(GMAR) First Trust Exchange-Traded - Ratings and Ratios

The First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII - FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (GMAR) is designed to provide a buffer against moderate market downturns while participating in potential gains. Under normal market conditions, the fund primarily invests in FLEX® Options linked to the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (SPY), which tracks the S&P 500 Index. This strategy aims to balance risk and return for investors seeking equity exposure with downside protection. The fund is non-diversified, meaning it can concentrate its investments in a smaller number of securities, which may increase risk.

The funds structure allows it to offer defined outcome exposure to the U.S. equity market. By utilizing FLEX® Options, GMAR seeks to provide a predefined buffer against losses over a specific period, typically the term of the options strategy. This makes it appealing to investors who want to limit potential losses while maintaining upside potential. The ETF is part of a series of funds with varying buffer levels, catering to different risk tolerance levels.

From a technical standpoint, GMAR has shown stable price action, with its 20-day and 50-day moving averages at 38.12 and 37.86, respectively, indicating a modest upward trend. The 200-day moving average at 36.56 suggests longer-term strength. The Average True Range (ATR) of 0.22 reflects low volatility, while the average 20-day volume of 22,289 shares indicates moderate liquidity. The funds last price of 38.08 aligns closely with its short-term moving averages, signaling potential stability in the near term.

Fundamentally, GMAR manages approximately $288.63 million in assets, giving it a solid scale to execute its investment strategy effectively. The funds focus on SPY-linked FLEX® Options ensures tight correlation with the S&P 500, while the buffer feature provides a unique risk management tool for investors. This combination makes GMAR a viable option for those seeking equity exposure with built-in downside protection.