Core Insights - The WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend ETF (DEM) is designed to provide broad exposure to the emerging markets, focusing on high dividend yielding stocks [1][5] - The ETF has amassed over $3.09 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Broad Emerging Market category [5] - DEM has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 4.91% and an annual operating expense ratio of 0.63% [7] Fund Management and Index - The fund is managed by WisdomTree and seeks to match the performance of the WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Index, which is fundamentally weighted [5][6] - The index measures the performance of the highest dividend yielding stocks selected from the WisdomTree Emerging Markets Dividend Index [6] Performance Metrics - DEM has added approximately 15.94% and is up about 7.87% year-to-date as of July 15, 2025 [10] - The ETF has traded between $37.51 and $46.16 over the past 52 weeks, indicating a stable price range [10] - With a beta of 0.60 and a standard deviation of 15.15% over the trailing three-year period, DEM is classified as a medium risk investment [10] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The fund's assets are primarily in US Dollars, accounting for about 66.36% of total assets, followed by Euro and Hungarian Forint [8] - The top 10 holdings represent approximately 109.37% of DEM's total assets under management, indicating a concentrated investment strategy [8] Alternatives in the Market - Other ETFs in the emerging markets space include Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG), which have significantly larger asset bases of $91.85 billion and $97.69 billion respectively [12] - VWO has a lower expense ratio of 0.07% compared to DEM, while IEMG has an expense ratio of 0.09% [12]

Core Insights - The iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) is a smart beta ETF launched on December 1, 2016, providing broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Growth category [1] - ESGU is managed by Blackrock and has amassed over $13.82 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [5] - The fund aims to match the performance of the MSCI USA ESG Focus Index, which includes U.S. companies with positive environmental, social, and governance characteristics [5] Fund Characteristics - ESGU has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.15%, making it one of the least expensive options in the market [6] - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.10% [6] - The largest sector allocation is in Information Technology at approximately 34.3%, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [7] Holdings and Performance - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) is the largest holding at about 6.73%, with Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and Apple Inc (AAPL) also among the top holdings [8] - The top 10 holdings account for about 35.18% of total assets under management [8] - ESGU has returned approximately 6.34% year-to-date and 12.16% over the past year, with a trading range between $108.06 and $136.58 in the last 52 weeks [9] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the space include iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) and Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV), with assets of $9.67 billion and $10.75 billion respectively [11] - ESGD has an expense ratio of 0.21% and ESGV has an expense ratio of 0.09% [11] - Traditional market cap weighted ETFs may offer cheaper and lower-risk options for investors [11]

Core Insights - The First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX ETF (FNY) is a smart beta ETF launched on April 19, 2011, providing broad exposure to the mid-cap growth segment of the market [1] Fund Overview - FNY is managed by First Trust Advisors and has accumulated assets exceeding $391.58 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [5] - The ETF aims to replicate the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Mid Cap Growth Index, utilizing the AlphaDEX stock selection methodology [5] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for FNY are 0.70%, making it one of the more expensive options in the mid-cap growth ETF space [6] - The 12-month trailing dividend yield for FNY is 0.57% [6] Sector Allocation and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Industrials sector, comprising approximately 21.4% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Healthcare [7] - Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) represents about 1.34% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for around 9.41% of total assets under management [8] Performance Metrics - As of July 15, 2025, FNY has increased by approximately 4.09% year-to-date and 11.12% over the past year [10] - The ETF has a beta of 1.15 and a standard deviation of 21.20% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the mid-cap growth space include the Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) with $17.34 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.07%, and the iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) with $19.42 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.23% [12]

Core Insights - The WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth ETF (DGRW) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Value category and was launched on May 22, 2013 [1] - DGRW is managed by WisdomTree and has amassed over $16 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [5] - The fund seeks to match the performance of the WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Index, which consists of dividend-paying stocks with growth characteristics [5] Fund Characteristics - DGRW has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.28%, which is competitive within its peer group [6] - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.50% [6] - The top 10 holdings account for approximately 135.11% of total assets under management, indicating a concentration in a few key stocks [8] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, DGRW has gained about 5.88% and is up roughly 7.86% over the last 12 months as of July 15, 2025 [10] - The fund has a beta of 0.85 and a standard deviation of 14.33% over the trailing three-year period, categorizing it as a medium-risk investment [10] - DGRW has approximately 304 holdings, which helps to diversify company-specific risk [10] Alternatives and Comparisons - Other ETFs in the same space include iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG), with DGRO having $32.45 billion in assets and VIG having $92.94 billion [12] - DGRO has a lower expense ratio of 0.08%, while VIG has an expense ratio of 0.05% [12] - Investors may consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs for potentially lower-risk options [13]

Group 1 - The Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) utilizes a factor-based methodology but shows performance comparable to more established international ETFs like EFA and VEA [1] - GSIE has a significantly lower Assets Under Management (AUM) of approximately $4 billion, indicating less popularity compared to its alternatives [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of rigorous risk management and a long-term perspective on value creation in investment strategies [1]

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) is a smart beta ETF designed to provide broad exposure to the energy sector, specifically focusing on natural gas companies [1][5]. Fund Overview - FCG was launched on May 8, 2007, and is managed by First Trust Advisors [1][5]. - The fund has accumulated assets of over $349.35 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF within the energy sector [5]. - FCG aims to match the performance of the ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index, which is an equal-weighted index of companies involved in natural gas exploration and production [5]. Cost and Expenses - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.57%, which is competitive within its peer group [6]. - It offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.77% [6]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - Approximately 97.6% of FCG's portfolio is allocated to the energy sector, providing concentrated exposure [7]. - The top holding, Eqt Corporation (EQT), constitutes about 4.8% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up approximately 43.36% of total assets [8]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, FCG has experienced a loss of about -1.41%, and over the last 12 months, it is down approximately -8.13% as of July 14, 2025 [9]. - The fund has traded between $19.37 and $27.24 in the past 52 weeks [9]. Risk Assessment - FCG has a beta of 0.89 and a standard deviation of 30.27% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile compared to its peers [10]. - The fund holds about 41 positions, suggesting more concentrated exposure than other ETFs in the sector [10].

