Banking Opportunity Portfolio, Series 56
Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, continued inflationary pressures, and volatility in market interest rates, FDIC-insured institutions reported record net operating revenue in 2023,
crossing $1 trillion for the first time in history. In addition, the 2023 net interest margin was 3.3%, the highest reported margin since 2019.1
Consolidation
Thanks in part to consolidation, U.S. banks have achieved remarkable growth in assets. At year-end
2000, the 9,904 reporting FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions had
aggregate assets of $7.5 trillion; as of December 31, 2023, the number of reporting banks had
fallen to 4,587 while total assets increased to $23.7 trillion, a gain of 216% in assets.1
Improved efficiency, lower operating costs and increased volume are a few of the benefits of
consolidation. With the financial demands of an aging population, continued competition and the vast
number of financial choices, we believe consolidation will continue to play an important role as
institutions seek to grow their capabilities and gain market share.
![Number Of FDIC-Insured Commercial Banks & Savings Insyitutions](/common/dp/productinfo/images/bkop54.gif)
Portfolio Objective
This unit investment trust seeks above-average capital appreciation by investing in an
unmanaged, diversified portfolio of commercial banks; however, there is no assurance
the objective will be met.
You should consider the portfolio's investment objectives, risks, and
charges and expenses carefully before investing. Contact your financial professional
or call First Trust Portfolios L.P. at 1.800.621.1675 to request a prospectus,
which contains this and other information about the portfolio. Read it carefully
before you invest.
Not
FDIC Insured, Not Bank Guaranteed and May Lose Value.
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Risk Considerations
An investment in this unmanaged unit investment trust should be made
with an understanding of the risks involved with owning common stocks, such as an economic recession and
the possible deterioration of either the financial condition of the issuers of the equity securities or the general
condition of the stock market.
You should be aware that the portfolio is concentrated in stocks in the financials sector which involves
additional risks, including limited diversification. The companies engaged in the financials sector are subject
to the adverse effects of volatile interest rates, economic recession, decreases in the availability of capital,
increased competition from new entrants in the field, and potential increased regulation.
An investment in a portfolio containing small-cap and mid-cap companies is subject to
additional risks, as the share prices of small-cap companies and certain mid-cap companies are
often more volatile than those of larger companies due to several factors, including limited
trading volumes, products, financial resources, management inexperience and less publicly
available information.
Large capitalization companies may grow at a slower rate than the overall market.
As the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the trust
has become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cybersecurity.
Ongoing armed conflicts between Russia and Ukraine in Europe and among Israel, Hamas and other militant groups in the Middle East, have caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility
within the markets in Russia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain investments as well as performance.
The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, or the potential impacts of any future public health crisis, may cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets. While vaccines have been developed, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against future variants of the disease.
The value of the securities held by the trust may be subject to steep declines or increased
volatility due to changes in performance or perception of the issuers.
This UIT is a buy and hold strategy and investors should consider their ability to hold the trust until maturity. There may be tax consequences unless units are purchased in an IRA or other qualified plan.