutions (collectively, *"Qualified Institutions"*) and other entities and individuals meeting specific criteria (*"Other Qualified Investors"*) pursuant to the private placement provisions of the R.O.C. Rules Governing Offshore Funds. No other offer or sale of the shares of the Fund in the R.O.C. is permitted. R.O.C. purchasers of Fund shares may not sell or otherwise dispose of their holdings except by redemption, transfer to a Qualified Institution or Other Qualified Investor, transfer by operation of law or other means approved by the R.O.C. Financial Supervisory Commission.

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

The Trust has adopted a proxy voting policy that seeks to ensure that proxies for securities held by the Fund are voted consistently with the best interests of the Fund.

The Board has delegated to Stonebridge the day-to-day proxy voting responsibility for the Fund and has directed Stonebridge to vote proxies consistent with the Fund's best interests. Stonebridge's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are set forth in *Exhibit C*.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, is available upon request and without charge on the Fund's website at www.ftportfolios.com, by calling (800) 621-1675 or by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

**Portfolio Schedule.** The Fund files portfolio holdings information for each month in a fiscal quarter within 60 days after the end of the relevant fiscal quarter on Form N-PORT. Portfolio holdings information for the third month of each fiscal quarter will be publicly available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Fund's complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year is included in the semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, respectively, and is filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. A semi-annual or annual report for the Fund will become available to investors within 60 days after the period to which it relates. The Fund's Forms N-PORT and Forms N-CSR are available on the SEC's website listed above.

**Policy Regarding Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.** The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to this policy. The 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 websites. 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 each day the NYSE is open for trading via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*). Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act, information regarding the Fund's current portfolio holdings will be available on a daily basis at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx. The Trust, First Trust, FTP, Stonebridge and BBH will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust.

**Codes of Ethics.** In order to mitigate the possibility that the Fund will be adversely affected by personal trading, the Trust, First Trust, Stonebridge 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. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may invest

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in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund; however, the Codes of Ethics require that each transaction in such securities be reviewed by the CCO or his or her designee. These Codes of Ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

**Creation and Redemption of Creation Units** 

**General.** ETFs, such as the Fund, generally issue and redeem their shares in primary market transactions through a creation and redemption mechanism and do not sell or redeem individual shares. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" have contractual arrangements with an ETF or one of the ETF's service providers to purchase and redeem ETF shares directly with the ETF in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." Prior to the start of trading on every business day, an ETF publishes through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*) the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets that it will accept in exchange for a Creation Unit of the ETF's shares. An Authorized Participant that wishes to effectuate a creation of an ETF's shares deposits with the ETF the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets identified by the ETF that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of the ETF's shares in return for those assets. After purchasing a Creation Unit, the Authorized Participant may continue to hold the ETF's shares or sell them in the secondary market. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the authorized participant redeems a Creation Unit of ETF shares for a basket of securities, cash or other assets. The combination of the creation and redemption process with secondary market trading in ETF shares and underlying securities provides arbitrage opportunities that are designed to help keep the market price of ETF shares at or close to the NAV per share of the ETF.

**Authorized Participants.** An *"Authorized Participant"* is a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC that has a written agreement with the Fund or one of its service providers that allows the Authorized Participant to place orders for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units (a *"Participant Agreement"*). Orders to purchase Creation Units must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement and must comply with the applicable provisions of such Participant Agreement. Investors wishing to purchase or sell shares generally do so on an exchange. Institutional investors other than Authorized Participants are responsible for making arrangements for a redemption request to be made through an Authorized Participant.

**Business Day.** A *"Business Day"* is generally any day on which the New York Stock Exchange (*"NYSE"*), the Exchange and the Trust are 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, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Business Day on which an order to purchase or redeem Creation Units is received in proper form is referred to as the "Transmittal Date."

**Basket Composition.** Rule 6c-11(c)(3) under of the 1940 Act requires an ETF relying on the exemptions offered by Rule 6c-11 to adopt and implement written policies and procedures governing the construction of baskets and the process that the ETF will use for the acceptance of baskets. In general, in connection with the construction and acceptance of baskets, the Advisor may consider various factors, including, but not limited to: (1) whether the securities, assets and other positions comprising a basket are consistent with the ETF's investment objective(s), policies and disclosure; (2) whether the securities, assets and other positions can legally and readily be acquired, transferred and held by the ETF and/or Authorized Participant(s), as applicable; (3) whether to utilize cash, either in lieu of securities or other instruments or as a cash balancing amount; and (4) in the case of an ETF that tracks an index, whether the securities, assets and other positions aid index tracking.

The Fund may utilize a pro rata basket or a custom basket in reliance on Rule 6c-11. A "pro rata basket" is a basket that is a pro rata representation of the ETF's portfolio holdings, except for minor deviations when it is not operationally feasible to include a particular instrument within the basket, except to the extent that the Fund utilized different baskets in transactions on the same Business Day.

Rule 6c-11 defines "custom baskets" to include two categories of baskets. First, a basket containing a non-representative selection of the ETF's portfolio holdings would constitute a custom basket. These types of custom baskets include, but are not limited to, baskets that do not reflect: (i) a pro rata representation of the Fund's portfolio holdings; (ii) a representative sampling of an ETF's portfolio holdings; or (iii) changes due to a rebalancing or reconstitution of an ETF's securities market index, if applicable. Second, if different baskets are used in transactions on the same Business Day, each basket after the initial basket would constitute a custom basket. For example, if an ETF exchanges a basket with either the same or another Authorized Participant that reflects a representative sampling that differs from the initial basket, that basket (and any such subsequent baskets) would be a custom basket. Similarly, if an ETF substitutes cash in lieu of a portion of basket assets for a single Authorized Participant, that basket would be a custom basket. The Advisor's Rule 6c-11 Committee defines any deviation from a pro rata

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basket to be a "custom basket." Rebalancing and reconstitution baskets do not constitute custom baskets. All cash baskets that are the initial basket on a Business Day also do not constitute custom baskets.

Under a variety of circumstances, an ETF and its shareholders may benefit from the flexibility afforded by custom baskets. In general terms, the use of custom baskets may reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve trading. Because utilizing custom baskets provides a way for an ETF to add, remove and re-weight portfolio securities without transacting in the market, it may help the ETF to avoid transaction costs and adverse tax consequences. Rule 6c-11 provides an ETF with flexibility to use "custom baskets" if the ETF has adopted written policies and procedures that: (1) set forth detailed parameters for the construction and acceptance of custom baskets that are in the best interests of the ETF and its shareholders, including the process for any revisions to, or deviations from, those parameters; and (2) specify the titles or roles of employees of the ETF's investment advisor who are required to review each custom basket for compliance with those parameters.

The use of baskets that do not correspond pro rata to an ETF's portfolio holdings has historically created concern that an Authorized Participant could take advantage of its relationship with an ETF and pressure the ETF to construct a basket that favors an Authorized Participant to the detriment of the ETF's shareholders. For example, because ETFs rely on Authorized Participants to maintain the secondary market by promoting an effective arbitrage mechanism, an Authorized Participant holding less liquid or less desirable securities potentially could pressure an ETF into accepting those securities in its basket in exchange for liquid ETF shares (*i.e.*, dumping). An Authorized Participant also could pressure the ETF into including in its basket certain desirable securities in exchange for ETF shares tendered for redemption (*i.e.*, cherry-picking). In either case, the ETF's other investors would be disadvantaged and would be left holding shares of an ETF with a less liquid or less desirable portfolio of securities. The Advisor has adopted policies and procedures designed to mitigate these concerns but there is ultimately no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be effective.

**Basket Dissemination.** Basket files are published for consumption through the NSCC, a subsidiary of Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, and can be utilized for pricing, creations, redemptions, rebalancing and custom scenarios. In most instances, pro rata baskets are calculated and supplied by the ETF's custodial bank based on ETF holdings, whereas non-pro rata, custom and forward-looking pro rata baskets are calculated by the Fund's investment advisor and disseminated by the ETF's custodial bank through the NSCC process.

**Placement of Creation or Redemption Orders.** All orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units are to be governed according to the applicable Participant Agreement that each Authorized Participant has executed. In general, all orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units must be received by the transfer agent in the proper form required by the Participant Agreement no later than the closing time of the regular trading session of the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day the NYSE is open for business (the *"Closing Time"*) in order for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of the Fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. However, at its discretion, the Fund may require an Authorized Participant to submit orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units be placed earlier in the day (such as instances where an applicable market for a security comprising a creation or redemption basket closes earlier than usual).

**Delivery of Redemption Proceeds.** Deliveries of securities to Authorized Participants in connection with redemption orders are generally expected to be made within two Business Days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds for the Fund may take longer than two Business Days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act generally prohibits a registered open-end management investment company from postponing the date of satisfaction of redemption requests for more than seven days after the tender of a security for redemption. This prohibition can cause operational difficulties for ETFs that hold foreign investments and exchange in-kind baskets for Creation Units. For example, local market delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming investors, together with local market holiday schedules, can sometimes require a delivery process in excess of seven days. However, Rule 6c-11 grants relief from Section 22(e) to permit an ETF to delay satisfaction of a redemption request for more than seven days if a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming Authorized Participants, or the combination thereof prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. Under this exemption, an ETF must deliver foreign investments as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 days after the tender to the ETF. The exemption therefore will permit a delay only to the extent that additional time for settlement is actually required, when a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. If a foreign investment settles in less than 15 days, Rule 6c-11 requires an ETF to deliver it pursuant to the standard settlement time of the local market where the investment trades. Rule 6c-11 defines "foreign investment" as any security, asset or other position of the ETF issued by a foreign issuer

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(as defined by Rule 3b-4 under the 1934 Act), and that is traded on a trading market outside of the United States. This definition is not limited to "foreign securities," but also includes other investments that may not be considered securities. Although these other investments may not be securities, they may present the same challenges for timely settlement as foreign securities if they are transferred in kind.

**Creation Transaction Fees.** The Fund imposes fees in connection with the purchase of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, plus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the creation basket.

**Redemption Transaction Fees.** The Fund also imposes fees in connection with the redemption of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price received for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, minus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the redemption basket. 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 may also be assessed an amount to cover the cost of such services. The redemption fee charged by the Fund will comply with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act which limits redemption fees to no more than 2% of the value of the shares redeemed.

**Suspension of Creations.** The SEC has stated its position that an ETF generally may suspend the issuance of Creation Units only for a limited time and only due to extraordinary circumstances, such as when the markets on which the ETF's portfolio holdings are traded are closed for a limited period of time. The SEC has also stated that an ETF could not set transaction fees so high as to effectively suspend the issuance of Creation Units. Circumstances in which the Fund may suspend creations include, but are not limited to: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the purchaser or group of related purchasers, upon obtaining the Creation Units of Fund shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the required consideration is not delivered; (iv) the acceptance of the basket would, in the opinion of the Fund, be unlawful; or (v) there exist circumstances outside the control of the Fund that make it impossible to process purchases of Creation Units for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include: acts of God or 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 Fund, First Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the transfer agent, the custodian, any sub-custodian or any other participant in the purchase process; and similar extraordinary events. The Fund reserves the right to reject a creation order transmitted to it provided that such action does not result in a suspension of sales of creation units in contravention of 6c-11 and the SEC's positions thereunder. The Transfer Agent shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such prospective creator of the rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the Fund, the Transfer Agent, 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 baskets, nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

**Suspension of Redemptions.** An ETF may suspend the redemption of Creation Units only in accordance with Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. Section 22(e) stipulates that no registered investment company shall suspend the right of redemption, or postpone the date of payment or satisfaction upon redemption of any redeemable security in accordance with its terms for more than seven days after the tender of such security to the company or its agent designated for that purpose for redemption, except (1) for any period (A) during which the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings or (B) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted; (2) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which (A) disposal by the investment company of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or (B) it is not reasonably practicable for such company fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the investment company.

**Exceptions to Use of Creation Units.** Under Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, ETFs are permitted to sell or redeem individual shares on the day of consummation of a reorganization, merger, conversion, or liquidation. In these limited circumstances, an ETF may need to issue or redeem individual shares and may need to transact without utilizing Authorized Participants.

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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 Fund. This section is current as of the date of the SAI. 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 foreign tax consequences.

This federal income tax summary is based in part on the advice of counsel to the Fund. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure may not be sufficient for prospective investors to use for the purpose of avoiding penalties under federal tax law.

As with any investment, prospective investors should seek advice based on their individual circumstances from their own tax advisor.

The Fund intends to qualify annually and to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (a *"RIC"*) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "*Code*").

To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs, the Fund must, among other things, (i) 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; (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs 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 the Fund's total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) 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 RICs) of any one issuer, or two or more issuers which the 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 (iii) 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. There are certain exceptions for failure to qualify if the failure is for reasonable cause or is de minimis, and certain corrective action is taken and certain tax payments are made by the Fund.

As a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its 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 it distributes to shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain. If the 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, the 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 98.2% 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 Fund intends 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 the 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 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.

Subject to certain reasonable cause and *de minimis* exceptions, if the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC or fails 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.

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**Distributions** 

Dividends paid out of the Fund's 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 the Fund may be taxed at capital gains tax rates. In particular, ordinary income dividends received by an individual shareholder from a RIC such as the Fund 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 the Fund itself. Dividends received by the Fund from REITs and foreign corporations are qualifying dividends eligible for this lower tax rate only in certain circumstances. Certain hedging strategies may reduce the amount of dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the capital gains tax rates. The Fund will provide notice to its shareholders of the amount of any distributions that may be taken into account as a dividend which is eligible for the capital gains tax rates. The Fund cannot make any guarantees as to the amount of any distribution which will be regarded as a qualifying dividend. Some portion of the ordinary income distributions that are attributable to dividends received by the Fund from shares in certain real estate investment trusts may be designated by the Fund as eligible for a deduction for qualified business income, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied.

Income from the Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to net investment income if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals.

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 RICs. However, certain ordinary income dividends on shares that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from certain domestic corporations may be reported by the Fund as being eligible for the dividends received deduction. Certain hedging strategies may reduce the amount of dividends that would otherwise be treated as qualifying dividends.

Distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, properly reported as capital gain dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements. Shareholders receiving distributions in the form of additional shares, rather than cash, generally will have a tax 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 the 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.

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 Fund, which a shareholder holds as a capital asset, such 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. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

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.

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**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units** 

If a shareholder exchanges 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 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 IRS, 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 Fund's 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 Fund 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.

**Futures Contracts and Options** 

The Fund's 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 Fund (*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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 RIC and the distribution requirements for avoiding excise taxes.

**Investments in Certain Foreign Corporations** 

If the 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 shareholders. The Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes. The 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, the 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 are not treated as qualified dividend income.

**Backup Withholding** 

The Fund 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 Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or fail to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. 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.

------

**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 the Fund is "effectively connected" with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the shareholder.

In addition to the rules described in this section concerning the potential imposition of withholding on distributions to non-U.S. persons, distributions to non-U.S. persons that are "financial institutions" may be subject to a withholding tax of 30% unless an agreement is in place between the financial institution and the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose information about accounts, equity investments or debt interests in the financial institution held by one or more U.S. persons or the institution is resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury. For these purposes, a "financial institution" means any entity that (i) accepts deposits in the ordinary course of a banking or similar business, (ii) holds financial assets for the account of others as a substantial portion of its business, or (iii) is engaged (or holds itself out as being engaged) primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, partnership interests, commodities or any interest (including a futures contract or option) in such securities, partnership interests or commodities. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

Distributions to non-financial non-U.S. entities (other than publicly traded foreign entities, entities owned by residents of U.S. possessions, foreign governments, international organizations or foreign central banks) will also be subject to a withholding tax of 30% if the entity does not certify that the entity does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provide the name, address and TIN of each substantial U.S. owner. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**Income Not Effectively Connected**. If the income from the 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 the Fund which are properly reported by the Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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.

Distributions from the Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by the Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. shareholders, provided that the Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

In addition, capital gain distributions attributable to gain from U.S. real property interests (including certain U.S. real property holding corporations) will generally be subject to United States withholding tax and will give rise to an obligation on the part of the non-U.S. shareholder to file a United States tax return.

**Income Effectively Connected**. If the income from the 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,

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any amounts retained by the Fund which are properly reported by the Fund as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund 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 Fund.

**Capital Loss Carry-forward**

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, net capital losses of the Fund incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. To the extent that these loss carry-forwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the capital gains so offset will not be distributed to Fund shareholders. As of October 31, 2022, the Fund had net capital losses for federal income tax purposes as shown in the table below. The Fund is subject to certain limitations, under U.S. tax rules, on the use of capital loss carry-forwards and net unrealized built-in losses. These limitations generally apply when there has been a 50% change in ownership.

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| |
|:---|
| **Total**<br> **Non-Expiring**<br> **Capital Loss**<br> **Available**<br>|
| $214257211 |

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**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 Fund.

**Determination of Net Asset Value**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Net Asset Value."

The per share net asset value of the Fund is determined by dividing the total value of the securities and other assets, less liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding. Under normal circumstances, daily calculation of the net asset value will utilize the last closing sale price of each security held by the Fund at the close of the market on which such security is principally listed. In determining net asset value, portfolio securities for the Fund for which accurate market quotations are readily available will be valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Common stocks and other equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange other than Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) will be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded, or the official closing price for Nasdaq and AIM securities. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the Business Day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Shares of open-end funds are valued at NAV per share.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Exchange-traded options and futures contracts are valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are principally traded. If no closing price is available, they will be valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their closing bid price. OTC options and futures contracts are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Forward foreign currency contracts are valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using the current day's spot rate, and the 30-, 60-, 90- and 180- day forward rates provided by a pricing service or by certain independent dealers in such contracts.

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In addition, the following types of securities will be fair valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Fixed-income securities, convertible securities, preferred and hybrid securities, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, swaptions, currency-linked notes, credit-linked notes, asset-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities or private label collateralized mortgage obligations, collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, senior loans and other similar instruments will be fair valued using a pricing service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Commercial paper, fixed-income and other debt securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts (amortized cost), provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer specific conditions existing at the time of the determination. Factors that may be considered in determining the appropriateness of the use of amortized cost include, but are not limited to, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the credit conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the liquidity conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the interest rate conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto (such as significant changes in interest rates);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) issuer-specific conditions (such as significant credit deterioration); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) any other market-based data the Advisor considers relevant. In this regard, the Advisor may use last-obtained market-based data to assist it when valuing portfolio securities using amortized cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Repurchase agreements will be valued as follows. Overnight repurchase agreements will be valued at amortized cost when it represents the most appropriate reflection of fair market value. Term repurchase agreements (*i.e.*, those whose maturity exceeds seven days) will be valued by the Advisor at the average of the bid quotations obtained.