Core Insights - The First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX ETF (FXD) is a smart beta ETF launched on May 8, 2007, providing broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary sector [1] - FXD is managed by First Trust Advisors and has accumulated over $334.25 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [5] - The fund aims to match the performance of the StrataQuant Consumer Discretionary Index using the AlphaDEX stock selection methodology [5] Fund Characteristics - FXD has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.61%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.10% [6] - The ETF has a significant allocation of approximately 75.6% in the Consumer Discretionary sector, with Telecom and Industrials also represented [7] - The top three holdings include Carvana Co. (CVNA) at 2.07%, Five Below, Inc. (FIVE), and Spotify Technology S.a. (SPOT), with the top 10 holdings comprising about 15.9% of total assets [8] Performance Metrics - As of July 14, 2025, FXD has returned approximately 1.78% year-to-date and 9.79% over the past year, with a trading range between $50.42 and $68.52 in the last 52 weeks [10] - The fund has a beta of 1.20 and a standard deviation of 22.04% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [10] Alternatives - Investors seeking to outperform the Consumer Discretionary ETFs segment may consider alternatives such as the Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY), which have significantly larger asset bases of $6.17 billion and $22.66 billion respectively [12] - VCR has a lower expense ratio of 0.09% compared to FXD, while XLY has an expense ratio of 0.08% [12]

Core Insights - The FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive ETF (QDEF) is a smart beta ETF launched on December 14, 2012, providing broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Blend category [1] - QDEF aims to match the performance of the Northern Trust Quality Dividend Defensive Index, focusing on high-quality, income-oriented U.S. equity securities [5][6] Fund Management and Performance - Managed by Flexshares, QDEF has accumulated assets of over $445.48 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [5] - The ETF has gained approximately 7.36% year-to-date and 13.87% over the past year, with a trading range between $62.50 and $75.33 in the last 52 weeks [10] Cost Structure - QDEF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.37%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.77% [7] Sector Allocation and Holdings - The ETF's largest sector allocation is in Information Technology, comprising about 29.5% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Financials [8] - Top holdings include Apple Inc (6.32%), Nvidia Corp, and Microsoft Corp, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 37.02% of total assets [9] Risk Profile - QDEF has a beta of 0.84 and a standard deviation of 13.90% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [10] Alternatives - While QDEF is a viable option for investors seeking to outperform the Style Box - All Cap Blend segment, alternatives such as iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) are also available [11][12]

Core Insights - The Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ) is a smart beta ETF launched on December 6, 2005, designed to provide broad exposure to the large-cap blend category of the market [1] Fund Overview - SPHQ is managed by Invesco and has accumulated over $14.16 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [5] - The ETF aims to match the performance of the S&P 500 Quality Index, which tracks stocks in the S&P 500 with the highest quality scores based on return on equity, accruals ratio, and financial leverage ratio [5] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for SPHQ are 0.15%, positioning it as one of the cheaper options in the ETF space [6] - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.05% [6] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The Information Technology sector represents 24.6% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Financials [7] - Visa Inc accounts for approximately 5.88% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up about 48.04% of total assets under management [8] Performance Metrics - As of July 14, 2025, SPHQ has increased by approximately 6.76% year-to-date and around 12% over the past year [10] - The fund has traded between $59.24 and $72.11 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.92 and a standard deviation of 15.97% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG), with assets of $32.48 billion and $92.92 billion respectively [12] - DGRO has an expense ratio of 0.08% and VIG has an expense ratio of 0.05% [12]

Core Insights - The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is a smart beta ETF launched on July 16, 2013, designed to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Blend category of the market [1] Fund Overview - QUAL is managed by Blackrock and has amassed over $53.52 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [5] - The fund aims to match the performance of the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index, which is based on the MSCI USA Index that includes U.S. large and mid-cap stocks [5] Cost Structure - QUAL has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.15%, positioning it as one of the cheaper options in the ETF space [6] - The fund offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.01% [6] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The Information Technology sector represents 33% of QUAL's portfolio, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [7] - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) constitutes approximately 6.4% of the fund's total assets, with Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and Apple Inc (AAPL) also among the top holdings [8] - The top 10 holdings account for about 41.43% of QUAL's total assets under management [8] Performance Metrics - As of July 11, 2025, QUAL has gained approximately 4.28% year-to-date and is up roughly 6.95% over the past year [9] - The ETF has traded between $152.42 and $186.85 in the past 52 weeks and has a beta of 1.04 with a standard deviation of 17.21% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [9] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT) with $72.02 billion in assets and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) with $506.04 billion [11] - ITOT and VTI both have an expense ratio of 0.03%, offering lower-cost alternatives for investors [11]