Core Insights - The iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF (IJS) is a passively managed ETF launched on July 24, 2000, with assets exceeding $6.39 billion, making it a significant player in the Small Cap Value segment of the US equity market [1] Investment Potential - Small cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations below $2 billion, present high potential but also come with elevated risks [2] - Value stocks typically exhibit lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, along with lower sales and earnings growth rates, but have historically outperformed growth stocks in most markets, although they may lag in strong bull markets [3] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for IJS are 0.18%, positioning it as one of the more cost-effective options in the ETF space, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.80% [4] Sector Allocation and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising approximately 22.20% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Consumer Discretionary [5] - Mr Cooper Group Inc (COOP) represents about 1.46% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for roughly 3.81% of total assets under management [6] Performance Metrics - IJS aims to replicate the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Value Index, having experienced a year-to-date loss of approximately -2.64% and a one-year gain of about 10.11% as of July 11, 2025, with a trading range between $83.54 and $118.05 over the past 52 weeks [7] - The ETF has a beta of 1.06 and a standard deviation of 22.49% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile with effective diversification across 471 holdings [8] Alternatives - IJS holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential based on expected returns, expense ratios, and momentum, making it a favorable option for investors interested in the Small Cap Value segment [9] - Other comparable ETFs include the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) with $11.56 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.24%, and the Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) with $30.66 billion in assets and a lower expense ratio of 0.07% [10] Conclusion - Passively managed ETFs like IJS are gaining popularity among retail and institutional investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [11]

Group 1 - C3.ai has seen its stock price decline over 90% from its all-time high, indicating significant struggles in regaining market momentum [1] - The company operates in the technology sector, focusing on growth stocks with potential for above-market returns, emphasizing innovation and scalability [1] - The author of the analysis has a background in software engineering and finance, with experience in hedge funds and a specialization in long-short strategies [1] Group 2 - The article aims to provide insights and analyses that offer a balanced view of market opportunities and risks, particularly in the context of macroeconomic trends [1]

Market Overview & Strategy - The soft landing trade is currently in effect, but structural and fundamental improvements are needed for consumer discretionary and small-cap sectors to continue outperforming beyond a tactical trade [2] - A bullish narrative for the second half requires cyclical sectors, including consumer discretionary, to perform well and contribute to earnings growth beyond growth-led sectors [7] - The market is currently pricing in a lot of good news, and sentiment is somewhat stretched, requiring earnings season to deliver [12] - Risk-reward is slightly more to the downside than upside, but a bullish case depends on more factors contributing positively [15] Investment Opportunities - AI remains a favored growth theme, with opportunities potentially underpriced in many stocks [4] - Consider AI plays outside the US to complement structural growth names already prominent in the index [4] - Focus on companies globally that are improving quality and efficiency, regardless of the economic backdrop [9] - Companies that are users or adopters of AI tools, like SAP, represent investment opportunities as structural improvers not yet priced to perfection [10] Risks & Concerns - Consumer matters for a bullish second half, with potential issues including inventory pulled in ahead of expected tariffs and credit issues affecting working-class consumers [5][7] - Short-term caution is advised, echoing Jamie Dimon's warning about market complacency on tariffs [10][12] - While not the base case, a surprise Fed rate hike would negatively impact equity markets [11]

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying stocks that can fulfill their growth potential is challenging due to associated risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Adobe Systems (ADBE) is highlighted as a recommended growth stock, possessing a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 14%, with projected EPS growth of 12% this year, surpassing the industry average of 11.9% [5] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Adobe's year-over-year cash flow growth stands at 11.9%, exceeding the industry average of 9.4% [6] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 13.6%, compared to the industry average of 10.5% [7] Group 3: Earnings Estimates - The current-year earnings estimates for Adobe have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 2% over the past month [8] - Adobe has achieved a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank 2 due to positive earnings estimate revisions, indicating potential for outperformance [10]

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying strong candidates can be challenging due to associated 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] - Idexx Laboratories (IDXX) 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 seen as indicative of strong future prospects [4] - Idexx's historical EPS growth rate is 12.5%, with projected growth for the current year at 14.1%, surpassing the industry average of 13.6% [5] Group 3: Cash Flow Growth - High cash flow growth is essential for growth-oriented companies, allowing them to fund new projects without external financing [6] - Idexx's year-over-year cash flow growth is currently 6%, significantly better than the industry average of -0.8% [6] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 14.6%, compared to the industry average of 6.7% [7] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - Positive trends in earnings estimate revisions are correlated with stock price movements [8] - Idexx's current-year earnings estimates have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 0.1% over the past month [8] Group 5: Overall Assessment - Idexx 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 iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) is a significant investment vehicle for exposure to the Mid Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with over $7.93 billion in assets under management, making it one of the larger ETFs in this category [1]. Group 1: Mid Cap Value Characteristics - Mid cap companies, with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, are seen as having higher growth prospects compared to large cap companies while being less risky than small cap companies, providing a balance of stability and growth potential [2]. - Value stocks, characterized by lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, typically exhibit lower sales and earnings growth rates. Historically, value stocks have outperformed growth stocks in most markets, although they may underperform during strong bull markets [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.18%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.84% [4]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Value Index, which measures the mid-capitalization value sector of the U.S. equity market. As of July 10, 2025, the ETF has returned approximately 2.87% year-to-date and 16.11% over the past year, with a trading range of $103.88 to $135.52 in the last 52 weeks [7][8]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 20.30% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Consumer Discretionary [5]. - Among individual holdings, Us Foods Holding Corp (USFD) represents about 1.28% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 7.77% of total assets under management [6]. Group 4: Alternatives and Market Position - The iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable position based on expected returns, expense ratios, and momentum [10]. - Other alternatives in the mid-cap value ETF space include the iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) with $13.53 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.23%, and the Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) with $18.11 billion in assets and a lower expense ratio of 0.07% [11]. Group 5: Investor Appeal - Passively managed ETFs like IJJ are increasingly favored by retail and institutional investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [12].