If the Advisor has reason to question the accuracy or reliability of a price supplied or the use of the amortized cost methodology, the Advisor shall determine if "it needs to fair value" such portfolio security pursuant to established valuation procedures. From time to time, the Advisor, Fund accounting agent, or relevant portfolio management team may submit price challenges to a pricing service, pursuant to a process described in the Fund's Valuation Procedures.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities will be valued at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities that 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 or fair value 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 net asset value (as may be the case in foreign markets on which the security is primarily traded) or is likely to make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not, in the opinion of the Advisor, reflect the security's fair value. Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a pricing service or are determined by the Advisor. Market value prices represent last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (*i.e.*, a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from pricing services. If no market price or official close price is available from either a pricing service or no quotations are available from one or more brokers or if the Advisor has reason to question the reliability or accuracy of a price supplied or the use of amortized cost, the value of any portfolio security held by the Fund for which reliable market prices/quotations are not readily available will be determined by the Advisor in a manner that most appropriately reflects fair market value of the security on the valuation date, based on a consideration of all available information. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange.

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which a shareholder may purchase shares of the Fund, the value of the Fund's investments may change on the days when shareholders are not able to purchase shares of the Fund. For foreign securities, if an extraordinary market event occurs between the time the last "current" market quotation is available for a security in the Fund's portfolio and the time the Fund's net asset value is determined and calls into doubt

------

whether that earlier market quotation represents fair value at the time the Fund's net asset value is determined, the Fund accounting agent will immediately notify the Advisor and the Advisor shall determine the fair valuation. For foreign securities, the Advisor may seek to determine the "fair value" of such securities by retaining a pricing service to determine the value of the securities.

Foreign securities, currencies and other assets denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar as provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

**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.** Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid monthly. 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 or advisable to preserve the status of the 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 Fund.

**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 Fund for reinvestment 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 the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

**Miscellaneous Information**

**Counsel.** Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, is counsel to the Trust.

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.** Deloitte & Touche LLP, 111 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. The firm audits the Fund's financial statements and performs other related audit services.

**Financial Statements**

The audited financial statements and notes thereto for the Fund, contained in the [<u>Annual Report to Shareholders</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm)dated October 31, 2022, 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 available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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**Exhibit A—Principal Holders Table** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **% OF**<br> **OUTSTANDING**<br> **SHARES OWNED**<br>|
| FIRST TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES AND INCOME ETF | FIRST TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES AND INCOME ETF |
| Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 23.31% |
| Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 9.20% |
| RBC Capital Markets, LLC | 8.62% |
| National Financial Services LLC | 7.99% |
| TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. | 6.05% |
| Pershing LLC | 5.77% |
| LPL Financial LLC | 5.43% |
| UBS Financial Services Inc. | 5.15% |

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(1) Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.: 2423 East Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

(2) LPL Financial LLC: 1055 LPL Way, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715

(3) Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC: 1300 Thames Street, 6<sup>th</sup> Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21231

(4) National Financial Services LLC: 499 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

(5) Pershing LLC: One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, New Jersey 07399

(6) RBC Capital Markets, LLC: 60 South 6<sup>th</sup> Street, P-O9, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

(7) TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc.: 200 S. 108<sup>th</sup> Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68154

(8) UBS Financial Services Inc.: 1000 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, New Jersey 07086

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**Exhibit B—Credit Rating Definitions**

**S&P Global RATINGS**

A S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Rating's view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Likelihood of payment: capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation and the promise S&P imputes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **AAA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to <br> meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.<br>|
| **AA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "AA" differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity <br> to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.<br>|
| **A** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and <br> economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its <br> financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.<br>|
| **BBB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions <br> or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial <br> commitment on the obligation.<br>|

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Obligations rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC" and "C" are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **BB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "BB" is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces <br> major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could <br> lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.<br>|
| **B** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "B" is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated "BB," but the obligor <br> currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or <br> economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on <br> the obligation.<br>|
| **CCC** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "CCC" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, <br> financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the <br> event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to <br> meet its financial commitment on the obligation.<br>|
| **CC** | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated "CC" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The "CC" rating is used when a default <br> has not yet occurred but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty regardless of the anticipated time to <br> default. <br>|

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**C** An obligation rated "C" is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.

**D** An obligation rated "D" is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

**Plus (+) or Minus (-):** The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.**

A brief description of the applicable Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (*"Moody's"*) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moody's) follows.

Ratings assigned on Moody's global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments.

LONG-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Aaa** | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
| **Aa** | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
| **A** | Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
| **Baa** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may <br> possess certain speculative characteristics.<br>|
| **Ba** | Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
| **B** | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
| **Caa** | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
| **Ca** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of <br> recovery of principal and interest.<br>|
| **C** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of <br> principal or interest.<br>|

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**Note:** Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

**Fitch Ratings**

A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings (*"Fitch"*) ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows:

Fitch's credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. The agency's credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supra-national and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

The terms "investment grade" and "speculative grade" have established themselves over time as shorthand to describe the categories 'AAA' to 'BBB' (investment grade) and 'BB' to 'D' (speculative grade). The terms "investment grade" and "speculative grade" are market conventions, and do not imply any recommendation or endorsement of a specific security for investment

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purposes. "Investment grade" categories indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while ratings in the "speculative" categories either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred.

A designation of "Not Rated" or "NR" is used to denote securities not rated by Fitch where Fitch has rated some, but not all, securities comprising an issuance capital structure.

Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss.

Fitch's credit ratings do not directly address any risk other than credit risk. In particular, ratings do not deal with the risk of a market value loss on a rated security due to changes in interest rates, liquidity and other market considerations. However, in terms of payment obligation on the rated liability, market risk may be considered to the extent that it influences the ability of an issuer to pay upon a commitment. Ratings nonetheless do not reflect market risk to the extent that they influence the size or other conditionality of the obligation to pay upon a commitment (for example, in the case of index-linked bonds).

In the default components of ratings assigned to individual obligations or instruments, the agency typically rates to the likelihood of non-payment or default in accordance with the terms of that instrument's documentation. In limited cases, Fitch may include additional considerations (*i.e.* rate to a higher or lower standard than that implied in the obligation's documentation). In such cases, the agency will make clear the assumptions underlying the agency's opinion in the accompanying rating commentary.

INTERNATIONAL LONG-TERM RATINGS

**Issuer Credit Rating Scales** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **AAA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in <br> cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely <br> to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.<br>|
| **AA** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong <br> capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable <br> events.<br>|
| **A** | &nbsp;&nbsp; High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial <br> commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business <br> or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.<br>|
| **BBB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for <br> payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are <br> more likely to impair this capacity.<br>|
| **BB** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse <br> changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which <br> supports the servicing of financial commitments.<br>|
| **B** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Highly speculative. 'B' ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety <br> remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is <br> vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.<br>|
| **CCC** | Substantial credit risk. Default is a real possibility. |
| **CC** | Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable. |
| **C** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. <br> Conditions that are indicative of a 'C' category rating for an issuer include:<br> •the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;<br> •the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment <br> default on a material financial obligation; or<br> •Fitch otherwise believes a condition of 'RD' or 'D' to be imminent or inevitable, including through the formal <br> announcement of a distressed debt exchange. <br>|

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **RD** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Restricted default. 'RD' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has experienced an uncured payment <br> default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy <br> filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not <br> otherwise ceased operating. This would include:<br> •the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;<br> •the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a <br> payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;<br> •the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material <br> financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or<br> •execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.<br>|
| **D** | &nbsp;&nbsp; Default. 'D' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, <br> administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased <br> business.<br>|

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Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

"Imminent" default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.

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**Exhibit C—Proxy Voting Guidelines**

**Stonebridge Advisors LLC** 

**Proxy Voting Policies (Revised 2022)** 

**General Policy.** 

The preferred and hybrid securities in which we generally invest do not normally carry proxy voting rights, and we do not anticipate acquiring other equity securities that have such rights. But in the event that a proxy vote is solicited on a security held in client portfolios, Stonebridge will strive to cast its vote in the best economic interests of the client, following the Proxy Voting Guidelines detailed below.

Clients may obtain a copy of Stonebridge's Proxy Voting Policy as well as information relating to how proxies were voted.

**Proxy Voting Guidelines.** 

We will normally vote proxies in accordance with the following guidelines unless we determine that it is in the best economic interests of our clients do otherwise:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We will consider the proposal's expected impact on shareholder value and will not consider any benefit to us, our employees or affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We consider the reputation, experience and competence of a company's management when we evaluate the merits of investing in a particular company, and we invest in companies in which we believe management goals and shareholder goals are aligned. Therefore, on most issues, we cast our votes in accordance with management's recommendations. However, when we believe management's position on a particular issue is not in the best interests our clients, we will vote contrary to management's recommendation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With respect to a company's board of directors, we believe there should be a majority of independent directors on company boards, and that audit, compensation and nominating committees should consist solely of independent directors. Therefore, we will normally vote in favor of proposals that insure such independence.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With respect to auditors, we believe that the relationship between a public company and its auditors should be limited primarily to the audit engagement, and we will normally vote in favor of proposals to prohibit or limit fees paid to auditors for any services other than auditing or closely-related activities that do not raise any appearance of impaired independence.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With respect to equity-based compensation plans, we believe that appropriately designed plans approved by a company's shareholders can be an effective way to align the interests of long-term shareholders and the interests of management, employees and directors. However, we will normally vote against plans that substantially dilute our ownership interest in the company or provide participants with excessive awards. We will also normally vote in favor of proposals to require the expensing of options.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With respect to shareholder rights, we believe that all shareholders of a company should have an equal voice and that barriers that limit the ability of shareholders to effect corporate change and to realize the full value of their investment are not desirable. Therefore, we will normally vote against proposals for supermajority voting rights, against the adoption of poison pill plans, and against proposals for different classes of stock with different voting rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With respect to "social responsibility" issues, we believe that matters related to a company's day-to-day business operations are primarily the responsibility of management. We are focused on maximizing long- term shareholder value and will normally vote against shareholder proposals requesting that a company disclose or change certain business practices, unless we believe the proposal would have a substantial, positive economic impact on the company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Sometimes a client will fund an account with in-kind securities. When this happens, we review the in- kind portfolio, retain those preferred and hybrid securities that fit Stonebridge's strategies, and quickly sell the rest to produce cash which can then be invested in securities that do fit our strategies. It may occur that a proxy vote solicitation is received on a security that was received in-kind and slated for immediate sale without further analysis. It is our policy to vote "Abstain" on such securities as we have only transitory possession of them.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In other circumstances, we may also decide to refrain from voting a particular proxy. In these instances, we will document the reasons for our decision.

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**Responsibility.** 

The CCO or his designee is responsible for the administration of the proxy voting policy.

The Chief Investment Officer or his designee is responsible for voting and submitting proxies and monitoring corporate actions of portfolio securities.

**Implementation.** 

Implementation procedures are as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A description of the Proxy Voting Policy is disclosed in Form ADV Part 2A, along with contact information for clients interested in requesting a copy of the policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• An offer is made to all existing clients on an annual basis to allow them to request, at no charge, a copy of the Proxy Voting Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• When a proxy vote is required, the Chief Investment Officer or his designee will maintain documentation of all proxies/corporate action information that was received, records of how and when the proxies were voted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Client requests for information regarding proxy votes or policies and procedures shall be forwarded to the CCO for a written response.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The CCO periodically reviews documentation maintained by the Chief Investment Officer to provide reasonable assurance that procedures are followed and proxies are being voted in the best interest of the clients.

Reviewed January 10, 2022

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**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** 

**Investment Company Act File No. 811-22245** 

**First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **FUND NAME** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **TICKER**<br> **SYMBOL**<br>| **EXCHANGE** |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | RFDI | Nasdaq |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | RFEM | Nasdaq |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | RFEU | Nasdaq |

---

**DATED MARCH 1, 2023**

This Statement of Additional Information (*"SAI"*) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated March 1, 2023, as it may be revised from time to time (the *"Prospectus"*), for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF, First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (each a *"Fund"* and, collectively, the *"Funds"*), each a series of the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the *"Trust"*). Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust's distributor, First Trust Portfolios L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, or by calling toll free at (800) 621-1675.

The audited financial statements for the Funds' most recent fiscal year appear in the Funds' Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2022, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the *"SEC"*) on January 6, 2023. The

financial statements from the [<u>Annual Report</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm) are incorporated herein by reference. The Annual Report is available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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**Table of Contents** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [General Description of the Trust and the Funds](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_1) | 1 |
| [Exchange Listing and Trading](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Objectives and Policies](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_3) | 3 |
| [Investment Strategies](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_4) | 4 |
| [Investment Risks](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_10) | 10 |
| [Management of the Funds](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_16) | 16 |
| [Sub-Advisor](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_25) | 25 |
| [Brokerage Allocations](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_28) | 28 |
| [Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_29) | 29 |
| [Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_30) | 30 |
| [Additional Information](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_32) | 32 |
| [Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_33) | 33 |
| [Creation and Redemption of Creation Units](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_34) | 34 |
| [Federal Tax Matters](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_36) | 36 |
| [Determination of Net Asset Value](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_41) | 41 |
| [Dividends and Distributions](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_43) | 43 |
| [Miscellaneous Information](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_43) | 43 |
| [Financial Statements](#xx_5632d77d-0e71-45e3-a716-ab0b6a5df77b_43) | 43 |
| [Exhibit A](#xx_c0356442-4289-40ce-9bec-b46d4466d931_1)[—](#xx_c0356442-4289-40ce-9bec-b46d4466d931_1)[Principal Holders Table](#xx_c0356442-4289-40ce-9bec-b46d4466d931_1) | A-1 |
| [Exhibit B](#xx_d06c70ab-4521-4158-a447-11981ee6c592_1)[—](#xx_d06c70ab-4521-4158-a447-11981ee6c592_1)[Proxy Voting Guidelines](#xx_d06c70ab-4521-4158-a447-11981ee6c592_1) | B-1 |

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i

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**General Description of the Trust and the Funds**

The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 9, 2008 and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares in one or more series. 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 series. This SAI relates to the Funds, which are diversified series.

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," "Board of Trustees"* or *"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"*) requires a shareholder vote only on those matters where the 1940 Act requires a vote of shareholders and otherwise permits the Trustees to take actions without seeking the consent of shareholders. For example, the Declaration gives the Trustees broad authority to approve reorganizations between a Fund and another entity, such as another exchange-traded fund, or the sale of all or substantially all of a Fund's assets, or the termination of the Trust or any Fund without shareholder approval if the 1940 Act would not require such approval.

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 and to any By-laws adopted by the Trust. The Declaration provides that, except as set forth therein and authorized by the Trustees, shareholders have no rights, privileges, claims or remedies under any contract or agreement entered into by the Trust or a Fund with any service provider or other agent to or contractor with the Trust or a Fund including, without limitation, any third party beneficiary rights.

The Declaration may, except in limited circumstances, be amended by the Trustees in any respect without a shareholder vote. The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees and that vacancies on the Board of Trustees may be filled by the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that Trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees.

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 or as the Trustees may determine, 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 provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction and other harm that can be caused to a Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. In addition, the Declaration provides that actions that are derivative in nature may not be brought directly. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand must first be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Funds, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholder may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholder is able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Funds. In making such a determination, a

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Trustee is not considered to have a personal financial interest by virtue of being compensated for his or her services as a Trustee. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholder will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the Funds in connection with the consideration of the demand under a number of circumstances. In addition, if a court determines that a derivative action was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose, or if a derivative or direct action is dismissed on the basis of a failure to comply with the procedural provisions relating to shareholder actions as set forth in the Declaration, or if a direct action is dismissed by a court for failure to state a claim, the shareholder bringing the action may be responsible for a Fund's costs, including attorneys' fees.

The provisions of the Declaration provide that any direct or derivative action commenced by a shareholder must be brought only in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (Boston Division) or if any such action may not be brought in that court, then in the Business Litigation Session of Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts (the *"Chosen Courts"*). Except as prohibited by applicable law, if a shareholder commences an applicable action in a court other than a Chosen Court without the consent of a Fund, then such shareholder may be obligated to reimburse the Fund and any applicable Trustee or officer of the Fund made party to such proceeding for the costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with any successful motion to dismiss, stay or transfer of the action. The Declaration also provides that any shareholder bringing an action against a Fund waives the right to trial by jury to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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 Declaration provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is liable to the Trust for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his or her duties involved in the conduct of the individual's office, and for nothing else and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Declaration also provides that the Trustees of the Trust will be subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to Massachusetts business trusts, but not to the laws of Massachusetts relating to the trustees of common law trusts, such as donative or probate type trusts. The Declaration further provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as Trustee is not personally liable to any person other than the Trust, for any act, omission, or obligation of the Trust. The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust for any liability for actions or failure to act except to the extent prohibited by applicable federal law. In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses in connection with a claim for which indemnification is sought, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available. The Declaration provides that any Trustee who serves as chair of the Board of Trustees or of a committee of the Board of Trustees, as lead independent Trustee or as audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position.

These provisions are not intended to restrict any shareholder rights under the federal securities laws and the Declaration specifically provides that no provision of the Declaration shall be effective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of, or restrict any shareholder rights expressly granted by, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the *"1933 Act"*), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*) or the 1940 Act, or any valid rule, regulation or order of the Securities Exchange Commission thereunder.

The Funds are advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the *"Advisor"* or *"First Trust"*) and sub-advised by RiverFront Investment Group, LLC (the *"Sub-Advisor"* or *"RIG"*).

The shares of each Fund are principally listed and traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("*Nasdaq*" or the *"Exchange"*). ETFs, such as the Funds, do not sell or redeem individual shares of a Fund. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" (which are discussed in greater detail below) have contractual arrangements with each Fund or the Distributor to purchase and redeem Fund shares directly with a Fund in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." An Authorized Participant that purchases a Creation Unit of Fund shares deposits with a Fund a "basket" of securities, cash and/or other assets identified by the Fund that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of Fund shares in return for those assets. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit

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of Fund shares for a basket of securities, cash and/or other assets. The basket is generally representative of a Fund's portfolio, and together with a cash balancing amount, it is equal to the NAV of the Fund shares comprising the Creation Unit. Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, the Funds may utilize baskets that are not representative of each Fund's portfolio. Such "custom baskets" are discussed in the section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units."

