Workflow
Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)
icon
Search documents
Should You Invest in the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology ETF (FBT)?
ZACKS· 2025-08-18 11:20
Core Viewpoint - The First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology ETF (FBT) provides broad exposure to the Healthcare - Biotech segment, appealing to both institutional and retail investors due to its low cost and transparency [1][2]. Group 1: ETF Overview - FBT is a passively managed ETF launched on June 19, 2006, with assets exceeding $1.08 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Healthcare - Biotech sector [1][3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index, which is an equal dollar weighted index measuring the performance of biotechnology companies [3][4]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expense ratio for FBT is 0.54%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.67% [5]. - As of August 18, 2025, FBT has increased by approximately 4.88% year-to-date and 4.32% over the past year, with a trading range between $145.666 and $182.19 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - FBT has a 100% allocation in the Healthcare sector, with Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) representing about 4.41% of total assets, and the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 39.27% of total assets [6][7]. Group 4: Alternatives and Market Position - FBT carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to the Healthcare ETFs market [9]. - Other alternatives in the space include SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB), with assets of $5.09 billion and $5.63 billion respectively, and lower expense ratios of 0.35% and 0.45% [10].
Should You Invest in the iShares U.S. Financials ETF (IYF)?
ZACKS· 2025-08-18 11:20
Core Insights - The iShares U.S. Financials ETF (IYF) is a passively managed ETF launched on May 22, 2000, providing broad exposure to the Financials sector of the equity market [1][3] - The ETF has amassed over $3.97 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [3] - IYF seeks to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Financials Index before fees and expenses [3] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for IYF are 0.39%, which is competitive within its peer group [4] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.28% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - Approximately 99.5% of IYF's portfolio is allocated to the Financials sector [5] - The largest holding is Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class B (BRK.B), accounting for about 11.34% of total assets, followed by Jpmorgan Chase & Co (JPM) and Bank Of America Corp (BAC) [6] - The top 10 holdings represent about 46.81% of total assets under management [6] Performance Metrics - As of August 18, 2025, IYF has returned approximately 11.54% year-to-date and 24.28% over the past year [7] - The fund has traded between $99.23 and $124.47 in the past 52 weeks [7] - IYF has a beta of 1.01 and a standard deviation of 18.77% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [7] Alternatives - IYF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential based on expected returns, expense ratio, and momentum [8] - Other ETFs in the financial sector include Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) and Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF), with VFH having $12.63 billion in assets and XLF having $52.72 billion [9]
Should You Invest in the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB)?
ZACKS· 2025-08-13 11:21
Core Viewpoint - The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) is a prominent option for investors seeking exposure to the Healthcare - Biotech segment, offering low costs, transparency, and tax efficiency [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - IBB is a passively managed ETF launched on February 5, 2001, with assets exceeding $5.47 billion, making it one of the largest in its category [3]. - The fund aims to match the performance of the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index, which includes securities from NASDAQ-listed biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expense ratio for IBB is 0.45%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.29% [4]. - Year-to-date, IBB has gained approximately 1.45% but is down about 5.07% over the past year, with a trading range between $112.02 and $149.47 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - IBB has a 100% allocation in the Healthcare sector, providing diversified exposure to minimize single stock risk [5]. - The top holdings include Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (7.96%), Amgen Inc, and Gilead Sciences Inc, with the top 10 holdings representing about 47.73% of total assets [6]. Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - The ETF has a beta of 0.75 and a standard deviation of 20.16% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [7]. - Alternatives to IBB include the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology ETF (FBT) and the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI), with respective assets of $1.03 billion and $4.65 billion [9].
Should You Invest in the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE)?
ZACKS· 2025-08-11 11:21
Core Viewpoint - The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is a leading option for investors seeking broad exposure to the Energy sector, characterized by its low cost, transparency, and tax efficiency [1][4]. Group 1: ETF Overview - XLE is a passively managed ETF launched on December 16, 1998, and has accumulated over $26.4 billion in assets, making it the largest ETF in the Energy - Broad segment [1][3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the Energy Select Sector Index, which includes companies in oil, gas, consumable fuels, and energy equipment & services [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - XLE has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.08%, making it the least expensive option in its category, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.37% [4]. - As of August 11, 2025, the ETF has seen a year-to-date increase of approximately 0.82% but is down about 1.59% over the past year, trading between $76.44 and $97.27 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated to the Energy sector, with Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) representing about 23.24% of total assets, followed by Chevron Corp (CVX) and Conocophillips (COP) [5][6]. - The top 10 holdings constitute approximately 73.31% of total assets under management, indicating a concentrated exposure [6]. Group 4: Alternatives and Rankings - XLE holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong expected returns based on various factors including expense ratio and momentum [8]. - Other alternatives in the energy ETF space include iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE), with assets of $1.76 billion and $6.97 billion respectively [9].
