Richard Bernstein Advisors launches "SMRT" ETF Portfolios

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May 22, 2012, 01:57 ET

NEW YORK, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Richard Bernstein Advisors (RBA) announced today that they are launching a series of ETF model strategies known as "SMRT" (Sector Model RoTation) portfolios that will combine RBA's top-down approach and proprietary earnings and valuation analyses with First Trust Advisors'AlphaDEX® methodology. SMRT portfolios are designed to manage beta through a market cycle. RBA, founded by CEO Richard Bernstein–former chief investment strategist at Merrill Lynch and Institutional Investor All-American Research Team Hall of Fame inductee–uses an array of proprietary macro indicators to assess the market cycle and accordingly focuses on allocating beta effectively among the primary factors of stock returns such as size, style, geography and economic sector. RBA believes that beta is the primary driver of stock returns vs. individual stock selection and thus ETFs are ideal vehicles for the SMRT portfolios. The model's strategies will initially be offered on select UMA platforms as follows:

Richard Bernstein Advisors SMRT Tactical Equity Portfolio–featuring AlphaDEX®
Richard Bernstein Advisors SMRT Strategic Equity Portfolio–featuring AlphaDEX®
Richard Bernstein Advisors SMRT All-Asset Moderate Portfolio–featuring AlphaDEX®

"We are pleased to once again partner with First Trust and to deliver sound equity and asset allocation portfolios for financial advisors and their clients," said Richard Bernstein. "Our investment committee has thoroughly analyzed and assessed the AlphaDEX® ETF's and feel their fundamental approach will be a significant benefit within these portfolios."

"RBA's macro approach and track record makes them an ideal partner for First Trust and the AlphaDEX® methodology," said Andy Subramanian, Senior Vice President of First Trust Advisors. "We believe advisors are looking for a top-down approach that utilizes merit-based selection, and combining the AlphaDEX® lineup within the SMRT portfolios provides that solution."

For more information on the SMRT ETF models visit www.rbadvisors.com/ or www.ftportfolios.com.

About Richard Bernstein Advisors

Richard Bernstein Advisors has over $800 million in assets under management/advisement as of April 30th, 2012. They act as sub‐advisor for the Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund and the Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All‐Asset Fund and also offer income‐oriented unit trusts through First Trust. Additionally, RBA runs ETF asset allocation portfolios at UBS in separately managed accounts. RBA is headquartered in New York City. For more information please visit RBA's website at www.rbadvisors.com.

About First Trust Advisors L.P.

First Trust is headquartered in Wheaton, IL. Established in 1991, First Trust offers investment services including asset management, financial advisory services, and municipal underwriting to a variety of clients. They also offer an array of investment vehicles, including UITs, ETFs, ETNs, closed-end funds, mutual funds, annuities, separately managed accounts, and structured products. For more information please visit www.ftportfolios.com.

SOURCE Richard Bernstein Advisors