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 section entitled "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units." 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 Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares of a Fund will continue to be met. The Exchange may, but is 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 the shares of such Fund for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (ii) such other event shall occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange 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 Exchange, brokers' 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 Objectives and Policies**

The Prospectus describes the investment objectives and certain policies of the Funds. The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objectives 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 (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of a Fund:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) A Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) A Fund may not borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) A Fund will not underwrite the securities of other issuers except to the extent a 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 the Fund if, as a result, the aggregate of such loans would exceed 33⅓% of the value of the Fund's total assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 a 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).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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. This restriction does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or securities of other investment companies.

For purposes of applying restriction (1) above, under the 1940 Act as currently in effect, the Funds are not permitted to issue senior securities, except that a Fund may borrow from any bank if, immediately after such borrowing the value of such Fund's total assets is at least 300% of the principal amount of all of the Fund's borrowings (*i.e.,* the principal amount of the borrowings may not exceed 33⅓% of a Fund's total assets). In the event that such asset coverage shall at any time fall below 300% the applicable Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays), reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowing shall be at least 300%.

Except for restriction (2) above, 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. With respect to restriction (2), if the limitations are exceeded as a result of a change in market value then the Fund will reduce the amount of borrowings within three days thereafter to the extent necessary to comply with the limitations (not including Sundays and holidays).

The fundamental investment limitations set forth above limit the Funds' ability to engage in certain investment practices and purchase securities or other instruments to the extent permitted by, or consistent with, applicable law. As such, these limitations will change as the statute, rules, regulations or orders (or, if applicable, interpretations) change, and no shareholder vote will be required or sought.

The Funds' investment objectives and 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 a Fund if a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund vote for the approval of such matter, notwithstanding that 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.

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**

The following information supplements the discussion of each Fund's investment objective, policies and strategies that appears in the Prospectus.

Under normal market conditions, First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in a portfolio of equity securities of developed market companies, including through investments in common stock, depositary receipts, and common and preferred shares of real estate investment trusts (*"REITs"*), and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions used to hedge the Fund's exposure to the currencies in which the equity securities of such developed market companies are denominated. Fund shareholders are entitled to 60 days' notice prior to any change in this non-fundamental investment policy.

Under normal market conditions, First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in a portfolio of equity securities of emerging market companies, including through investments in common stock, depositary receipts, and common and preferred shares of REITs, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions used to hedge the Fund's exposure to the currencies in which the equity securities of such emerging market companies are denominated. Fund shareholders are entitled to 60 days' notice prior to any change in this non-fundamental investment policy.

Under normal market conditions, First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in a portfolio of equity securities of European companies, including through investments in common stock, depositary receipts, and common and preferred shares of REITs, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency spot transactions used to hedge the Fund's exposure to the

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currencies in which the equity securities of such European companies are denominated. Fund shareholders are entitled to 60 days' notice prior to any change in this non-fundamental investment policy.

**Types of Investments** 

**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. 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 net asset value.

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).

Although the Prospectus and this SAI describe certain permitted methods of segregating assets or otherwise "covering" certain transactions, such descriptions are not all-inclusive. Each Fund may segregate against or cover such transactions using other methods permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, or orders issued by the SEC thereunder. For these purposes, interpretations and guidance provided by the SEC staff may be taken into account when deemed appropriate by a Fund.

**Depositary Receipts.** The Funds may hold securities of certain non-U.S. companies in the form of depositary receipts (*"Depositary Receipts"*). Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. American Depositary Receipts (*"ADRs"*) are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. European Depositary Receipts (*"EDRs"*) are receipts issued by a European bank or trust company evidencing ownership of securities issued by a foreign corporation. Global Depositary Receipts (*"GDRs"*) are receipts issued throughout the world that evidence a similar arrangement. In addition, the Funds may invest in New York shares, which are typically issued by a company incorporated in the Netherlands and represent a direct interest in the company, and global shares, which are the actual (ordinary) shares of a non-U.S. company which trade both in the home market and the United States. Unlike traditional Depositary Receipts, New York share programs do not involve custody of the Dutch shares of the company. Generally, ADRs and New York shares, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets. EDRs, in registered form, are used to access European markets. GDRs, in registered form, are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. Global shares are represented by the same share certificate in the United States and the home market. Separate registrars in the United States and the home country are maintained. In most cases, purchases occurring on a U.S. exchange would be reflected on the U.S. registrar. Global shares may also be eligible to list on exchanges in addition to the United States and the home country.

**Equities.** The Funds intend to invest in equity securities, which represent an ownership position in a company. The prices of equity securities fluctuate based on, among other things, events specific to their issuers and market, economic, and other conditions. Equity securities in which the Funds invest include common stocks. Common stocks may be common stock of any class or series of a domestic or foreign corporation or any similar equity interest, such as a trust or partnership interest. These investments may or may not pay dividends and may or may not carry voting rights. Common stock occupies the most junior position in a company's capital structure. The Funds may also invest in warrants and rights related to common stocks.

**Fixed Income Investments and Cash Equivalents.** Normally, the Funds invest substantially all of their assets to meet their investment objectives. However, for temporary or defensive purposes, the Funds may invest in fixed income investments and cash equivalents in order to provide income, liquidity and preserve capital.

Fixed income investments and cash equivalents held by each Fund may include, without limitation, the types of investments set forth below:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) A Fund may invest in 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 securities include securities that are issued or guaranteed by the United States Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the United States. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some of the U.S. government agencies that issue or guarantee securities include the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Farmers Home Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Maritime Administration, the Small Business Administration and the Tennessee Valley Authority. An instrumentality of the U.S. government is a government agency organized under federal charter with government supervision. Instrumentalities issuing or guaranteeing securities include, among others, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Land Banks, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and Federal National Mortgage Association (*"FNMA"*). In the case of those U.S. government securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities; consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate. In addition, each Fund may invest in sovereign debt obligations of non-U.S. countries. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest in a timely manner may be affected by a number of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which it may be subject.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) A Fund may invest in 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 a 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 FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $250,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by a Fund may not be fully insured. A Fund may only invest in certificates of deposit issued by U.S. banks with at least $1 billion in assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) A Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) A Fund may invest in repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities with counterparties that are deemed by the Advisor to present acceptable credit risks. 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. Such actions afford an opportunity for a Fund to invest temporarily available cash. A Fund 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 a Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to a Fund is 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 portfolio managers monitor the value of the collateral at the time the action is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement. The portfolio

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managers do 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) A Fund may invest in 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) A Fund may invest in 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 the 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 managers 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. A Fund may invest in commercial paper only if it has received the highest rating from at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, judged by First Trust to be of comparable quality.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) A Fund may invest in shares of money market funds, as consistent with its investment objective and policies. Shares of money market funds are subject to management fees and other expenses of those funds. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Fund to bear proportionately the costs incurred by the money market funds' operations. At the same time, a Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of other investment companies. It is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in money market funds.

**Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts.** To protect the value of their portfolio against uncertainty in the level of future currency exchange rates between a particular foreign currency and the U.S. dollar or between foreign currencies, the Funds may enter into foreign currency transactions on a spot (*i.e.,* cash) basis or it may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon by the parties from the date of the contract at a price set on the date of the contract. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts (i) are traded in a market conducted directly between currency traders (typically, commercial banks or other financial institutions) and their customers, (ii) generally have no deposit requirements and (iii) are typically consummated without payment of any commissions. A Fund, however, may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts requiring deposits or involving the payment of commissions. The Funds will only enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts with parties which it believes to be creditworthy institutions. To assure that its forward foreign currency exchange contracts are not used to achieve investment leverage, the Funds will segregate or earmark on its records liquid assets to the extent required under the 1940 Act.

**Futures Contracts.** The Funds may enter into exchange-listed equity index futures contracts. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two 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 contract was originally written. Although the value of a securities index is a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of those securities is made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering a number of indexes (including, but not limited to: the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index, the Russell 2000 Index, the Value Line Composite Index, and the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index). The Funds will not enter into futures contracts which are prohibited under the Commodity Exchange Act (*"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. Futures exchanges and trading are regulated under the CEA by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (*"CFTC"*).

Futures contracts may be closed out prior to delivery by entering into an offsetting transaction in a matching futures contract. 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, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract.

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Transaction costs are incurred when a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. 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 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 net asset value, 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 net asset value. There can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.

The Funds will comply with the applicable regulatory requirements of the SEC and the CFTC with respect to coverage of 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 or as may be held by the futures commission merchant or other applicable entity as permitted under the 1940 Act. Securities earmarked or held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the futures position is outstanding, unless replaced with other permissible assets, and will be marked-to-market daily.

**Illiquid Investments.** The Funds may invest in illiquid investments (*i.e.*, any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment). For purposes of this restriction, illiquid investments may include, but are not limited to, certain 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 and repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, among others. However, a Fund will not acquire illiquid investments if, as a result, such investments would comprise more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Advisor, subject to oversight by the Board of Trustees, 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 under a Fund's liquidity risk management program, adopted pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act.

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

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part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time a 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 investments 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 investments or the depreciation of liquid investments, a Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid investments, including restricted investments which are not readily marketable, the Advisor will report such occurrence to the Board of Trustees and take such steps as are deemed advisable to protect liquidity in accordance with the Fund's liquidity risk management program.

**Hedging Strategies** 

The Funds may engage in hedging activities and, in this regard, may utilize forward contracts, currency spot transactions and futures contracts. The use of futures is not a part of a principal investment strategy of the Funds.

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 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 futures exchanges upon which they are traded, 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 Derivative Transactions** 

The Funds limit their direct investments in derivative instruments to the extent necessary for the Advisor to claim the exclusion from regulation as a "commodity pool operator" with respect to each Fund under CFTC Rule 4.5, as such rule may be amended from time to time. Under Rule 4.5 as currently in effect, the Funds limit their trading activity in certain derivative instruments (excluding activity for "bona fide hedging purposes," as defined by the CFTC) such that each meets one of the following tests: (i) aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish its futures, options on futures and swap positions do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the applicable Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions; or (ii) aggregate net notional value of the applicable Fund's futures, options on futures and swap positions does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions.

The Advisor has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with respect to each Fund with the National Futures Association, the futures industry's self-regulatory organization. If First Trust were no longer able to claim the exclusion for a Fund, First Trust would be required to register as a "commodity pool operator" with respect to such Fund, and such Fund and First Trust with respect to such Fund would be subject to regulation under the CEA.

The foregoing limitations are non-fundamental policies of the Funds and may be changed without shareholder approval as regulatory agencies permit.

**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 bought and sold during a year is known as the Fund's portfolio turnover rate. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur, for example, if all of the portfolio securities (other than short-term securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in the payment by the Fund of increased brokerage costs, expenses and taxes. The portfolio turnover rates for the specified periods are set forth below. Significant variations in portfolio turnover from year-to-year are generally the result of fluctuations in the size of a Fund or changes to a Fund's portfolio holdings.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Turnover Rate** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Portfolio Turnover Rate** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Portfolio Turnover Rate** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fund** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **Fund** | **2022** | **2021** |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | 95% | 45% |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | 75% | 32% |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | 71% | 50% |

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**Lending of Portfolio Securities**

In order to generate additional income, as a non-principal investment strategy, First Trust is authorized to select certain First Trust Funds, including the Funds, with notice to the Board of Trustees, to lend portfolio securities representing up to 33⅓% of the value of their total assets to broker-dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers of securities. As with other extensions of credit, there may be risks of delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, such First Trust Funds will only enter into loan arrangements with broker-dealers, banks or other institutions which First Trust has determined are creditworthy under guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees. The First Trust Funds will pay a portion of the income earned on the lending transaction to the placing broker and may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with these loans. First Trust may select any First Trust Fund to participate in the securities lending program, at its discretion with notice to the Board of Trustees.

In these loan arrangements, the First Trust Funds will receive collateral in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other high-grade debt obligations in an amount at least equal to the value of the borrowed securities, marked to market daily. This collateral must be valued daily by First Trust or the applicable First Trust Fund's lending agent and, if the market value of the loaned securities increases, the borrower must furnish additional collateral to the lending First Trust Fund. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays the lending First Trust Fund any dividends or interest paid on the securities. Loans are subject to termination at any time by the lending First Trust Fund or the borrower. While a First Trust Fund does not have the right to vote securities on loan, it would terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if that were considered important with respect to the investment. When a First Trust Fund lends portfolio securities to a borrower, payments in lieu of dividends made by the borrower to the First Trust Fund will not constitute "qualified dividends" taxable at the same rate as long-term capital gains, even if the actual dividends would have constituted qualified dividends had the First Trust Fund held the securities. Please see "Securities Lending Risk" below for a description of the risks associated with securities lending activities.

**Investment Risks**

The following risk disclosure supplements the discussion of each Fund's investment risks that appears in the Prospectus.

***Overview***

An investment in a Fund should be made with an understanding of the risks that an investment in the Fund's shares entails, including the risk that the financial condition of the issuers of the securities held by a Fund or the general condition of the securities market may worsen and the value of the 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 such an investment. The past market and earnings performance of any of the securities included in a Fund is not predictive of their future performance.

***Additional Market Disruption Risk*** 

In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. In response, various countries, including the United States, issued broad-ranging sanctions on Russia and certain Russian companies and individuals. The hostilities between the two countries may escalate and any existing or future sanctions could have a severe adverse effect on Russia's economy, currency, companies and region as well as negatively impact other regional and global economic markets of the world (including Europe and the United States), companies in such countries and various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas. Accordingly, the hostilities and sanctions may have a negative effect on a Fund's investments and performance beyond any direct exposure to Russian issuers or those of adjoining geographic regions. Russia may also take retaliatory actions or countermeasures, such as cyberattacks and espionage, which may negatively impact the countries and companies in which a Fund may invest. The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities;

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the extent and impact of existing and any future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility; and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant negative impact on certain of a Fund's investments as well as a Fund's performance, and the value or liquidity of certain securities held by a Fund may decline significantly.

***Common Stock Risk***

Common stocks are especially susceptible to general 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 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.

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 (*"OTC"*) 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.

***Derivatives Risk*** 

The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying asset, index or rate, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. In addition, when a Fund invests in certain derivative securities, including, but not limited to, U.S. exchange-traded options on futures contracts and U.S. exchange-traded futures contracts, a Fund is effectively leveraging its investments, which could result in exaggerated changes in the net asset value of a Fund's shares and can result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested. The success of the Advisor's derivatives strategies will depend on its ability to assess and predict the impact of market or economic developments on the underlying asset, index or rate and the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. Liquidity risk exists when a security cannot be purchased or sold at the time desired, or cannot be purchased or sold without adversely affecting the price. Certain specific risks associated with an investment in derivatives may include: market risk, credit risk, correlation risk, liquidity risk, legal risk and systemic or "interconnection" risk, as specified below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 a Fund to losses. Derivative instruments may include elements

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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 Advisor'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 Advisor's judgment that the derivative transaction will provide value to a Fund and its shareholders and is consistent with a Fund's objectives, investment limitations, and operating policies. In making such a judgment, the Advisor will analyze the benefits and risks of the derivative transactions and weigh them in the context of the Fund's overall investments and investment objectives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) **Credit Risk/Counterparty 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 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, a Fund 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 a Fund. A Fund will enter into transactions in derivative instruments only with counterparties that First Trust reasonably believes are capable of performing under the contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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. A Fund might be required by applicable regulatory requirements to maintain assets as "cover," maintain segregated accounts, and/or make margin payments when it takes 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 a 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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.

***Emerging Markets Risk*** 

Investments in securities of issuers located in emerging market countries are considered speculative and are subject to greater levels of non-U.S. securities risk than investments in more developed non-U.S. markets. Heightened risks of investing in emerging markets securities include: (i) smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; (ii) significant price volatility; (iii) restrictions on foreign investment; (iv) possible repatriation of investment income and capital; (v) increased risk of default (including both government and private issuers); (vi) greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability (including the risk of war); (vii) more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; (viii) less governmental supervision and regulation of the securities markets and participants in those markets; (ix) unavailability of currency hedging techniques in certain emerging market countries; and (x) the fact that companies in emerging market countries may be newly organized, smaller and less seasoned. Furthermore, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by the Funds. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.

***Foreign Currency Risk*** 

The Funds will engage in practices and strategies that will result in exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, thus subjecting the Funds to foreign currency risk. The Funds' exposure to foreign currencies or in securities or instruments that trade, or receive revenues, in foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar or, in the case of hedging positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including the forces of supply and demand in the non-U.S. exchange markets, actual or perceived changes in interest rates, rates of inflation, balance of payments and governmental surpluses or deficits, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad. These fluctuations may have a significant adverse impact on the value of a Fund's portfolio and/or the level of Fund distributions made to its common shareholders. A Fund may seek to hedge exposure to reduce the risk of loss due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. There is no assurance, however, that these strategies will be available or will be successful and a Fund will incur costs associated with such strategies.

Currency transactions are subject to risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result in losses if a Fund is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges they have entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transactions costs. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to that country's economy.

***Geographic Concentration Risk*** 

The Funds may invest from time to time a substantial amount of their assets in issuers located in a single country or region. Investments in a single region, although representing a number of different countries within the region, may be affected by common economic forces and other factors. Because the Funds may concentrate their investments in this manner, it assumes the risk that economic, political and social conditions in those countries will have a significant impact on their investment performance.

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***Listing Standards Risk***

Each Fund is required to comply with listing requirements adopted by the Exchange. Non-compliance with such requirements may result in a Fund's shares being delisted by the Exchange. Any resulting liquidation of a Fund could cause a Fund to incur elevated transaction costs and could result in negative tax consequences for its shareholders.

***Market Risk*** 

Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of a Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of a Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments due to short-term market movements or any longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on a Fund and its investments. Such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. Such events could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of a Fund's portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of a Fund's shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, a Fund's shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on a Fund's shares may widen.

Health crises caused by the outbreak of infectious diseases or other public health issues, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, economic, market and financial risks. The impact of any such events, could negatively affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual countries or regions, the financial performance of individual companies, sectors and industries, and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities and other instruments in which a Fund invests and negatively impact a Fund's investment return. For example, an outbreak of a respiratory disease designated as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. The ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects. While the U.S. has resumed "reasonably" normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may be short term or may last for an extended period of time, and in either case could result in a substantial economic downturn or recession.

