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].

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX ETF (FXH) is a passively managed ETF that provides broad exposure to the Healthcare - Broad segment of the equity market, appealing to both institutional and retail investors due to its low cost and tax efficiency [1][2]. Group 1: ETF Overview - FXH was launched on May 8, 2007, and has accumulated over $857.74 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the StrataQuant Health Care Index, utilizing the AlphaDEX stock selection methodology to choose stocks from the Russell 1000 Index [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - FXH has annual operating expenses of 0.6% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.34%, which is competitive within its peer group [4]. - The ETF has experienced a loss of approximately 3.39% year-to-date and about 8.07% over the past year, with a trading range between $93.63 and $113.828 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated to the Healthcare sector, with Biogen Inc. (BIIB) representing about 2.36% of total assets, and the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 23.06% of total assets under management [5][6]. Group 4: Alternatives and Comparisons - FXH carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to healthcare ETFs [8]. - Other alternatives include the Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) with $15.18 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.09%, and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) with $33.05 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.08% [9].

Core Insights - The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Consumer Staples - Broad segment of the equity market and was launched on January 26, 2004 [1] - VDC 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 - The fund is sponsored by Vanguard and has over $7.57 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Consumer Staples - Broad segment [3] - VDC aims to match the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index [3] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for VDC are 0.09%, positioning it as one of the cheaper options in the ETF space [4] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.26% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - VDC has a heavy allocation in the Consumer Staples sector, with approximately 99.9% of its portfolio dedicated to this sector [5] - Costco Wholesale Corp (COST) constitutes about 13.04% of total assets, with Walmart Inc (WMT) and Procter & Gamble Co (PG) also among the top holdings [6] - The top 10 holdings represent about 44.87% of total assets under management [6] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, VDC has gained approximately 4.27%, and it is up about 6.09% over the last 12 months as of August 5, 2025 [7] - The ETF has traded between $204.89 and $226.16 in the past 52 weeks [7] - VDC has a beta of 0.57 and a standard deviation of 12.41% for the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [7] Alternatives - VDC carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a sufficient option for investors seeking exposure to the Consumer Staples sector [8] - Other ETF options include iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) and Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP), with respective assets of $1.38 billion and $16.01 billion [9] - IYK has an expense ratio of 0.4%, while XLP charges 0.08% [9]

Core Insights - The iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary - Broad segment of the equity market and is passively managed, making it a popular choice among investors due to its low costs and transparency [1][3] Fund Overview - ITB has amassed assets over $2.74 billion, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Consumer Discretionary - Broad segment [3] - The ETF seeks to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index, which includes U.S. equities in the home construction sector [3] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for ITB are 0.39%, which is considered low compared to other funds in the space [4] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.56% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - Approximately 78.3% of ITB's portfolio is allocated to the Consumer Discretionary sector, with Industrials and Materials following [5] - D R Horton Inc (DHI) constitutes about 14.3% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 66.55% of total assets under management [6] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, ITB has lost about 2% and is down approximately 13.91% over the last 12 months as of August 4, 2025 [7] - The ETF has traded between $85.52 and $129.34 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.26 and a standard deviation of 28.32% for the trailing three-year period, indicating high risk [7] Alternatives - ITB has a Zacks ETF Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting it may not be the best choice for investors seeking exposure to the Consumer Discretionary ETFs segment [8] - Alternatives include the Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [10]

Core Viewpoint - The FlexShares US Quality Large Cap ETF (QLC) is a passively managed fund aimed at providing broad exposure to the Large Cap Blend segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $547.58 million [1] Group 1: Fund Overview - Launched on September 23, 2015, QLC is designed to match the performance of the Northern Trust Quality Large Cap Index [1][6] - The fund is sponsored by Flexshares and is considered an average-sized ETF in its category [1] Group 2: Investment Characteristics - Large cap companies, typically with market capitalizations above $10 billion, are viewed as more stable investments due to predictable cash flows and lower volatility compared to mid and small cap stocks [2] - QLC holds a mix of growth and value stocks, providing characteristics of both investment styles [2] Group 3: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expenses for QLC are 0.25%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.93% [3] - As of July 31, 2025, QLC has increased by approximately 10.11% year-to-date and 18.84% over the past year, with a trading range between $56.84 and $73.22 in the last 52 weeks [7] Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Information Technology sector, comprising about 34% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Telecom [4] - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) is the largest holding at approximately 7.02% of total assets, with Apple Inc (AAPL) and Microsoft Corp (MSFT) also among the top three holdings [5] Group 5: Risk Profile - QLC has a beta of 0.99 and a standard deviation of 16.71% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [7] - The ETF effectively diversifies company-specific risk with around 167 holdings [7] Group 6: Alternatives and Market Position - QLC holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential based on expected returns, expense ratio, and momentum [9] - Other ETFs in the same space include the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), which have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [10]

