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Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a leading investment vehicle for exposure to the Small Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with significant assets and low operating costs [1][4]. Group 1: Fund Overview - VBK was launched on January 26, 2004, and is passively managed, designed to provide broad exposure to small-cap growth stocks [1]. - The fund has amassed over $19.88 billion in assets, making it the largest ETF in its category [1]. - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.07%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options available [4]. Group 2: Investment Potential - Small-cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations below $2 billion, present high potential for growth but also come with increased risk [2]. - Growth stocks typically exhibit higher sales and earnings growth rates compared to the broader market, although they carry higher valuations and volatility [3]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Industrials sector, comprising approximately 22.2% of the portfolio, followed by Information Technology and Healthcare [5]. - Individual holdings include Slcmt1142 at about 2% of total assets, with Liberty Media Corp-Liberty Formula One (FWONK) and Natera Inc (NTRA) also among the top holdings [6]. Group 4: Performance Metrics - VBK aims to match the performance of the CRSP U.S. Small Cap Growth Index, which tracks small-cap growth stocks [7]. - The ETF has gained approximately 3.74% year-to-date and 16.6% over the past year, with a trading range between $219.76 and $304.19 in the last 52 weeks [7]. - It has a beta of 1.13 and a standard deviation of 22.39% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [8]. Group 5: Alternatives and Market Position - VBK holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking small-cap growth exposure [9]. - Other alternatives in the market include the iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) and the iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO), with assets of $6.30 billion and $12.28 billion respectively [10]. Group 6: Conclusion - Passively managed ETFs like VBK are favored by both institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [11].

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P SmallCap Value with Momentum ETF (XSVM) is a passively managed fund that aims to provide broad exposure to the Small Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with assets totaling over $583.48 million [1] Group 1: Investment Characteristics - Small cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations below $2 billion, present higher potential returns but also increased risks [2] - Value stocks typically exhibit lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, along with lower sales and earnings growth rates, yet have historically outperformed growth stocks in most markets [2] Group 2: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expenses for XSVM are 0.36%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2% [3] - As of August 14, 2025, XSVM has gained approximately 3.96% year-to-date and 7.17% over the past year, with a trading range between $44.22 and $60.64 in the last 52 weeks [6] Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 50.4% of the portfolio, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Industrials [4] - Spartannash Co (SPTN) represents about 1.93% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 14.88% of total assets under management [5] Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - XSVM seeks to match the performance of the S&P 600 High Momentum Value Index, which includes securities with strong value characteristics from the Russell 2000 Index, and has a beta of 1.07 and a standard deviation of 22.6% over the trailing three years [6][7] - Alternatives to XSVM include the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and the Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [9]

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying strong growth stocks can be challenging due to inherent volatility and risks [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Central Garden (CENT) is currently highlighted as a recommended growth stock by the Zacks Growth Style Score system, which evaluates a company's genuine growth potential [2] - The company has a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank, indicating strong investment potential [2] Group 2: Earnings Growth - Earnings growth is a critical factor for growth investors, with double-digit growth being particularly desirable [4] - Central Garden's projected EPS growth for this year is 17.9%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 1% [5] Group 3: Cash Flow Growth - High cash flow growth is essential for growth-oriented companies, allowing them to fund new projects without relying on external financing [6] - Central Garden's year-over-year cash flow growth stands at 8.7%, compared to an industry average of -3.8% [6] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 11.4%, exceeding the industry average of 9% [7] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - Positive trends in earnings estimate revisions are correlated with stock price movements [8] - The current-year earnings estimates for Central Garden have increased by 0.4% over the past month, indicating a favorable outlook [8] Group 5: Investment Positioning - Central Garden has achieved a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to overall positive earnings estimate revisions and has a Growth Score of B [10] - This combination positions Central Garden favorably for potential outperformance, making it an attractive option for growth investors [10]

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF (SPGP) is a passively managed fund that provides broad exposure to the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $2.73 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs in this category [1]. Group 1: Fund Overview - SPGP was launched on June 17, 2011, and is sponsored by Invesco [1]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the S&P 500 Growth at a Reasonable Price Index, which includes securities with strong growth characteristics selected from the Russell Top 200 Index [7]. Group 2: Investment Characteristics - Large cap companies typically have a market capitalization above $10 billion, are stable, and exhibit predictable cash flows, resulting in lower volatility compared to mid and small cap companies [2]. - Growth stocks, while having higher sales and earnings growth rates, also come with higher valuations and volatility, often outperforming value stocks in bull markets but lagging in long-term returns [3]. Group 3: Costs and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.36% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.41% [4]. - As of August 13, 2025, SPGP has gained approximately 5.37% year-to-date and 12.24% over the past year, with a trading range between $86.05 and $112.52 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Industrials sector, comprising about 21.5% of the portfolio, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology [5]. - Super Micro Computer Inc (SMCI) represents about 2.88% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 23.82% of total assets under management [6]. Group 5: Risk and Diversification - SPGP has a beta of 1.00 and a standard deviation of 18.95% over the trailing three-year period, indicating effective diversification of company-specific risk with around 77 holdings [8]. Group 6: Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ), with VUG having $186.22 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, while QQQ has $366.77 billion in assets and charges 0.2% [11].