In addition, the operations of a Fund, the Advisor and a Fund's other service providers may be significantly impacted, or even temporarily or permanently halted, as a result of government quarantine measures, voluntary and precautionary restrictions on travel or meetings and other factors related to a public health emergency, including its potential adverse impact on the health of any such entity's personnel.

***Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk*** 

Some countries in which a Fund invests have experienced security concerns, war or threats of war and aggression, terrorism, economic uncertainty, natural and environmental disasters and/or systemic market dislocations that have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short term market volatility and may have adverse long term effects on the economies and markets of such countries generally, each of which may negatively impact the Fund's investments. For example, there have been various events throughout Europe, including Russia's annexation of Crimea and the resulting sanctions against Russia and the ongoing tension between Russia and Ukraine. It is possible, for instance, that the events occurring in Russia could result in, among other things, Russia withholding its natural gas supply from other European countries, which has the potential to harm the economies and markets of such countries. The events occurring in one country or region may spread through, or otherwise affect, other countries and regions and therefore adversely impact the Fund's investments in such countries and regions.

The ongoing U.S. military and related action throughout the world, as well as the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, could have significant adverse effects on the U.S. economy, the stock market and world economies and markets generally. A similar disruption of financial markets or other terrorist attacks could adversely affect Fund service providers and/or the Funds' operations as well as interest rates, secondary trading, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to the common shares of the Funds. A Fund cannot predict the effects or likelihood of similar events in the future on the U.S. and world economies, the value of its common shares or the NAV of the Fund.

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***Non-U.S. Securities Risk***

Investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers, which are generally denominated in non-U.S. currencies, may involve certain risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include: (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, as non-U.S. companies are generally not subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as are U.S. companies; (ii) non-U.S. markets may be 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 a 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, including the risk of adverse political developments, nationalization, military unrest, social instability, war and terrorism, confiscation without fair compensation, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitations on the movement of funds and other assets between different countries, or diplomatic developments; (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 United States due to blockage of non-U.S. currency exchanges or otherwise; and (vii) withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the Fund's return. Action by these governments could have a significant effect on market prices of securities and dividend payments. In the event of nationalization, expropriation or other confiscation, a Fund could lose its entire investment in non-U.S. securities. In addition to the foregoing risks, there may be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad. These risks may be more pronounced to the extent that a Fund invests a significant amount of their assets in companies located in one region or in emerging markets (as described above).

Governments in certain foreign countries continue to participate to a significant degree, through ownership interest or regulation, in their respective economies. Furthermore, many countries throughout the world are dependent on a healthy U.S. economy and are adversely affected when the U.S. economy weakens or its markets decline. Additionally, many foreign country economies are heavily dependent on international trade and are adversely affected by protective trade barriers and economic conditions of their trading partners. Protectionist trade legislation enacted by those trading partners could have a significant adverse affect on the securities markets of those countries. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although a Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed and unlisted companies than in the United States, and the legal remedies for investors may be more limited than the remedies available in the United States. For example, there may be no comparable provisions under certain foreign laws to insider trading and similar investor protections that apply with respect to securities transactions consummated in the United States. Mail service between the United States and foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlement of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities.

Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when some of a Fund's assets are uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to a Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, in possible liability to the purchaser.

***Passive Foreign Investment Companies Risk*** 

A Fund may invest in companies that are considered to be "passive foreign investment companies" (*"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. Therefore, 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 distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner. A Fund will not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such taxes.

***Real Estate Investment Trust Risk*** 

REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors' capital to purchase or finance real estate. REITs may concentrate their investments in specific geographic areas or in specific property types, *e.g.*, hotels, shopping malls, residential complexes and

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office buildings. The market value of REIT shares and the ability of the REITs to distribute income may be adversely affected by several factors, including rising interest rates; changes in the national, state and local economic climate and real estate conditions; perceptions of prospective tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the properties; the ability of the owners to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance; the cost of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act; increased competition from new properties; the impact of present or future environmental legislation and compliance with environmental laws; changes in real estate taxes and other operating expenses; adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies; adverse changes in zoning laws; and other factors beyond the control of the issuers of the REITs. In addition, distributions received by the Fund from REITs may consist of dividends, capital gains and/or return of capital. Many of these distributions however will not generally qualify for favorable treatment as qualified dividend income.

Certain REITs have relatively small market capitalizations. As such, REITs may have limited financial resources and their securities may trade less frequently and in limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Furthermore, REITs are dependent upon specialized management skills and have limited diversification. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers or lessees and the possibility of failing to qualify for favorable tax treatment. By investing in REITs indirectly through a Fund, a shareholder will bear not only his or her proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the REITs. In addition, REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareholders. REITs may incur significant amounts of leverage.

***Securities Lending Risk*** 

Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including counterparty risk, collateral risk and operational risk. Counterparty risk is the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, a First Trust Fund engaged in securities lending transactions may suffer a loss and there may be a delay in recovering the lent securities. Any delay in the return of securities on loan may restrict the ability of a Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Collateral risk is the risk that the collateral received may be realized at a value lower than the value of the securities lent, whether due to inaccurate pricing of the collateral, adverse market movements in the value of the collateral, intra-day increases in the value of the securities lent, a deterioration in the credit rating of the collateral issuer, or the illiquidity of the market in which the collateral is traded. Securities lending also entails operational risks, such as settlement failures or delays in the settlement of instructions. Such failures or delays may restrict the ability of a Fund to meet delivery or payment obligations. Lastly, securities lending activities may result in adverse tax consequences for a Fund and its shareholders. For instance, substitute payments for dividends received by a Fund for securities loaned out by the Fund will not be considered qualified dividend income. A Fund could lose money if its short-term investment of the collateral declines in value over the period of the loan.

**Management of the Funds**

**Trustees and Officers**

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 six Trustees of the Trust, one of whom is an "interested person" (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act) and five of whom are Trustees who are not 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 advisor and Sub-Advisor. The officers of the Trust manage its day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board of Trustees. The following is a list of the Trustees and executive 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 have held during the past five years, if applicable. Each Trustee has been elected for an indefinite term. The officers of the Trust serve indefinite terms. Each Trustee, except for James A. Bowen, is an Independent Trustee. Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (*"Interested Trustee"*) of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor to the Funds. The following table identifies the Trustees and Officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all persons below is c/o First Trust Advisors L.P., 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, IL 60187.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| **Position**<br> **and Offices**<br> **with Trust**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Year First**<br> **Elected or**<br> **Appointed**<br>| **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in the First**<br> **Trust Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee**<br>| **Other**<br> **Trusteeships or**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by**<br> **Trustee**<br> **During the**<br> **Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** | **TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE TRUST** |
| James A. Bowen <sup>(1)</sup> <br>1955<br>| Chairman of the <br> Board and Trustee<br>| •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Chief Executive Officer, First Trust <br> Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios <br> L.P.; Chairman of the Board of Directors, <br> BondWave LLC (Software Development <br> Company) and Stonebridge Advisors LLC <br> (Investment Advisor)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| Richard E. Erickson<br> 1951<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Physician, Edward-Elmhurst Medical <br> Group; Physician and Officer, Wheaton <br> Orthopedics (1990 to 2021)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |
| Thomas R. Kadlec<br> 1957<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Retired; President, ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc. (Futures Commission <br> Merchant) (2010 to July 2022)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director, National <br> Futures <br> Association; <br> formerly, Director <br> of ADM Investor <br> Services, Inc., <br> ADM Investor <br> Services <br> International, <br> ADMIS Hong Kong <br> Ltd., ADMIS <br> Singapore Ltd. and <br> Futures Industry <br> Association<br>|
| Denise M. Keefe<br> 1964<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since 2021<br>| Executive Vice President, Advocate <br> Aurora Health and President, Advocate <br> Aurora Continuing Health Division <br> (Integrated Healthcare System)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Director and Board <br> Chair of Advocate <br> Home Health <br> Services, Advocate <br> Home Care <br> Products and <br> Advocate Hospice; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of Aurora At <br> Home (since <br> 2018); Director of <br> Advocate <br> Physician Partners <br> Accountable Care <br> Organization; <br> Director and Board <br> Chair of RML Long <br> Term Acute Care <br> Hospitals; and <br> Director of Senior <br> Helpers (since <br> 2021)<br>|
| Robert F. Keith<br> 1956<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| President, Hibs Enterprises (Financial and <br> Management Consulting)<br>| 224 Portfolios | Formerly, Director <br> of Trust Company <br> of Illinois<br>|
| Niel B. Nielson<br> 1954<br>| Trustee | •Indefinite term<br> •Since inception<br>| Senior Advisor (2018 to present), <br> Managing Director and Chief Operating <br> Officer (2015 to 2018), Pelita Harapan <br> Educational Foundation (Educational <br> Products and Services)<br>| 224 Portfolios |  |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position and**<br> **Offices with Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of Office and**<br> **Length of Service**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupations**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>|
| **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** | **OFFICERS OF THE TRUST** |
| James M. Dykas<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President and Chief <br> Executive Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, First <br> Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P.; <br> Chief Financial Officer, BondWave LLC (Software <br> Development Company) and Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC (Investment Advisor)<br>|
| W. Scott Jardine<br> 1960<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Secretary and Chief Legal <br> Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.; Secretary and General Counsel, <br> BondWave LLC; and Secretary, Stonebridge Advisors <br> LLC<br>|
| Daniel J. Lindquist<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, First Trust Advisors L.P. and First <br> Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Kristi A. Maher<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Compliance Officer <br> and Assistant Secretary<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Chief Compliance <br> Officer since January <br> 2011<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Assistant Secretary <br> since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Deputy General Counsel, First Trust Advisors L.P. <br> and First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Donald P. Swade<br> 1972<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Treasurer, Chief Financial <br> Officer and Chief <br> Accounting Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Roger F. Testin<br> 1966<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|
| Stan Ueland<br> 1970<br>| Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Indefinite term<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Since inception<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Vice President, First Trust Advisors L.P. and <br> First Trust Portfolios L.P.<br>|

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(1) Mr. Bowen is deemed an "interested person" of the Trust due to his position as Chief Executive Officer of First Trust, investment advisor of the Funds.

**Unitary Board Leadership Structure**

Each Trustee serves as a trustee of all open-end and closed-end funds in the First Trust Fund Complex (as defined below), which is known as a "unitary" board leadership structure. Each Trustee currently serves as a trustee of First Trust Series Fund and First Trust Variable Insurance Trust, open-end funds with nine portfolios advised by First Trust; First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II, Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund, First Trust Energy Income and Growth Fund, First Trust Enhanced Equity Income Fund, First Trust/Aberdeen Global Opportunity Income Fund, First Trust Mortgage Income Fund, First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund, First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund, First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund, First Trust MLP and Energy Income Fund, First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund, First Trust Dynamic Europe Equity Income Fund, First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund and First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund, closed-end funds advised by First Trust; and First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund V, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VII, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund and First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund II, exchange-traded funds with 201 portfolios advised by First Trust (each a *"First Trust Fund"* and collectively, the *"First Trust Fund Complex"*). None of the Independent Trustees 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. or their affiliates.

The management of the Funds, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Funds under the investment management agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Advisor, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. The Trustees set broad policies for the Funds, choose the Trust's officers and hire the Funds' investment advisor and other service providers. The officers of the Trust manage the day-to-day operations and are responsible to the Board. The Board is composed of five Independent Trustees and one Interested Trustee. The Interested Trustee, James A. Bowen, serves as the Chairman of the Board for each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex.

The same six persons serve as Trustees on the Board and on the Boards of all other First Trust Funds. The unitary board structure was adopted for the First Trust Funds because of the efficiencies it achieves with respect to the governance and oversight of the First Trust Funds. Each First Trust Fund is subject to the rules and regulations of the 1940 Act (and other applicable securities laws), which means that many of the First Trust Funds face similar issues with respect to certain of their fundamental activities, including risk management, portfolio liquidity, portfolio valuation and financial reporting. Because of the similar and often overlapping issues facing the First Trust Funds, including among the First Trust exchange-traded funds,

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the Board of the First Trust Funds believes that maintaining a unitary board structure promotes efficiency and consistency in the governance and oversight of all First Trust Funds and reduces the costs, administrative burdens and possible conflicts that may result from having multiple boards. In adopting a unitary board structure, the Trustees seek to provide effective governance through establishing a board the overall composition of which will, as a body, possess the appropriate skills, diversity, independence and experience to oversee the Funds' business.

Annually, the Board reviews its governance structure and the committee structures, their performance and functions, and it reviews any processes that would enhance Board governance over the Funds' business. The Board has determined that its leadership structure, including the unitary board and committee structure, is appropriate based on the characteristics of the funds it serves and the characteristics of the First Trust Fund Complex as a whole.

In order to streamline communication between the Advisor and the Independent Trustees and create certain efficiencies, the Board has a Lead Independent Trustee who is responsible for: (i) coordinating activities of the Independent Trustees; (ii) working with the Advisor, Fund counsel and the independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees to determine the agenda for Board meetings; (iii) serving as the principal contact for and facilitating communication between the Independent Trustees and the Funds' service providers, particularly the Advisor; and (iv) any other duties that the Independent Trustees may delegate to the Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee is selected by the Independent Trustees and serves a three-year term or until his or her successor is selected.

The Board has established five standing committees (as described below) and has delegated certain of its responsibilities to those committees. The Board and its committees meet frequently throughout the year to oversee the Funds' activities, review contractual arrangements with and performance of service providers, oversee compliance with regulatory requirements and review Fund performance. The Independent Trustees are represented by independent legal counsel at all Board and committee meetings (other than meetings of the Dividend Committee). Generally, the Board acts by majority vote of all the Trustees, including a majority vote of the Independent Trustees if required by applicable law.

The four Committee Chairs and the Lead Independent Trustee rotate every three years in serving as Chair of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee or the Dividend Committee, or as Lead Independent Trustee. The Lead Independent Trustee and immediately preceding Lead Independent Trustee also serve on the Executive Committee with the Interested Trustee.

The five standing committees of the First Trust Fund Complex are: the Executive Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Valuation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Dividend 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 of Trust and By Laws. Mr. Nielson, Mr. Bowen and Mr. Keith are members of the Executive Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Executive Committee did not hold any meetings.

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for appointing and nominating non-interested persons to the Board of Trustees. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe 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. The Board of Trustees adopted a mandatory retirement age of 75 for Trustees, beyond which age Trustees are ineligible to serve. The Committee will not consider new trustee candidates who are 72 years of age or older or will turn 72 years old during the initial term. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees occurs or is anticipated to occur 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 applicable Funds. To submit a recommendation for nomination as a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, shareholders of the applicable Funds should mail such recommendation to W. Scott Jardine, Secretary, at the Trust's address, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. Such recommendation shall include the following information: (i) evidence of Fund ownership of the person or entity recommending the candidate (if a Fund shareholder); (ii) a full description of the proposed candidate's background, including education, experience, current employment and date of birth; (iii) names and addresses of at least three professional references for the candidate; (iv) 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 (v) any other information that may be helpful to the 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 Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and to counsel to the Independent Trustees. During the last fiscal year, the Nominating and Governance Committee held four meetings.

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The Valuation Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Advisor as the "Valuation Designee" under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act and its implementation of the valuation of the securities held in the Funds' portfolios. Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe are members of the Valuation Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Valuation Committee held four meetings.

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing each Fund's accounting and financial reporting process, the system of internal controls and audit process and for evaluating and appointing independent auditors (subject also to Board approval). Messrs. Erickson, Kadlec, Keith, Nielson and Ms. Keefe serve on the Audit Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Audit Committee held seven meetings.

The Dividend Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in, or assuming the authority and power of the Board with respect to, the declaration and setting of each Fund's dividends. Messrs. Erickson and Nielson serve on the Dividend Committee. During the last fiscal year, the Dividend Committee did not hold any meetings.

**Executive Officers**

The executive officers of the Trust hold the same positions with each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex (representing 224 portfolios) as they hold with the Trust, except Messrs. Russo and Ueland who are executive officers of only the ETFs advised by First Trust and Mr. Testin who is an executive officer of only the ETFs and open-end funds advised by First Trust.

**Risk Oversight**

As part of the general oversight of the Funds, the Board is involved in the risk oversight of the Funds. The Board has adopted and periodically reviews policies and procedures designed to address each Fund's risks. Oversight of investment and compliance risk is performed primarily at the Board level in conjunction with the Advisor's investment oversight group and the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (*"CCO"*). Oversight of other risks also occurs at the committee level. The Advisor's investment oversight group reports to the Board at quarterly meetings regarding, among other things, Fund performance and the various drivers of such performance. The Board reviews reports on the Funds' and the service providers' compliance policies and procedures at each quarterly Board meeting and receives an annual report from the CCO regarding the operations of the Funds' and the service providers' compliance programs. In addition, the Independent Trustees meet privately each quarter with the CCO. The Audit Committee reviews, with the Advisor and the Funds' independent auditors, each Fund's major financial risk exposures and the steps the Advisor has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including each Fund's risk assessment and risk management policies and guidelines. The Audit Committee also, as appropriate, reviews in a general manner the processes other Board committees have in place with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The Nominating and Governance Committee monitors all matters related to the corporate governance of the Trust. The Valuation Committee monitors valuation risk and oversees the Advisor's performance as Valuation Designee.

Not all risks that may affect the Funds can be identified nor can controls be developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. It may not be practical or cost effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, the processes and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness, and some risks are simply beyond the reasonable control of the Funds or the Advisor or other service providers. For instance, as the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent, the Funds and their service providers have become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cyber security (generally, intentional and unintentional events that may cause a Fund or a service provider to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity). There can be no guarantee that any risk management systems established by the Funds, their service providers, or issuers of the securities in which the Funds invest to reduce cyber security risks will succeed, and the Funds cannot control such systems put in place by service providers, issuers or other third parties whose operations may affect the Funds and/or their shareholders. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve a Fund's goals. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, a Fund's ability to manage risk is subject to substantial limitations.

**Board Diversification and Trustee Qualifications**

As described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board oversees matters related to the selection and nomination of Trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to establish an effective Board with an appropriate range of skills and diversity, including, as appropriate, differences in background, professional experience, education, vocation, and other individual characteristics and traits in the aggregate. Each Trustee must meet certain basic requirements, including relevant skills and experience, time availability and, if qualifying as an Independent Trustee, independence from the Advisor, underwriters or other service providers, including any affiliates of these entities.

