Core Insights - The article compares two ETFs, Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) and iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF (IWY), highlighting their differences in diversification, sector allocation, expense ratios, and historical performance [4][5][8]. Group 1: ETF Overview - VONG offers broader diversification with 394 holdings and a sector allocation of 53% technology, 13% consumer cyclicals, and 13% communication services [1][4]. - IWY focuses on large-cap U.S. growth stocks with a pronounced technology emphasis, holding 66% in technology, 11% in consumer cyclicals, and 7% in healthcare, with only 110 holdings [2][4]. Group 2: Performance Metrics - Over the last five years, IWY has generated a total return of 118%, equating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.9%, while VONG has delivered a total return of 106% with a CAGR of 15.5% [7][8]. - IWY's top three holdings (Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft) make up 37% of its portfolio, indicating a higher concentration risk compared to VONG [7][8]. Group 3: Cost and Fees - VONG has a lower expense ratio of 0.07%, meaning investors pay $7 in fees for every $10,000 invested, while IWY has a higher expense ratio of 0.20% [6][8]. - The cost structure of VONG makes it more appealing for cost-conscious investors, while IWY may attract those seeking higher returns despite the higher fees [8].

By the ETF research team at State Street Global Advisors.Investment-grade credit was the darling of investors in 2020. Dramatically wider spreads to government bonds, following the March sell-off, coupled with a central bank backstop made IG credit an easy investment choice.However, the positive feelings toward the sector had largely played out by the end of the year. Rising US Treasury yields, the end to the Federal Reserve’s buying program, and little room for further spread compression meant that Q1 2021 ...

QQQ, by contrast, tracks the NASDAQ-100, which comprises over 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ. Its portfolio is dominated by technology (55%), communication services (17%), and consumer cyclical stocks (13%), with top positions in Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). This heavy tech tilt means QQQ is more growth-oriented and historically more volatile, but also has delivered higher long-term returns.DIA tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Averag ...

After three straight years of double-digit percentage growth from both the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500, the 1% to 2% yields being offered by the latter index on long-term dividend growers simply isn't attractive enough. Dividends have been such a small component of total returns lately that investors see it as a drag on risk-adjusted returns, not a helper.Not many tech stocks pay dividends, let alone have the dividend growth, quality, and high-yield characteristics that would qualify them for inclusion in the Sc ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's long-term investment approach, focusing on REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, which began in high school in 2011 [1] - The author has recently combined long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts, indicating a strategic evolution in investment tactics [1] Group 1 - The author expresses a fascination with markets and the economy that has persisted over the years [1] - The investment strategy is fundamentally driven, emphasizing a long-term perspective [1] - Coverage primarily includes REITs and financials, with occasional insights on ETFs and other stocks influenced by macroeconomic trends [1]

Join for a 100% Risk-Free trial and see if our proven method can help you too. You do not need to pay for the costly lessons from the market itself.I last analyzed the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHD ) on Dec 3, 2025, with an article entitled “SCHD ETF: 2025 Reconstitution Impact And 2026 Outlook”. The article placed an emphasis on its 2025 reconstitution, whichSensor Unlimited is an economist by training with a PhD, with a focus on financial economics. She is a quantitative modeler and for ...

Join for a 100% Risk-Free trial and see if our proven method can help you too. You do not need to pay for the costly lessons from the market itself.I last analyzed the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHD ) on Dec 3, 2025, with an article entitled “SCHD ETF: 2025 Reconstitution Impact And 2026 Outlook”. The article placed an emphasis on its 2025 reconstitution, whichSensor Unlimited is an economist by training with a PhD, with a focus on financial economics. She is a quantitative modeler and for ...

Core Viewpoint - The discussion centers around the performance of foreign equities in 2026, with contrasting views on whether they can replicate the strong returns seen in 2025. One analyst expresses skepticism about the sustainability of last year's gains, while the other remains optimistic about continued favorable conditions for international strategies [1][7]. Performance Metrics - The S&P World ex-U.S. Index achieved a 34.5% return as of January 9, 2026. Notable ETFs included the KraneShares Emerging Markets Consumer Technology Index ETF (KEMQ) with a 56.2% return, the Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) at 49.4%, and the VanEck Africa Index (AFK) with a remarkable 74.7% return in 2025 [3][4]. Market Conditions - The uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economy continues to drive investor interest in foreign equities. The U.S. job market showed weak performance, adding only 50,000 jobs in December 2025, which was below expectations and marked the lowest job growth in five years [9][10]. - Geopolitical risks are highlighted as a significant concern for foreign equities in 2026, with potential conflicts in regions like Venezuela and Ukraine posing threats to market stability [23][25][26]. Investment Opportunities - Diversification through international markets is emphasized, with both developed and emerging markets presenting strong opportunities. Investing in a mix of these markets can enhance portfolio diversification [11][19]. - The American Century Quality Diversified International ETF (QINT) is noted for its strategy of investing in large- and mid-cap stocks outside the U.S. with strong fundamentals, achieving a 38.02% return year-to-date as of December 31, 2025 [22][21]. Sector Analysis - The discussion includes a focus on sectors such as precious metals and technology, with a cautionary note on the sustainability of returns from mining-focused ETFs. The potential for growth in AI and defense sectors is also mentioned, driven by increased spending commitments from NATO members [12][18][17]. Regional Insights - Analysts express concerns about Europe's growth potential, citing slower earnings growth and structural challenges. The outlook for Asia, particularly India, is also cautious, with projections indicating a slowdown compared to 2025 [14][15]. - China's market is highlighted for its resilience and potential growth opportunities, particularly in the tech sector, with expectations for a new five-year plan to stimulate the economy [32][33].

Core Insights - The article discusses the performance and composition of several AI-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs), highlighting their recent underperformance compared to the S&P 500 and their potential for recovery [5][15]. Fund Composition - The Ark Next Generation ETF has a significant focus on technology stocks, which make up 42% of its holdings, along with communication services (23%), consumer cyclical stocks (17.8%), and financial services (16.4%) [1]. - The iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF has a heavy concentration of technology stocks (38.9%) and includes healthcare stocks (28.7%), with the top 10 holdings accounting for 33% of the fund's weight [9]. - The Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF has the highest weighting of technology stocks at 72.3%, with smaller allocations in communication services (20.1%) and consumer cyclical stocks (6%) [12]. Fund Performance - The Ark Next Generation ETF has a one-year return of 38.7%, while the Roundhill ETF has a return of nearly 50%, and the iShares ETF shows a one-year gain of 26.2% [3]. - Despite recent underperformance, these funds are expected to rebound, as their historical performance suggests that the current weakness is temporary [6][15]. Fund Management and Structure - The Ark Next Generation ETF, managed by Cathie Wood, has $2.1 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.76% [2]. - The iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF, managed by BlackRock, has an expense ratio of 0.46% and was created in March 2015 [8]. - The Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF, launched in May 2023, has total assets of $1 billion and an expense ratio of 0.75% [11][14].

Explore how dividend yield, sector balance, and portfolio strategy set these two S&P 500 ETFs apart for different investor needs.Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG 0.20%) and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP +0.00%) differ most in sector exposure, dividend yield, and return profile. VOOG concentrates on tech growth stocks, while RSP diversifies evenly across the S&P 500 and pays out more income.Both funds track S&P 500 companies, but VOOG focuses on growth stocks, with a heavy weighting toward technolog ...