1. FT Raymond James Multicap Growth Equity ETF (RJMG) is set to liquidate. 2. Liquidation follows resignation of Raymond James as the Fund’s sub-advisor. 3. Shareholders can sell holdings before January 9, 2026, before liquidation. 4. Post-liquidation, shares will no longer be traded and will be delisted. 5. Cash redemption based on net asset value expected after Fund's liabilities are met.
The liquidation of RJMG suggests a complete shutdown, indicating loss of investor confidence. Historical examples include similar ETF liquidations leading to diminished market interest and declining prices.
The announcement affects the fund directly, indicating a substantial shift in investment strategy.
The liquidation timeline is set to end by January 2026, providing immediate investor impact. Pre-liquidation trading may see increased volatility as shareholders adjust positions.
First Trust Advisors L.P. ("FTA") announced today approval of the liquidation of FT Raymond James Multicap Growth Equity ETF (NYSE:RJMG), a series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII (the "Fund").
Following the resignation of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. ("Raymond James"), the Fund's sub-advisor, and based upon the recommendation of FTA, the investment advisor of the Fund, the Board of Trustees of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII 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, 2026. Customary brokerage charges may apply to these transactions. The last day the Fund will accept creation and redemption orders is January 9, 2026, and the Fund's shares will subsequently be de-listed. The Fund will liquidate on or around January 16, 2026. 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.
Raymond James will continue to serve as sub-advisor to the Fund through the liquidation of the Fund on or around January 16, 2026. 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, after January 9, 2026, 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 $299 billion as of September 30, 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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