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Listed below for each current Trustee are the experiences, qualifications and attributes that led to the conclusion, as of the date of this SAI, that each current Trustee should serve as a Trustee in light of the Trust's business and structure.

Richard E. Erickson, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with Edward-Elmhurst Medical Group. He was previously President of Wheaton Orthopedics, a co-owner and director of a fitness center and a limited partner of two real estate companies. Dr. Erickson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Dr. Erickson has also served as the Lead Independent Trustee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019) and on the Executive Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2022), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2003–2007 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2012–2013) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (June 2006–2007; 2010–2011 and 2020–2022) of the First Trust Funds. He currently serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Thomas R. Kadlec was previously President of ADM Investor Services Inc. (*"ADMIS"*), a futures commission merchant and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Archer Daniels Midland Company (*"ADM"*) from 2010 to July 2022. Mr. Kadlec was employed by ADMIS and its affiliates since 1990 in various accounting, financial, operations and risk management capacities. Mr. Kadlec served on the boards of several international affiliates of ADMIS until July 2022 and served as a member of ADM's Integrated Risk Committee from 2008–2018, which was tasked with the duty of implementing and communicating enterprise-wide risk management. From 2014 to 2022, Mr. Kadlec was on the board of the Futures Industry Association. In 2017, Mr. Kadlec was elected to the board of the National Futures Association. Mr. Kadlec has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception. Mr. Kadlec also served on the Executive Committee from the organization of the first First Trust closed-end fund in 2003 through 2005 (and 2014–2019) until he was elected as the first Lead Independent Trustee in December 2005, serving as such through 2007 (and 2014–2016). He also served as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Audit Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2012–2013). He currently serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Denise M. Keefe is Executive Vice President of Advocate Aurora Health and President of Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division (together, *"Advocate"*), one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the U.S. serving Illinois and Wisconsin. Ms. Keefe has been employed by Advocate since 1993 and is responsible for the Continuing Health Division's strategic direction, fiscal management, business development, revenue enhancement, operational efficiencies, and human resource management of 4,000 employees. Ms. Keefe also currently serves on the boards of several organizations within the Advocate Aurora Continuing Health Division and other health care organizations, including RML Long Term Acute Care Hospitals (since 2014) and Senior Helpers (since 2021). Prior thereto, Ms. Keefe was Corporate Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for the Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago (1989–1992) and a former Board Member of Sherman West Court Skilled Nursing Facility. Ms. Keefe has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds and on the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Valuation Committee of the First Trust Funds since November 1, 2021.

Robert F. Keith is President of Hibs Enterprises, a financial and management consulting firm. Mr. Keith has been with Hibs Enterprises since 2003. Prior thereto, Mr. Keith spent 18 years with ServiceMaster and Aramark, including three years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Consumer Services, where he led the initial expansion of certain products overseas; five years as President and COO of ServiceMaster Management Services; and two years as President of Aramark ServiceMaster Management Services. Mr. Keith is a certified public accountant and also has held the positions of Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of ServiceMaster, at which time he oversaw the financial aspects of ServiceMaster's expansion of its Management Services division into Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Mr. Keith has served as a Trustee of the First Trust Funds since 2006. Mr. Keith has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022) and Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2014–2016) of the First Trust Funds. He served as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (2012–2016). He currently serves as Lead Independent Trustee and on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2023) and as Chairman of the Dividend Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

Niel B. Nielson, Ph.D., has been the Senior Advisor of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation, a global provider of educational products and services since 2018. Prior thereto, Mr. Nielson served as the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Pelita Harapan Educational Foundation for three years. Mr. Nielson formerly served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dew Learning LLC from 2012 through 2014. Mr. Nielson formerly served as President of Covenant College (2002–2012), and as a partner and trader (of options and futures contracts for hedging options) for Ritchie Capital Markets Group (1996–1997), where he held an administrative management position at this proprietary derivatives trading company. He also held prior positions in new business development for ServiceMaster Management Services Company and in personnel and human resources for

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NationsBank of North Carolina, N.A. and Chicago Research and Trading Group, Ltd. (*"CRT"*). His international experience includes serving as a director of CRT Europe, Inc. for two years, directing out of London all aspects of business conducted by the U.K. and European subsidiary of CRT. Prior to that, Mr. Nielson was a trader and manager at CRT in Chicago. Mr. Nielson has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999. Mr. Nielson has also served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee (2003–2006 and 2014–2016), Chairman of the Valuation Committee (2007–2008), Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee (2008–2009 and 2017–2019), Chairman of the Dividend Committee (2020–2022) and Lead Independent Trustee and a member of the Executive Committee (2010–2011 and 2020–2022). He currently serves on the Executive Committee (since January 1, 2020) and as Chairman of the Valuation Committee (since January 1, 2023) of the First Trust Funds.

James A. Bowen is Chief Executive Officer of First Trust Advisors L.P. and First Trust Portfolios L.P. Mr. Bowen is involved in the day-to-day management of the First Trust Funds and serves on the Executive Committee. He has over 35 years of experience in the investment company business in sales, sales management and executive management. Mr. Bowen has served as a Trustee of each First Trust Fund since its inception and of the First Trust Funds since 1999.

Effective January 1, 2023, the fixed annual retainer paid to the Independent Trustees is $275,000 per year and an annual per fund fee of $2,500 for each closed-end fund and actively managed fund, $750 for each target outcome fund and $250 for each index fund. The fixed annual retainer is allocated equally among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex rather than being allocated pro rata based on each fund's net assets. Additionally, the Lead Independent Trustee is paid $30,000 annually, the Chairman of the Audit Committee is paid $25,000 annually, the Chairman of the Valuation Committee is paid $20,000 annually and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee is paid $20,000 annually to serve in such capacities with compensation allocated pro rata among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex based on its net assets.

The following table sets forth the total compensation (including reimbursement for travel and out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Funds and the First Trust Fund Complex to each of the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 and the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. 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. The Trust has no employees. Its officers are compensated by First Trust.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Trustee** | **Total Compensation from**<br> **the Funds** <sup>(1)</sup> <br>| **Total Compensation from**<br> **the First Trust Fund Complex** <sup>(2)</sup> <br>|
| Richard E. Erickson | $11067 | $523750 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec | $11067 | $524820 |
| Denise M. Keefe <sup>(3)</sup> | $11038 | $504158 |
| Robert F. Keith | $11053 | $514231 |
| Niel B. Nielson | $11082 | $533750 |

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(1) The compensation paid by the Funds to the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 for services to the Funds.

(2) The total compensation paid to the Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022 for services to the 225 portfolios existing in 2022, which consisted of 9 open-end mutual funds, 15 closed-end funds and 201 exchange-traded funds.

(3) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

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, 2022:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustee** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Funds**<br> **(Number of Shares** <br> **Held)**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar**<br> **Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in the First** <br> **Trust Fund Complex**<br>|
| **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** |
| James A. Bowen |  | Over $100,000  |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustee** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Funds**<br> **(Number of Shares** <br> **Held)**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar**<br> **Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in the First** <br> **Trust Fund Complex**<br>|
| **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** |
| Richard E. Erickson |  | Over $100,000 |
| Thomas R. Kadlec |  | Over $100,000 |
| Denise M. Keefe<sup>(1)</sup> |  | Over $100,000 |
| Robert F. Keith |  | Over $100,000 |
| Niel B. Nielson |  | Over $100,000 |

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(1) Ms. Keefe was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the First Trust Funds effective November 1, 2021.

As of January 31, 2023, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and their immediate family members did not own beneficially or of record any class of securities of an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Funds or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Funds.

As of January 31, 2023, the officers and Trustees, in the aggregate, owned less than 1% of the shares of each Fund.

The table set forth in *Exhibit A* shows the percentage ownership of each person or "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the *"1934 Act"*)) who, based on the securities position listing reports as of January 31, 2023, owned of record, or is known by the Trust to have owned of record or beneficially, 5% or more of the shares of a Fund (the *"Principal Holders"*). 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. A party that controls a Fund may be able to significantly influence the outcome of any item presented to shareholders for approval. The Fund does not have any knowledge of who the ultimate beneficiaries are of the shares.

**Investment Advisor.** First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, is the investment advisor 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 James A. Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust discharges its responsibilities to the Funds subject to the policies of the Funds.

First Trust provides investment tools and portfolios for advisors and investors. First Trust is committed to theoretically sound portfolio construction and empirically verifiable investment management approaches. Its asset management philosophy and investment discipline are deeply rooted in the application of intuitive factor analysis and model implementation to enhance investment decisions.

First Trust acts as investment advisor for the Fund and is responsible for overseeing the Sub-Advisor, which 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 between First Trust and the Trust, on behalf of the Funds (the *"Investment Management Agreement"*), First Trust oversees RIG's management of each Fund's assets and is responsible for paying all expenses of the Funds, excluding the fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses. Each Fund has agreed to pay First Trust an annual unitary management fee in the amount set forth below. First Trust provides fund reporting services to each Fund for a flat annual fee in the amount of $9,250, which is included in the annual unitary management fee.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Annual Unitary Management Fee** |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | 0.83% of average daily net assets |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | 0.95% of average daily net assets |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | 0.83% of average daily net assets |

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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 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 a Fund by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities on 60 days' written notice to First Trust, or by First Trust on 60 days' written notice to the Fund.

As approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to the Advisor for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*) and calculated pursuant to the schedule below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee** | **Breakpoints** |
| 0.83000% | Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion |
| 0.80925% | Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion |
| 0.78850% | Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion |
| 0.76775% | Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion |
| 0.74700% | Fund net assets greater than $10 billion |

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Effective November 1, 2022, as approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees, the management fee paid to the Advisor for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF will be reduced at certain levels of Fund net assets (*"breakpoints"*) and calculated pursuant to the schedule below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Management Fee** | **Breakpoints** |
| 0.95000% | Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion |
| 0.92625% | Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion |
| 0.90250% | Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion |
| 0.87875% | Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion |
| 0.85500% | Fund net assets greater than $10 billion |

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In connection with the introduction of the breakpoints discussed above, each Fund's investment sub-advisory agreement has been amended to introduce breakpoints with respect to the calculation of each Fund's investment sub-advisory fee. Accordingly, the investment sub-advisory fee paid to RiverFront Investment Group, LLC, the Funds' investment sub-advisor, will be reduced and calculated pursuant to the schedule below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Sub-Advisory Fee** | **Breakpoints** |
| 0.35000% | Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion |
| 0.34125% | Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion |
| 0.33250% | Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion |
| 0.32375% | Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion |
| 0.31500% | Fund net assets greater than $10 billion |

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The following table sets forth the unitary management fee paid by each Fund to First Trust for the specified periods.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Unitary Fees** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Unitary Fees** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fund** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **Fund** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | $1251304 | $1351548 | $1459791 |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | $374308 | $504464 | $545932 |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | $185522 | $169960 | $224808 |

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**Sub-Advisor**

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and First Trust have retained RiverFront Investment Group, LLC, 1214 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to serve as the Funds' investment sub-advisor pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement (the *"Sub-Advisory Agreement"*). In this capacity, RIG is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the Funds' investment portfolio. First Trust is responsible for effecting all security transactions for the Funds' assets and, in placing orders for the sale and purchase of securities for the Funds, First Trust is responsible for seeking the best execution of such orders. RIG was formed in 2008 and serves as investment advisor to investment portfolios with approximately $8.2 billion in assets under advisement which it managed as of December 31, 2022.

**Portfolio Managers.** The portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds. There are currently two portfolio managers, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Adam Grossman, CFA, serves as the Global Equity Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Co-Head of Investment Committee, responsible for the investments of the US Equity and International Equity teams. He brings nearly 20 years' worth of industry experience in quantitative risk management and portfolio analytics. Mr. Grossman is responsible for the equity decisions made in the various strategies and the development of the factor models used in the investment processes at RiverFront. In addition, he serves on the firm's Operating Committee and Investment Committee. Prior to joining RIG, Mr. Grossman worked at the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), where he managed International Equity and REIT Portfolios and developed research on equity selection and portfolio construction. He began his investment career as a fixed income analyst at VRS. Mr. Grossman earned a BS from Baldwin-Wallace College with a double major in Mathematical Economics and Finance, and an MA in Financial Economics from Virginia Commonwealth University. He received his CFA designation in 2009.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Scott Hays, CFA, serves as Senior Portfolio Manager and is the lead portfolio manager for RiverFront's RiverShares model portfolios. In addition, he serves as a portfolio manager for a mutual fund and two other equity ETFs sub-advised by RiverFront. He serves on the firm's Investment Committee. Prior to joining RiverFront, Mr. Hays co-founded and served as Chief Investment Officer of an alternative asset management company that employed a quantitative market-neutral equity approach. Mr. Hays also worked for 6 years at Analysis Group, a financial and economic consulting firm, where he managed a team dedicated to valuing illiquid assets such as mortgage-backed securities, real estate, and oil and gas properties. Mr. Hays received a BBA from Millsaps College, Summa Cum Laude, with a double major in Economics and Business Administration. He also earned an MBA with High Honors from the University of Chicago in Analytic Finance, Econometrics/Statistics and Economics. Additionally, Mr. Hays has successfully completed the FINRA Series 65 licensing exam. He received his CFA designation in 2018.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Chris Konstantinos, CFA, serves as Chief Investment Strategist, with over 20 years of experience as an equity sector analyst, portfolio manager, and portfolio risk manager across domestic and international markets. In addition, he serves on the firm's Executive Committee. Mr. Konstantinos has been with RIG since the company's founding in 2008. He began his career in 2000 as a corporate finance analyst in the technology sector at a predecessor to Wachovia Securities. He joined Wachovia's Advisory Services Group in 2002 as an equity strategist, and worked in various capacities within equity strategy and portfolio management until his departure in 2008. Mr. Konstantinos earned his BS in Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Konstantinos received his CFA designation in 2013 and is a member of CFA Virginia Society.

As of October 31, 2022, Mr. Grossman beneficially owned shares of the First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF in the amount of $1-$10,000 and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF in the amount of $1-$10,000. Mr. Konstantinos beneficially owned shares of the First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF in the amount of $10,001-$50,000 and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF in the amount of $1-$10,000.

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**Compensation.** The Sub-Advisor compensates portfolio managers with a base salary and an annual bonus. A portfolio manager's base salary is generally a fixed amount based on level of experience and responsibilities. A portfolio manager's bonus is a function of the Sub-Advisor's overall financial performance, the relative and absolute performance of the accounts that the portfolio manager is managing, including the Funds assets under management, and the portfolio manager's individual investment and other job-related performance. Specifically, the Sub-Advisor accrues a corporate bonus pool that is indexed to the overall profitability of the firm. Each portfolio manager is given a "target bonus" based on achieving the profitability targets. This target bonus is then indexed again (higher or lower) based on each portfolio manager's individual performance. Portfolio managers may also own, may be awarded and may be offered an opportunity to purchase or sell interests in the Sub-Advisor or its holding company. Portfolio managers may also receive forgivable loans that may be used to purchase company stock.

**Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers** 

In addition to the Funds, the portfolio managers manage the investment vehicles with the number of accounts and assets, as of October 31, 2022, set forth in the table below:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Type of Account** <br> **Managed**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **$ Assets**<br> **(In Millions)**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Accounts with**<br> **Performance**<br> **Based Fees**<br>| **Assets of**<br> **Accounts with**<br> **Performance**<br> **Based Fees**<br>|
| **Adam Grossman** | **Adam Grossman** | **Adam Grossman** | **Adam Grossman** | **Adam Grossman** | **Adam Grossman** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 2 | $117 | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Accounts | 24056 | $7743 | N/A | N/A |
| **Scott Hays** | **Scott Hays** | **Scott Hays** | **Scott Hays** | **Scott Hays** | **Scott Hays** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 1 | $91 | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Or Accounts | 24537 | $7708 | N/A | N/A |
| **Chris Konstantinos** | **Chris Konstantinos** | **Chris Konstantinos** | **Chris Konstantinos** | **Chris Konstantinos** | **Chris Konstantinos** |
|  | Registered Investment <br> Companies<br>| 2 | $117 | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Pooled <br> Investment Vehicles<br>| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|  | Other Accounts | 24056 | $7743 | N/A | N/A |

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**Conflicts of Interest.** Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the potential conflicts described below.

The management of multiple funds and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each fund and/or other account. The Sub-Advisor seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of a portfolio manager by having the portfolio manager focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using a similar investment model that is used in connection with the management of the Funds.

As discussed above, the Sub-Advisor specializes in managing asset allocation portfolios, which invest in various investment vehicles, including ETFs (some of which are advised by the Sub-Advisor), to obtain targeted amounts of exposure to different asset classes, such as equities, bonds, commodities, etc. The Funds were developed to serve as, and will serve as, investment vehicles for the asset allocation portfolios managed by the Sub-Advisor. As the manager of the Funds and the portfolios, the Sub-Advisor will owe a fiduciary duty to the Funds and the portfolios and is likely to encounter conflicts of interest from time to time. For example, under certain market conditions (as identified by the Sub-Advisor's quantitative and qualitative investment processes), the Sub-Advisor may need to reduce its asset allocation portfolios' exposure to an asset class to which the portfolios obtain exposure by investing in the Funds. Under such circumstances, pursuant to its fiduciary duties as an asset allocator, it would be required to liquidate some or all of the portfolios' investments in the Funds. This could adversely affect the trading

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volume and/or the market price of each Fund's shares, particularly if the Sub-Advisor needs to significantly reduce the asset allocation portfolios' exposure to the asset class. The Sub-Advisor has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to mitigate this and other foreseeable conflicts of interest. However, there can be no assurance that the policies and procedures adopted by the Sub-Advisor will successfully address every conflict that arises.

If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, a fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible funds and other accounts. To deal with these situations, the Sub-Advisor has adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts. However, First Trust will be responsible for effecting all security transactions for the Funds' assets and, in placing orders for the sale and purchase of securities for the Funds, First Trust will be responsible for seeking the best execution of such orders.

With respect to securities transactions for the Funds, First Trust determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as mutual funds for which the Sub-Advisor acts as sub-advisor, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Sub-Advisor may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for the Fund in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of the Fund or other account(s) involved.