Should You Invest in the Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT)?
ZACKS· 2025-08-07 11:21
Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) is a passively managed ETF that provides broad exposure to the healthcare sector, appealing to both retail and institutional investors due to its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [1][3]. Fund Overview - VHT was launched on January 26, 2004, and has accumulated over $14.94 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the healthcare sector [3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Health Care 25/50 Index, which includes stocks of U.S. companies in the healthcare sector [3]. Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for VHT are 0.09%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the market [4]. - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.65% [4]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - VHT offers nearly 100% allocation in the healthcare sector, with Eli Lilly & Co (LLY) making up approximately 11.05% of total assets, followed by UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH) and AbbVie Inc (ABBV) [5]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, VHT has experienced a loss of about 4.02%, and it is down approximately 9.09% over the last 12 months as of August 7, 2025 [6]. - The ETF has traded between $236.71 and $288.1 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.65 and a standard deviation of 14.28% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [6]. Investment Alternatives - VHT holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, making it a strong option for investors seeking healthcare sector exposure [7]. - Other alternatives include the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV), with IXJ having $3.63 billion in assets and XLV having $32.12 billion [8][9].
Should You Invest in the iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK)?
ZACKS· 2025-08-07 11:21
Core Insights - The iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) is a passively managed ETF launched on June 12, 2000, designed to provide broad exposure to the Consumer Staples - Broad segment of the equity market [1] - The ETF has amassed assets over $1.36 billion and seeks to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Goods Index [3] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.49% and annual operating expenses of 0.4% [4] Sector Overview - Consumer Staples - Broad is ranked 15 out of 16 in the Zacks Industry classification, placing it in the bottom 6% [2] - The ETF has a heavy allocation in the Consumer Staples sector, accounting for about 87.5% of the portfolio, with Healthcare and Materials rounding out the top three sectors [5] Holdings and Performance - Procter & Gamble (PG) accounts for approximately 14.82% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up about 66.57% of total assets under management [6] - The ETF has a return of roughly 6.81% and is up about 3.67% year-to-date as of August 7, 2025, with a trading range between $63.29 and $72.42 over the last 52 weeks [7] Risk and Alternatives - IYK has a beta of 0.54 and a standard deviation of 12.32% for the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [7] - The ETF carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to the Consumer Staples sector [8] Competitors - Other notable ETFs in the Consumer Staples space include Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) with $7.67 billion in assets and Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) with $16.25 billion in assets [9]
Should You Invest in the First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX ETF (FXD)?
ZACKS· 2025-08-04 11:21
Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX ETF (FXD) is a passively managed ETF that provides broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary - Broad segment of the equity market, appealing to both retail and institutional investors due to its low costs and tax efficiency [1][3]. Group 1: ETF Overview - FXD was launched on May 8, 2007, and has accumulated over $315.05 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the StrataQuant Consumer Discretionary Index, utilizing the AlphaDEX stock selection methodology to choose stocks from the Russell 1000 Index [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expenses for FXD are 0.61%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.13% [4]. - As of August 4, 2025, FXD has experienced a year-to-date loss of approximately 0.88% but has gained about 8.32% over the past year [7]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation of about 75.7% in the Consumer Discretionary sector, with Telecom and Industrials also represented [5]. - Dillard's, Inc. (class A) constitutes about 1.53% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up approximately 15.03% of total assets under management [6]. Group 4: Alternatives and Market Position - FXD holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating it may not be the best choice for investors seeking exposure to the Consumer Discretionary segment [8]. - Alternative ETFs such as the Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) have significantly larger asset bases of $6.00 billion and $21.68 billion, respectively, and lower expense ratios of 0.09% and 0.08% [10].
Should You Invest in the Invesco KBW Property & Casualty Insurance ETF (KBWP)?
