DiscoverThe Lead-Lag ReportFrom Inception to Outperformance: How $FMKT Has Differentiated Itself
From Inception to Outperformance: How $FMKT Has Differentiated Itself

From Inception to Outperformance: How $FMKT Has Differentiated Itself

Update: 2025-10-08
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Description

Since my partners and I launched The Free Markets ETF on June 10, 2025, FMKT has posted a total return of +21.30% through October 6, 2025, compared to +11.9% for the S&P 500 Index over the same period.

Unlike many equity funds, FMKT has achieved these returns with relatively limited exposure to large technology companies. Its holdings instead include businesses in sectors such as financials, energy, healthcare, industrials, and consumer services, which may be positioned to benefit when regulations change.

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Investment philosophy
FMKT seeks to identify U.S. companies that may experience operational or financial benefits when certain regulatory burdens are reduced or eliminated. The fund’s strategy is based on the view that deregulation can, under some circumstances, lower compliance costs, free up capital, and potentially improve profitability. Of course, outcomes vary by industry and company, and there is no assurance that regulatory changes will occur or that they will have a positive effect on the fund’s holdings.

Why consider FMKT?

  • Provides access to a theme not directly captured in traditional market indexes.

  • Offers exposure to multiple sectors beyond large-cap technology.

  • Seeks to capitalize on policy shifts that may create opportunities for select businesses.

FMKT is the only ETF currently focused on the theme of deregulation. Investors should understand, however, that the fund’s strategy involves risks, including the possibility that regulatory changes do not materialize or have unintended consequences.


Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information are described in the statutory or summary prospectus, which must be read and considered carefully before investing. You may download the statutory or summary prospectus or obtain a hard copy by calling 855-994-4004 or visiting www.freemarketsetf.com. Please read the Prospectuses carefully before you invest.

Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.

FMKT is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

Find full holding details and learn more about FMKT at

http://www.freemarketsetf.com

Holdings are subject to change.

Deregulation Strategy Risks. The Fund’s strategy of investing in companies that may benefit from deregulatory measures entails significant risks, including those stemming from the unpredictable nature of regulatory trends. Deregulation is influenced by political, economic, and social factors, which can shift rapidly and in unforeseen directions. Changes in government priorities, political leadership, or public sentiment may result in the reversal of existing deregulatory policies or the introduction of new regulations that could adversely affect certain industries or companies. Further, while the Fund invests in companies expected to benefit from deregulatory initiatives, not all of these companies may achieve the expected advantages, whether fully, partially, or at all. The actual impact of deregulatory measures may vary widely depending on a company’s specific operational, financial, and competitive circumstances. Companies may also face challenges adapting to new regulatory environments, or their competitive positioning may be undermined by other market factors unrelated to deregulation. These risks could negatively affect the performance of the Fund’s portfolio.

Underlying Digital Assets ETP Risks. The Fund’s investment strategy, involving indirect exposure to Bitcoin, Ether, or any other Digital Assets through one or more Underlying ETPs, is subject to the risks associated with these Digital Assets and their markets. These risks include market volatility, regulatory changes, technological uncertainties, and potential financial losses. As with all investments, there is no assurance of profit, and investors should be cognizant of these specific risks associated with digital asset markets.

● Underlying Bitcoin and Ether ETP Risks: Investing in an Underlying ETP that focuses on Bitcoin, Ether, and/or other Digital Assets, either through direct holdings or indirectly via derivatives like futures contracts, carries significant risks. These include high market volatility influenced by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and broader economic factors. For derivatives, liquidity risks and counterparty risks are substantial. Managing futures contracts tied to either asset may affect an Underlying ETP’s performance. Each Underlying ETP, and consequently the Fund, depends on blockchain technologies that present unique technological and cybersecurity risks, along with custodial challenges in securely storing digital assets. The evolving regulatory landscape further complicates compliance and valuation efforts. Additionally, risks related to market concentration, network issues, and operational complexities in managing Digital Assets can lead to losses. For Ether specifically, risks associated with its transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, including network upgrades and validator centralization, may add additional uncertainties.

●Bitcoin and Ether Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investments in Bitcoin and Ether through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs expose it to the unique risks of these digital assets. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, driven by fluctuating network adoption, acceptance levels, and usage trends. Ether faces similar volatility, compounded by its reliance on decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contract usage, which are subject to innovation cycles and adoption rates. Neither asset operates as legal tender or within central authority systems, exposing them to potential government restrictions. Regulatory actions in various jurisdictions could negatively impact their market values. Both Bitcoin and Ether are susceptible to fraud, theft, market manipulation, and security breaches at trading platforms. Large holders of these assets (”whales”) can influence their prices significantly. Forks in the blockchain networks—such as Ethereum’s earlier split into Ether Classic—can affect demand and performance. Both assets’ prices can be influenced by speculative trading, unrelated to fundamental utility or adoption.

● Digital Assets Risk: Digital Assets like Bitcoin and Ether, designed as mediums of exchange or for utility purposes, are an emerging asset class. Operating independently of any central authority or government backing, they face extreme price volatility and regulatory scrutiny. Trading platforms for Digital Assets remain largely unregulated and prone to fraud and operational failures compared to traditional exchanges. Platform shutdowns, whether due to fraud, technical issues, or security breaches, can significantly impact prices and market stability.

● Digital Asset Markets Risk: The Digital Asset market, particularly for Bitcoin and Ether, has experienced considerable volatility, leading to market disruptions and erosion of confidence among participants. Negative publicity surrounding these disruptions could adversely affect the Fund’s reputation and share trading prices. Ongoing market turbulence could significantly impact the Fund’s value.

● Blockchain Technology Risk: Blockchain technology underpins Bitcoin, Ether, and other digital assets, yet it remains a relatively new and largely untested innovation. Competing platforms, changes in adoption rates, and technological advancements in blockchain infrastructure can affect their functionality and relevance. For Ether, the dependence on its proof-of-stake mechanism and smart contract capabilities introduces risks tied to network performance and scalability. Investments in blockchain-dependent companies or vehicles may experience market volatility and lower trading volumes. Furthermore, regulatory changes, cybersecu

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From Inception to Outperformance: How $FMKT Has Differentiated Itself

From Inception to Outperformance: How $FMKT Has Differentiated Itself

Michael A. Gayed, CFA