Core Viewpoint - The iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF (IMCV) is a passively managed fund that aims to provide broad exposure to the Mid Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $727.04 million, making it an average-sized ETF in this category [1] Group 1: Fund Overview - Launched on June 28, 2004, IMCV is sponsored by Blackrock and focuses on mid-cap companies with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, which are seen as having higher growth prospects compared to large-cap companies while being less risky than small-cap firms [1][2] - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.06%, making it one of the least expensive options in its category, and it offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.5% [4] Group 2: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 19.8% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Utilities [5] - Capital One Financial Corp (COF) is the largest individual holding at approximately 2.41% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 12.21% of total assets under management [6] Group 3: Performance Metrics - IMCV aims to match the performance of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Broad Value Index, with a year-to-date return of approximately 5.32% and a one-year return of about 12.7% as of August 6, 2025 [7] - The ETF has a beta of 0.95 and a standard deviation of 16.7% over the trailing three-year period, indicating effective diversification with around 286 holdings [8] Group 4: Alternatives and Market Position - IMCV carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to the Mid Cap Value segment [10] - Other alternatives in the market include the iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) with $13.44 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.23%, and the Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) with $18.18 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.07% [11]

Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) offers broad exposure to the Industrials sector, appealing to both institutional and retail investors due to its low cost and transparency [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - VIS is a passively managed ETF launched on September 23, 2004, with assets exceeding $6.01 billion, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Industrials sector [3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Industrials 25/50 Index, which includes large, mid-size, and small U.S. companies in the industrials sector [3]. Group 2: Cost and Performance - The annual operating expense ratio for VIS is 0.09%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the market [4]. - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.11% [4]. - Year-to-date, VIS has increased by approximately 13.93% and has risen about 25.49% over the past year, with a trading range between $220.04 and $295.5 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 3: Holdings and Sector Exposure - The ETF has a heavy allocation in the Industrials sector, comprising about 99.9% of its portfolio [5]. - General Electric Co (GE) represents approximately 4.69% of total assets, followed by Rtx Corp (RTX) and Caterpillar Inc (CAT) [6]. Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - VIS has a beta of 1.11 and a standard deviation of 18.05% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [7]. - The ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting it is a strong option for investors seeking exposure to the Industrials segment [8]. - Other alternatives in the space include the First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR) and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI), with respective assets of $4.59 billion and $23.09 billion [9].

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF (RSPN) aims to provide broad exposure to the industrials sector through an equal-weighted strategy, which may offer potential advantages over traditional market-cap weighted ETFs [1][5]. Fund Overview - RSPN was launched on November 1, 2006, and is managed by Invesco, accumulating over $665.75 million in assets, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in the Industrials category [1][5]. - The fund seeks to match the performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials Index, which equally weights stocks in the industrials sector of the S&P 500 [5]. Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for RSPN are 0.40%, making it one of the more affordable options in the ETF space [6]. - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.92% [6]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - RSPN's portfolio is entirely allocated to the Industrials sector, with a heavy focus on diversification [7]. - Generac Holdings Inc (GNRC) constitutes approximately 1.45% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 13.72% of total assets under management [8]. Performance Metrics - As of August 6, 2025, RSPN has gained approximately 9.89% year-to-date and 21.97% over the past year [9]. - The ETF has traded between $43.34 and $56.33 in the past 52 weeks [9]. - RSPN has a beta of 1.09 and a standard deviation of 18.01% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a moderate level of risk [10]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the industrials space include the Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI), which have significantly larger asset bases of $6.01 billion and $23.09 billion, respectively [12]. - VIS has a lower expense ratio of 0.09%, while XLI charges 0.08%, making them potentially more cost-effective options for investors [12].

