Technology Select Portfolio, Series 96
From cell phones to MRIs, innumerable products and services, as well as the people that use them each
day, rely in some way on technology. Powering this technology in our everyday lives are computer,
software, networking, semiconductor and communication companies.
Consider These Factors
- In 2024, Gartner forecasts worldwide software spending to grow 12.6% to almost
$1.1 trillion and global IT services spending to grow 7.1% to over $1.6 trillion. Worldwide IT
spending overall is projected to total nearly $5.3 trillion in 2024, up 7.5%% from 2023.
- Cloud computing allows companies to use software, applications and other services on a
pay-per-use basis. According to Gartner, global end-user spending on public cloud services is
anticipated to reach $675.4 billion in 2024 and grow 22.1% to $824.8 billion in 2025.
- Semiconductors were worth $52.7 billion in 2023 and were the top U.S. electronic product
export and the sixth overall U.S. export, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association
(SIA) and U.S. International Trade Commission.
Portfolio Objective
This unit investment trust seeks above-average capital appreciation by investing in
companies in the technology sector; however, there is no assurance the objective will
be met.
| Not FDIC Insured • Not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
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.
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 information technology sector which involves additional risks, including limited diversification. The companies engaged in the information technology
sector are subject to fierce competition, high research and development costs, and their products and services may be subject to rapid obsolescence. Technology company stocks, especially those which are Internet-related,
may experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that are often unrelated to their operating performance. There is no assurance that the projections stated herein will be realized.
Securities of non-U.S. issuers are subject to additional risks, including currency fluctuations, political risks, withholding, the lack of adequate financial information, and exchange control restrictions impacting non-U.S. issuers.
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.