Core Insights - The First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders ETF (FDL) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $5.65 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs in this category [1] Group 1: Large Cap Value Overview - Large cap companies typically have a market capitalization above $10 billion, offering a stable investment option with lower risk and more reliable cash flows compared to mid and small cap companies [2] - Value stocks are characterized by lower than average price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, as well as lower sales and earnings growth rates. Historically, value stocks have outperformed growth stocks in nearly all markets, although growth stocks tend to perform better in strong bull markets [3] Group 2: Costs and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.43%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 4.58% [4] - FDL aims to match the performance of the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index, which includes stocks with consistent and sustainable dividends. The ETF has gained approximately 10.15% year-to-date and 15.34% over the past year, with a trading range of $38.19 to $43.95 in the last 52 weeks [7] Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Energy sector, comprising about 25.30% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Consumer Staples [5] - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) represents approximately 10.20% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 55.23% of total assets under management [6] Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - FDL has a beta of 0.72 and a standard deviation of 15.02% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile. The ETF holds about 101 stocks, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [8] - Alternatives to FDL include the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), which track similar indices but have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios of 0.06% and 0.04%, respectively [10] Group 5: 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 [11]

Core Viewpoint - The iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) is a significant investment vehicle for gaining exposure to the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $113.80 billion, making it one of the largest ETFs in this category [1]. Group 1: Large Cap Growth Characteristics - Large cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations above $10 billion, are generally more stable and exhibit predictable cash flows, making them less volatile compared to mid and small cap companies [2]. - Growth stocks are characterized by faster growth rates, higher valuations, and above-average sales and earnings growth rates, but they carry a greater level of risk compared to value stocks [3]. Group 2: Cost Structure - The iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.19%, positioning it as one of the more cost-effective options in the ETF space, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.41% [4]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation of approximately 52.20% to the Information Technology sector, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Telecom [5]. - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) constitutes about 12.69% of the total assets, with Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and Apple Inc (AAPL) also among the top holdings; the top 10 holdings represent around 58.68% of total assets [6]. Group 4: Performance Metrics - The ETF aims to replicate the performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index, achieving a return of approximately 8.91% year-to-date and around 19.17% over the past year as of July 24, 2025; it has traded between $320.42 and $436.59 in the last 52 weeks [7]. - With a beta of 1.14 and a standard deviation of 20.93% over the trailing three-year period, the ETF is classified as a medium-risk investment, effectively diversifying company-specific risk with about 389 holdings [8]. Group 5: Alternatives - The Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ) are alternative ETFs tracking similar indices, with VUG having $179.85 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, while QQQ has $358.67 billion in assets and charges 0.20% [11]. Group 6: Conclusion - Passively managed ETFs like IWF are favored by both institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [12].

Core Viewpoint - The iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IWP) is a leading option for investors seeking exposure to the Mid Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with significant assets under management and a focus on mid-cap companies that balance stability and growth potential [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - The iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF was launched on July 17, 2001, and is sponsored by Blackrock, with assets exceeding $19.54 billion, making it the largest ETF in its category [1]. - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.23% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.37%, which is competitive within the sector [4]. Group 2: Market Characteristics - Mid cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, provide a unique investment opportunity with a favorable risk-return profile compared to small and large companies [2]. - Growth stocks, while offering higher sales and earnings growth rates, come with higher valuations and risks, typically outperforming value stocks in bull markets but lagging over the long term [3]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Consumer Discretionary sector, comprising approximately 22.90% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Information Technology [5]. - The top holdings include Royal Caribbean Group Ltd (2.78% of total assets), Howmet Aerospace Inc, and Vistra Corp, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 20.28% of total assets [6]. Group 4: Performance Metrics - The ETF aims to match the performance of the Russell MidCap Growth Index, which represents about 47% of the total market value of the Russell MidCap Index [7]. - As of July 23, 2025, the ETF has gained approximately 10.64% year-to-date and 24.93% over the past year, with a trading range between $103.87 and $140.64 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 5: Alternatives - Other ETFs in the mid-cap growth space include the iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) with $9 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.17%, and the Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) with $17.47 billion in assets and a lower expense ratio of 0.07% [11]. Group 6: Investment Appeal - Passively managed ETFs like IWP are increasingly popular among 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 - The Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Value ETF (SCHV) is a passively managed fund that provides broad exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with significant assets under management and low operating costs [1][4]. Group 1: Fund Overview - SCHV was launched on December 11, 2009, and is sponsored by Charles Schwab, accumulating over $12.91 billion in assets [1]. - The ETF targets companies with market capitalizations above $10 billion, typically offering more stability and lower risk compared to mid and small-cap companies [2]. Group 2: Financial Metrics - The ETF has an annual operating expense of 0.04%, making it one of the least expensive options in its category, and it offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.12% [4]. - The ETF's return is approximately 9.12% year-to-date and 12.74% over the past year, with a trading range between $23.55 and $28.20 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The largest sector allocation for SCHV is Financials, comprising about 23% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Healthcare [5]. - The top holding is Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class B (BRK/B) at approximately 3.51% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 18.85% of total assets under management [6]. Group 4: Performance and Risk - SCHV aims to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Value Total Stock Market Index, which includes the large-cap value portion of the broader market index [7]. - The ETF has a beta of 0.88 and a standard deviation of 14.55% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [8]. Group 5: Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), with SCHD having $71.16 billion in assets and VTV at $140.23 billion [11].

