Core Viewpoint - The First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector ETF (QQXT) is a smart beta ETF designed to provide broad exposure to the large-cap growth segment of the market, focusing on non-technology sectors of the NASDAQ-100 Index [1][5]. Fund Overview - QQXT was launched on February 8, 2007, and has accumulated over $1.11 billion in assets, making it an average-sized ETF in its category [1][5]. - The fund is managed by First Trust Advisors and aims to match the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index, which is an equal-weighted index of non-technology securities from the NASDAQ-100 [5][6]. Cost and Expenses - The annual operating expense ratio for QQXT is 0.60%, which is considered relatively high compared to other ETFs in the space [7]. - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.73% [7]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The fund has a significant allocation of 19.4% to the Industrials sector, with Healthcare and Consumer Discretionary also being prominent sectors [8]. - The top three holdings include Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (1.89% of total assets), Paypal Holdings, Inc., and Honeywell International Inc., with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 18.65% of total assets [9]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, QQXT has increased by approximately 6.69%, and it was up about 9.72% over the last 12 months as of August 20, 2025 [10]. - The fund has traded between $84.34 and $101.22 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.93 and a standard deviation of 15.98% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the large-cap growth segment include Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) with $183.46 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, and Invesco QQQ (QQQ) with $366.75 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.20% [11]. - Investors seeking lower-cost options may consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the large-cap growth segment [12].

Core Insights - The WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity ETF (HEDJ) debuted on January 4, 2010, and provides broad exposure to the European Equity ETFs market [1] - HEDJ is designed to neutralize exposure to fluctuations between the Euro and the U.S. dollar while tracking the WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity Index [5] Fund Overview - HEDJ is managed by WisdomTree and has accumulated over $1.81 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the European Equity category [5] - The fund has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.58% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.26% [6] Performance Metrics - As of August 19, 2025, HEDJ has gained approximately 16.55% year-to-date and 17.13% over the past year, with a trading range between $41.90 and $50.31 in the last 52 weeks [9] - The fund has a beta of 0.79 and a standard deviation of 16.06% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10] Holdings and Sector Exposure - The fund's top 10 holdings account for about 134.89% of its total assets under management, with the U.S. dollar representing approximately 88.27% of total assets [7][8] - HEDJ offers diversified exposure, effectively minimizing single stock risk with around 135 holdings [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the European Equity space include iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF (EZU) with $7.99 billion in assets and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) with $26.93 billion [12] - EZU has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VGK charges 0.06%, presenting lower-cost options for investors [12]

Group 1: Core Insights - The iShares International Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (ISCF) debuted on April 28, 2015, providing broad exposure to the Foreign Small/Mid Blend ETF category [1] - The fund is managed by Blackrock and has accumulated over $441.4 million in assets, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [5] - The fund aims to match the performance of the MSCI World exUSA Small Cap Diversified Multiple-Factor Index [5] Group 2: Fund Characteristics - The annual operating expenses for ISCF are 0.23%, making it one of the cheaper options in the market [7] - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.94% [7] - The top 10 holdings account for approximately 5.56% of total assets under management, with Banco De Sabadell Sa being the largest holding at 0.83% [8][9] Group 3: Performance Metrics - As of August 19, 2025, ISCF has gained about 26.71% year-to-date and approximately 25.28% over the last year [10] - The fund has traded between $30.25 and $40.15 during the past 52 weeks [10] - ISCF has a beta of 0.82 and a standard deviation of 16.30% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [11] Group 4: Alternatives and Market Context - ISCF is a viable option for investors looking to outperform the Foreign Small/Mid Blend ETF segment, but there are alternative ETFs available [12] - Other ETFs in the space include SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) with $758.52 million in assets and Schwab International Small-Cap Equity ETF (SCHC) with $4.75 billion [13] - GWX has an expense ratio of 0.40%, while SCHC has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% [13]