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 volatility and risks [1] Group 1: Company Overview - RF Industries, Ltd. (RFIL) is identified as a promising growth stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 33%, with projected EPS growth of 366.7% this year, significantly outperforming the industry average of -4% [4] Group 2: Financial Metrics - RF Industries has an impressive asset utilization ratio (sales-to-total-assets ratio) of 1.03, indicating efficient asset use compared to the industry average of 0.54 [5] - The company's sales are expected to grow by 17.8% this year, while the industry average is projected at -0.4% [6] Group 3: Earnings Estimates - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for RF Industries, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 7.7% over the past month [8] - The combination of a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank 1 suggests that RF Industries is a potential outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors [10]

Group 1: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) - The company is the largest provider of dredging services in the US, focusing on maintaining and deepening shipping channels, land reclamation, and storm damage restoration [1] - It has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a 39.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - The PEG ratio is 1.05, significantly lower than the industry average of 7.79, and it possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Intercorp Financial Services (IFS) - This company provides financial products and services and also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 2.6% over the last 60 days [2] - It has a PEG ratio of 0.36 compared to the industry average of 1.51, with a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: European Wax Center (EWCZ) - The company operates as a personal care franchise offering wax services and proprietary skincare products [3] - It holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and has seen a remarkable 96.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - The PEG ratio stands at 0.51, well below the industry average of 3.65, and it has a Growth Score of B [3]

Core Viewpoint - The investment landscape is shifting, with traditional high-performing growth stocks losing their leading positions, prompting a search for new growth opportunities in the market [2][3]. Group 1: Uber Technologies - Uber Technologies is experiencing significant growth due to a shift in personal mobility preferences, particularly among younger generations who are less interested in car ownership and driver's licenses [4][5]. - In the previous year, Uber's drivers completed nearly 11.3 billion trips, marking a 19% increase from the prior year, indicating sustained growth potential [6]. - The company's delivery segment is also expanding rapidly, with the online food delivery market expected to grow over 17% annually through 2034 [9]. - The future potential of Uber is further enhanced by the anticipated development of self-driving vehicles, which could halve operational costs, although widespread deployment may take 10 to 20 years [10]. Group 2: Rocket Lab - Rocket Lab is positioned as a viable alternative to larger launch companies like SpaceX, utilizing its Electron rocket for smaller satellite launches, having successfully launched 232 satellites to date [13]. - The company is developing a larger Neutron rocket capable of carrying up to 13,000 kilograms, which will enable deep-space missions, including potential trips to the moon and Mars [15]. - Analysts predict Rocket Lab will achieve profitability by 2027, with the global commercial space launch market expected to grow at nearly 15% annually through 2034 [16]. Group 3: Snap - Snap has seen its daily user base grow to a record 460 million, although growth is primarily outside North America and Europe, where user numbers are declining [18][19]. - The company's revenue increased by 20% in Q1, with North American revenue up 12% year-over-year, indicating strong financial performance despite user growth challenges [20]. - Snap is evolving its platform with new tools for content creators and subscription offerings, which are expected to enhance user engagement and profitability moving forward [22][23].

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, particularly in the financial sector, to achieve exceptional returns. However, identifying such stocks can be challenging due to their inherent risks and volatility [1]. Company Summary: CareTrust REIT (CTRE) - CareTrust REIT is currently highlighted as a promising growth stock, supported by a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2]. - The stock has shown a historical EPS growth rate of 1.1%, but projected EPS growth for the current year is expected to be 20.9%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 0.8% [4]. - The company has demonstrated impressive cash flow growth, with a year-over-year increase of 67.6%, compared to the industry average of 2.7% [5]. - Over the past 3-5 years, CareTrust REIT has maintained an annualized cash flow growth rate of 12.5%, again surpassing the industry average of 3.1% [6]. - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates indicate positive momentum, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 0.5% over the past month [8]. - CareTrust REIT has achieved a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of B, suggesting it is a solid choice for growth investors [10].