Group 1: ETF Overview - The First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF (FICS) debuted on December 15, 2020, and is categorized as a smart beta ETF providing broad exposure to the Foreign Large Growth ETF segment [1] - FICS is managed by First Trust Advisors and has accumulated over $210.33 million in assets, positioning it as one of the larger ETFs in its category [5] - The fund aims to match the performance of the International Developed Capital Strength Index, which focuses on well-capitalized companies in developed markets outside the U.S. [6] Group 2: Cost and Performance - FICS has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.70%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.38% [7] - Year-to-date, FICS has returned approximately 12.69%, with a 12-month return of about 2.06% as of September 29, 2025 [10] - The fund has a beta of 0.76 and a standard deviation of 14.15% over the trailing three-year period, indicating effective diversification of company-specific risk with around 57 holdings [11] Group 3: Holdings and Sector Exposure - FICS's top holdings include Gea Group Ag (2.39% of total assets), Royal Bank Of Canada, and Astrazeneca Plc, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 22.65% of total assets [8][9] - The ETF offers diversified exposure, minimizing single stock risk, and is transparent about its holdings, which are disclosed daily [8] Group 4: Alternatives and Market Position - FICS may not be suitable for investors seeking to outperform the Foreign Large Growth ETF segment, with alternatives such as Invesco Dorsey Wright Developed Markets Momentum ETF and Invesco S&P International Developed Quality ETF available [12][13] - Investors looking for lower-cost options may consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Foreign Large Growth ETF [14]

Core Viewpoint - The SPDR Russell 1000 Yield Focus ETF (ONEY) is a smart beta ETF designed to provide broad exposure to the large-cap value segment of the market, with a focus on high yield characteristics [1][5][6]. Fund Overview - Launched on December 2, 2015, ONEY has accumulated over $897.86 million in assets, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [1][5]. - Managed by State Street Investment Management, the fund aims to match the performance of the Russell 1000 Yield Focused Factor Index [5]. Cost and Performance - ONEY has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.20%, making it one of the cheaper options in the market [7]. - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 3.01% [7]. - As of September 12, 2025, ONEY has gained approximately 7.75% year-to-date and 9.85% over the past year, with a trading range between $95.52 and $117.55 during the last 52 weeks [11]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The fund has a significant allocation in the Consumer Staples sector, accounting for about 13.5% of the portfolio, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Industrials [8]. - United Parcel Service Cl B (UPS) represents about 2.1% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings comprising approximately 13.74% of total assets under management [9]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the large-cap value space include Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [12][13].

Core Insights - The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is a smart beta ETF launched on June 10, 2014, designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Value category [1] - DGRO is managed by Blackrock and has accumulated over $34.03 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [5] - The fund aims to match the performance of the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index, which includes U.S. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends [5] Cost and Performance - DGRO has an annual operating expense of 0.08%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the ETF space [6] - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 2.10% [6] - As of September 11, 2025, DGRO has gained approximately 10.8% year-to-date and 12.61% over the past year, with a trading range between $55.22 and $67.33 in the last 52 weeks [10] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The Financials sector represents 20.3% of DGRO's portfolio, followed by Information Technology and Healthcare [7] - Top holdings include Apple Inc (3.23% of total assets), Johnson & Johnson, and Microsoft Corp, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 27.77% of total assets [8] Risk Profile - DGRO has a beta of 0.84 and a standard deviation of 13.59% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [10] - The fund consists of approximately 405 holdings, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth ETF (DGRW) with $16.41 billion in assets and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) with $97.34 billion [12] - DGRW has an expense ratio of 0.28%, while VIG has a lower expense ratio of 0.05% [12]

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX ETF (FTA) is a smart beta ETF that aims to provide broad exposure to the large-cap value segment of the market, utilizing a unique stock selection methodology to potentially outperform traditional market cap weighted indexes [1][5]. Fund Overview - Launched on May 8, 2007, FTA has accumulated assets exceeding $1.14 billion, positioning it as an average-sized ETF within its category [1][5]. - The fund is managed by First Trust Advisors and seeks to match the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Large Cap Value Index, which employs an enhanced stock selection methodology [5]. Cost Structure - FTA has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.58%, making it one of the more expensive options in the large-cap value ETF space [6]. - The ETF offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.95% [6]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF's largest sector allocation is in Financials, comprising approximately 20.1% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Industrials [7]. - D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI) represents about 1.08% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for around 10% of total assets under management [8]. Performance Metrics - As of September 11, 2025, FTA has increased by approximately 8.92% year-to-date and 10.04% over the past year [10]. - The ETF has traded within a range of $67.12 to $83.49 over the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.92 and a standard deviation of 16.57% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10]. Alternatives - While FTA is a viable option for investors looking to outperform the large-cap value segment, alternatives such as Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) are available, with SCHD having $71.6 billion in assets and VTV at $145.21 billion [11][12]. - SCHD has a lower expense ratio of 0.06%, and VTV charges 0.04%, making them attractive options for cost-conscious investors [12].

Group 1: Core Insights - The Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) debuted on August 13, 2013, and offers broad exposure to the emerging markets ETF category [1] - FNDE is managed by Charles Schwab and has amassed over $7.34 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the emerging markets space [5] - The fund seeks to match the performance of the Russell RAFI Emerging Markets Large Co. Index, focusing on large companies based on fundamental characteristics [5] Group 2: Cost and Performance - FNDE has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.39%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 4.01% [6] - Year-to-date, FNDE has increased by approximately 19.18%, and it was up about 18.82% over the last 12 months as of September 3, 2025 [9] - The fund has a beta of 0.62 and a standard deviation of 16.73% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [10] Group 3: Holdings and Sector Exposure - FNDE's top holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (4.67% of total assets), China Construction Bank Corp H, and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 24.37% of total assets [7][8] - The fund holds approximately 409 different stocks, providing effective diversification against company-specific risks [10] Group 4: Alternatives - While FNDE is a viable option for investors looking to outperform the broad emerging markets segment, alternatives such as Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) are also available [11][12] - VWO has $96.18 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.07%, while IEMG has $101.47 billion in assets with a 0.09% expense ratio [12]

Core Insights - The ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) debuted on July 7, 2009, and provides broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Blend category of the market [1] - Smart beta ETFs, like EQL, aim to outperform traditional market cap weighted indexes by selecting stocks based on specific fundamental characteristics [3][4] - EQL is sponsored by Alps and has accumulated over $549.97 million in assets, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [5] Fund Details - EQL seeks to match the performance of the NYSE Select Sector Equal Weight Index, which includes various sectors such as Consumer Discretionary, Technology, and Health Care [6][5] - The fund has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.25% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.72% [7] - The top holdings of EQL include Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) at 9.77% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings comprising approximately 91.65% of total assets [9] Performance Metrics - As of September 2, 2025, EQL has gained about 9.36% year-to-date and 10.39% over the past year, with a trading range of $37.36 to $45.41 in the past 52 weeks [11] - The fund has a beta of 0.91 and a standard deviation of 14.51% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [11] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), which track the S&P 500 Index and have significantly larger asset bases of $661.34 billion and $725.27 billion, respectively [12] - Both IVV and VOO have lower expense ratios of 0.03%, making them attractive alternatives for cost-conscious investors [12]

Core Insights - The JPMorgan Diversified Return U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (JPME) offers investors exposure to the mid-cap blend category, utilizing a rules-based approach to combine risk-based portfolio construction with multi-factor security selection [1][6]. Fund Overview - JPME was launched on May 11, 2016, and has accumulated over $372.98 million in assets, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [1][5]. - The fund aims to match the performance of the Russell Midcap Diversified Factor Index before fees and expenses [5]. Investment Strategy - JPME employs non-cap weighted strategies, focusing on fundamental characteristics to select stocks with better risk-return performance [3][4]. - The fund's annual operating expenses are 0.24%, which is competitive within its peer group [7]. Sector Exposure - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Industrials sector, comprising approximately 12% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Consumer Staples [8]. - The top 10 holdings account for about 4.96% of total assets, with Tapestry Inc Common (TPR) being the largest individual holding at 0.55% [9]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, JPME has increased by approximately 6.41%, and it has risen about 7.16% over the past 12 months as of September 1, 2025 [11]. - The fund has a beta of 0.93 and a standard deviation of 16.09% over the trailing three-year period, indicating effective diversification of company-specific risk [11]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the mid-cap blend space include the Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) and the iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH), which have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [12][13].

Core Insights - The Invesco S&P International Developed Quality ETF (IDHQ) is a smart beta ETF launched on June 13, 2007, providing broad exposure to the Foreign Large Growth ETF category [1] - IDHQ aims to match the performance of the S&P Quality Developed ex US LargeMidCap Index, focusing on stocks with high quality scores based on return on equity, accruals ratio, and financial leverage ratio [5][6] Fund Overview - Managed by Invesco, IDHQ has accumulated over $492.45 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [5] - The fund has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.29%, making it the least expensive product in the Foreign Large Growth ETF space [7] - IDHQ offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.29% [7] Holdings and Sector Exposure - The ETF's top holdings include Asml Holding Nv (4.62% of total assets), Novartis Ag, and Nestle Sa, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 30.21% of total assets [8] Performance Metrics - IDHQ has gained about 18.16% over the past year and is up approximately 5.39% year-to-date as of September 1, 2025 [9] - The ETF has traded between $27.24 and $33.40 in the last 52 weeks [9] - With a beta of 0.89 and a standard deviation of 16.05% over the trailing three-year period, IDHQ is considered a low-risk investment [10] Alternatives and Market Context - While IDHQ is a viable option for investors seeking to outperform the Foreign Large Growth ETF segment, there are alternative ETFs such as First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF (FICS) and Invesco Dorsey Wright Developed Markets Momentum ETF (PIZ) [11][12] - FICS has $226.16 million in assets and an expense ratio of 0.70%, while PIZ has $416.93 million in assets with an expense ratio of 0.80% [12]

The Invesco RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF (PXF) made its debut on 06/25/2007, and is a smart beta exchange traded fund that provides broad exposure to the Foreign Large Value ETF 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.Market cap weighted indexes offer a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way of repl ...

Core Insights - The iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF (EMGF) is designed to provide broad exposure to the emerging markets category and was launched on December 8, 2015 [1] - The fund is managed by Blackrock and has accumulated over $939.89 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Broad Emerging Market ETFs category [5] - EMGF seeks to match the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Diversified Multiple-Factor Index [5] Investment Strategy - Smart beta ETFs, like EMGF, aim to outperform traditional market cap weighted indexes by selecting stocks based on specific fundamental characteristics [3][4] - The fund employs a non-cap weighted strategy to enhance risk-return performance [3] Cost and Performance - EMGF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.26%, positioning it as one of the cheaper options in the market [7] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.35% [7] - Year-to-date, EMGF has increased by approximately 19.39% and has risen by about 16.63% over the past year [10] Holdings and Diversification - The top 10 holdings of EMGF account for about 25.08% of its total assets, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing being the largest at approximately 9.65% [8][9] - The ETF holds around 597 stocks, which helps to effectively diversify company-specific risk [11] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the emerging markets space include Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG), which have significantly larger asset bases of $95.96 billion and $101.31 billion respectively [13] - VWO has a lower expense ratio of 0.07% while IEMG charges 0.09% [13]