First Trust Announces Approval of Liquidation of the First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF

Key Terms

exchange-traded fund financial

An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a type of investment fund that holds a collection of assets, such as stocks or bonds, and is traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks. It allows investors to buy and sell a diversified group of investments easily and efficiently, often at a lower cost. ETFs provide a simple way to gain exposure to a broad market or specific sectors without having to buy each asset separately.

net asset value financial

Net asset value is the total value of an investment fund's assets minus any liabilities, divided by the number of shares or units outstanding. It represents the per-share worth of the fund, similar to how the value of a house is determined by its total worth after debts are subtracted. Investors use it to gauge the true value of their holdings and to compare different investment options.

capital gain or loss financial

The difference between what you paid for an investment and what you receive when you sell it; if you sell for more you have a capital gain, if you sell for less you have a capital loss. Think of it like selling a house: the profit or shortfall compared with your purchase price affects your personal wealth and can change taxable income, which makes it important for evaluating real returns and making decisions about when to sell.

broker-dealer financial

A broker-dealer is a licensed firm or individual that both executes trades on behalf of clients (acting as a broker) and buys or sells securities for its own account (acting as a dealer). Investors care because broker-dealers provide the plumbing of markets — they place orders, hold or move cash and securities, offer research or advice, and their stability and fees directly affect trade execution, costs, and the safety of client funds; think of them as a combined travel agent and taxi for your investments.

FINRA regulatory

FINRA is the U.S. self‑regulatory organization that oversees brokerage firms and individual brokers, setting and enforcing rules to protect investors and keep markets orderly. Think of it as a referee and rulebook keeper for the broker industry: it licenses brokers, monitors their behavior, enforces standards, and runs complaint and arbitration systems, so investors can check records and have a path to resolve disputes.

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”) announced today approval of the liquidation of First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (Nasdaq: RFEU), a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III (the “Fund”).

Based upon the recommendation of FTA, the investment advisor of the Fund, the Board of Trustees of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund III determined that it was in the best interests of the Fund to liquidate the Fund. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees approved the liquidation of the Fund pursuant to a plan of liquidation and termination.

Shareholders may sell their holdings in the Fund prior to the end of the trading day on January 9, 2025. Customary brokerage charges may apply to these transactions. The last day the Fund will accept creation and redemption orders is January 9, 2025, and the Fund’s shares will subsequently be de-listed. The Fund will liquidate on or around January 16, 2025. Any person holding shares in the Fund as of the applicable liquidation date will receive a cash redemption amount equal to the net asset value of such shares after the Fund has discharged and/or made reasonable provisions for the payment of all of its charges, taxes, expenses and liabilities. Shareholders generally will recognize a capital gain or loss on any redemption.

To prepare for the termination and liquidation of the Fund, the Fund’s portfolio managers may increase the Fund’s assets held in cash and similar instruments. As a result, on or around January 9, 2025, the Fund is expected to deviate from its stated investment strategies and policies and will no longer be managed to meet its investment objective.

FTA is a federally registered investment advisor and serves as the Fund’s investment advisor. FTA and its affiliate, First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”), a FINRA registered broker-dealer, are privately-held companies that provide a variety of investment services. FTA has collective assets under management or supervision of approximately $304 billion as of October 31, 2025 through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and SMAs. FTA is the supervisor of the First Trust unit investment trusts, while FTP is the sponsor. FTP is also a distributor of mutual fund shares and exchange-traded fund creation units. FTA and FTP are based in Wheaton, Illinois.

The Fund’s daily closing price and net asset value per share as well as other information can be found at www.ftportfolios.com.

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First Trust Advisors L.P.

Press Inquiries: Ryan Issakainen, 630-765-8689

Analyst Inquiries: Stan Ueland, 630-517-7633

Source: First Trust Advisors L.P.