The links between Bitcoin and gold run much deeper than their shared role as a store of value and hedge against inflation. | Credit: Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images. Key Takeaways Bitcoin is often referred to as “digital gold.” The analogy runs much deeper than their shared role as a store of value. Both assets are embedded in the global financial system, partly thanks to high-profile cheerleaders like Paolo Ardoino. The common analogy between Bitcoin and gold emphasizes shared featur ...

Core Insights - The First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) launched on October 25, 2022, aims to provide broad exposure to the Aerospace & Defense segment of the equity market, appealing to both retail and institutional investors [1][2] Fund Overview - MISL is a passively managed ETF with assets exceeding $201.27 million, positioning it as an average-sized fund within its sector [3] - The ETF seeks to match the performance of the INDXX US AEROSPACE & DEFENSE INDEX before fees and expenses [3][4] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for MISL are 0.6%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.55% [5] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Industrials sector, approximately 97% of its portfolio [6] - General Aerospace Company (GE) represents about 8.56% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for around 60.33% of total assets under management [7] Performance Metrics - As of September 24, 2025, the ETF has increased by approximately 34.43% year-to-date and 29.72% over the past year, trading between $27.51 and $40.85 in the last 52 weeks [8] - The ETF has a beta of 0.65 and a standard deviation of 17.08% over the trailing three-year period, indicating more concentrated exposure than its peers [8] Alternatives - MISL holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating favorable expected returns, expense ratio, and momentum [9] - Other ETFs in the Aerospace & Defense space include Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) with $6.49 billion in assets and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) with $11.28 billion [11]

Core Insights - The Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) is a passively managed fund launched on January 26, 2004, aimed at providing broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary - Broad segment of the equity market [1] - The ETF has gained popularity among institutional and retail investors due to its low cost, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making it suitable for long-term investment [1] Fund Overview - VCR has amassed over $6.51 billion in assets, positioning it as one of the largest ETFs in the Consumer Discretionary - Broad segment [3] - The fund seeks to match the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Discretionary 25/50 Index [3][4] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for VCR are 0.09%, making it one of the least expensive options in the ETF space [5] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.75% [5] Sector Exposure and Holdings - VCR has a heavy allocation in the Consumer Discretionary sector, with approximately 99.9% of its portfolio dedicated to this area [6] - Amazon.com Inc (AMZN) constitutes about 25.07% of total assets, followed by Tesla Inc (TSLA) and Home Depot Inc (HD) [7] Performance Metrics - The ETF has gained approximately 4.91% year-to-date and is up roughly 25.54% over the past year as of September 10, 2025 [8] - In the last 52 weeks, VCR has traded between $290.42 and $401.37 [8] - The ETF has a beta of 1.26 and a standard deviation of 22.66% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [8] Alternatives - VCR carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to the Consumer Discretionary sector [9] - Other alternatives include iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY), with respective assets of $3.28 billion and $24.18 billion [10]

Core Insights - The SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP) is a passively managed ETF launched on June 19, 2006, designed to provide broad exposure to the Energy - Exploration segment of the equity market [1] - XOP has gained popularity among retail and institutional investors due to its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making it suitable for long-term investors [1] Fund Overview - Sponsored by State Street Investment Management, XOP has amassed over $1.83 billion in assets, positioning it as one of the largest ETFs in the Energy - Exploration segment [3] - The ETF aims to match the performance of the S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry Index, which represents the oil and gas exploration and production sub-industry of the S&P Total Markets Index [4] Cost Structure - XOP has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, making it one of the least expensive options in its category [5] - The ETF offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.49% [5] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Energy sector, comprising approximately 98.4% of its portfolio [6] - The top three holdings include Hf Sinclair Corp (3.59%), Chevron Corp, and Apa Corp, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 31.82% of total assets [6][7] Performance Metrics - As of September 10, 2025, XOP has experienced a year-to-date loss of about 1.38% and a one-year increase of approximately 3.06% [8] - The fund has traded between $101.91 and $148.67 over the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.02 and a standard deviation of 30.05% for the trailing three-year period, indicating a high-risk profile [8] Investment Alternatives - XOP carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to the Energy ETFs market [10] - Alternatives include Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE) with $71.03 million in assets and iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (IEO) with $468.34 million in assets, each with different expense ratios [11]

Core Insights - The VanEck Biotech ETF (BBH) is a passively managed fund launched on December 20, 2011, providing long-term investors with a low-cost, transparent, and flexible investment vehicle in the Healthcare - Biotech segment [1][3]. Fund Overview - The fund is sponsored by Van Eck and has assets exceeding $348.17 million, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF in the Healthcare - Biotech sector [3]. - BBH aims to replicate the performance of the MVIS US Listed Biotech 25 Index, which tracks companies involved in drug development and diagnostic equipment [4]. Cost Structure - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, positioning it among the least expensive options in the market, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.76% [5]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - BBH is fully allocated to the Healthcare sector, providing diversified exposure while minimizing single stock risk [6]. - The top holdings include Amgen Inc (15.53%), Gilead Sciences Inc, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc, with the top 10 holdings comprising approximately 71.45% of total assets [7]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, the VanEck Biotech ETF has increased by about 5.23%, but it has decreased by approximately 8.47% over the last 12 months as of September 1, 2025 [8]. - The ETF has traded between $140.05 and $181.82 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.73 and a standard deviation of 19.19% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [8]. Alternatives - The VanEck Biotech ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Healthcare ETFs market [9]. - Other alternatives include the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB), with XBI having $5.10 billion in assets and IBB at $5.64 billion, both with competitive expense ratios [10].

