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Is iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF (PABU) a Strong ETF Right Now?
ZACKS· 2026-01-27 12:21
Core Insights - The iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF (PABU) is a smart beta ETF that debuted on April 8, 2022, providing broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Blend category [1] Fund Overview - PABU is managed by Blackrock and has accumulated over $2.26 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [5] - The fund aims to match the performance of the MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned Benchmark Extended Select Index, which includes U.S. large and mid-cap stocks aligned with the Paris Agreement's decarbonization goals [6] Cost Structure - PABU has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.10%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the ETF space [7] - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 0.91% [7] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The largest sector allocation for PABU is Information Technology, comprising approximately 42.3% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Real Estate [8] - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) is the top holding at about 9.67% of total assets, with Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and Apple Inc (AAPL) also among the top three [9] - The top 10 holdings represent about 45.85% of total assets under management [9] Performance Metrics - As of January 27, 2026, PABU has experienced a year-to-date loss of approximately -0.79% but is up about 9.33% over the past year [10] - The fund has traded between $53.19 and $74.50 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.05 and a standard deviation of 15.97% over the trailing three-year period [10] Alternatives - PABU is a viable option for investors looking to outperform the Style Box - All Cap Blend segment, but there are other ETFs available, such as Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) [11][12] - ESGV has $12.02 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.09%, while ESGU has $15.98 billion in assets with a 0.15% expense ratio [12]
Is State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) a Strong ETF Right Now?
ZACKS· 2026-01-12 12:20
Core Viewpoint - The State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) offers investors exposure to the transportation sector within the Industrials ETFs category, aiming to match the performance of the S&P Transportation Select Industry Index [1][5]. Fund Overview - XTN was launched on January 26, 2011, and is managed by State Street Investment Management, with total assets exceeding $216.07 million, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF in the Industrials sector [1][5]. - The fund has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, making it one of the least expensive options in its category, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.73% [6]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - XTN is fully allocated to the Industrials sector, with approximately 100% of its portfolio dedicated to this area [7]. - The top holding, Hunt (JBHT), constitutes about 3.29% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings representing approximately 29.49% of total assets under management [8]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, XTN has gained about 7.25%, and over the last 12 months, it has increased by approximately 11.05% as of January 12, 2026 [9]. - The ETF has a beta of 1.38 and a standard deviation of 24.70% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile compared to its peers [10]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the transportation sector include the U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) and the iShares U.S. Transportation ETF (IYT), with assets of $836.38 million and $943.01 million respectively. JETS has an expense ratio of 0.60%, while IYT has a ratio of 0.38% [12].
Is Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF (ISMD) a Strong ETF Right Now?
ZACKS· 2026-01-08 12:20
Core Insights - The Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF (ISMD) debuted on February 28, 2017, and provides broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Blend category of the market [1] Fund Overview - The fund is sponsored by Inspire and has accumulated over $240.91 million in assets, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF in its segment [5] - ISMD aims to match the performance of the Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index, selecting securities from publicly traded small and mid-cap companies with an Inspire Impact Score of zero or higher [6] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for ISMD are 0.57%, which is comparable to most peer products in the space, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.17% [7] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF's largest allocation is in the Financials sector, comprising approximately 18.3% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Information Technology [8] - The top 10 holdings account for about 3.85% of total assets, with Bbh Sweep Vehicle (BBHETFMM) making up about 0.67% of the fund's total assets [9] Performance Metrics - As of January 8, 2026, ISMD has increased by roughly 3.27% and is up about 7.66% year-to-date, with a trading range between $29.72 and $40.28 over the past 52 weeks [11] - The ETF has a beta of 1.01 and a standard deviation of 19.86% for the trailing three-year period, effectively diversifying company-specific risk with around 498 holdings [11] Alternatives - The Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF is a viable option for investors looking to outperform the Style Box - All Cap Blend segment, but there are other ETFs available in the market [12] - Notable alternatives include Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU), which have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [13]
Is State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP) a Strong ETF Right Now?