The Sub-Advisor, the Advisor and the Funds have adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

**The Sub-Advisory Agreement.** The Sub-Advisor, subject to the Board of Trustees' and Advisor's supervision, provides the Funds with discretionary investment services. Specifically, the Sub-Advisor is responsible for managing the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions as provided in the Prospectus and this SAI, as may be subsequently changed by the Board of Trustees and communicated to the Sub-Advisor in writing. The Sub-Advisor further agrees to conform to all applicable laws and regulations of the SEC in all material respects and to conduct its activities under the Sub-Advisory Agreement in all material respects in accordance with applicable regulations of any governmental authority pertaining to its investment advisory services. In the performance of its duties, the Sub-Advisor will in all material respects satisfy any applicable fiduciary duties it may have to the Funds, will monitor the Funds' investments and will comply with the provisions of the Declaration and By-Laws, as amended from time to time, and the stated investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Funds. First Trust is responsible for effecting all security transactions for the Funds' assets. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the Sub-Advisor shall generally not be liable for any loss suffered by the Funds or the Advisor (including, without limitation, by reason of the purchase, sale or retention of any security) in connection with the performance of the Sub-Advisor's duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, except for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Sub-Advisor in performance of its duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Advisor has agreed to pay for the services and facilities provided by the Sub-Advisor through sub-advisory fees calculated at an annual rate of 0.35% of each Fund's Managed Assets (as such term is defined in the Sub-Advisory Agreement). The Sub-Advisor's fees are paid by the Advisor out of the Advisor's management fee. The following table sets forth the sub-advisory fees paid to the Sub-Advisor by the Advisor for the specified periods.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Amount of Sub-Advisory Fees** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fund** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **Fund** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | $527658 | $569930 | $615523 |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | $137903 | $185855 | $201186 |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | $78232 | $71670 | $94794 |

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The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without the payment of any penalty by First Trust, the Board of Trustees, or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds (as defined in the 1940 Act), upon 60 days' written notice to the Sub-Advisor.

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All fees and expenses are accrued daily and deducted before payment of dividends to investors. The Sub-Advisory Agreement has been approved by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Funds and the initial shareholder of the Funds.

**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 on the 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 markups 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 1934 Act permits an investment advisor, 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). Such brokerage and research services are often referred to as "soft dollars." First Trust may use soft dollars on a limited basis.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in selecting brokers, the First Trust may in the future 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 the First Trust or the Trust. In addition, First Trust must determine 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 First Trust 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 would not be reduced as a result of receipt by First Trust of research services.

The 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 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 periods. Any significant variations in brokerage commissions from year-to-year resulted from fluctuation in the size of a Fund.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | **Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
| **Fund** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** | **Fiscal Year Ended October 31,** |
| **Fund** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | $154353 | $68534 | $166368 |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | $50481 | $23191 | $86586 |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | $16577 | $9673 | $22365 |

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During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Funds did not acquire shares of a regular broker or dealer of each Fund as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act.

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent, Distributor and Exchange**

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent and Transfer Agent.** The Trust has appointed Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (*"BBH"*), located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, to serve as each Fund's administrator, fund accounting agent and transfer agent pursuant to an administrative agency agreement (the *"Administrative Agency Agreement"*). As administrator, BBH provides various administrative services set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement. As the fund accounting agent, BBH provides transaction processing and review, custodial reconciliation, securities pricing and investment accounting. As each Fund's transfer agent, BBH is responsible for processing the issuance and redemption of Creation Unit Aggregations, the recording of such issuances and redemptions and other services related to the monitoring of cash collateral.

**Custodian.** The Trust has also appointed BBH to serve as each Fund's custodian pursuant to a custodian agreement (the *"Custodian Agreement"*). Pursuant to the terms of the Custodian Agreement, BBH is generally responsible for the safekeeping of the Funds' assets and performing various other administrative duties set forth in the Custodian Agreement.

As set forth in the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has agreed to indemnify BBH against, and hold it harmless from, certain losses, claims, liabilities and expenses arising out of BBH's performance of its obligations and duties under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, provided that such losses, claims, liabilities and expenses did not result from BBH's willful malfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such obligations and duties.

As compensation for the services provided by BBH under the Administrative Agency Agreement and Custodian Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has agreed to pay to BBH such compensation as is mutually agreed upon from time to time and reimburse BBH for out-of-pocket expenses which are a normal incident of the services provided under the agreements. This fee is subject to reduction for assets over $1 billion and $2 billion. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Management Agreements, the Funds do not directly pay BBH for these services, as First Trust has assumed responsibility for the payment of these expenses out of the unitary management fee it receives from the Funds.

**Distributor.** First Trust Portfolios L.P., an affiliate of First Trust, is the distributor (*"FTP"* or the *"Distributor"*) and principal underwriter of the shares of the Funds. Its principal address is 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. 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 under the heading "Other Information - Continuous Offering."

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020, October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2022, there were no underwriting commissions with respect to the sale of Fund shares, and FTP did not receive compensation on redemptions for the Funds for those years.

**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% of their 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. With the exception of the Distributor and its affiliates, no "interested person" of the Trust (as that

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term is defined in the 1940 Act) and no Trustee of the Trust has a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any related agreement.

No fee is currently paid by a Fund under the Plan and, pursuant to a contractual agreement, the Funds will not pay 12b-1 fees any time before February 28, 2024.

**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 1934 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 participants that utilize the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (the *"DTC Participants"*), which have international, operational, capabilities and place orders for Creation Unit Aggregations of Fund shares. Participating Parties (which are participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation) shall be DTC Participants.

**Exchange.** The only relationship that the Exchange has with First Trust or the Distributor of the Funds in connection with the Funds is that the Exchange will list the shares of the Funds and disseminates the intra-day portfolio values pursuant to its listing agreement with the Trust. The Exchange 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 asset value of the Funds. The Exchange has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds.

**Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries**

First Trust or its affiliates may from time to time make payments, out of their own resources, to certain broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, banks or other intermediaries (collectively, *"intermediaries"*) that sell shares of First Trust mutual funds and ETFs (*"First Trust Funds"*) to promote the sales and retention of Fund shares by those firms and their customers. The amounts of these payments vary by intermediary. The level of payments that First Trust is willing to provide to a particular intermediary may be affected by, among other factors, (i) the firm's total assets or Fund shares held in and recent net investments into First Trust Funds, (ii) the value of the assets invested in the First Trust Funds by the intermediary's customers, (iii) redemption rates, (iv) its ability to attract and retain assets, (v) the intermediary's reputation in the industry, (vi) the level and/or type of marketing assistance and educational activities provided by the intermediary, (vii) the firm's level of participation in First Trust Funds' sales and marketing programs, (viii) the firm's compensation program for its registered representatives who sell Fund shares and provide services to Fund shareholders, and (ix) the asset class of the First Trust Funds for which these payments are provided. Such payments are generally asset-based but also may include the payment of a lump sum.

First Trust may also make payments to certain intermediaries for certain administrative services and shareholder processing services, including record keeping and sub-accounting of shareholder accounts pursuant to a sub-transfer agency, omnibus account service or sub-accounting agreement. All fees payable by First Trust under this category of services may be charged back to a Fund, subject to approval by the Board.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may make payments, out of its own assets, to those firms as compensation and/or reimbursement for marketing support and/or program servicing to selected intermediaries that are registered as holders or dealers of record for accounts invested in one or more of the First Trust Funds or that make First Trust Fund shares available through certain selected Fund no-transaction fee institutional platforms and fee-based wrap programs at certain financial intermediaries. Program servicing payments typically apply to employee benefit plans, such as retirement plans, or fee-based advisory programs but may apply to retail sales and assets in certain situations. The payments are based on such factors as the type and nature of services or support furnished by the intermediary and are generally asset-based. Services for which an intermediary receives marketing support payments may include, but are not limited to, business planning assistance, advertising, educating the intermediary's personnel about First Trust Funds in connection with shareholder financial planning needs, placement on the intermediary's preferred or recommended fund list, and access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the intermediary. In addition, intermediaries may be compensated for enabling representatives of First

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Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client and investor events and other events sponsored by the intermediary. Services for which an intermediary receives program servicing payments typically include, but are not limited to, record keeping, reporting or transaction processing and shareholder communications and other account administration services, but may also include services rendered in connection with Fund/investment selection and monitoring, employee enrollment and education, plan balance rollover or separation, or other similar services. An intermediary may perform program services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform program services. These payments, if any, are in addition to the service fee and any applicable omnibus sub-accounting fees paid to these firms with respect to these services by the First Trust Funds out of Fund assets.

From time to time, First Trust and/or its affiliates, at its expense, may provide other compensation to intermediaries that sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the First Trust Funds, which may be in addition to marketing support and program servicing payments described above. For example, First Trust and/or its affiliates may: (i) compensate intermediaries for National Securities Clearing Corporation networking system services (*e.g.*, shareholder communication, account statements, trade confirmations and tax reporting) on an asset-based or per-account basis; (ii) compensate intermediaries for providing Fund shareholder trading information; (iii) make one-time or periodic payments to reimburse selected intermediaries for items such as ticket charges (*i.e.*, fees that an intermediary charges its representatives for effecting transactions in Fund shares) or exchange order, operational charges (*e.g.*, fees that an intermediary charges for establishing a Fund on its trading system), and literature printing and/or distribution costs; (iv) at the direction of a retirement plan's sponsor, reimburse or pay direct expenses of an employee benefit plan that would otherwise be payable by the plan; (v) provide payments to broker-dealers to help defray their technology or infrastructure costs; and (vi) make payments for expenses associated with intermediaries' use of First Trust Funds including, but not limited to, the use of First Trust Funds in model portfolios.

When not provided for in a marketing support or program servicing agreement, First Trust and/ or its affiliates may also pay intermediaries for enabling First Trust and/or its affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other intermediary employees, client and investor events and other intermediary-sponsored events, and for travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with prospecting, asset retention and due diligence trips. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event. First Trust and/or its affiliates make payments for such events as it deems appropriate, subject to its internal guidelines and applicable law.

First Trust and/or its affiliates occasionally sponsor due diligence meetings for registered representatives during which they receive updates on various First Trust Funds and are afforded the opportunity to speak with portfolio managers. Although invitations to these meetings are not conditioned on selling a specific number of shares, those who have shown an interest in First Trust Funds are more likely to be considered. To the extent permitted by their firm's policies and procedures, all or a portion of registered representatives' expenses in attending these meetings may be covered by First Trust and/or its affiliates.

The amounts of payments referenced above made by First Trust and/or its affiliates could be significant and may create an incentive for an intermediary or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the First Trust Funds to its customers. The intermediary may elevate the prominence or profile of the First Trust Funds within the intermediary's organization by, for example, placing the First Trust Funds on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or granting First Trust and/or its affiliates preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the First Trust Funds in various ways within the intermediary's organization. These payments are made pursuant to negotiated agreements with intermediaries. The payments do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a share or the amount a Fund will receive as proceeds from such sales. Furthermore, many of these payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table section of the Funds' Prospectus because they are not paid by a Fund. The types of payments described herein are not mutually exclusive, and a single intermediary may receive some or all types of payments as described.

Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. Investors can ask their intermediaries for information about any payments they receive from First Trust and/or its affiliates and the services it provides for those payments. Investors may wish to take intermediary payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares.

Payments to intermediaries, in certain circumstances, may also be made in connection with the distribution of model portfolios developed by First Trust, such as the inclusion of such model portfolios on an intermediary's platform, as well as in connection with the marketing and sale of, and/or product training regarding such model portfolios, or servicing of accounts tracking such model portfolios. Such payments may be variable or fixed fee payments for platform support, or other payments in the form of a variable or fixed fee or a per position fee, or may relate to the amount of assets an intermediary's clients have

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invested in the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust, the management fee, the total expense ratio, or sales of the First Trust Funds in such models developed by First Trust. Some intermediaries also provide related data regarding transactions in specific model portfolios, First Trust Funds and investment strategies to First Trust in exchange for a fee.

First Trust and/or its affiliates may enter into arrangements with third parties, such as a software provider, whereby First Trust may license certain technology or other services from such entity in exchange for licensing or other fees which may be, in whole or in part, dependent on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service. Such third party may also offer price concessions to broker dealers, investment advisers or other financial intermediaries that license technology or other services that may be dependent, in whole or in part, on the value of First Trust mutual funds or ETFs held through such software or other service.

**Additional Information**

**Book Entry Only System.** The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.

**DTC Acts as Securities Depository for Fund Shares.** Shares of the Funds are represented by securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (*"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 NYSE 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.

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.

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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.

**Policy Regarding Investment in Other Investment Companies.** The Funds will not rely on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act to invest in other investment companies.

**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 with the best interests of the Funds.

The Board has delegated to First Trust the proxy voting responsibilities for the Funds and has directed First Trust to vote proxies consistent with the Funds' best interests. The First Trust Proxy Voting Guidelines are attached hereto as *Exhibit B*. 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. 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 generally 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. First Trust's use of the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines is not intended to constrain First Trust's consideration of any proxy proposal, and there are times when First Trust deviates from the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines. This includes when required by Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act or when agreed to by the Fund and certain acquired funds as permitted under Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, if applicable. Generally, First Trust will not rely on ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines to withhold votes or vote against directors solely based on quota criteria or the exclusion of certain climate-related disclosures, which may or may not relate to the company's core business or may not materially impact shareholder value. First Trust will consider such proxy voting decisions in light of merit-based considerations which it believes may impact shareholder value. First Trust retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting.

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available upon request and without charge on the Funds' website at www.ftportfolios.com, by calling (800) 621-1675 or by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

**Portfolio Schedule.** Each Fund files portfolio holdings information for each month in a fiscal quarter within 60 days after the end of the relevant fiscal quarter on Form N-PORT. Portfolio holdings information for the third month of each fiscal quarter will be publicly available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund's complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year is included in the semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, respectively, and is filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. A semi-annual or annual report for each Fund will become available to investors within 60 days after the period to which it relates. Each Fund's Forms N-PORT and Forms N-CSR are available on the SEC's website listed above.

**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 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 websites. 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 each day the NYSE is open for trading via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*). Pursuant to Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act, information regarding each Fund's current portfolio holdings will be available on a daily basis at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx. The Trust, First Trust, FTP, RIG, and BBH 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, RIG 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. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds; however, the Codes of Ethics require that each transaction in such securities be reviewed by the Chief Compliance Officer or his or her designee. These Codes of Ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

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**Creation and Redemption of Creation Units** 

**General.** ETFs, such as the Funds, generally issue and redeem their shares in primary market transactions through a creation and redemption mechanism and do not sell or redeem individual shares. Instead, financial entities known as "Authorized Participants" have contractual arrangements with an ETF or one of the ETF's service providers to purchase and redeem ETF shares directly with the ETF in large blocks of shares known as "Creation Units." Prior to the start of trading on every business day, an ETF publishes through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (*"NSCC"*) the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets that it will accept in exchange for a Creation Unit of the ETF's shares. An Authorized Participant that wishes to effectuate a creation of an ETF's shares deposits with the ETF the "basket" of securities, cash or other assets identified by the ETF that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of the ETF's shares in return for those assets. After purchasing a Creation Unit, the Authorized Participant may continue to hold the ETF's shares or sell them in the secondary market. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the authorized participant redeems a Creation Unit of ETF shares for a basket of securities, cash or other assets. The combination of the creation and redemption process with secondary market trading in ETF shares and underlying securities provides arbitrage opportunities that are designed to help keep the market price of ETF shares at or close to the NAV per share of the ETF.

**Authorized Participants.** An *"Authorized Participant"* is a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC that has a written agreement with a Fund or one of its service providers that allows the Authorized Participant to place orders for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units (a *"Participant Agreement"*). Orders to purchase Creation Units must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement and must comply with the applicable provisions of such Participant Agreement. Investors wishing to purchase or sell shares generally do so on an exchange. Institutional investors other than Authorized Participants are responsible for making arrangements for a redemption request to be made through an Authorized Participant.

**Business Day.** A *"Business Day"* is generally any day on which the New York Stock Exchange (*"NYSE"*), the Exchange and the Trust are 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, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Business Day on which an order to purchase or redeem Creation Units is received in proper form is referred to as the "Transmittal Date."

**Basket Composition.** Rule 6c-11(c)(3) under of the 1940 Act requires an ETF relying on the exemptions offered by Rule 6c-11 to adopt and implement written policies and procedures governing the construction of baskets and the process that the ETF will use for the acceptance of baskets. In general, in connection with the construction and acceptance of baskets, the Advisor may consider various factors, including, but not limited to: (1) whether the securities, assets and other positions comprising a basket are consistent with the ETF's investment objective(s), policies and disclosure; (2) whether the securities, assets and other positions can legally and readily be acquired, transferred and held by the ETF and/or Authorized Participant(s), as applicable; (3) whether to utilize cash, either in lieu of securities or other instruments or as a cash balancing amount; and (4) in the case of an ETF that tracks an index, whether the securities, assets and other positions aid index tracking.

Each Fund may utilize a pro rata basket or a custom basket in reliance on Rule 6c-11. A "pro rata basket" is a basket that is a pro rata representation of the ETF's portfolio holdings, except for minor deviations when it is not operationally feasible to include a particular instrument within the basket, except to the extent that the Fund utilized different baskets in transactions on the same Business Day.

Rule 6c-11 defines "custom baskets" to include two categories of baskets. First, a basket containing a non-representative selection of the ETF's portfolio holdings would constitute a custom basket. These types of custom baskets include, but are not limited to, baskets that do not reflect: (i) a pro rata representation of the Fund's portfolio holdings; (ii) a representative sampling of an ETF's portfolio holdings; or (iii) changes due to a rebalancing or reconstitution of an ETF's securities market index, if applicable. Second, if different baskets are used in transactions on the same Business Day, each basket after the initial basket would constitute a custom basket. For example, if an ETF exchanges a basket with either the same or another Authorized Participant that reflects a representative sampling that differs from the initial basket, that basket (and any such subsequent baskets) would be a custom basket. Similarly, if an ETF substitutes cash in lieu of a portion of basket assets for a single Authorized Participant, that basket would be a custom basket. The Advisor's Rule 6c-11 Committee defines any deviation from a pro rata basket to be a "custom basket." Rebalancing and reconstitution baskets do not constitute custom baskets. All cash baskets that are the initial basket on a Business Day also do not constitute custom baskets.