Core Insights - The Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) is a passively managed fund launched on January 26, 2004, aimed at providing broad exposure to the Utilities sector [1] - The Utilities - Broad sector is ranked 6th among the 16 Zacks sectors, placing it in the top 38% [2] Fund Overview - VPU has over $7.28 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Utilities - Broad segment [3] - The fund seeks to match the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, which includes large, mid-size, and small U.S. utility companies [3] Cost Structure - VPU has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.09%, making it one of the least expensive options in the ETF space [4] - The ETF offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.76% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is heavily allocated to the Utilities sector, with approximately 99.9% of its portfolio dedicated to this sector [5] - Nextera Energy Inc (NEE) constitutes about 10.02% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 52.99% of total assets [6] Performance Metrics - As of September 1, 2025, VPU has gained about 13.29% year-to-date and 14.59% over the past year [7] - The fund has traded between $158.36 and $188.61 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.57 and a standard deviation of 17.49% over the trailing three-year period [7] Investment Alternatives - VPU holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential based on expected returns, expense ratio, and momentum [8] - Other alternatives in the Utilities ETF space include Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF (FUTY) and Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU), with assets of $1.95 billion and $20.90 billion respectively [9]

Core Insights - The Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) is a passively managed ETF launched on December 16, 1998, providing broad exposure to the Utilities sector of the equity market [1] - XLU is the largest ETF in the Utilities - Broad segment, with assets exceeding $21.55 billion, and aims to match the performance of the Utilities Select Sector Index [3] Cost and Performance - XLU has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.08%, making it the least expensive option in its category, and offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.65% [4] - The ETF has gained approximately 15.32% year-to-date and 18.3% over the past year, with a trading range between $73.09 and $87.32 in the last 52 weeks [7] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated to the Utilities sector, with Nextera Energy Inc (NEE) representing about 12.11% of total assets, and the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 59.19% of total assets [5][6] Risk Profile - XLU has a beta of 0.55 and a standard deviation of 17.86% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile with more concentrated exposure than its peers [7] Alternatives - XLU holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential for investors seeking exposure to the Utilities/Infrastructure ETFs segment [8] - Other alternatives include Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF (FUTY) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU), with respective assets of $1.98 billion and $7.42 billion [9]

Core Viewpoint - The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (IHF) offers broad exposure to the healthcare providers segment, appealing to both institutional and retail investors due to its low cost and transparency [1][2]. Group 1: ETF Overview - The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF was launched on May 1, 2006, and is passively managed [1]. - The fund is sponsored by Blackrock and has accumulated over $742.15 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its segment [3]. - IHF aims to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Select HealthCare Providers Index [3]. Group 2: Index and Holdings - The Dow Jones U.S. Select HealthCare Providers Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that includes various healthcare providers such as hospitals and nursing homes [4]. - The ETF has a 100% allocation in the healthcare sector, with Unitedhealth Group Inc (UNH) making up approximately 23.08% of total assets [6][7]. - The top 10 holdings constitute about 72.35% of total assets under management [7]. Group 3: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expenses for the ETF are 0.4%, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.96% [5]. - The ETF has experienced a loss of about 3.05% year-to-date and is down approximately 17.49% over the past year [8]. - IHF has a beta of 0.67 and a standard deviation of 18.36% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [8]. Group 4: Investment Considerations - The ETF carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to healthcare ETFs [10].

Core Viewpoint - The SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) is a passively managed fund that provides broad exposure to the Industrials - Engineering and Construction segment, appealing to both retail and institutional investors due to its low costs and tax efficiency [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - Launched on January 31, 2006, XHB has accumulated over $1.82 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its sector [3]. - The fund aims to match the performance of the S&P Homebuilders Select Industry Index, which represents the homebuilding sub-industry of the S&P Total Markets Index [4]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - XHB has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the ETF space, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.67% [5]. - As of August 20, 2025, XHB has gained approximately 10.29% year-to-date and 2.9% over the past year, with a trading range between $86.79 and $125.54 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation of about 68.5% in the Consumer Discretionary sector, followed by Industrials [6]. - Topbuild Corp (BLD) constitutes approximately 3.85% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up about 35.36% of total assets under management [7]. Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - XHB has a beta of 1.26 and a standard deviation of 26.94% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile compared to peers [8]. - The ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting it may not be the best option for investors seeking exposure to the Industrials ETFs segment, with alternatives like the Invesco Building & Construction ETF (PKB) being recommended [10].

Core Insights - The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Technology - Semiconductors segment, making it a suitable option for long-term investors [1] - The ETF is one of the largest in its category, with assets exceeding $13.87 billion, and aims to match the performance of the PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index [3] Fund Details - SOXX has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, positioning it as one of the least expensive ETFs in the semiconductor space [4] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.66% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated to the Information Technology sector, with Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD) making up approximately 8.33% of total assets, followed by Nvidia Corp (NVDA) and Broadcom Inc (AVGO) [5][6] - The top 10 holdings constitute about 57.85% of total assets under management [6] Performance Metrics - SOXX has increased by roughly 15.92% year-to-date and is up approximately 8.42% over the past year as of August 19, 2025 [7] - The ETF has a beta of 1.46 and a standard deviation of 35.52% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [7] Alternatives - SOXX holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong expected returns and favorable metrics [8] - Other ETFs in the semiconductor space include SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH), with respective assets of $1.40 billion and $27.24 billion [9]