Core Insights - The Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a passively managed fund launched on January 26, 2004, with over $30.57 billion in assets, making it the largest ETF in the Small Cap Value segment of the US equity market [1] - Small cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations below $2 billion, present high potential but also come with higher risks [2] - Value stocks typically have lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, but also exhibit lower sales and earnings growth rates compared to growth stocks [3] Costs - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.07%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in its category [4] - It offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.03% [4] Sector Exposure and Top Holdings - The ETF's largest allocation is to the Financials sector, comprising approximately 21.70% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Consumer Discretionary [5] - Individual holdings include Slcmt1142 at about 1.08% of total assets, with NRG Energy Inc (NRG) and Emcor Group Inc (EME) also among the top holdings [6] Performance and Risk - VBR aims to match the performance of the CRSP U.S. Small Cap Value Index, having gained roughly 3.30% year-to-date and 6.60% over the past year as of July 23, 2025 [7] - The ETF has traded between $162.76 and $217.30 in the past 52 weeks [7] - With a beta of 1.03 and a standard deviation of 19.72% over the trailing three years, it is classified as a medium-risk investment [8] Alternatives - VBR holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong expected returns and favorable expense ratios [9] - Other comparable ETFs include the Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF (FNDA) with $8.62 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.25%, and the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) with $11.09 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.24% [10] Bottom-Line - Passively managed ETFs like VBR are gaining popularity among both institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [11]

Core Insights - The Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares (QQQE) is a passively managed ETF launched on March 21, 2012, designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $1.26 billion [1] - Large cap companies typically have market capitalizations above $10 billion, characterized by stability and predictable cash flows, making them less volatile compared to mid and small cap companies [2] - Growth stocks, which QQQE primarily invests in, exhibit higher sales and earnings growth rates but also come with higher valuations and volatility [3] Costs - The annual operating expenses for QQQE are 0.35%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.60% [4] Sector Exposure and Top Holdings - QQQE has a significant allocation of approximately 40.10% to the Information Technology sector, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Telecom [5] - The top 10 holdings represent about 10.69% of total assets, with Datadog Inc - Class A (DDOG) accounting for around 1.16% of total assets [6] Performance and Risk - QQQE aims to match the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index, which includes 100 of the largest non-financial securities listed on NASDAQ [7] - The ETF has returned approximately 11.52% year-to-date and 12.01% over the past year, with a trading range between $76.98 and $99.91 in the last 52 weeks [8] - With a beta of 1.07 and a standard deviation of 19.85% over the trailing three-year period, QQQE is considered a medium risk investment [8] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ), with VUG having $179.21 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, while QQQ has $358.16 billion in assets and charges 0.20% [11] Bottom-Line - Passively managed ETFs like QQQE 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 - Investors in the Medical - Products sector should consider Envista (NVST) and Abbott (ABT) for potential value opportunities, with NVST currently presenting a more attractive option based on various valuation metrics and earnings outlook [1][3][7]. Valuation Metrics - NVST has a forward P/E ratio of 18.81, while ABT has a higher forward P/E of 24.16, indicating that NVST may be undervalued compared to ABT [5]. - The PEG ratio for NVST is 1.23, suggesting a better valuation relative to its expected earnings growth compared to ABT's PEG ratio of 2.36 [5]. - NVST's P/B ratio stands at 1.09, significantly lower than ABT's P/B ratio of 4.41, further indicating NVST's relative undervaluation [6]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - NVST has experienced stronger estimate revision activity, which is a positive indicator for its earnings outlook compared to ABT [3][7]. - The Zacks Rank system rates NVST as 2 (Buy) and ABT as 3 (Hold), reflecting a more favorable earnings estimate revision trend for NVST [3]. Value Grades - NVST has been assigned a Value grade of B, while ABT has a Value grade of C, highlighting NVST's superior valuation metrics [6].