Market Overview - U.S. stocks experienced a significant rebound, with the S&P 500 rising 1.5%, the Dow Jones increasing by 1.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite Index gaining 1.9%, marking its best daily performance since May [1][2] - Strong earnings from major corporations, including Tyson Foods, and positive economic data contributed to increased investor confidence [2] Sector Performance - The technology sector was a major driver of the market rally, with NVIDIA rising 3.6%, Meta increasing by 3.5%, and Microsoft climbing 2.2% [2] - The tech-heavy Invesco QQQ ETF rose 1.8%, reflecting the strength of tech stocks [2] Economic Indicators - Weak job data has led to heightened speculation regarding a potential rate cut by the Federal Reserve, with the probability of a quarter-point rate cut in September increasing to 91.9% from 63.1% [3] - Trade tensions have resurfaced, with new tariffs announced by President Trump, which could lead to inflationary pressures [4] Investment Trends - The generative AI wave is driving growth in the tech sector, with significant investments in data centers and AI technologies [5] - Lower interest rates are expected to benefit high-growth tech stocks, which are sensitive to borrowing costs [6] E-commerce and Digital Transformation - The global digital shift is accelerating e-commerce across various sectors, including remote work and entertainment, bolstering the tech sector [7] - The rapid adoption of technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and blockchain is anticipated to continue fueling market rallies [7] ETF Highlights - VanEck Vectors Digital Transformation ETF (DAPP) rose 4.4%, focusing on companies involved in digital asset transformation, with an asset base of $274.3 million [9] - iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) increased by 4%, targeting companies in blockchain and crypto technologies, with an asset base of $50.6 million [10][11] - ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) gained 3.6%, investing in companies benefiting from advancements in automation and technology, with an asset base of $1.2 billion [12] - Global X Social Media Index ETF (SOCL) rose 3.5%, providing access to social media companies globally, with an asset base of $143.5 million [13]

Core Insights - The First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector ETF (QTEC) is a passively managed ETF launched on April 19, 2006, providing broad exposure to the Technology - Broad segment of the equity market [1] - QTEC has gained popularity among retail and institutional investors due to its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making it suitable for long-term investment [1] Fund Overview - Sponsored by First Trust Advisors, QTEC has over $2.68 billion in assets, positioning it as one of the larger ETFs in the Technology - Broad segment [3] - The ETF aims to match the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index, which is an equal-weighted index of technology securities from the NASDAQ-100 Index [3] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for QTEC are 0.55%, which is competitive with most peer products in the ETF space [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - QTEC has a significant allocation in the Information Technology sector, comprising approximately 87.5% of the portfolio, with Telecom and Consumer Discretionary as the next largest sectors [5] - Datadog, Inc. (class A) (DDOG) represents about 2.57% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 23.9% of total assets under management [6] Performance Metrics - As of August 5, 2025, QTEC has increased by about 13.02% year-to-date and approximately 22.55% over the past year [7] - The ETF has traded between $149.56 and $218.81 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.25 and a standard deviation of 28.23% over the trailing three-year period, indicating higher risk [7] Investment Alternatives - QTEC holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum [8] - Other notable ETFs in the technology sector include the Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) and the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT), with XLK having $83.43 billion in assets and VGT $97.70 billion [9]

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Discretionary ETF (RSPD) offers investors broad exposure to the consumer discretionary sector, utilizing a smart beta strategy that aims to outperform traditional market cap weighted indexes [1][3]. Fund Overview - RSPD was launched on November 1, 2006, and is managed by Invesco, with total assets exceeding $204.44 million, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF in the consumer discretionary space [1][5]. - The fund seeks to match the performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Discretionary Index, which equally weights stocks in the consumer discretionary sector [5]. Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for RSPD are 0.40%, which is competitive within its peer group [6]. - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.71% [6]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - RSPD is fully allocated to the consumer discretionary sector, representing 100% of its portfolio [7]. - The top holdings include Carnival Corp (2.33% of total assets), Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, and Nike Inc, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 21.73% of total assets [8]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, RSPD has increased by about 4.38% and has risen approximately 20.27% over the last 12 months as of August 5, 2025 [10]. - The fund has traded between $44.09 and $56.67 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.20 and a standard deviation of 20.72% over the trailing three-year period [10]. Alternatives - For investors seeking to outperform the consumer discretionary segment, alternatives such as the Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) are available, with VCR having $6.07 billion in assets and XLY $21.93 billion [12]. - VCR has a lower expense ratio of 0.09%, while XLY has an expense ratio of 0.08% [12].