ZACKS· 2026-01-01 12:21
Core Insights - The State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP) debuted on June 19, 2006, and provides broad exposure to the Energy ETFs category [1] Fund Overview - XOP has amassed over $1.82 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Energy sector [5] - The fund is managed by State Street Investment Management and aims to match the performance of the S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry Index [5] - The S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry Index is a modified equal weight index representing the oil and gas exploration and production sub-industry [6] Cost and Expenses - XOP has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, positioning it as one of the least expensive products in the space [7] - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 2.62% [7] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The Energy sector represents 99.3% of XOP's portfolio, with Cnx Resources Corp (CNX) accounting for approximately 3.51% of total assets [8] - The top 10 holdings make up about 30.04% of XOP's total assets under management [9] Performance Metrics - As of January 1, 2026, XOP has gained about 0% year-to-date and is down approximately -2.12% over the past year [11] - The fund has traded between $101.91 and $145.88 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.75 and a standard deviation of 27.80% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a high-risk profile [11] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the energy space include Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE) with $75.61 million in assets and iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (IEO) with $419.71 million [13] - PXE has an expense ratio of 0.61% while IEO charges 0.38% [13]
Is State Street SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) a Strong ETF Right Now?
ZACKS· 2025-12-31 12:21
Core Viewpoint - The State Street SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) is a significant player in the Industrials ETFs category, with a focus on the homebuilding sector and a strategy aimed at matching the performance of the S&P Homebuilders Select Industry Index [1][5]. Fund Overview - Launched on January 31, 2006, XHB has accumulated over $1.65 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [5]. - The fund is managed by State Street Investment Management and seeks to replicate the performance of the S&P Homebuilders Select Industry Index before fees and expenses [5][6]. Cost Structure - XHB has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the ETF space [7]. - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 0.77% [7]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Consumer Discretionary sector, comprising about 67% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Energy [8]. - Champion Homes Inc (SKY) is the largest holding at approximately 4.1% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 36.92% of total assets under management [9]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, XHB has increased by roughly 0.34%, with the same percentage gain over the last 12 months as of December 31, 2025 [10]. - The fund has traded between $86.79 and $119.58 in the past 52 weeks, indicating a range of volatility [10]. - XHB has a beta of 1.31 and a standard deviation of 25.22% over the trailing three-year period, categorizing it as a high-risk investment [10]. Alternatives - For investors seeking to outperform the Industrials ETFs segment, alternatives such as the Invesco Building & Construction ETF (PKB) are available, which tracks the Dynamic Building & Construction Intellidex Index and has $285.28 million in assets with an expense ratio of 0.57% [11]. - Traditional market cap weighted ETFs may offer cheaper and lower-risk options for those looking to match the returns of the Industrials ETFs [12].
Is State Street SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF (KCE) a Strong ETF Right Now?
ZACKS· 2025-12-02 12:21
Core Insights - The State Street SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF (KCE) debuted on November 8, 2005, and offers broad exposure to the Financials ETFs category [1] - KCE is managed by State Street Investment Management and aims to match the performance of the S&P Capital Markets Select Industry Index, with assets exceeding $541.31 million [5] - The ETF has a low expense ratio of 0.35% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.56% [6] Fund Characteristics - KCE focuses entirely on the Financials sector, with approximately 100% of its portfolio allocated to this area [7] - The top holdings include Galaxy Digital Inc A (2.7% of total assets), Robinhood Markets Inc A, and Coinbase Global Inc Class A, with the top 10 holdings representing about 19.33% of total assets [8] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, KCE has increased by approximately 6.01%, but it has decreased by about 1.04% over the past year, trading between $108.52 and $157.83 in the last 52 weeks [9] - The ETF has a beta of 1.28 and a standard deviation of 21.18% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [10] Alternatives and Comparisons - KCE may not be suitable for investors looking to outperform the Financials ETFs segment, with alternatives like the iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers & Securities Exchanges ETF (IAI) available, which has $1.51 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.38% [11] - Traditional market cap weighted ETFs are suggested for investors seeking lower-cost and lower-risk options [12]
Is State Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) a Strong ETF Right Now?
