As part of its systematic portfolio recalibration, the First Trust Financials AlphaDEX Fund (NASDAQ: FXO) has significantly boosted its holdings in Freedom Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: FRHC), acquiring 185,000 shares. This substantial purchase has elevated FXO to become the second-largest investor in FRHC, a position surpassed only by the company's visionary founder and CEO, Timur Turlov. This strategic investment now means FRHC constitutes a 1.22% weighting within the underlying index that shapes the fund's investment framework.
The First Trust Financials AlphaDEX Fund functions as an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) designed to mirror the performance of the StrataQuant Financials Index. This index meticulously curates companies from the financial services industry, employing the sophisticated AlphaDEX methodology. This rigorous process meticulously evaluates stocks based on core growth and value metrics. FXO's decision to include Freedom Holding underscores the latter's inherent attractiveness, signaling its robust potential for expansion and solid investment fundamentals, making it a standout choice for discerning investors.
Commenting on this pivotal development, Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding, expressed his satisfaction, remarking, "We are delighted that Freedom Holding has captured the attention of such esteemed institutional investors as First Trust." He further emphasized that this validation affirms the efficacy of their sustained growth strategy, digital innovation, and the ambitious endeavor to forge a comprehensive financial ecosystem. FRHC's inclusion in the fund serves as a powerful testament to the company's dynamic business momentum, particularly as it continues to enrich its service offerings, reinforce its market footprint, and advance its digital transformation. These initiatives, coupled with consistently strong financial outcomes, have not only improved its investment outlook but also cemented its standing within the S&P index. Notably, S&P Global Ratings recently upgraded the outlook on Freedom Holding Corp.'s core operational entities from "Stable" to "Positive," while maintaining their 'B+/B' credit ratings. The parent company, Freedom Holding Corp., retained its 'B-' rating with a "Stable" outlook.
The integration of FRHC into FXO's portfolio offers further evidence that Freedom Holding successfully navigates the stringent selection criteria set by leading institutional investors. This development reinforces its stature as a highly promising entity within the financial sector. Adding to its accolades, the Stanford Graduate School of Business has incorporated a case study on Freedom Holding Corp. into its academic curriculum, marking a significant milestone as the first such study from Central Asia to be featured at a globally renowned university.
Freedom Holding Corp. is an international financial and technology powerhouse listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker FRHC. The company delivers a comprehensive suite of investment, banking, insurance, and digital services through its integrated platform, the Freedom SuperApp. Operating across 22 countries, including key markets such as Kazakhstan, the United States, Cyprus, Poland, Spain, Uzbekistan, and Armenia, Freedom Holding Corp. maintains its primary executive offices in New York City and is meticulously regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of financial governance.