ZACKS· 2025-07-29 11:21
Core Insights - The Invesco KBW Property & Casualty Insurance ETF (KBWP) provides broad exposure to the Financials - Insurance segment and is passively managed, launched on December 2, 2010 [1] - The ETF has gained popularity among retail and institutional investors due to its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making it suitable for long-term investment [1] Fund Overview - Sponsored by Invesco, KBWP has assets exceeding $456.27 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in the Financials - Insurance segment [3] - The fund aims to match the performance of the KBW Nasdaq Property & Casualty Index, which includes approximately 24 property and casualty insurance companies [4] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for KBWP are 0.35%, categorizing it as one of the least expensive options in its category [5] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.84% [5] Sector Exposure and Holdings - KBWP is fully allocated to the Financials sector, with about 100% of its portfolio dedicated to this area [6] - American International Group Inc (AIG) constitutes approximately 8.15% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up about 59.91% of total assets under management [7] Performance Metrics - The ETF has returned roughly 1.2% year-to-date and increased by about 10.73% over the past year, with a trading range between $104.61 and $126.65 in the last 52 weeks [8] - It has a beta of 0.57 and a standard deviation of 18.57% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [8] Alternatives - KBWP holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum [9] - Other ETFs in the space include iShares U.S. Insurance ETF (IAK) and SPDR S&P Insurance ETF (KIE), with assets of $731.29 million and $844.93 million respectively [10]
Should You Invest in the Fidelity MSCI Materials Index ETF (FMAT)?
ZACKS· 2025-07-29 11:21
Core Insights - The Fidelity MSCI Materials Index ETF (FMAT) is a passively managed ETF launched on October 21, 2013, providing broad exposure to the Materials - Broad segment of the equity market [1] - The ETF is designed for long-term investors and is favored for its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [1] Fund Overview - FMAT has accumulated assets exceeding $428.53 million, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF [3] - The ETF aims to replicate the performance of the MSCI USA IMI Materials Index, which reflects the materials sector in the U.S. equity market [3] Cost Structure - The annual operating expense ratio for FMAT is 0.08%, making it the least expensive option in its category [4] - The ETF offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.66% [4] Holdings and Diversification - Linde Plc Common Stock (LIN) constitutes approximately 16.27% of total assets, with Sherwin Williams Co (SHW) and Ecolab Inc (ECL) following [5] - The top 10 holdings represent about 55.71% of total assets under management [6] Performance Metrics - FMAT has experienced an 8.1% gain year-to-date and a 1.64% increase over the past year as of July 29, 2025 [7] - The ETF has traded between $42.02 and $55.17 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.05 and a standard deviation of 19.16% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [7] Alternatives - FMAT holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Materials ETFs sector [8] - Other alternatives include the FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources ETF (GUNR) and the Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB), with GUNR having $4.83 billion in assets and XLB at $5.38 billion [10]
Should You Invest in the First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX ETF (FXU)?
ZACKS· 2025-07-28 11:20
Core Insights - The First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX ETF (FXU) is a passively managed ETF launched on May 8, 2007, providing broad exposure to the Utilities - Broad segment of the equity market [1] - FXU has gained popularity among retail and institutional investors due to its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making it suitable for long-term investment [1] Fund Overview - FXU is sponsored by First Trust Advisors and has assets exceeding $1.68 billion, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF in the Utilities - Broad segment [3] - The ETF aims to match the performance of the StrataQuant Utilities Index, which uses a modified equal-dollar weighted methodology to select stocks from the Russell 1000 Index [4] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for FXU are 0.63%, which is relatively high compared to other ETFs in the sector, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.12% [5] Sector Exposure and Holdings - FXU has a significant allocation in the Utilities sector, comprising approximately 97.6% of its portfolio [6] - The top holdings include Edison International (EIX) at 4.23%, followed by Evergy, Inc. (EVRG) and PG&E Corporation (PCG), with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 40.08% of total assets [7] Performance Metrics - As of July 28, 2025, FXU has increased by about 17.43% year-to-date and approximately 32.34% over the past year, with a trading range between $34.34 and $44.12 in the last 52 weeks [8] - The ETF has a beta of 0.64 and a standard deviation of 17.33% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk with more concentrated exposure than its peers [8] Alternatives - FXU has a Zacks ETF Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting it may not be the best option for investors seeking exposure to the Utilities/Infrastructure ETFs segment [9] - Alternative ETFs include the Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) with $7.29 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.09%, and the Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) with $20.72 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.08% [10]