ZACKS· 2025-12-02 12:21
Core Viewpoint - The State Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) is a smart beta ETF that provides broad exposure to the financial sector, specifically regional banks, and has amassed significant assets since its inception [1][5]. Fund Overview - KRE debuted on June 19, 2006, and is managed by State Street Investment Management [1][5]. - The ETF has accumulated over $3.44 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Financials category [5]. - KRE aims to match the performance of the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index, which represents the regional banks segment of the S&P Total Market Index [5]. Cost and Performance - The annual operating expense ratio for KRE is 0.35%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in its category [6]. - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.48% [6]. - Year-to-date, KRE has increased by approximately 7.46%, but it has decreased by about -3.64% over the past year [10]. - The ETF has traded between $48.81 and $66.71 in the last 52 weeks [10]. Holdings and Sector Exposure - KRE's portfolio is entirely allocated to the Financials sector, providing diversified exposure and minimizing single stock risk [7]. - Cadence Bank (CADE) constitutes about 2.16% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 20.25% of total assets under management [8]. Risk Profile - KRE has a beta of 0.96 and a standard deviation of 31.63% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a high-risk profile within its sector [10]. - The fund includes around 150 holdings, which helps to effectively diversify company-specific risk [10]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the regional banking space include Invesco KBW Regional Banking ETF (KBWR) and iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF (IAT), with KBWR having $51.44 million in assets and IAT having $543.71 million [12]. - Both alternatives have similar expense ratios, with KBWR at 0.35% and IAT at 0.38% [12].
Is State Street SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) a Strong ETF Right Now?
ZACKS· 2025-11-19 12:21
Core Insights - The State Street SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) debuted on January 31, 2006, and provides broad exposure to the Health Care ETFs category [1] - XBI is a smart beta ETF that aims to outperform the market through non-cap weighted strategies [3][4] - The fund is managed by State Street Investment Management and has amassed over $7.49 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Health Care sector [5] Fund Structure - XBI seeks to match the performance of the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index, which represents the biotechnology sub-industry of the S&P Total Markets Index [6] - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, making it one of the least expensive options in its category [7] - The fund is fully allocated to the Healthcare sector, with its top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 19.54% of total assets [8][9] Performance Metrics - As of November 19, 2025, XBI has gained about 27.94% and is up approximately 25.3% year-to-date [11] - The ETF has traded between $69.80 and $115.18 over the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.95 and a standard deviation of 27.12% for the trailing three-year period [11] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the biotechnology space include the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology ETF (FBT) and the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB), with assets of $1.24 billion and $7.56 billion respectively [13] - FBT has an expense ratio of 0.54%, while IBB charges 0.44%, providing investors with alternative options [13]
Is State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) a Strong ETF Right Now?
ZACKS· 2025-11-18 12:21
Core Insights - The State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) debuted on April 15, 2015, and provides broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Blend category of the market [1] Fund Overview - QUS is sponsored by State Street Investment Management and has accumulated over $1.5 billion in assets, positioning it as one of the larger ETFs in its category [5] - The fund aims to match the performance of the MSCI USA Factor Mix A-Series Index, which measures the equity market performance of large and mid-cap companies in the U.S. [5] Cost Structure - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.15%, making it one of the cheaper options in the market [6] - It offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.37% [6] Sector Allocation and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Information Technology sector, comprising approximately 26.5% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Financials [7] - Apple Inc (AAPL) represents about 3.25% of the fund's total assets, with Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and Nvidia Corp (NVDA) also among the top holdings [8] - The top 10 holdings account for roughly 22.57% of QUS's total assets under management [8] Performance Metrics - As of November 18, 2025, QUS has gained approximately 10.86% year-to-date and 9.05% over the past year [9] - The fund has traded between $140.84 and $174.07 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.88 and a standard deviation of 12.46% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [9] 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 $704.27 billion and $779.33 billion, respectively [10] - Both IVV and VOO have a lower expense ratio of 0.03% [10]
Is State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) a Strong ETF Right Now?
ZACKS· 2025-11-17 12:21
Core Insights - The State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) debuted on September 28, 2011, and provides broad exposure to the Industrials ETFs category [1] - XAR has amassed over $4.39 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Industrials sector [5] - The ETF seeks to match the performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, which is a modified equal weight index [6] Fund Characteristics - XAR is managed by State Street Investment Management and has annual operating expenses of 0.35%, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.62% [7] - The fund has a heavy allocation to the Industrials sector, with Aerovironment Inc (AVAV) accounting for about 4.98% of total assets [8][9] - The top 10 holdings represent approximately 39.33% of the fund's total assets under management [9] Performance Metrics - As of November 17, 2025, XAR has added roughly 38.03% year-to-date and is up approximately 38.64% over the past year [11] - The ETF has traded between $144.94 and $251.24 during the last 52-week period, with a beta of 1.13 and a standard deviation of 20.13% for the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [11] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the aerospace and defense space include Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA), with assets of $6.56 billion and $12.01 billion respectively [13] - PPA has an expense ratio of 0.58% while ITA has an expense ratio of 0.38% [13]