Core Insights - The Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) debuted on June 7, 2017, and provides broad exposure to the emerging markets category of ETFs [1] - NUEM aims to match the performance of the TIAA ESG Emerging Markets Equity Index using a rules-based methodology focused on ESG criteria [6][5] Fund Overview - NUEM has accumulated assets of over $316.8 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF within the Broad Emerging Market ETFs category [5] - The ETF has annual operating expenses of 0.36% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.65% [7] Holdings and Sector Exposure - The top holding, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, constitutes approximately 11.62% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 28.58% of total assets [8][9] - The ETF holds around 187 securities, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [11] Performance Metrics - As of August 19, 2025, NUEM has gained roughly 18.26% year-to-date and 19.07% over the past year, with a trading range between $25.97 and $34.65 during the last 52 weeks [10] - The ETF has a beta of 0.59 and a standard deviation of 19.35% for the trailing three-year period [11] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the ESG space include Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU), with assets of $11.1 billion and $14.25 billion respectively [13] - Investors may consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs for potentially lower-cost and lower-risk options [13]

Core Insights - The Invesco Large Cap Value ETF (PWV) offers investors exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Value category, having debuted on March 3, 2005 [1] - Smart beta ETFs, like PWV, aim to outperform traditional market cap weighted indexes by focusing on specific fundamental characteristics [3][4] - The fund is sponsored by Invesco and has assets exceeding $1.15 billion, targeting performance matching with the Dynamic Large Cap Value Intellidex Index [5] Fund Details - PWV has annual operating expenses of 0.53% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.29% [6] - The ETF's largest sector allocation is in Financials at 31.2%, followed by Energy and Healthcare [7] - Top holdings include Goldman Sachs Group Inc (3.72%), Wells Fargo & Co, and Jpmorgan Chase & Co, with the top 10 holdings comprising 35.12% of total assets [8] Performance Metrics - The ETF has a return of approximately 12.36% and has increased by about 12.92% year-to-date as of August 19, 2025 [10] - PWV has traded between $52.26 and $63.23 over the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.80 and a standard deviation of 14.50% for the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), with SCHD having $70.84 billion in assets and VTV at $141.7 billion [12] - SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% and VTV at 0.04%, presenting lower-cost options for investors [12]

Core Insights - The iShares U.S. Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - Small Cap Blend category and was launched on April 28, 2015 [1] - The fund is managed by Blackrock and has accumulated over $2.01 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [5] - The fund seeks to match the performance of the MSCI USA Small Cap Diversified Multiple-Factor Index before fees and expenses [5] Fund Characteristics - SMLF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.15%, making it one of the cheaper options in the smart beta ETF space [6] - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.32% [6] - The ETF has a beta of 1.07 and a standard deviation of 20.90% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [10] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has the largest allocation in the Industrials sector at approximately 18.9%, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [7] - Emcor Group Inc (EME) accounts for about 1.04% of the fund's total assets, with Carvana Class A (CVNA) and Jabil Inc (JBL) also among the top holdings [8] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, SMLF has returned approximately 5.84%, and it is up about 13.29% over the last 12 months as of August 19, 2025 [9] - The fund has traded between $54.28 and $74.15 in the past 52 weeks [9] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the small-cap space include Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR), which have larger asset bases of $64.84 billion and $82.91 billion respectively [12] - VB has a lower expense ratio of 0.05%, while IJR has an expense ratio of 0.06% [12]

Core Insights - The FlexShares High Yield Value-Scored Bond ETF (HYGV) debuted on July 17, 2018, and provides broad exposure to the High-Yield/Junk Bond ETFs category [1] Fund Overview - The fund is sponsored by Flexshares and has accumulated over $1.24 billion in assets, positioning it as one of the larger ETFs in the High-Yield/Junk Bond sector [5] - HYGV aims to match the performance of the NORTHERN TRUST HY VLU-SCRD US CORP BD ID, which measures high yield, US-dollar denominated bonds with favorable fundamental qualities [6] Cost and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.37% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 7.72% [7] - Year-to-date, HYGV has increased by approximately 4.67% and is up about 7.38% over the last 12 months as of August 18, 2025 [10] - The fund has a beta of 0.42 and a standard deviation of 7.55% over the trailing three-year period, indicating effective diversification of company-specific risk with around 1010 holdings [11] Sector Exposure and Holdings - Cash accounts for about 1.25% of the fund's total assets, with top holdings including Carvana Co Sr Sec Pik 31 and Qxo Building Products Inc Callable Bond Fixed [8] - The top 10 holdings represent approximately 8.48% of HYGV's total assets under management [9] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the High-Yield/Junk Bond space include iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG) with $18.21 billion in assets and iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) with $25.02 billion [13] - HYG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while USHY charges 0.08% [13]

