Core Insights - The SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) is designed for broad exposure to the Aerospace & Defense segment of the equity market, launched on September 28, 2011 [1] - XAR is a passively managed ETF favored by both institutional and retail investors due to its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [1] Fund Overview - Sponsored by State Street Investment Management, XAR has over $3.91 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its sector [3] - The ETF aims to match the performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index [3][4] Cost Structure - XAR has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the market [5] - The ETF offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.51% [5] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated to the Industrials sector, with approximately 100% of its portfolio [6] - Rocket Lab Corp (RKLB) constitutes about 4.97% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up approximately 37.67% of total assets [7] Performance Metrics - As of August 12, 2025, XAR has increased by about 29.81% year-to-date and approximately 47.12% over the past year [8] - The ETF has traded between $144.94 and $222.95 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.11 and a standard deviation of 21.07% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [8] Alternatives - XAR holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential based on expected returns, expense ratio, and momentum [9] - Other ETFs in the sector include Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) with $6.08 billion in assets and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) with $9.06 billion in assets, with expense ratios of 0.57% and 0.4% respectively [10]

Core Insights - The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) is a passively managed fund launched on December 20, 2011, aimed at providing exposure to the Consumer Discretionary - Retail segment of the equity market [1][3] Fund Overview - RTH has accumulated assets of over $252.67 million, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF [3] - The ETF seeks to match the performance of the MVIS US Listed Retail 25 Index, which includes various retail distribution companies [4] Cost Structure - The annual operating expense ratio for RTH is 0.35%, making it one of the more cost-effective options in the market [5] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.71% [5] Sector Exposure and Holdings - Approximately 58.3% of RTH's portfolio is allocated to the Consumer Discretionary sector, with Consumer Staples and Healthcare following [6] - Amazon.com Inc (AMZN) constitutes about 20.42% of total assets, with Walmart Inc (WMT) and Costco Wholesale Corp (COST) also among the top holdings [7] - The top 10 holdings represent around 71.58% of total assets under management [7] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, RTH has returned approximately 9.39%, and it has increased by about 24.22% over the last 12 months as of August 12, 2025 [8] - The ETF has traded between $199.86 and $245.705 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.89 and a standard deviation of 15.79% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [8] Alternatives - RTH carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Consumer Discretionary ETFs [9] - Other alternatives include the Amplify Online Retail ETF (IBUY) and the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT), with respective assets of $149.21 million and $324.20 million [10]

Core Insights - The Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) offers broad exposure to the Materials - Broad segment of the equity market, appealing to both retail and institutional investors due to its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [1][2]. Fund Overview - XLB is a passively managed ETF launched on December 16, 1998, and is sponsored by State Street Investment Management, with assets exceeding $5.26 billion, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the Materials Select Sector Index, which represents the materials sector of the S&P 500 Index [3]. Cost Structure - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.08%, making it the least expensive option in its space, and it offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.93% [4]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - XLB provides nearly 100% allocation in the Materials sector, minimizing single stock risk through diversified exposure [5]. - The top holding, Linde Plc (LIN), constitutes approximately 15.91% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 58.8% of total assets under management [6]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, XLB has gained about 6.01%, and it is up approximately 1.61% over the last 12 months as of August 11, 2025. The ETF has traded between $74.27 and $97.63 in the past 52 weeks [7]. - With a beta of 1.00 and a standard deviation of 18.68% over the trailing three-year period, XLB is categorized as a medium-risk investment [7]. Alternatives - XLB carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Materials ETFs area of the market [8]. - Other alternatives include the SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) and the FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources ETF (GUNR), with GNR having $3.26 billion in assets and GUNR $4.86 billion [10].

