Core Viewpoint - The Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) is a smart beta ETF launched on December 13, 2016, providing broad exposure to the large-cap value market segment [1] Fund Overview - NULV is sponsored by Nuveen and has accumulated assets exceeding $1.78 billion, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF in the large-cap value space [5] - The fund aims to replicate the performance of the TIAA ESG USA Large-Cap Value Index, which includes equity securities from large-cap companies listed on U.S. exchanges [5] Cost Structure - NULV has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.26%, which is competitive within its peer group [6] - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is reported at 1.93% [6] Sector Allocation and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Financials sector, comprising approximately 22.2% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Industrials [7] - Procter & Gamble Co (PG) represents about 2.61% of total assets, with Bank of America Corp (BAC) and International Business Machines (IBM) also among the top holdings [8] - The top 10 holdings account for roughly 22.35% of total assets under management [8] Performance Metrics - As of August 15, 2025, NULV has gained approximately 8.46% year-to-date and about 11.83% over the past year [10] - The fund has traded between $36.02 and $43.28 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.88 and a standard deviation of 14.28% over the trailing three-year period [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the large-cap value space include Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) with $11.13 billion in assets and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) with $14.28 billion [12] - ESGV has an expense ratio of 0.09%, while ESGU charges 0.15%, presenting lower-cost options for investors [12]

Core Viewpoint - The WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend ETF (DLN) is a smart beta ETF that aims to provide broad exposure to the large-cap value segment of the market, with a focus on dividend-paying stocks [1][5]. Fund Overview - DLN was launched on June 16, 2006, and has accumulated over $5.22 billion in assets, positioning it as one of the larger ETFs in its category [1][5]. - The fund seeks to match the performance of the WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Index, which is fundamentally weighted and measures the performance of large-cap U.S. dividend-paying stocks [5]. Cost and Performance - The annual operating expenses for DLN are 0.28%, which is competitive within its peer group [6]. - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.90% [6]. - Year-to-date, DLN has gained approximately 10.24%, and it has increased about 15.77% over the past year, with a trading range between $70.70 and $84.97 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Risk Profile - DLN has a beta of 0.81 and a standard deviation of 13.50% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [9]. - The fund holds approximately 307 stocks, which helps to diversify company-specific risk [9]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The fund's assets are primarily in U.S. dollars, with major holdings including Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM) [7]. - The top 10 holdings account for about 125.52% of total assets under management, indicating a concentrated investment strategy [7]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the large-cap value space include Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), which have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [11].

Core Insights - The Schwab Fundamental U.S. Broad Market ETF (FNDB) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Value category and was launched on 08/13/2013 [1] - FNDB is a smart beta ETF that seeks to outperform traditional market-cap weighted indexes by focusing on specific fundamental characteristics [3][4] - The fund is managed by Charles Schwab and aims to match the performance of the Russell RAFI US Index [5] Fund Details - FNDB has accumulated over $965.89 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [5] - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.25%, which is considered low compared to other funds [6] - The fund offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.67% [6] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The Financials sector constitutes approximately 17.3% of FNDB's portfolio, followed by Information Technology and Industrials [7] - Apple Inc (AAPL) is the largest holding at about 3.59% of total assets, with Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) also among the top holdings [8] - The top 10 holdings represent about 18.82% of the fund's total assets under management [8] Performance Metrics - FNDB has gained roughly 7.75% year-to-date and approximately 14.22% over the past year as of 08/14/2025 [10] - The ETF has a beta of 0.94 and a standard deviation of 15.27% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10] - With around 1660 holdings, FNDB effectively diversifies company-specific risk [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the Style Box - All Cap Value segment include Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) and iShares Core S&P U.S. Value ETF (IUSV), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [12]

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P 500 Pure Growth ETF (RPG) is a smart beta ETF that aims to provide broad exposure to the large-cap growth segment of the market, with a focus on stocks exhibiting strong growth characteristics [1][5]. Group 1: Smart Beta ETFs - The ETF industry has been dominated by market capitalization weighted indexes, which are designed for investors who believe in market efficiency [2]. - Smart beta ETFs, like RPG, utilize non-cap weighted strategies to select stocks based on specific fundamental characteristics, aiming to enhance risk-return performance [3]. Group 2: Fund Details - RPG is managed by Invesco and has accumulated over $1.74 billion in assets, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF in its segment [5]. - The fund seeks to match the performance of the S&P 500 Pure Growth Index, which focuses on securities with strong growth characteristics [5]. Group 3: Costs and Expenses - RPG has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, which is competitive within its peer group [6]. - The fund offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.29% [6]. Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Industrials sector, comprising about 25% of the portfolio, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology [7]. - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL) is the largest individual holding at approximately 2.79% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 21.98% of total assets [8]. Group 5: Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, RPG has returned approximately 13.77%, and it has increased about 29.84% over the last 12 months as of August 14, 2025 [9]. - The fund has a beta of 1.14 and a standard deviation of 22.01% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10]. Group 6: Alternatives - Other ETFs in the large-cap growth space include Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ), with VUG having $186.06 billion in assets and QQQ at $366.83 billion [11]. - VUG has a lower expense ratio of 0.04%, while QQQ charges 0.20% [11].