Core Viewpoint - Investors are seeking growth stocks that can deliver above-average growth and exceptional returns, but identifying such stocks is challenging due to inherent risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Growth Stock Identification - The Zacks Growth Style Score system aids in identifying promising growth stocks by analyzing real growth prospects beyond traditional metrics [2] - Boston Scientific (BSX) is highlighted as a recommended stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] Group 2: Earnings Growth - Earnings growth is a critical factor for growth investors, with double-digit growth being highly desirable as it indicates strong future prospects [3] - Boston Scientific has a historical EPS growth rate of 21.3%, with projected EPS growth of 18.6% this year, significantly surpassing the industry average of 10.2% [4] Group 3: Cash Flow Growth - Higher-than-average cash flow growth is essential for growth-oriented companies, allowing them to expand without relying on external funding [5] - Boston Scientific's year-over-year cash flow growth is 26.5%, well above the industry average of 1.2% [5] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 9.9%, compared to the industry average of 8% [6] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - Positive trends in earnings estimate revisions correlate strongly with near-term stock price movements [7] - Boston Scientific has seen upward revisions in current-year earnings estimates, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 2.1% over the past month [8] Group 5: Overall Assessment - Boston Scientific holds a Zacks Rank of 2 and a Growth Score of B, indicating its potential as an outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors [10]

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) is a passively managed fund designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with significant assets under management and low expense ratios [1][4]. Group 1: Fund Overview - QQQM was launched on October 13, 2020, and has accumulated over $56.89 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [1]. - The fund is sponsored by Invesco and aims to match the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index, which includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on Nasdaq [7]. Group 2: Investment Characteristics - Large cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations above $10 billion, are generally more stable and less volatile than mid and small cap companies [2]. - Growth stocks, which QQQM primarily invests in, exhibit faster growth rates and higher valuations compared to the broader market, although they tend to be more volatile [3]. Group 3: Cost Structure - The annual operating expense ratio for QQQM is 0.15%, positioning it as one of the least expensive ETFs in the market [4]. - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.53% [4]. Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Information Technology sector, comprising approximately 53.3% of the portfolio, followed by Telecom and Consumer Discretionary sectors [5]. - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) is the largest holding at about 9.15% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 50.54% of total assets under management [6]. Group 5: Performance Metrics - As of August 12, 2025, QQQM has increased by about 12.36% year-to-date and 27.91% over the past year, with a trading range between $171.40 and $236.52 in the last 52 weeks [7]. - The ETF has a beta of 1.15 and a standard deviation of 21.74% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a moderate level of risk [8]. Group 6: Competitive Landscape - QQQM holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong expected performance based on various factors [9]. - Other comparable ETFs include the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ), with VUG having $184.51 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, while QQQ has $363.71 billion in assets and charges 0.2% [10]. Group 7: Investment Appeal - Passively managed ETFs like QQQM are favored by both institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [11].

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF (XMMO) is a significant player in the Mid Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with over $4.16 billion in assets, providing investors with a diversified investment option in this sector [1][10]. Group 1: Mid Cap Growth Characteristics - Mid cap companies, with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, typically exhibit higher growth prospects compared to large cap companies while being less volatile than small cap companies, offering a balance of stability and growth potential [2]. - Growth stocks generally have higher sales and earnings growth rates, expected to outpace the wider market, but they also come with higher valuations and volatility, performing well in strong bull markets but struggling in other market conditions [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.39% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.67%, which is competitive within its peer group [4]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the S&P MIDCAP 400 MOMENTUM INDEX, achieving a return of approximately 5.34% year-to-date and 15.38% over the past year, with a trading range between $101.93 and $136.30 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 27.6% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Consumer Staples [5]. - The top holding, Interactive Brokers Group Inc (IBKR), represents about 5.18% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 29.67% of total assets under management [6]. Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - The ETF has a beta of 1.03 and a standard deviation of 20.44% over the trailing three-year period, indicating effective diversification of company-specific risk with around 79 holdings [8]. - Alternatives in the Mid Cap Growth ETF 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 $19.77 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.23% [11]. Group 5: 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 [12].

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying those that can fulfill their potential is challenging [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Colliers International (CIGI) is recommended as a cutting-edge growth stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 41.6%, with projected EPS growth of 14.1% this year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 2.8% [4] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Cash flow growth for Colliers International is currently at 8.7%, exceeding the industry average of -1.8% [5] - The annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 19.1%, compared to the industry average of 0.5% [6] Group 3: Earnings Estimates - The current-year earnings estimates for Colliers International have been revised upward, with a 1.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past month [8] - The combination of a Zacks Rank 2 and a Growth Score of A indicates that Colliers International is a potential outperformer for growth investors [10]

Core Viewpoint - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a leading investment option for exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the U.S. equity market, with significant assets and low expense ratios, making it attractive for long-term investors [1][4][10]. Group 1: ETF Overview - SCHD is a passively managed ETF launched on October 20, 2011, and is sponsored by Charles Schwab, with assets exceeding $69.99 billion [1]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which focuses on high dividend yielding stocks with a strong record of dividend payments [7]. Group 2: Investment Characteristics - Large cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations above $10 billion, are generally more stable and exhibit predictable cash flows compared to mid and small cap companies [2]. - Value stocks, which typically have lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, have historically outperformed growth stocks in long-term performance, although growth stocks may excel in strong bull markets [3]. Group 3: Costs and Performance - SCHD has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.06%, positioning it among the least expensive ETFs in its category, and it offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.81% [4]. - As of August 11, 2025, SCHD has gained approximately 0.25% year-to-date and 4.36% over the past year, with a trading range between $24.32 and $29.53 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Consumer Staples sector, comprising about 19.8% of the portfolio, followed by Energy and Healthcare [5]. - Texas Instruments Inc (TXN) is the largest holding at approximately 4.33% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 40.3% of total assets under management [6]. Group 5: Alternatives and Market Position - SCHD holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong expected returns based on various factors, making it a compelling choice for investors interested in the Large Cap Value segment [10]. - Other comparable ETFs include the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), with VYM having $62.20 billion in assets and VTV at $139.70 billion, both with competitive expense ratios [11].