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Financials AlphaDEX ETF (FXO) is a passively managed ETF that provides broad exposure to the Financials sector, appealing to both institutional and retail investors due to its low costs and tax efficiency [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - Launched on May 8, 2007, FXO has accumulated over $2.17 billion in assets, positioning it among the larger ETFs in the Financials sector [3]. - FXO aims to match the performance of the StrataQuant Financials Index, which utilizes a modified equal-dollar weighted methodology to select stocks from the Russell 1000 Index [4]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.61% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.95% [5]. - FXO has increased approximately 5.81% year-to-date and 23.62% over the past year, with a trading range between $45.9 and $59 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - FXO has a significant allocation in the Financials sector, comprising about 99.7% of its portfolio [6]. - The top holdings include Bank Ozk (1.68% of total assets), Invesco Ltd., and Interactive Brokers Group, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 16.07% of total assets [7]. Group 4: Alternatives and Market Position - FXO carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Financials sector [9]. - Other alternatives include the Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) and the Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF), which have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [10].

Core Insights - The First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR) is a passively managed ETF launched on March 10, 2014, designed to provide broad exposure to the Industrials - Broad segment of the equity market [1] - AIRR has amassed over $4.59 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [3] - The ETF has a year-to-date return of approximately 14.38% and a 12-month return of about 31.3% as of August 6, 2025 [8] Fund Overview - AIRR seeks to match the performance of the Richard Bernstein Advisors American Industrial Renaissance Index, which focuses on small and mid-cap US companies in the industrial and community banking sectors [4] - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.7%, which is relatively high compared to other ETFs [5] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Industrials sector, comprising about 91.1% of the portfolio [6] - Dycom Industries, Inc. (DY) is the largest holding at approximately 3.37% of total assets, followed by Emcor Group, Inc. (EME) and Bwx Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) [7] - The top 10 holdings account for about 29.85% of total assets under management [7] Performance Metrics - AIRR has a beta of 1.29 and a standard deviation of 24.95% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [8] - The ETF has traded between $61.92 and $88.54 in the past 52 weeks [8] Alternatives - AIRR holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating favorable expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum [9] - Other ETFs in the industrials space include Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) and Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI), with VIS having $6.01 billion in assets and XLI at $23.09 billion [11]

Core Insights - The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) is a passively managed ETF launched on December 16, 1998, providing broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary sector of the equity market [1] - XLY has amassed over $22.03 billion in assets, making it the largest ETF in its category, aiming to match the performance of the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector Index [3] - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.08%, making it the least expensive option in the sector, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.83% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - XLY has a 100% allocation in the Consumer Discretionary sector, providing diversified exposure and minimizing single stock risk [5] - Amazon.com Inc (AMZN) constitutes approximately 23.47% of total assets, followed by Tesla Inc (TSLA) and Home Depot Inc (HD), with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 68.63% of total assets [6] Performance Metrics - The ETF has experienced a loss of about 1.98% year-to-date but has gained approximately 28.95% over the past year, trading between $170.05 and $239.43 in the last 52 weeks [7] - With a beta of 1.21 and a standard deviation of 22.73% over the trailing three-year period, XLY is categorized as a medium-risk investment [7] Alternatives - XLY carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a sufficient option for investors seeking exposure to the Consumer Discretionary sector [8] - Other ETF options in the space include iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) with $2.78 billion in assets and Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) with $6.09 billion in assets, each with different expense ratios [10]

Core Viewpoint - The SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (XSW) provides broad exposure to the Technology - Software segment, appealing to both retail and institutional investors due to its low costs, transparency, and tax efficiency [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - XSW is a passively managed ETF launched on September 28, 2011, with assets exceeding $477.14 million, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF in its segment [1][3]. - The fund aims to match the performance of the S&P Software & Services Select Industry Index, which represents the software sub-industry of the S&P Total Stock Market Index [3][4]. Group 2: Cost Structure - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, making it one of the least expensive options in the market, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.06% [5]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - Approximately 96.8% of XSW's portfolio is allocated to the Information Technology sector, providing diversified exposure [6]. - Bigbear.ai Holdings Inc (BBAI) constitutes about 1.34% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 9.46% of total assets under management [7]. Group 4: Performance Metrics - As of August 6, 2025, XSW has experienced a year-to-date loss of about 2.88% but has gained roughly 28.48% over the past year, trading between $141.65 and $204.72 during the last 52 weeks [8]. - The ETF has a beta of 1.18 and a standard deviation of 26.67% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [8]. Group 5: Alternatives - XSW holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong potential for investors seeking exposure to the Technology ETFs segment [10]. - Alternatives include the Invesco AI and Next Gen Software ETF (IGPT) with $500.03 million in assets and the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) with $11.36 billion in assets, each with different expense ratios [11].