Core Insights - The First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX ETF (FXR) offers broad exposure to the Industrials - Broad segment of the equity market, appealing to both retail and institutional investors due to its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [1][2] Fund Overview - FXR is a passively managed ETF launched on May 8, 2007, with assets exceeding $1.82 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [3] - The fund aims to match the performance of the StrataQuant Industrials Index, which uses the AlphaDEX screening methodology to select stocks from the Russell 1000 Index [4] Cost Structure - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.6%, which is competitive within its peer group, and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.7% [5] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Industrials sector, comprising approximately 70.8% of the portfolio, with Materials and Financials following [6] - Builders Firstsource, Inc. (BLDR) represents about 1.26% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 12.19% of total assets under management [7] Performance Metrics - As of August 4, 2025, FXR has increased by about 1.74% year-to-date and 6.97% over the past year, trading between $60.85 and $83.27 in the last 52 weeks [8] - The ETF has a beta of 1.15 and a standard deviation of 20.39% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [8] Alternatives - FXR holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Industrials ETFs area [9] - Other alternatives include the Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI), with VIS having $5.94 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.09%, while XLI has $22.66 billion and charges 0.08% [10]

Group 1 - The article discusses the investment strategies offered by Sensor Unlimited, focusing on high income and high growth through dynamic asset allocation [1][2] - Sensor Unlimited provides two model portfolios: one for short-term survival and withdrawal, and another for aggressive long-term growth [1] - The company emphasizes direct access for discussions, monthly updates on holdings, and tax discussions related to investments [1] Group 2 - Sensor Unlimited has a background in financial economics and has been covering the mortgage market, commercial market, and banking industry for the past decade [2] - The focus areas include asset allocation and ETFs related to the overall market, bonds, banking and financial sectors, and housing markets [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BATS:VUSB) is designed for investors seeking income with minimal duration risk, averaging around 0.9 years in duration despite its "Ultra-Short" label [1] Fund Characteristics - The ETF holds 1008 bonds with a yield to maturity of 4.7%, compared to a benchmark yield of 4.0% [1] - The average coupon rate for the fund is 4.2%, while the benchmark has a coupon rate of 0.0% [1] - The fund's total net assets as of June 30, 2025, are $5.4 billion [1] - The turnover rate for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, is 61.7% [1] Credit Quality - The credit quality of the bonds is generally good, with over 30% in BBB-rated bonds considered acceptable due to the short duration [5][8] - Only 0.5% of the portfolio consists of single B-rated bonds, indicating a low level of exposure to lower-rated credit risk [8] Liquidity and Expense - The ETF has a trading volume of 715,698 shares, translating to approximately $35 million, which is considered sufficient for tight bid-ask spreads [9] - The expense ratio is competitive at 0.10% [9] Market Context - The ETF's share price experienced volatility from late 2021 to early 2023, primarily driven by fluctuations in interest rates [2][4] - The current economic environment shows strong employment, but the Federal Reserve's focus on managing inflation could lead to potential rate increases [11][12] Investment Strategy - The ETF may not be the best choice for investors in high-tax states due to tax implications, making it more suitable for tax-advantaged accounts [7][15] - The current credit spreads are not appealing, leading to a preference for individual positions or short-term Treasury ETFs for cash management [15]

Core Insights - The SPDR NYSE Technology ETF (XNTK) is a smart beta ETF launched on September 25, 2000, designed to provide broad exposure to the Technology ETFs category [1] - The fund is managed by State Street Investment Management and has accumulated over $1.19 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Technology sector [5] - XNTK seeks to match the performance of the NYSE Technology Index, which consists of 35 leading U.S.-listed technology-related companies [5] Fund Characteristics - XNTK has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the ETF space [6] - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.33% [6] - The portfolio is heavily weighted towards the Information Technology sector, which represents 71.6% of the total assets [7] Holdings and Performance - Palantir Technologies Inc A (PLTR) constitutes about 5% of the fund's total assets, with Uber Technologies Inc (UBER) and Netflix Inc (NFLX) also among the top holdings [8] - The top 10 holdings account for approximately 34.69% of the total assets under management [8] - As of August 1, 2025, XNTK has returned roughly 17.45% year-to-date and 26.21% over the past year, with a trading range between $164.46 and $241.66 during the last 52 weeks [10] Alternatives and Market Position - XNTK is positioned as a strong option for investors looking to outperform the Technology ETFs segment [11] - Other notable ETFs in the space include the Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) and the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT), with XLK having $83.78 billion in assets and VGT at $98.19 billion [12]