Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding the company or industry [1]

Broadly speaking, Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are popular. Really, really popular. Over $4 trillion in U.S. ETF assets under management (AUM), good for the second-highest tally among all issuers, confirms as much. So do year-to-date inflows of $91.4 billion. Under any circumstances, those are impressive data points and even more so when considering that Vanguard sponsors just over 100 ETFs, a lineup that's far smaller than those of some of its nearest competitors. The other side of that coin is t ...

Given the names of the funds, those investors who have not previously encountered these assets may assume that they belong to the same family. This is not the case, however, because Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF (My professional journey in the investment field began in 2011. Today, I combine the roles of an Investment Consultant and an Active Intraday Trader. This synergistic approach allows me to maximize returns by leveraging deep knowledge in economics, fundamental investment analysis, and techn ...

>> IT IS MONDAY. THIS IS THE ONE-HOURS SNOW EDITION OF "BLOOMBERG ETF IQ." I AM SCARLET FU. KATIE GREIFELD IS OFF. THAT'S GOOD TO THE $21 TRILLION GLOBAL ETF INDUSTRY WE WILL SPEAK TO CHRIS DAVIS OF DAVIS ADVISORS. THE PIONEER IN ACTIVE FUNDS TELLS US WHAT HE SEES A COMEBACK IN VALUE INVESTING. WE CHECK IN WITH TRAVIS EXPENSE OF J. P. MORGAN ASSET MANAGEMENT. WE WILL GET INTO FUNDS, DERIVATIVES, AND THE MOVEMENT IN EQUITIES. THE LARGEST STABLECOIN HAS FALLEN BY $1.5% BILLION IN FEBRUARY, PUTTING THE STABLEC ...

Core Insights - T. Rowe Price's research indicates that active management strategies can enhance core portfolio returns, potentially capturing excess returns that passive index funds miss [1] - Generating an additional 25 basis points (0.25%) in annual returns over 40 years could equate to two extra years of retirement spending, while 50 basis points could add five years [1] - The report emphasizes the opportunity cost of maintaining passive core holdings, suggesting that active strategies can utilize capital more efficiently [1] Active Management Strategy - T. Rowe Price's active core strategies aim for a tracking error of 50 to 100 basis points, allowing for consistent performance relative to benchmarks while enabling diversified stock selection [1] - The strategy avoids large concentrated bets, instead opting for smaller overweight and underweight positions across a broad range of securities [1] - Effective risk management is crucial, involving not only position size control but also guarding against unintended exposures to stocks that may trade similarly due to thematic influences [1] Research Methodology - The firm's approach combines fundamental research from equity analysts with quantitative analysis of historical market data to exploit market inefficiencies [1] - The report highlights that markets often focus on short-term outcomes, leading to price dislocations that can benefit long-term investors [1] - T. Rowe Price's dual-engine design aims to address how markets evaluate company-specific situations against historical precedents [1]

