FEX aims to outperform the broader large-cap space using an intricate methodology. It classifies securities as either growth, value, or both. Then, it scores and ranks them according to their performance with regard to that classification. After selecting the top 375 stocks based on their score, it divides these stocks into quintiles. To build its portfolio, it equal-weights the stocks within each quintile, but weights the fund overall toward the top-ranked quintiles. In the past, FEX tracked the S&P Defined Large-Cap Core Index, though it changed to the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Large-Cap Core Index in April 2016.