Core Insights - The Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) is a passively managed ETF launched on September 22, 2010, with over $12.82 billion in assets, making it one of the largest in the Small Cap Blend segment of the US equity market [1] Group 1: Small Cap Blend Overview - Small cap companies have market capitalizations below $2 billion and typically present higher potential and risk compared to large and mid-cap companies [2] - Blend ETFs combine both growth and value stocks, showcasing characteristics of both investment styles [2] Group 2: Cost Structure - VTWO has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.07%, positioning it as one of the least expensive ETFs in its category [3] - The ETF offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.24% [3] Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising approximately 18.7% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Healthcare [4] - Individual holdings include Slbbh1142 at 1.78% of total assets, with Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (CRDO) and Fabrinet (FN) also notable [5] Group 4: Performance Metrics - VTWO aims to match the performance of the Russell 2000 Index, with a year-to-date return of approximately 0.52% and a one-year return of about 10.63% as of August 6, 2025 [6] - The ETF has traded between $70.56 and $98.06 over the past 52 weeks [6] Group 5: Risk Assessment - VTWO has a beta of 1.11 and a standard deviation of 22.18% over the trailing three-year period, categorizing it as a medium-risk investment [7] - The ETF holds around 2004 assets, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [7] Group 6: Alternatives - VTWO holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating favorable expected returns, low expense ratios, and positive momentum [8] - Other comparable ETFs include the Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) with $64.50 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.05%, and the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) with $80.56 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.06% [9][10] Group 7: Market Trends - There is a growing trend among retail and institutional investors towards passively managed ETFs due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [11]

Core Insights - The iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF (IAT) provides broad exposure to the Financials - Regional Banks segment and is passively managed, appealing to both retail and institutional investors [1][2] - The ETF has over $600.95 million in assets and aims to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Select Regional Banks Index [3][4] Fund Details - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.4% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3% [5] - It offers 100% exposure to the Financials sector, with PNC Financial Services Group Inc (PNC) being the largest holding at approximately 13.99% of total assets [6][7] Performance Metrics - As of August 6, 2025, the ETF has experienced a year-to-date loss of about 0.03% but is up approximately 16.98% over the past year [8] - The ETF has a beta of 0.94 and a standard deviation of 30.55% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [8] Alternatives - The iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Financials ETFs [9] - Other alternatives include the Invesco KBW Regional Banking ETF (KBWR) and the SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE), with respective assets of $49.57 million and $3.25 billion [10]

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF (QQQJ) is a passively managed fund designed to provide exposure to the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $645.26 million [1]. Group 1: Fund Overview - QQQJ was launched on October 13, 2020, and is sponsored by Invesco [1]. - The fund targets large cap companies, which typically have market capitalizations above $10 billion, known for their stability and predictable cash flows [2]. Group 2: Growth Stocks Characteristics - Growth stocks generally exhibit higher sales and earnings growth rates, expected to outperform the broader market, but they come with higher valuations and volatility [3]. Group 3: Cost Structure - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.15%, making it one of the least expensive options in its category, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.64% [4]. Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Information Technology sector, comprising about 34.7% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Consumer Discretionary [5]. - Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc (ALNY) represents approximately 2.58% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 18.37% of total assets under management [6]. Group 5: Performance Metrics - QQQJ aims to match the performance of the NASDAQ NEXT GENERATION 100 INDEX, which includes the largest 100 Nasdaq-listed non-financial companies outside of the NASDAQ-100 Index [7]. - The ETF has increased by about 9.6% year-to-date and approximately 23.95% over the past year, with a trading range between $25.48 and $33.71 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 6: Alternatives and Comparisons - The ETF carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Large Cap Growth area [10]. - Alternatives include the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ), with VUG having $181.18 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, while QQQ has $359.78 billion and charges 0.2% [11]. Group 7: Market Trends - Passively managed ETFs are gaining popularity among both institutional and retail investors due to their low cost, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [12].