Market Dynamics - The S&P 500's flat year-to-date performance masks significant underlying changes, indicating a shift towards a stock picker's market where individual stocks and sectors are gaining importance [1] - The narrative around artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from focusing on beneficiaries to identifying those at risk of disruption, affecting a broader range of industries beyond just software [2] Capital Rotation - A notable capital rotation is occurring, with investors reallocating from mega-cap technology stocks to value stocks, small caps, and international equities, amplifying market effects due to technology's significant weight in the S&P 500 [3] Earnings Growth - The S&P 493, which excludes the largest tech companies, is projected to see earnings growth of nearly 14% in 2026, indicating a broadening of growth opportunities beyond mega-cap stocks [4] Sector Performance - The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund has experienced over 20% growth year-to-date, driven by record inflows, while industrials continue to show strength [5] Active Management - Active equity ETFs have seen a significant increase in flows, now accounting for approximately 32% of ETF flows, up from 6% in 2021, highlighting a shift towards active management in a less correlated market environment [6] Market Expectations - The CBOE S&P 500 Dispersion Index is at multi-month highs, while the CBOE Three-Month Implied Correlation Index is low, suggesting expectations for more idiosyncratic stock movements rather than synchronized market rallies [7] Investment Implications - The market is undergoing fragmentation and repricing, with shifts in AI narratives, rotation away from mega-cap stocks, and an improving macroeconomic backdrop, indicating that broad beta exposure may no longer suffice for investors [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q4 2025 were $27.1 million, an increase from $24.3 million in Q3 and $25.6 million in Q4 2024, driven by investor interest in ETFs and private energy secondaries funds [15] - Fiscal 2025 total revenues reached $97.8 million, compared to $94.7 million in 2024, attributed to higher average assets under management [15] - Q4 income was $1.9 million, or $0.21 per share, down from $3.7 million, or $0.41 per share in Q3, and $2.1 million, or $0.24 per share in Q4 2024 [16][17] - Economic earnings for Q4 were $3.3 million, or $0.36 per share, compared to $3.4 million, or $0.39 per share in Q4 2024 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ETF franchise exceeded $200 million, with the latest ETF, Enhanced Income Opportunity, contributing to this growth [4][12] - Managed Investment Solutions team secured its first institutional client, indicating growth in this business line [4] - Institutional channel gross sales grew by 36% year-over-year, reflecting strong traction with institutional investors [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The S&P 500 rose less than 3% in Q4 but ended the year up 18%, indicating a mixed market environment [5] - The firm experienced net outflows of $1 billion in assets under management, offset by $1 billion in market appreciation [18] - Assets under management totaled $17.4 billion, with institutional assets making up 50% of the total [17][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high-quality businesses with strong fundamentals, positioning itself well for future market uncertainties [7] - A disciplined, multiyear evolution of the wealth division is underway to enhance client experience and scalability [12] - The launch of new ETFs and private equity funds reflects the company's commitment to innovation and expanding its market opportunities [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the disappointing outflows in Q4, primarily from the Large Cap Value product, which has struggled in a narrow market environment [22] - The company remains optimistic about its pipeline, with new clients and significant funding expected in the near future [22] - Management emphasized the importance of high-quality companies and the potential for attractive shareholder returns in the current market [8] Other Important Information - The board approved a regular cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on April 1, 2026 [18] - The firm maintains a solid financial position with cash and liquid investments totaling $44.1 million and a debt-free balance sheet [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the reasons behind the outflows in Q4? - Management noted that over 80% of the outflows were from the Large Cap Value product, which has struggled against a low-quality market environment [22] Question: What is the outlook for new client acquisitions? - Management highlighted a new client bringing in $200 million and a defined contribution plan expected to fund $450 million, indicating a strong pipeline [22] Question: How is the company positioned for future growth? - Management expressed confidence in the strategic positioning and value proposition, with a focus on high-quality investment solutions and expanding ETF offerings [14][22]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q4 2025 were $27.1 million, an increase from $24.3 million in Q3 and $25.6 million in Q4 2024, driven by investor interest in ETFs and private energy secondaries funds [15] - Fiscal 2025 total revenues reached $97.8 million, compared to $94.7 million in 2024, attributed to higher average assets under management [15] - Q4 income was $1.9 million, or $0.21 per share, down from $3.7 million, or $0.41 per share in Q3, and $2.1 million, or $0.24 per share in Q4 2024 [16] - Economic earnings for Q4 were $3.3 million, or $0.36 per share, compared to $3.4 million, or $0.39 per share in Q4 2024 [17] - Assets under management totaled $17.4 billion, with $16.5 billion in AUM and $0.9 billion in assets under advisement [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ETF franchise exceeded $200 million, with the latest ETF, Enhanced Income Opportunity, contributing to this growth [4] - Managed Investment Solutions secured its first institutional client, reflecting strong sales growth of $2.5 billion for the year, up 20% from $2.1 billion [4] - Institutional channel gross sales grew by 36% year-over-year, while intermediary distribution achieved 32% growth, marking the strongest annual performance in several years [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The S&P 500 rose less than 3% in Q4 but ended the year up 18%, indicating a mixed market environment [5] - The U.S. economy recorded modest growth despite low consumer confidence, with the Federal Reserve cutting short-term rates by 75 basis points [5] - The firm experienced net outflows of $1 billion in AUM, offset by $1 billion in market appreciation [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high-quality businesses with strong fundamentals, positioning itself well for future market uncertainties [7] - A disciplined, multiyear evolution of the wealth division aims to enhance client experience and scalability, targeting ultra-high-net-worth families [12] - The launch of new strategies and ETFs, such as the Enhanced Income Opportunity ETF, reflects the company's commitment to innovation and meeting diverse client needs [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the disappointing outflows in Q4, primarily from the Large Cap Value product, which struggled in a narrow market environment [21] - The company remains optimistic about its pipeline, with new clients and significant funding expected in the near future [22] - Management emphasized the importance of high-quality companies and the potential for attractive shareholder returns in the current market [8] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a regular cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on April 1, 2026 [18] - The firm maintains a solid financial position with cash and liquid investments totaling $44.1 million and a debt-free balance sheet [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the reasons behind the outflows in Q4? - Management noted that over 80% of the outflows were from the Large Cap Value product, which has struggled against a low-quality market environment [21] Question: What is the outlook for new client acquisitions? - Management highlighted a new client bringing in $200 million and a defined contribution plan expected to fund $450 million, indicating a strong pipeline [22]

Core Insights - The active bond ETF segment is rapidly growing, with the ALPS/SMITH Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) being a notable example, having nearly $2.5 billion in assets under management within just over two years [1] Group 1: Active Bond ETFs - Active bond ETFs generally have higher fees compared to passive counterparts, which can motivate managers to deliver better performance [1] - Morningstar analyst Lan Anh Tran notes that cost compression in passive ETFs makes it challenging for active managers to compete on fees, necessitating greater advantages from active ETFs [1] Group 2: Performance and Risk - Active bond managers have a better chance of outperforming passive peers compared to active equity managers, with a success rate around 50% over longer periods [1] - SMTH maintains a relatively low risk profile, with two-thirds of its holdings rated AA or A, and only 9% rated as junk (BB or B) [1] - Active bond ETF outperformance often comes with higher risk, but a skilled manager can ensure investors are adequately compensated for that risk [1]

ASSET ACTIVE MANAGERS IN THE WORLD. $2.45% TRILLION. JOINING US IS SCHRODER'S CEO.WHY ARE YOU SELLING. TWO ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS MORNING. THE FIRST WAS OUR RESULTS.IT IS IMPORTANT AS CONTEXT TO THE DEAL, OUR OPERATING PROFIT WAS UP 25%. EPS UP 39%. THIS IS A GREAT BUSINESS IN A REALLY STRONG FOUNDATION.BUT WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE IS CREATING THIS POWERHOUSE OF ASSETS AND WEALTH ACTIVE MANAGEMENT. IT IS GOING TO HAVE AN UNPARALLELED BREADTH OF PUBLIC TO PRIVATE CAPABILITIES. 2.45% FRILLON GIVES US THE FIREPOWER ...