SCHEDULE: Truist Financial Discloses 19.6% Stake in First Trust ETF

Truist Financial Corporation has filed an amended Schedule 13G, disclosing a 19.6% beneficial ownership stake in First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII as of September 30, 2025.

Summary

• Truist Financial Corporation, acting as a Parent Holding Company for Truist Advisory Services, Inc., beneficially owns 284,550 shares of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII.
• This ownership represents 19.6% of the total class of securities.
• The filing is an Amendment No. 4 to a Schedule 13G, updating previous disclosures.
• Truist Financial Corporation holds sole dispositive power over all 284,550 shares, meaning it can direct their sale, but holds no voting power.
• The event date requiring this statement was September 30, 2025.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing is a factual disclosure of beneficial ownership and does not contain information that would inherently suggest a positive or negative sentiment.

Future Outlook

This filing does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the issuer or the reporting person's future intentions beyond the certification that securities were acquired and held in the ordinary course of business.

Industry Context

This filing reflects a significant institutional holding by a major financial corporation, Truist Financial, in an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). Such disclosures are common for large asset managers and indicate their portfolio allocations within the ETF market, which continues to be a popular vehicle for diversified investment strategies.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII are informed of a significant institutional holder, Truist Financial Corporation, holding a 19.6% stake, which may influence market perception of the fund's stability and liquidity.

Key Dates

Keywords

Truist Financial, First Trust ETF, Schedule 13G, Beneficial Ownership, Exchange Traded Fund, Institutional Investor, Investment Advisor