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust SMID Cap Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (SDVY) offers investors exposure to mid-cap value stocks with a focus on companies that have a history of increasing dividends [1][5][6]. Fund Overview - SDVY was launched on November 1, 2017, and is managed by First Trust Advisors, accumulating over $8.73 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [1][5]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the NASDAQ US Small Mid Cap Rising Dividend Achievers Index, which includes 100 small and mid-cap companies known for raising dividends [5][6]. Cost and Expenses - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.59%, which is considered high compared to other funds in the space [7]. - It offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.96% [7]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Industrials sector, comprising approximately 31.3% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [8]. - The top three holdings include Woodward, Inc. (1.11% of total assets), Comfort Systems USA, Inc., and Northern Trust Corporation, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 10.12% of total assets [9]. Performance Metrics - As of August 14, 2025, SDVY has increased by approximately 6.47% year-to-date and 12.98% over the past year [11]. - The ETF has traded between $29.52 and $40.33 in the past 52 weeks and has a beta of 1.11 with a standard deviation of 21.35% over the trailing three-year period [11]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the mid-cap value space include iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE), with IWS having $13.8 billion in assets and VOE $18.65 billion [12][13]. - IWS has a lower expense ratio of 0.23%, while VOE has an expense ratio of 0.07%, making them potentially more attractive options for cost-conscious investors [13].

Core Insights - The Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Foreign Large Blend ETF category and was launched on March 3, 2016 [1] - VIGI is managed by Vanguard and has accumulated over $8.4 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [5] - The ETF seeks to match the performance of the NASDAQ International Dividend Achievers Select Index [5] Investment Strategy - Smart beta ETFs, like VIGI, track non-cap weighted strategies and aim to select stocks based on specific fundamental characteristics to enhance risk-return performance [3] - The S&P Global Ex-U.S. Dividend Growers Index focuses on high-quality companies in developed and emerging markets that are committed to growing dividends over time [6] Cost and Performance - VIGI has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.10%, making it one of the least expensive options in the ETF space [7] - The ETF's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 1.84% [7] - As of August 14, 2025, VIGI has gained approximately 12.51% year-to-date and 8.08% over the past year, with a trading range between $75.29 and $91.16 in the last 52 weeks [9] Holdings and Diversification - The ETF holds about 341 different stocks, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [9] - Major holdings include SAP Se (4.02% of total assets), Novartis Ag, and Royal Bank Of Canada [8] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [11]

Core Insights - The WisdomTree Cloud Computing ETF (WCLD) was launched on September 6, 2019, and offers broad exposure to the Technology ETFs category [1] - The fund is managed by WisdomTree and has accumulated over $320.63 million in assets, making it an average-sized ETF in the Technology sector [5] - The ETF seeks to match the performance of the BVP NASDAQ Emerging Cloud Index, which is designed to measure the performance of emerging public companies focused on cloud-based software [5] Fund Characteristics - WCLD has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.45%, which is competitive within its peer group [6] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.00% [6] - The top 10 holdings account for approximately 118.09% of total assets under management, indicating a concentration in a few key stocks [7] Performance Metrics - The ETF has experienced a loss of approximately -9.81% year-to-date and has gained roughly 11.02% over the past year as of August 14, 2025 [8] - Over the past 52 weeks, the ETF has traded between $28.33 and $41.58 [8] - The ETF has a beta of 1.17 and a standard deviation of 32.59% for the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher level of volatility compared to the market [9] Alternatives and Market Context - Other ETFs in the cloud computing space include Global X Cloud Computing ETF (CLOU) and First Trust Cloud Computing ETF (SKYY), with assets of $306.26 million and $3.46 billion respectively [11] - CLOU has an expense ratio of 0.68% while SKYY has an expense ratio of 0.60%, suggesting that there are lower-cost alternatives available [11] - Investors seeking to outperform the Technology ETFs segment may find WCLD to be a suitable option, but should also consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs for potentially lower risk [10][11]

A smart beta exchange traded fund, the Franklin U.S. Large Cap Multifactor Index ETF (FLQL) debuted on 04/26/2017, and offers broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Blend category of the market. What Are Smart Beta ETFs? Products that are based on market cap weighted indexes, which are strategies designed to reflect a specific market segment or the market as a whole, have traditionally dominated the ETF industry. Because market cap weighted indexes provide a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way of ...

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX ETF (FXH) is a smart beta ETF designed to provide broad exposure to the Health Care sector, with a focus on stock selection based on fundamental characteristics [1][5]. Fund Overview - FXH was launched on May 8, 2007, and has accumulated over $868.7 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Health Care category [1][5]. - The fund is managed by First Trust Advisors and aims to match the performance of the StrataQuant Health Care Index, which utilizes the AlphaDEX stock selection methodology [5]. Cost and Expenses - FXH has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.60%, which is comparable to most peer products in the space [6]. - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.33% [6]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - FXH is fully allocated to the Health Care sector, with approximately 100% of its portfolio dedicated to this area [7]. - The top holding, Biogen Inc. (BIIB), constitutes about 2.36% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 23.06% of total assets under management [8]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, FXH has experienced a loss of about -0.94%, and it is down approximately -4.34% over the last 12 months as of August 13, 2025 [10]. - The ETF has traded between $93.63 and $113.83 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.73 and a standard deviation of 15.85% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [10]. Alternatives - While FXH is a viable option for investors looking to outperform the Health Care ETFs segment, there are alternative ETFs such as the Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) that investors may consider [11][12]. - VHT has $14.81 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.09%, while XLV has $31.99 billion in assets with an expense ratio of 0.08% [12].

Investors who believe in market efficiency should consider market cap indexes, as they replicate market returns in a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way. If you're the kind of investor who would rather try and beat the market through good stock selection, then smart beta funds are your best choice; this fund class is known for tracking non-cap weighted strategies. Designed to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Value category of the market, the Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividen ...