The Global X MSCI Colombia ETF (NYSEARCA: COLO ), is a passively managed ETF (it tracks the MSCI All Colombia Select 25/50 Index) that currently covers 23 stocks from the relatively inaccessible and low-profile equity markets of Colombia. Following the closure of theAnalyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions ...

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX ETF (FTC) is a passively managed ETF designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $1.20 billion [1] Group 1: ETF Overview - FTC was launched on May 8, 2007, and is sponsored by First Trust Advisors [1] - The ETF targets companies with a market capitalization above $10 billion, which are considered more stable and less volatile compared to mid and small cap companies [2] Group 2: Growth Stocks Characteristics - Growth stocks typically exhibit higher than average sales and earnings growth rates, but they also come with higher valuations and volatility [3] - While growth stocks may outperform value stocks in strong bull markets, value stocks have historically provided better returns across various market conditions [3] Group 3: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expenses for FTC are 0.58%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.34% [4] - FTC aims to match the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Large Cap Growth Index, having gained approximately 11.49% year-to-date and 22.59% over the past year as of August 22, 2025 [7] Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 21.2% of the portfolio, followed by Information Technology and Industrials [5] - Robinhood Markets, Inc. (class A) accounts for approximately 1.77% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings representing about 12.52% of total assets under management [6] Group 5: Risk and Alternatives - FTC has a beta of 1.11 and a standard deviation of 18.47% over the trailing three-year period, indicating it is a medium risk option [8] - The ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), making it a strong choice for investors interested in the Large Cap Growth segment [10] - Alternatives include the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ), which have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [11] Group 6: Bottom Line - Passively managed ETFs like FTC are increasingly popular due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investors [12]

Core Insights - The Schwab U.S. Mid-Cap ETF (SCHM) is a passively managed fund launched on January 13, 2011, with over $11.83 billion in assets, targeting the Mid Cap Blend segment of the U.S. equity market [1] Group 1: Investment Characteristics - Mid cap companies, with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, provide a balance of stability and growth potential, offering less risk and higher growth opportunities compared to small and large companies [2] - The ETF has an annual operating expense of 0.04%, making it one of the least expensive options in its category, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.4% [3] Group 2: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Industrials sector, comprising about 21.1% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [4] - Robinhood Markets Inc Class A (HOOD) represents approximately 1.51% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 6.82% of total assets under management [5] Group 3: Performance Metrics - SCHM aims to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Mid-Cap Total Stock Market Index, which includes mid-cap stocks ranked 501-1000 by market capitalization [6] - The ETF has increased by roughly 4.65% year-to-date and is up about 8.79% over the past year, with a trading range between $22.92 and $30.08 in the last 52 weeks [7] Group 4: Alternatives and Market Position - SCHM holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Mid Cap Blend market segment [8] - Other comparable ETFs include the Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) and the iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH), with assets of $86.07 billion and $97.22 billion respectively, and expense ratios of 0.04% and 0.05% [9] Group 5: Market Trends - There is a growing trend among retail and institutional investors towards passively managed ETFs due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [10]

Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a significant player in the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with over $30.51 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in this category [1]. Group 1: ETF Overview - VONG is a passively managed ETF launched on September 22, 2010, sponsored by Vanguard [1]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index, which tracks large-capitalization growth stocks in the US [7]. Group 2: Investment Characteristics - Large cap companies, typically with market capitalizations above $10 billion, are generally stable with predictable cash flows and lower volatility compared to mid and small cap companies [2]. - Growth stocks, which VONG focuses on, exhibit faster growth rates and higher valuations, but they carry more risk compared to value stocks [3]. Group 3: Cost and Performance - VONG has an annual operating expense of 0.07%, making it one of the least expensive ETFs in its category, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.48% [4]. - The ETF has gained approximately 9.88% year-to-date and 20.22% over the past year, with a trading range between $82.51 and $115.87 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation of about 52.7% to the Information Technology sector, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Telecom [5]. - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) constitutes approximately 12.52% of total assets, with Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and Apple Inc (AAPL) also being major holdings [6]. Group 5: Risk Assessment - VONG has a beta of 1.13 and a standard deviation of 20.7% over the trailing three-year period, categorizing it as a medium risk investment [8]. - The ETF holds around 389 different stocks, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [8]. Group 6: Alternatives - VONG holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong expected returns and favorable expense ratios [9]. - Other similar ETFs include Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ), with VUG having $182.44 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, while QQQ has $364.63 billion and charges 0.2% [10]. Group 7: Conclusion - Passively managed ETFs like VONG 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 [11].

Core Insights - The Vanguard Russell 1000 ETF (VONE) is a passively managed ETF launched on September 22, 2010, designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Blend segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $6.48 billion [1] Group 1: Large Cap Blend Characteristics - Large cap companies typically have a market capitalization above $10 billion, offering more predictable cash flows and lower volatility compared to mid and small cap companies [2] - Blend ETFs hold a mix of growth and value stocks, exhibiting characteristics of both types of equities [2] Group 2: Cost Structure - VONE has annual operating expenses of 0.07%, making it one of the least expensive ETFs in its category [3] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.13% [3] Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation of approximately 32.3% to the Information Technology sector, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [4] - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) constitutes about 6.44% of total assets, with Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and Apple Inc (AAPL) also being major holdings [5] Group 4: Performance Metrics - VONE aims to match the performance of the Russell 1000 Index, which tracks large-cap stocks in the US [6] - The ETF has gained approximately 8.13% year-to-date and 20.24% over the past year as of August 5, 2025, with a trading range between $225.48 and $289.57 in the past 52 weeks [6] Group 5: Risk Assessment - VONE has a beta of 1.02 and a standard deviation of 16.92% over the trailing three-year period, categorizing it as a medium risk investment [7] - The ETF holds about 1020 different securities, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [7] Group 6: Alternatives and Market Position - VONE holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating favorable expected returns, low expense ratios, and positive momentum [8] - Other comparable ETFs include the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), with SPY having $650.84 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.09%, while VOO has $696.09 billion and charges 0.03% [9] Group 7: Investment Trends - There is a growing trend among retail and institutional investors towards passively managed ETFs due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [10]

Core Insights - The iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF (IWX) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market, launched on September 22, 2009, and has assets over $2.68 billion [1] - Large cap companies typically have market capitalizations above $10 billion, characterized by stability and predictable cash flows [2] - Value stocks generally have lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, and while they have historically outperformed growth stocks in most markets, they may underperform during strong bull markets [3] Costs - The annual operating expenses for IWX are 0.2%, making it one of the cheaper options in the ETF space, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.85% [4] Sector Exposure and Top Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 25.4% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Industrials [5] - Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class B (BRK.B) is the largest holding at approximately 4.67% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 25.57% of total assets under management [6] Performance and Risk - IWX aims to match the performance of the Russell Top 200 Value Index, having gained about 5.93% year-to-date and 9% over the past year as of August 4, 2025 [7] - The ETF has a beta of 0.82 and a standard deviation of 13.96% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [8] Alternatives - IWX carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Large Cap Value segment [9] - Other comparable ETFs include Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), with SCHD having $68.79 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.06%, while VTV has $137.52 billion and charges 0.04% [10] Bottom-Line - Passively managed ETFs like IWX 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 [11]

Core Viewpoint - The Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (FDIS) is a passively managed ETF that provides broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary sector, appealing to both retail and institutional investors due to its low costs and tax efficiency [1][3]. Group 1: ETF Overview - FDIS was launched on October 21, 2013, and has accumulated over $1.85 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Discretionary Index, which reflects the U.S. consumer discretionary sector [3]. Group 2: Cost Structure - FDIS has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.08%, making it the least expensive option in its category [4]. - The ETF offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.76% [4]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated to the Consumer Discretionary sector, with Amazon.com Inc (AMZN) representing approximately 23.76% of total assets [5][6]. - The top 10 holdings constitute about 58.79% of total assets under management [6]. Group 4: Performance Metrics - As of July 28, 2025, FDIS has increased by approximately 21.88% over the past year and has a year-to-date gain of about 0.27% [7]. - The ETF has traded between $75.33 and $104.24 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.29 and a standard deviation of 23.15% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [7]. Group 5: Alternatives - FDIS has a Zacks ETF Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), suggesting it may not be the best option for investors seeking exposure to the Consumer Discretionary sector [8]. - Alternatives include the Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY), which have larger asset bases and competitive expense ratios [10].

Core Viewpoint - The iShares Russell 1000 ETF (IWB) is a large-cap blend ETF that offers broad exposure to the U.S. equity market, with significant assets under management and a focus on large-cap companies [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - The iShares Russell 1000 ETF was launched on May 15, 2000, and is sponsored by Blackrock, with assets exceeding $41.49 billion [1]. - The fund targets large-cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations above $10 billion, which are generally more stable and less volatile [2]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense of 0.15%, making it one of the more cost-effective options in its category, and it offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.09% [3]. - As of July 21, 2025, the ETF has gained approximately 7.66% year-to-date and 15.31% over the past year, with a trading range between $272.36 and $345.22 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Information Technology sector, comprising about 32.30% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [4]. - Microsoft Corp (MSFT) is the largest holding at approximately 6.34% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 32.79% of total assets under management [5]. Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - The ETF aims to match the performance of the Russell 1000 Index, which includes the largest issuers in the U.S. equity market, and has a beta of 1.01, indicating medium risk [6][7]. - Alternatives to IWB include the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [9]. Group 5: Investment Appeal - The iShares Russell 1000 ETF is rated as a "Buy" by Zacks based on expected returns, expense ratio, and momentum, making it an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to large-cap blend stocks [8]. - The growing trend towards passively managed ETFs highlights their advantages in cost, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, appealing to both retail and institutional investors [10].

Core Insights - The iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) is a passively managed fund aimed at providing broad exposure to the Small Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $10.95 billion, making it one of the largest ETFs in this category [1] Investment Potential - Small cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations below $2 billion, present significant investment potential but also come with higher risks [2] - Value stocks typically have lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, and while they have lower sales and earnings growth rates, they have historically outperformed growth stocks in most markets, although they may underperform in strong bull markets [3] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for IWN are 0.24%, positioning it as one of the cheaper options in the ETF space, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.78% [4] Sector Allocation - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising approximately 30.30% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Real Estate [5] - The top 10 holdings account for about 5.26% of total assets, with Southstate Corp (SSB) making up around 0.71% of total assets [6] Performance Metrics - IWN aims to match the performance of the Russell 2000 Value Index, having gained about 0.22% year-to-date and approximately 0.31% over the past year as of July 21, 2025, with a trading range between $131.84 and $181.35 in the past 52 weeks [7] - The ETF has a beta of 1.07 and a standard deviation of 21.83% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [8] Competitive Landscape - IWN holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong expected returns based on various factors, making it a compelling option for investors interested in the Small Cap Value segment [9] - Other alternatives include the Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF (FNDA) with $8.49 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.25%, and the Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) with $30.17 billion in assets and a lower expense ratio of 0.07% [10] Conclusion - Passively managed ETFs like IWN are increasingly favored by both retail and institutional investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [11]

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) is a significant player in the Large Cap Blend segment of the US equity market, with over $9.59 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in this category [1] Group 1: Fund Overview - XLG is a passively managed ETF launched on May 4, 2005, sponsored by Invesco [1] - The fund targets companies with market capitalizations above $10 billion, which are typically stable with predictable cash flows [2] Group 2: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expenses for XLG are 0.20%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.70% [3] - As of July 16, 2025, XLG has increased by approximately 5.87% year-to-date and 12.06% over the past year, with a trading range between $40.94 and $52.70 in the last 52 weeks [6] Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation of about 44.70% to the Information Technology sector, with Telecom and Consumer Discretionary following [4] - Microsoft Corp (MSFT) constitutes about 11.57% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up approximately 60.6% of total assets under management [5] Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - XLG has a beta of 1.04 and a standard deviation of 18.92% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [7] - The ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it is a strong option for investors seeking exposure to the Large Cap Blend segment [8] Group 5: Competitive Landscape - Other ETFs like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) also track similar indices, with SPY having $639.29 billion and VOO $688.86 billion in assets, and lower expense ratios of 0.09% and 0.03% respectively [9] Group 6: 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 [10]