Under a variety of circumstances, an ETF and its shareholders may benefit from the flexibility afforded by custom baskets. In general terms, the use of custom baskets may reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve trading. Because utilizing

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custom baskets provides a way for an ETF to add, remove and re-weight portfolio securities without transacting in the market, it may help the ETF to avoid transaction costs and adverse tax consequences. Rule 6c-11 provides an ETF with flexibility to use "custom baskets" if the ETF has adopted written policies and procedures that: (1) set forth detailed parameters for the construction and acceptance of custom baskets that are in the best interests of the ETF and its shareholders, including the process for any revisions to, or deviations from, those parameters; and (2) specify the titles or roles of employees of the ETF's investment advisor who are required to review each custom basket for compliance with those parameters.

The use of baskets that do not correspond pro rata to an ETF's portfolio holdings has historically created concern that an Authorized Participant could take advantage of its relationship with an ETF and pressure the ETF to construct a basket that favors an Authorized Participant to the detriment of the ETF's shareholders. For example, because ETFs rely on Authorized Participants to maintain the secondary market by promoting an effective arbitrage mechanism, an Authorized Participant holding less liquid or less desirable securities potentially could pressure an ETF into accepting those securities in its basket in exchange for liquid ETF shares (*i.e.*, dumping). An Authorized Participant also could pressure the ETF into including in its basket certain desirable securities in exchange for ETF shares tendered for redemption (*i.e.*, cherry-picking). In either case, the ETF's other investors would be disadvantaged and would be left holding shares of an ETF with a less liquid or less desirable portfolio of securities. The Advisor has adopted policies and procedures designed to mitigate these concerns but there is ultimately no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be effective.

**Basket Dissemination.** Basket files are published for consumption through the NSCC, a subsidiary of Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, and can be utilized for pricing, creations, redemptions, rebalancing and custom scenarios. In most instances, pro rata baskets are calculated and supplied by the ETF's custodial bank based on ETF holdings, whereas non-pro rata, custom and forward-looking pro rata baskets are calculated by the Fund's investment advisor and disseminated by the ETF's custodial bank through the NSCC process.

**Placement of Creation or Redemption Orders.** All orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units are to be governed according to the applicable Participant Agreement that each Authorized Participant has executed. In general, all orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units must be received by the transfer agent in the proper form required by the Participant Agreement no later than the closing time of the regular trading session of the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day the NYSE is open for business (the *"Closing Time"*) in order for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of a Fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. However, at its discretion, the Fund may require an Authorized Participant to submit orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units be placed earlier in the day (such as instances where an applicable market for a security comprising a creation or redemption basket closes earlier than usual).

**Delivery of Redemption Proceeds.** Deliveries of securities to Authorized Participants in connection with redemption orders are generally expected to be made within two Business Days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds for a Fund may take longer than two Business Days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act generally prohibits a registered open-end management investment company from postponing the date of satisfaction of redemption requests for more than seven days after the tender of a security for redemption. This prohibition can cause operational difficulties for ETFs that hold foreign investments and exchange in-kind baskets for Creation Units. For example, local market delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming investors, together with local market holiday schedules, can sometimes require a delivery process in excess of seven days. However, Rule 6c-11 grants relief from Section 22(e) to permit an ETF to delay satisfaction of a redemption request for more than seven days if a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming Authorized Participants, or the combination thereof prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. Under this exemption, an ETF must deliver foreign investments as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 days after the tender to the ETF. The exemption therefore will permit a delay only to the extent that additional time for settlement is actually required, when a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming authorized participants prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment included in the ETF's basket. If a foreign investment settles in less than 15 days, Rule 6c-11 requires an ETF to deliver it pursuant to the standard settlement time of the local market where the investment trades. Rule 6c-11 defines "foreign investment" as any security, asset or other position of the ETF issued by a foreign issuer (as defined by Rule 3b-4 under the 1934 Act), and that is traded on a trading market outside of the United States. This definition is not limited to "foreign securities," but also includes other investments that may not be considered securities. Although these other investments may not be securities, they may present the same challenges for timely settlement as foreign securities if they are transferred in kind.

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**Creation Transaction Fees.** Each Fund imposes fees in connection with the purchase of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. 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, plus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the creation basket.

**Redemption Transaction Fees.** Each Fund also imposes fees in connection with the redemption of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various facts-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price received for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of a Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, minus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the redemption basket. 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 may also be assessed an amount to cover the cost of such services. The redemption fee charged by a Fund will comply with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act which limits redemption fees to no more than 2% of the value of the shares redeemed.

**Suspension of Creations.** The SEC has stated its position that an ETF generally may suspend the issuance of Creation Units only for a limited time and only due to extraordinary circumstances, such as when the markets on which the ETF's portfolio holdings are traded are closed for a limited period of time. The SEC has also stated that an ETF could not set transaction fees so high as to effectively suspend the issuance of Creation Units. Circumstances in which a Fund may suspend creations include, but are not limited to: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the purchaser or group of related purchasers, upon obtaining the Creation Units of Fund shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of a Fund; (iii) the required consideration is not delivered; (iv) the acceptance of the basket would, in the opinion of a Fund, be unlawful; or (v) there exist circumstances outside the control of a Fund that make it impossible to process purchases of Creation Units for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include: acts of God or 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 a Fund, First Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the transfer agent, the custodian, any sub-custodian or any other participant in the purchase process; and similar extraordinary events. Each Fund reserves the right to reject a creation order transmitted to it provided that such action does not result in a suspension of sales of creation units in contravention of 6c-11 and the SEC's positions thereunder. The Transfer Agent shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such prospective creator of the rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, a Fund, the Transfer Agent, 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 baskets, nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

**Suspension of Redemptions.** An ETF may suspend the redemption of Creation Units only in accordance with Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. Section 22(e) stipulates that no registered investment company shall suspend the right of redemption, or postpone the date of payment or satisfaction upon redemption of any redeemable security in accordance with its terms for more than seven days after the tender of such security to the company or its agent designated for that purpose for redemption, except (1) for any period (A) during which the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings or (B) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted; (2) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which (A) disposal by the investment company of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or (B) it is not reasonably practicable for such company fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the investment company.

**Exceptions to Use of Creation Units.** Under Rule 6c-11 of the 1940 Act, ETFs are permitted to sell or redeem individual shares on the day of consummation of a reorganization, merger, conversion, or liquidation. In these limited circumstances, an ETF may need to issue or redeem individual shares and may need to transact without utilizing Authorized Participants.

**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 SAI. 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

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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 foreign tax consequences.

This federal income tax summary is based in part on the advice of counsel to the Funds. The Internal Revenue Service (*"IRS"*) could disagree with any conclusions set forth in this section. The following disclosure may not be sufficient for prospective investors to use for the purpose of avoiding penalties under federal tax law.

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 (a *"RIC"*) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the *"Code"*).

To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs, a Fund must, among other things, (i) 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; (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of a Fund's assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs 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 a Fund's total assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) 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 RICs) 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 (iii) 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. There are certain exceptions for failure to qualify if the failure is for reasonable cause or is *de minimis*, and certain corrective action is taken and certain tax payments are made by a Fund.

As a RIC, a Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its 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 it distributes to shareholders. Each Fund intends 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 98.2% 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 their 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 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.

Subject to certain reasonable cause and *de minimis* exceptions, if a Fund fails to qualify as a RIC or fails 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 each Fund's 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 a RIC such as each of 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

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attributable to qualifying dividends received by a 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. Each Fund will provide notice to its shareholders of the amount of any distributions that may be taken into account as a dividend which is eligible for the capital gains tax rates. A Fund cannot make any guarantees as to the amount of any distribution which will be regarded as a qualifying dividend. Some portion of the ordinary income distributions that are attributable to dividends received by the Funds from shares in certain real estate investment trusts may be designated by the Funds as eligible for a deduction for qualified business income, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied.

Income from a Fund may also be subject to a 3.8% "Medicare tax." This tax generally applies to net investment income if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts, which are $250,000 in the case of married couples filing joint returns and $200,000 in the case of single individuals.

A corporation that owns shares generally will not be entitled to the dividends received deduction with respect to many dividends received from a Fund because the dividends received deduction is generally not available for distributions from RICs. However, certain ordinary income dividends on shares that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Funds from certain domestic corporations may be reported by a Fund 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 reported as capital gain dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of the gain attributable to a capital gain dividend if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements. Shareholders receiving distributions in the form of additional shares, rather than cash, generally will have a tax basis in each such share equal to the value of a share of a 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.

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 a Fund, which a shareholder holds as a capital asset, such 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. An election may be available to you to defer recognition of capital gain if you make certain qualifying investments within a limited time. You should talk to your tax advisor about the availability of this deferral election and its requirements.

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 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 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 IRS, 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.

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**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 a Fund 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.

**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 a Fund (*i.e.*, may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital, or short-term or long-term), may accelerate recognition of income to a Fund 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 a Fund 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 a Fund 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 RIC and the distribution requirements 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, 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 are not treated as qualified dividend income.

**Backup Withholding**

A Fund 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 Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or fail to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. 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.

**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.

In addition to the rules described in this section concerning the potential imposition of withholding on distributions to non-U.S. persons, distributions to non-U.S. persons that are "financial institutions" may be subject to a withholding tax of 30% unless an agreement is in place between the financial institution and the U.S. Treasury to collect and disclose information about accounts, equity investments or debt interests in the financial institution held by one or more U.S. persons or the institution is resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into such an agreement with the U.S. Treasury. For these purposes, a "financial institution" means any entity that (i) accepts deposits in the ordinary course of a banking or similar business; (ii) holds financial assets for the account of others as a substantial portion of its business; or (iii) is engaged (or holds itself out as being engaged) primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, partnership interests, commodities or any interest (including a futures contract or option) in such securities, partnership interests or commodities. This withholding tax is also

------

currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

Distributions to non-financial non-U.S. entities (other than publicly traded foreign entities, entities owned by residents of U.S. possessions, foreign governments, international organizations or foreign central banks) will also be subject to a withholding tax of 30% if the entity does not certify that the entity does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provide the name, address and TIN of each substantial U.S. owner. This withholding tax is also currently scheduled to apply to the gross proceeds from the disposition of securities that produce U.S. source interest or dividends. However, proposed regulations may eliminate the requirement to withhold on payments of gross proceeds from dispositions.

**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 properly reported by the Fund 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, a Fund 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 a Fund 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.

Distributions from a Fund that are properly reported by the Fund as an interest-related dividend attributable to certain interest income received by the Fund or as a short-term capital gain dividend attributable to certain net short-term capital gain income received by a Fund may not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes, including withholding taxes when received by certain non-U.S. shareholders, provided that each Fund makes certain elections and certain other conditions are met. For tax years after December 31, 2022, amounts paid to or recognized by a non-U.S. affiliate that are excluded from tax under the portfolio interest, capital gain dividends, short-term capital gains or tax-exempt interest dividend exceptions or applicable treaties, may be taken into consideration in determining whether a corporation is an "applicable corporation" subject to a 15% minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income.

In addition, capital gain distributions attributable to gains from U.S. real property interests (including certain U.S. real property holding corporations) will generally be subject to United States withholding tax and will give rise to an obligation on the part of the non-U.S. shareholder to file a United States tax return.

**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 Fund which are properly reported by the Fund as undistributed capital gains and any gains realized upon the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund 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 a Fund.

**Capital Loss Carry-forward**

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, net capital losses of a Fund incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. To the extent that these loss carry-forwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the capital gains so offset will not be distributed to Fund shareholders. As of October 31, 2022, the Funds had net capital losses for federal income tax purposes as shown in the table below. The Funds are subject to certain limitations, under U.S.

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tax rules, on the use of capital loss carry-forwards and net unrealized built-in losses. These limitations generally apply when there has been a 50% change in ownership.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Total**<br> **Non-Expiring**<br> **Capital Loss**<br> **Available**<br>|
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | $82940557 |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | 22354470 |
| First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | 21011350 |

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**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 Net Asset Value**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Net Asset Value."

The per share net asset value 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. Under normal circumstances, daily calculation of the net asset value will utilize the last closing sale price of each security held by a Fund at the close of the market on which such security is principally listed. In determining net asset value, portfolio securities for a Fund for which accurate market quotations are readily available will be valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Common stocks and other equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange other than Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (*"AIM"*) will be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded, or the official closing price for Nasdaq and AIM securities. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, on the Business Day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Shares of open-end mutual funds are valued at NAV per share.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Exchange-traded options and futures contracts are valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are principally traded. If no closing price is available, they will be valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their closing bid price. OTC options and futures contracts are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their last trade price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Forward foreign currency contracts are valued at the current day's interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using the current day's spot rate, and the 30-, 60-, 90- and 180- day forward rates provided by a pricing service or by certain independent dealers in such contracts.

In addition, the following types of securities will be fair valued as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Fixed-income securities, convertible securities, preferred and hybrid securities, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, swaptions, currency-linked notes, credit-linked notes, asset-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities or private label collateralized mortgage obligations, collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, senior loans and other similar instruments will be fair valued using a pricing service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Commercial paper, fixed-income and other debt securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts (amortized

------

cost), provided the Advisor has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer specific conditions existing at the time of the determination. Factors that may be considered in determining the appropriateness of the use of amortized cost include, but are not limited to, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the credit conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the liquidity conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the interest rate conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto (such as significant changes in interest rates);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) issuer-specific conditions (such as significant credit deterioration); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) any other market-based data the Advisor considers relevant. In this regard, the Advisor may use last-obtained market-based data to assist it when valuing portfolio securities using amortized cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Repurchase agreements will be valued as follows. Overnight repurchase agreements will be valued at amortized cost when it represents the most appropriate reflection of fair market value. Term repurchase agreements (*i.e.*, those whose maturity exceeds seven days) will be fair valued by the Advisor at the average of the bid quotations obtained.

If the Advisor has reason to question the accuracy or reliability of a price supplied or the use of the amortized cost methodology, the Advisor shall determine if "it needs to fair value" such portfolio security pursuant to established valuation procedures. From time to time, the Advisor, Fund accounting agent, or relevant portfolio management team may submit price challenges to a pricing service, pursuant to a process described in a Fund's Valuation Procedures.

Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities will be valued at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities that 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 or fair value 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 net asset value (as may be the case in foreign markets on which the security is primarily traded) or is likely to make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the pricing service, does not, in the opinion of the Advisor, reflect the security's fair value. Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a pricing service or are determined by the Advisor. Market value prices represent last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (*i.e.*, a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from pricing services. If no market price or official close price is available from either a pricing service or no quotations are available from one or more brokers or if the Advisor has reason to question the reliability or accuracy of a price supplied or the use of amortized cost, the value of any portfolio security held by the Fund for which reliable market prices/quotations are not readily available will be determined by the Advisor in a manner that most appropriately reflects fair market value of the security on the valuation date, based on a consideration of all available information. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchange.

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which a shareholder may purchase shares of a Fund, the value of a Fund's investments may change on the days when shareholders are not able to purchase shares of the Fund. For foreign securities, if an extraordinary market event occurs between the time the last "current" market quotation is available for a security in a Fund's portfolio and the time the Fund's net asset value is determined and calls into doubt whether that earlier market quotation represents fair value at the time the Fund's net asset value is determined, the Fund accounting agent will immediately notify the Advisor and the Advisor shall determine the fair valuation. For foreign securities, the Advisor may seek to determine the "fair value" of such securities by retaining a pricing service to determine the value of the securities.

Foreign securities, currencies and other assets denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar as provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation.

------

**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.** Dividends from net investment income of the Funds, 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 or advisable to preserve the status of such 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 reinvestment 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 such Fund purchased in the secondary market.

**Miscellaneous Information**

**Counsel.** Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 S. Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60606, 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 [<u>Annual Report to Shareholders</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554623000093/etf3_ncsr.htm)dated October 31, 2022, 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 available without charge by calling (800) 621-1675 or by visiting the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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**Exhibit A—Principal Holders Table** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **% OF**<br> **OUTSTANDING**<br> **SHARES OWNED**<br>|
| FIRST TRUST RIVERFRONT DYNAMIC DEVELOPED INTERNATIONAL ETF | FIRST TRUST RIVERFRONT DYNAMIC DEVELOPED INTERNATIONAL ETF |
| Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 23.43% |
| National Financial Services LLC | 16.63% |
| Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated | 9.80% |
| State Street Bank and Trust Company | 9.50% |
| RBC Capital Markets, LLC | 5.83% |
| FIRST TRUST RIVERFRONT DYNAMIC EMERGING MARKETS ETF | FIRST TRUST RIVERFRONT DYNAMIC EMERGING MARKETS ETF |
| TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. | 16.29% |
| National Financial Services LLC | 14.97% |
| Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated | 14.78% |
| Raymond James & Associates, Inc. | 14.37% |
| State Street Bank and Trust Company | 9.46% |
| Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 8.72% |
| Pershing LLC | 5.17% |
| FIRST TRUST RIVERFRONT DYNAMIC EUROPE ETF | FIRST TRUST RIVERFRONT DYNAMIC EUROPE ETF |
| Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 15.59% |
| J.P. Morgan Securities LLC/JPMC | 15.11% |
| National Financial Services LLC | 8.95% |
| Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC | 8.50% |
| Raymond James & Associates, Inc. | 8.34% |
| LPL Financial LLC | 7.80% |
| BOFA Securities, Inc. | 7.74% |
| Pershing LLC | 5.44% |
| Jane Street Capital LLC | 5.32% |

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(1) BOFA Securities, Inc.: 4804 Deer Lake Drive E, Jacksonville, Florida 32246

(2) Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.: 2423 E Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

(3) J.P. Morgan Securities LLC/JPMC: 500 Stanton Christiana Road, NCC5, Newark, Delaware 19713

(4) Jane Street Capital LLC: 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281

(5) LPL Financial LLC: 1055 LPL Way, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715

(6) Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC: 1300 Thames Street, 6<sup>th</sup> Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21231

(7) National Financial Services LLC: 499 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

(8) Pershing LLC: One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, New Jersey 07399

(9) Raymond James & Associates, Inc.: 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716

(10) RBC Capital Markets, LLC: 60 S 6th Street P-09, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

(11) Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated: 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue, 19<sup>th</sup> Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

(12) State Street Bank and Trust Company: 1776 Heritage Drive, North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171

(13) TD Ameritrade Clearing Inc.: 200 S. 108<sup>th</sup> Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68154

(14) Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC: 2801 Market Street, H0006-09B, St. Louis, Missouri 63103

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**Exhibit B—Proxy Voting Guidelines**

**FIRST TRUST ADVISORS L.P.**

**PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES**

First Trust Advisors L.P. (*"FTA"* or the *"Adviser"*) serves as investment adviser to separately managed accounts, open- and closed-end investment companies, and other collective investments (*"Clients"*). As part of these services, the Adviser has, in most cases, agreed to or been delegated proxy voting responsibility on such Clients' behalf (*"Proxy Clients"*). FTA is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure proxy voting on behalf of Proxy Clients is conducted in a manner that is in their best interests and addresses how conflicts of interest between FTA interests and Proxy Client interests are managed. FTA has adopted the following policies and procedures to comply with this requirement (the *"Policy"*).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) It is the Adviser's policy to seek and to ensure that proxies are voted consistently and in the best economic interests of the Proxy Client. The FTA Investment Committee is responsible for the implementation of the Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Adviser engaged Institutional Shareholder Services (*"ISS"*) to provide proxy research, recommendations, and voting services. ISS provides a password protected website which is accessible to authorized FTA personnel to download upcoming proxy meeting data, including research reports, of companies held in Proxy Client portfolios. The website can be used to view proposed proxy votes, to enter votes for upcoming meetings for Proxy Client portfolio securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) FTA will generally follow the ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines (the *"Guidelines"*) to vote proxies for Proxy Client accounts, so long as such Guidelines are considered to be in the best interests of the Proxy Client, and there are no noted or perceived conflicts of interest. FTA's use of the Guidelines is not intended to constrain FTA's consideration of any proxy proposal, and there are times when FTA deviates from the Guidelines. This includes when required by Rule 12d1-4 agreements between Fund Proxy Clients and certain acquired funds, if applicable. Generally, FTA will not rely on ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines to withhold votes or vote against (i) directors solely based on quota criteria or (ii) the exclusion of certain climate-related disclosures, which may or may not relate to the company's core business or may not materially impact shareholder value. In such cases, FTA will consider such proxy voting decisions in light of merit-based considerations which it believes may impact shareholder value. FTA retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting.