Core Viewpoint - The Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) aims to provide investors with broad exposure to the small-cap growth segment of the market, utilizing a smart beta strategy to potentially outperform traditional market cap weighted indexes [1][5]. Fund Overview - JSML was launched on February 23, 2016, and has accumulated over $206.62 million in assets, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF within its segment [1][5]. - The fund is managed by Janus Henderson and seeks to match the performance of the Janus Small Cap Growth Alpha Index, which selects small-cap stocks based on growth, profitability, and capital efficiency [5][6]. Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for JSML are 0.30%, which is competitive with similar products in the market [7]. - The fund offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.63% [7]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - JSML has a significant allocation in the Industrials sector, comprising approximately 21.8% of the portfolio, followed by Information Technology and Financials [8]. - The top holding, Sterling Infrastructure Inc. (STRL), represents about 2.23% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 18.94% of total assets under management [9]. Performance Metrics - As of August 18, 2025, JSML has increased by roughly 8.34% year-to-date and 15.71% over the past year [11]. - The ETF has traded between $54.00 and $73.60 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.24 and a standard deviation of 23.03% over the trailing three-year period [11]. Alternatives - Investors may consider other ETFs in the small-cap growth space, such as iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend ETF (DES) is a smart beta ETF that aims to provide broad exposure to the small-cap value segment of the market, with a focus on dividend-paying stocks [1][5]. Fund Overview - DES was launched on June 16, 2006, and has accumulated over $1.85 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [1][5]. - The fund is managed by WisdomTree and seeks to match the performance of the WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Index, which is fundamentally weighted [5]. Cost and Performance - The annual operating expense ratio for DES is 0.38%, which is competitive within its peer group [6]. - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.86% [6]. - Year-to-date, DES has experienced a loss of approximately -2.94%, while it has gained about 2.52% over the past year as of August 18, 2025 [9]. Holdings and Risk - DES's top 10 holdings account for about 108.85% of its total assets, indicating a concentration in its top positions [8]. - The fund has a beta of 0.99 and a standard deviation of 20.39% over the trailing three-year period, categorizing it as a medium-risk investment [9]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the small-cap value space include the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) with $11.26 billion in assets and the Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) with $30.56 billion [12]. - IWN has an expense ratio of 0.24%, while VBR has a lower expense ratio of 0.07%, making them potentially more attractive options for cost-conscious investors [12].

Core Insights - The Invesco Large Cap Growth ETF (PWB) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Growth category, launched on March 3, 2005 [1] Fund Overview - PWB is a smart beta ETF with assets exceeding $1.25 billion, aiming to match the performance of the Dynamic Large Cap Growth Intellidex Index [5] - The fund has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.53% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.06% [6] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The largest sector allocation for PWB is Information Technology at approximately 32.2%, followed by Financials and Industrials [7] - Oracle Corp (ORCL) constitutes about 4.54% of total assets, with Nvidia Corp (NVDA) and Broadcom Inc (AVGO) also among the top holdings; the top 10 holdings represent around 35.24% of total assets [8] Performance Metrics - As of August 18, 2025, PWB has gained about 17.63% year-to-date and approximately 26.67% over the past year, with a trading range between $86.24 and $120.82 in the last 52 weeks [10] - The fund has a beta of 1.12 and a standard deviation of 19.09% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the large cap growth space include Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) with $186.18 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, and Invesco QQQ (QQQ) with $368.25 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.20% [11]