Group 1 - Gold is highlighted as the only precious metal that should be included in investment portfolios due to its historical performance in protecting value during market downturns and generating alpha since the 1970s [1] - The analyst, known as The Barnacle, emphasizes a quantitative approach to investing, valuing mathematical analysis over sell-side analysis, which is often deemed inadequate [1] - The investment strategy includes a focus on value stocks with growth potential across various market capitalizations, including large caps, midcaps, small caps, international stocks, gold miners, and REITs [1] Group 2 - The analyst has a beneficial long position in AEM shares, indicating a personal investment interest in the company [2] - The article expresses the analyst's own opinions without external compensation, suggesting an independent viewpoint on the investment landscape [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value ETF (RZV) is a passively managed fund targeting the Small Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $206.50 million, making it an average-sized ETF in this category [1]. Group 1: Small Cap Value Characteristics - Small cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations below $2 billion, are considered high-potential stocks but carry higher risks compared to large and mid-cap companies [2]. - Value stocks typically exhibit lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, along with 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 ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.96% [4]. - RZV aims to replicate the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value Index, having lost approximately -3.48% year-to-date and -0.25% over the past year as of July 17, 2025. The ETF has traded between $83.11 and $119.36 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Consumer Discretionary sector, comprising about 26.80% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Energy [5]. - Par Pacific Holdings Inc (PARR) represents about 2.49% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 17.72% of total assets under management [6]. Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - RZV has a beta of 1.20 and a standard deviation of 24.57% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile. The ETF includes around 147 holdings, which helps mitigate company-specific risk [8]. - Alternatives to RZV include the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and the Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR), which track similar indices and have larger asset bases of $10.92 billion and $29.95 billion, respectively [10].

Investment Strategy & Market Analysis - Free cash flow is considered a crucial valuation metric, favored by investors like Warren Buffett for identifying companies generating more cash than needed for operations [2] - Traditional value investing relying on price-to-book ratios is becoming less relevant as intangible assets now constitute approximately 80-85% of assets in S&P 500 companies [4] - A portfolio based on free cash flow yield outperformed a portfolio based on value factor (determined by price-to-book) between 2000 and June 2024, returning over double the amount [5] ETF Performance & Characteristics - Pacer US Cash Cows ETF (COWZ) selects 100 companies from the Russell 1000 index with the highest free cash flow yield, currently holding approximately $21 billion in assets [7] - VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF (VFLO) has gathered over $26 billion in assets year-to-date, totaling $44 billion, due to its consideration of both trailing and forward-looking free cash flow [9] - Invesco NASDAQ Free Cash Flow Achievers ETF (QZ) focuses on technology companies with positive free cash flow in each of the trailing 11 years and year-over-year growth [11] - Invesco product (QZ) has shown the best performance, returning about 19% over the past year, likely due to its focus on technology stocks [15] ETF Methodologies & Holdings - Pacer's COWZ ETF portfolio is heavily weighted in healthcare (20%) and energy (19%), with top holdings including Ford, Exxon Mobil, and Chevron [9] - VictoryShares' VFLO ETF portfolio is heavily weighted in consumer discretionary, with top holdings including Qualcomm, Mercar, and United Health [11] - Invesco's QZ ETF portfolio includes top holdings like Nvidia, Meta, and Broadcom, reflecting its focus on technology companies [12]