Core Insights - The iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF (SMMV) is a passively managed ETF launched on September 7, 2016, with assets over $326.28 million, targeting the Small Cap Blend segment of the US equity market [1][2] Investment Potential - Small cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations below $2 billion, present high potential but also come with increased risk [2] Costs - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.2%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.13% [3] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF's largest sector allocation is to Healthcare at approximately 16.2%, followed by Industrials and Financials [4] - Aptargroup Inc (ATR) is the largest individual holding at about 1.5% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings comprising around 13.7% of total assets under management [5] Performance Metrics - SMMV aims to replicate the performance of the MSCI USA Small Cap Minimum Volatility (USD) Index, which includes small-cap U.S. equities with lower volatility characteristics [6] - The ETF has gained approximately 1.93% year-to-date and 8.15% over the past year, with a trading range between $37.87 and $44.35 in the last 52 weeks [7] Alternatives - The ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a moderate investment outlook, and is positioned alongside other ETFs like the Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR), which have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [8][9] Conclusion - Passively managed ETFs like SMMV are gaining popularity among both institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [10]

Core Viewpoint - The iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) is a passively managed fund that provides broad exposure to the Utilities - Infrastructure segment, making it an attractive option for long-term investors due to its low costs and transparency [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - IFRA was launched on April 3, 2018, and has accumulated over $2.75 billion in assets, positioning it as one of the larger ETFs in the Utilities - Infrastructure segment [3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the NYSE FACTSET U.S. INFRASTRUCTURE INDEX, which includes U.S. companies with infrastructure exposure that may benefit from increased domestic infrastructure activities [4]. Group 2: Cost Structure - The annual operating expense ratio for IFRA is 0.3%, making it one of the more cost-effective options in the ETF space [5]. - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.82% [5]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Utilities sector, comprising approximately 41.7% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Materials [6]. - New Fortress Energy Inc Class A (NFE) represents about 0.92% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 5.57% of total assets under management [7]. Group 4: Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, IFRA has increased by roughly 11.41%, and it has risen approximately 13.67% over the last 12 months as of July 29, 2025 [8]. - The ETF has traded between $40.97 and $51.71 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.97 and a standard deviation of 18.12% over the trailing three-year period [8]. Group 5: Alternatives - IFRA holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating favorable expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum [9]. - Other ETFs in the infrastructure space include iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) and Global X U.S. Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE), with assets of $7.56 billion and $9.25 billion respectively [11].

Core Insights - The U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) is a passively managed fund launched on April 30, 2015, aimed at providing broad exposure to the Industrials - Transportation/Shipping segment of the equity market [1] - The ETF has accumulated over $873.11 million in assets, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [3] - JETS seeks to match the performance of the U.S. Global Jets Index, which focuses on airline companies globally, particularly domestic passenger airlines [3] Costs - The annual operating expenses for JETS are 0.6%, which is competitive with most peer products in the sector [4] Sector Exposure and Top Holdings - Southwest Airlines Co (LUV) constitutes approximately 10.64% of total assets, followed by United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL) and American Airlines Group Inc (AAL) [5] - The top 10 holdings represent about 60.49% of total assets under management [6] Performance and Risk - As of July 28, 2025, JETS has experienced a loss of about 3.04% year-to-date but has gained approximately 29.03% over the past year [7] - The ETF has traded between $16.76 and $26.81 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.32 and a standard deviation of 29.45% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a high-risk profile [7] Alternatives - JETS carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Industrials ETFs area [8] - Other alternatives include the SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) and the iShares U.S. Transportation ETF (IYT), with assets of $151.54 million and $733.77 million respectively [9][10]