In certain circumstances, where FTA has determined that it is consistent with Proxy Client best interests, FTA will not vote a proxy on behalf of one or more Proxy Clients. Such circumstances include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Limited Value.* Proxies will not be required to be voted on securities in a Proxy Client account if the value of the Proxy Client's economic interest in the securities is indeterminable or insignificant (less than $1,000). Proxies will also not be required to be voted for any securities that are no longer held in Proxy Client account(s).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *Securities Lending Program.* When securities are out on loan, they are transferred into the borrower's name and are voted by the borrower, in its discretion. In most cases, FTA will not recall securities on loan in order to vote a proxy. However, where FTA determines that a proxy vote, or other shareholder action, is materially important to the Proxy Client's account, FTA will make a good faith effort to recall the security for purposes of voting, understanding that in certain cases, the attempt to recall the security may not be effective in time to meet voting deadlines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) *Unjustifiable Costs.* In certain circumstances, based on cost-benefit analysis, FTA may choose not to vote when the cost of voting on behalf of a Proxy Client would exceed any anticipated benefits of the proxy proposal to such Proxy Client (*e.g.* foreign securities).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) *International Markets Share Blocking.* Share blocking is the "freezing" of shares for trading purposes at the custodian/sub-custodian bank level in order to vote proxies. While shares are frozen, they may not be traded. Therefore, the potential exists for a pending trade to fail if trade settlement falls on a date during the blocking period. In international markets where share blocking applies, FTA typically will not, but reserves the right to, vote proxies due to the liquidity constraints associated with share blocking.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) On a weekly basis, a member of FTA Portfolio and Product Management reviews ISS Level Classification and Quality Scores for new proxies. For any proxy meeting deemed material<sup>1</sup> by this review a copy of the ISS research report will be submitted to FTA Research for review and to determine if they agree with the Guidelines. Research will also review the recommendations of target company management and may review information publicly available about the target company, including original and subsequent amendments to the ISS research report, EDGAR filings and any noted conflicts of interest. FTA Research will communicate its determination to the FTA Investment Committee. All other non-material matters will be further reviewed only at the discretion of the FTA Investment Committee, Portfolio Management or Research.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) FTA may determine voting in accordance with the Guidelines is not in the best interests of a Proxy Client. Whenever a conflict of interest arises between ISS and a target company subject to a proxy vote, the Adviser will consider the recommendation of the company and what the Adviser believes to be in the best interests of the Proxy Client and will vote the proxy without using the Guidelines. If FTA has knowledge of a material conflict of interest between itself and a Proxy Client, the Adviser shall vote the applicable proxy in accordance with the Guidelines to avoid such conflict of interest. If there is a decision to vote against the Guidelines, the FTA Investment Committee will document the reason and instruct ISS to change the vote to reflect this decision.

If there is a conflict of interest between a Fund Proxy Client and FTA or other fund service providers, FTA will vote the proxy based on the Guidelines to avoid such conflict of interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) If a Proxy Client requests the Adviser to follow specific voting guidelines or additional guidelines, the Adviser shall review the request and follow such guidelines, unless the Adviser determines that it is unable to do so. In such case, the Adviser shall inform the Proxy Client that it is not able to honor the Proxy Client's request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) FTA periodically reviews proxy votes to ensure compliance with this Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) This Policy, the Guidelines and votes cast for Proxy Clients are available upon request and such Proxy Client requests must be forwarded to FTA Compliance for review and response. This Policy is also provided with each advisory contract and described and provided with the Form ADV, Part 2A.

Shareholders of Fund Proxy Clients can review the Policy and a Fund's voted proxies (if any) during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 on the First Trust website at www.ftportfolios.com or by accessing EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) FTA provides reasonable ongoing oversight of ISS and maintains the following records relating to proxy voting:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) a copy of this Policy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) a copy of each proxy form for which it is responsible to vote;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) a copy of each proxy solicitation, including proxy statements and related materials with regard to each proxy issue it votes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) documents relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest, if any;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) a copy of each written request from any Proxy Client for information on how FTA voted proxies on the Proxy Client's behalf, and a copy of any written response by FTA to any written or oral request for information by a Proxy Client on how FTA voted proxies for that Proxy Client's account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) ISS, on FTA's behalf, maintains the following records relating to FTA proxy voting:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) a copy of each proxy form (as voted);

------

<sup>1</sup>

Materiality is generally defined as any proxy with a Classification Level of 4 or higher or a target company's governance Quality Score of 10. **See below for a description of Classification Levels.** Quality Score indicates a company's governance risk (board structure, compensation programs, shareholder rights, and audit and risk oversight). The lowest score of 1 indicates relatively higher quality governance practices and relatively lower governance risk and conversely, the highest score of 10 indicates relatively higher governance risk.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) a copy of each proxy solicitation, including proxy statements and related materials with regard to each vote;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) documents relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest it identifies, if any; and

These records are either maintained at FTA's office or are electronically available to FTA through access to the ISS Proxy Exchange portal.

**ISS Level Classification Descriptions** 

Level 1 – Election of directors (except for proxy contests); fix number of directors; ratification of auditors; name change; change in date of time of meeting; adjourn meeting; other business; can include shareholder proposals.

Level 2 – Employee stock purchase plans; increase in stock (except for private placements); reverse stock splits; standard corporate governance provisions (declassifying the board, supermajority votes, etc.); social/environmental/human rights proposals; standard mutual fund proposals (except for advisory agreements, proposals to open-end the fund).

Level 3 – Compensation Plans.

Level 4 – Private Placements; formation of a holding company; anti-takeover proposals (poison pills, fair price provisions, etc.); reincorporation; director and officer liability indemnification; conversion of securities; liquidation of assets; mutual fund advisory agreements.

Level 5 – Mergers; acquisitions; sale of assets; conversion of closed-end fund to open-end; reorganization; restructuring.

Level 6 – Proxy Contests.

Adopted: September 15, 2003

Amended: December 10, 2007

Amended: September 21, 2009

Amended: September 12, 2016

Amended: March 9, 2020

Amended: June 7, 2021

Amended: January 19, 2022

Amended: May 13, 2022

Amended: September 22, 2022

------

First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III

Part C – Other Information

Item 28. Exhibits

Exhibit No. Description

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) (1) [Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on June 16, 2017.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554617002755/exhibit_a2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on May 7, 2021.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554621002425/exhibit_a2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) [By-Laws of the Registrant is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on January 31, 2013.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554613000611/exhibit_b.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) (1) [Investment Management Agreement by and between First Trust Advisors L.P. and Registrant, dated February 1, 2013 (on behalf of FPE), is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on February 8, 2014.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554614001328/exhibit_d.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Investment Management Agreement by and between First Trust Advisors L.P. and Registrant, dated April 3, 2014 (on behalf of FMB), is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on April 3, 2014.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554614001937/exhibit_d2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Investment Management Agreement by and between First Trust Advisors L.P. and Registrant, dated August 26, 2014 (on behalf of FTLS and FEMB), is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on October 10, 2014.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554614005010/exhibit_d3.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Investment Management Agreement by and between First Trust Advisors L.P. and Registrant, dated February 4, 2016 (on behalf of FPEI, RFDI, RFEM and RFEU), is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on April 14, 2016.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554616007989/exhibit_d1.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) [Amended Schedule A to Investment Management Agreement by and between First Trust Advisors L.P. and Registrant, dated October 26, 2017 (on behalf of FPEI, RFDI, RFEM and RFEU), is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on October 26, 2017.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554617004870/exhibit_d2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) [Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between First Trust Advisors L.P., Stonebridge Advisors LLC and Registrant, on behalf of FPE, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on February 20, 2015.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554615001214/exhibit_d4.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) [Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between First Trust Advisors L.P., First Trust Global Portfolios Ltd and Registrant, on behalf of FEMB, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on February 20, 2015.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554615001214/exhibit_d5.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) [Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between First Trust Advisors L.P., Stonebridge Advisors LLC and Registrant, on behalf of FPEI, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on August 14, 2017.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554617003800/exhibit_d4.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) [Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between First Trust Advisors L.P., RiverFront Investment Group, LLC and Registrant, on behalf of RFDI, RFEM and RFEU, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on April 14, 2016.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554616007989/exhibit_d2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) [Fee Waiver Agreement by and between First Trust Advisors L.P. and Registrant, on behalf of FMB, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on February 26, 2016.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554616007186/exhibit_d6.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) (1) [Distribution Agreement is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on January 31, 2013.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554613000611/exhibit_e.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Exhibit A to Distribution Agreement is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on March 16, 2020.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554620001416/exhibit_e2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) (1) [Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on January 31, 2013.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554613000611/exhibit_g.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Schedule A to the Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on May 7, 2021.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554621002425/exhibit_g2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) (1) [Administrative Agency Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on January 31, 2013.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554613000611/exhibit_h1.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Appendix A to Administrative Agency Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on May 7, 2021.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554621002425/exhibit_h2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Form of Participant Agreement is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on February 28, 2017.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554617001152/exhibit_h2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Form of Subscription Agreement is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on January 31, 2013.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554613000611/exhibit_h2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) (1) [12b-1 Service Plan is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on January 31, 2013.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554613000611/exhibit_m.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Exhibit A to 12b-1 Service Plan, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on May 7, 2021.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554621002425/exhibit_m2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) 12b-1 Plan Extension Letter Agreement is filed herewith.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) Not Applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) (1) [First Trust Advisors L.P., First Trust Portfolios L.P. Code of Ethics, amended on July 1, 2013 is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on April 3, 2014.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554614001937/exhibit_p1.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [First Trust Funds Code of Ethics, amended on October 30, 2013 is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on April 13, 2014.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554614001937/exhibit_p2.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) (1) [Powers of Attorney of Messrs. Bowen, Erickson, Kadlec, Keith and Nielson dated December 31, 2015, are incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on January 7, 2016.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554616006008/exhibit_q.txt)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Power of Attorney of Ms. Keefe, dated November 1, 2021, is incorporated by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 127 filed on Form N-1A (File No. 333-176976) for Registrant on November 24, 2021.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554621005949/exhibit_q2.htm)

__________________

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant

Not applicable.

Item 30. 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:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser

First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust"), investment adviser to the Registrant, serves as adviser or sub-adviser to various other open-end and closed-end management investment companies and is the portfolio supervisor of certain unit investment trusts. 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"). The principal address for all these investment companies, First Trust, FTP and the persons below is 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187.

A description of any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which the officers of First Trust who serve as officers or trustees of the Registrant have engaged during the last two years for his or her account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee appears under "Management of the Fund" in the Statement of Additional Information. Such information for the remaining senior officers of First Trust appears below:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Name and Position with First Trust | Employment During Past Two Years |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Andrew S. Roggensack, President | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director and President, First Trust |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;R. Scott Hall, Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director, First Trust |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;David G. McGarel, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director; Senior Vice President, First Trust |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Kelly C. Dehler, Chief Compliance Officer | &nbsp;&nbsp;Assistant General Counsel, First Trust |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Economist and Senior Vice President, First Trust |

---

Item 32. Principal Underwriter

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) FTP serves as principal underwriter of the shares of the Registrant, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund II, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund V, First Trust Exchange Traded Fund VI, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VII, First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund, First Trust Exchange-Traded AlphaDEX<sup>®</sup> Fund II, First Trust Variable Insurance Trust and First Trust Series Fund. 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Positions and Offices with Underwriter.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Name and Principal<br> Business Address\* | Positions and Offices<br> with Underwriter | Positions and<br> Offices with Fund |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;The Charger Corporation | &nbsp;&nbsp;General Partner |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Grace Partners of DuPage L.P. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Limited Partner |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;James A. Bowen | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;Trustee and Chairman of the Board |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;James M. Dykas | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Financial Officer | &nbsp;&nbsp;President and Chief Executive Officer |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Frank L. Fichera | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;R. Scott Hall | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W. Scott Jardine | &nbsp;&nbsp;General Counsel, Secretary and Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;Secretary |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Daniel J. Lindquist | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;Vice President |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;David G. McGarel | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Investment Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Richard A. Olson | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Marisa Bowen | &nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Andrew S. Roggensack | &nbsp;&nbsp;President and Managing Director |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Kristi A. Maher | &nbsp;&nbsp;Deputy General Counsel | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> \* All addresses are <br> 120 East Liberty Drive, <br> Wheaton, Illinois 60187. |  |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Not Applicable.

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

First Trust, 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, maintains the Registrant's organizational documents, minutes of meetings, contracts of the Registrant and all advisory material of the investment adviser.

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 ("BBH") 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.

BBH also maintains all the required records in its capacity as transfer, accounting, dividend payment and interest holder service agent for the Registrant.

Item 34. Management Services

Not Applicable

Item 35. 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 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Wheaton, and State of Illinois, on the 28th day of February, 2023.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III | &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;By: | &nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ James M. Dykas |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;James M. Dykas, President and<br> Chief Executive Officer |

---

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:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Signature |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Date |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ James M. Dykas | &nbsp;&nbsp;President and Chief Executive<br> Officer | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 28, 2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;James M. Dykas |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ Donald P. Swade | &nbsp;&nbsp;Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer<br> and Chief Accounting Officer | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 28, 2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Donald P. Swade |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;James A. Bowen\* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Richard E. Erickson\* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Thomas R. Kadlec\* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Denise M. Keefe\* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Robert F. Keith\* |  |  |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;By: | &nbsp;&nbsp; /s/ W. Scott Jardine |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Niel B. Nielson \* |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;W. Scott Jardine<br> Attorney-In-Fact |
|  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 28, 2023 |

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\* Original powers of attorney dated [December 31, 2015](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554616006008/exhibit_q.txt) or [November 1, 2021](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1424212/000144554621005949/exhibit_q2.htm), authorizing James A. Bowen, W. Scott Jardine, James M. Dykas, Eric F. Fess and Kristi A. Maher to execute Registrant's Registration Statement, and Amendments thereto, for each of the trustees of the Registrant on whose behalf this Registration Statement is filed, were previously executed, filed as an exhibit and are incorporated by reference herein.

**Index to Exhibits**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.](exhibit_j.htm)

(m)(3) [12b-1 Plan Extension Letter Agreement.](exhibit_m3.htm)

## Ex-99.J

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment to Registration Statement No. 333-176976 on Form N-1A of our reports dated December 22, 2022, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF, First Trust Managed Municipal ETF, First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF, First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF, First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF, First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF, First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF, and First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF, each a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III, appearing in the Annual Reports on Form N-CSR of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III for the year ended October 31, 2022, and to the references to us under the headings "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectuses and "Information for Investors in the European Economic Area ("EEA") Only," "Miscellaneous Information," and "Financial Statements" in the Statements of Additional Information, which are part of such Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 28, 2023

## Ex-99.M

June 13, 2022

First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III

120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

Re: 12b-1 Plan Extension Letter for First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the "*Trust*").

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is hereby acknowledged that First Trust Portfolios L.P. serves as the distributor of the shares of each series of the above-referenced Trust. The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the *"1940 Act"*), comprised of various exchange-traded funds (each, a *"Fund,"* and, collectively, the *"Funds"*) set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, which may be supplemented to add new Funds.

It is further acknowledged that the Trust has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan (the *"Plan"*) pursuant to Rule l2b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to the shares of beneficial interest (*"Shares"*) of the Funds. Pursuant to the Plan, each Fund may bear a fee not to exceed 0.25% per annum of such Fund's average daily net assets.

The purpose of this letter agreement is to agree and acknowledge that the Funds shall not pay, and we shall not collect, any fees pursuant to the Plan any time before the date set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto for each Fund.

Very Truly Yours,

First Trust Portfolios L.P.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ James M Dykas</u> 

James M Dykas<br> Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director

**<u>Agreed and Acknowledged</u>:**

First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Donald P. Swade</u> 

Donald P. Swade

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

**Exhibit A**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Funds** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Dates** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III |  |

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10/31

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;2/28/2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Managed Municipal ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;2/28/2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;2/28/2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;2/28/2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;2/28/2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;2/28/2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;2/28/2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;2/28/2024 |

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7/31

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;11/30/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Developed International ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;11/30/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust California Municipal High Income ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;11/30/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Municipal High Income ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;11/30/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Short Duration Managed Municipal ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;11/30/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Ultra Short Duration Municipal ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;11/30/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Merger Arbitrage ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;11/30/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;11/30/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;First Trust New York Municipal High Income ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;11/30/2023 |

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