Core Insights - The article compares two U.S. consumer staples sector ETFs: Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) and iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK), highlighting their differences in cost, holdings concentration, and sector focus, which may appeal to different investor types [1] Cost & Size Comparison - IYK has an expense ratio of 0.38% while FSTA has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% - As of January 25, 2026, IYK's one-year return is 8.52% compared to FSTA's 7.13% - IYK offers a dividend yield of 2.61%, slightly higher than FSTA's 2.19% [2] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, IYK experienced a maximum drawdown of 15.04%, while FSTA had a drawdown of 16.59% - An investment of $1,000 in IYK would have grown to $1,171, whereas the same investment in FSTA would have grown to $1,315 over five years [3] Holdings Composition - FSTA holds 97 stocks, focusing entirely on consumer staple companies, with top positions in Costco, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble, which together account for over 25% of the ETF's weight [4] - IYK is more concentrated with 58 stocks and allocates 10% of its holdings to healthcare, heavily relying on Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and Philip Morris International, which are the only stocks exceeding 10% weight [5] Investment Implications - Consumer staples are generally considered defensive assets during economic downturns, providing essential goods that maintain demand [6] - Both FSTA and IYK are designed to have lower risk and volatility compared to other ETFs, making them resilient during recession-like events [7] - FSTA emphasizes large retailers, while IYK focuses more on individual product brands, with IYK's healthcare allocation potentially less appealing to those seeking pure consumer staples [8]

1月26日，科创综指ETF国泰（589630）涨超1.8%，技术演进与产业链需求引关注 兴业证券指出，AI的创新带来市场结构性变化，数据的存取量持续扩大，存储器已成为AI基础架 构中不可或缺的关键资源。在有限产能下必须达成更多分配，带动报价不断上涨，预估2026年存储器产 业产值同比增长134%。AI浪潮带动算力需求爆发，服务器、AI芯片、光芯片、存储、PCB板等环节价 值量将大幅提升。同时，芯片设备制造商ASM International受中国订单反弹推动，2025年第四季度订单 量超出预期，国产设备先进工艺突破与验证持续推进；未来3年，"先进工艺扩产"将成为自主可控主 线。此外，CoWoS及HBM卡位AI产业趋势，先进封装重要性凸显。端侧AI潜力巨大，耳机和眼镜有望 成为端侧AI Agent的重要载体。持续看好被动元件、数字SoC、射频、存储、封测、面板为代表的上游 领域的复苏趋势。 科创综指ETF国泰（589630）跟踪的是科创综指（000680），单日涨跌幅限制达20%，该指数覆盖 了在上海证券交易所科创板上市的所有符合条件的股票，以反映科创板整体表现。指数成分股以科技创 新型企业为主，行业分布侧重于 ...

Sometimes, you just have to let it go. Leveraged exchange-traded products have been all the rage in recent months, with almost 60 new filings for funds that track companies like Google, Robinhood and Uber coming online in October alone. Total assets in leveraged US equity ETFs hit $125B as of Dec. 25, up from $106B at the end of 2024, according to Morningstar Direct. Across the pond, three of the top 10 most traded ETPs on the London Stock Exchange featured 3X leverage strategies, including the top traded ...

Core Insights - Caterpillar's stock surged last year, primarily due to its rebranding as an artificial intelligence (AI) play, which attracted investor interest and positioned the company for future growth in AI-related sectors [1][2] - The trend of companies benefiting from AI is expected to continue, with John Deere being highlighted as a similar case to Caterpillar, leveraging AI for crop optimization and autonomous driving in tractors [2][3] - Honeywell is also investing heavily in AI and quantum computing, applying these technologies in aviation and industrial automation, positioning itself as a leader in these sectors [3][4] Company Analysis - Intel, once a dominant player in the chip market, is facing challenges due to execution issues and has not met earnings expectations, despite having government backing and significant investments in chip technology [6][7] - The company has potential for linear growth if it can improve execution, but current guidance has not met market expectations, raising concerns about its performance in the AI data center space [7][8] - The emergence of new ETFs, such as the one launched by Defiance ETFs, reflects a shift towards sectors driven by innovation, including AI, semiconductors, and fintech, indicating strong retail interest in these areas [9][10][12] Market Trends - The fourth industrial revolution is driving a focus on innovation across various sectors, with retail investors increasingly interested in high-tech and next-generation companies [10][11] - The new ETF, symbol RKNG, includes a diverse range of stocks from AI software to semiconductor equipment, reflecting the sectors that retail investors are keen to monetize [12][14] - The ETF has been well-received in the market, indicating strong demand for growth-oriented investment opportunities in technology and innovation [15]

Core Insights - The Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (SCHB) provides broader market exposure with a technology emphasis, while the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) focuses on large-cap value stocks, offering higher yield and lower volatility, catering to different investor priorities [2][10] Cost & Size Comparison - VTV has an expense ratio of 0.04% and assets under management (AUM) of $217.8 billion, while SCHB has a lower expense ratio of 0.03% and AUM of $38.9 billion [4] - The one-year return for VTV is 15.3%, compared to SCHB's 16.9%, and VTV offers a higher dividend yield of 2.0% versus SCHB's 1.1% [4][5] Performance & Risk Metrics - Over five years, VTV has a maximum drawdown of 17.04%, while SCHB has a higher drawdown of 25.36% [6] - A $1,000 investment in VTV would grow to $1,622, while the same investment in SCHB would grow to $1,697 over five years [6] Holdings Composition - SCHB holds 2,401 stocks with a significant tilt towards technology (33%), followed by financial services (14%) and consumer cyclicals (11%), with top positions in Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [7] - VTV focuses on large-cap value with major sectors being financial services (23%), healthcare (15%), and industrials (17%), featuring top holdings in JPMorgan Chase, Berkshire Hathaway, and Exxon Mobil, which collectively represent about 8% of its net assets [8] Summary of Investment Characteristics - SCHB captures the entire U.S. equity market with a heavier technology focus, while VTV offers a higher dividend yield and lower volatility [10] - SCHB is more diversified with over 2,400 holdings, whereas VTV is larger in terms of assets under management [10]

Core Insights - The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) and abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) provide different exposures to precious metals, with GDX focusing on gold mining companies and PPLT offering direct exposure to platinum's spot price [2] Cost & Size - GDX has an expense ratio of 0.51% and assets under management (AUM) of $30.36 billion, while PPLT has a higher expense ratio of 0.60% and AUM of $3.52 billion [3] - The one-year return for GDX is 185.16%, compared to PPLT's 190.64% [3] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, GDX experienced a maximum drawdown of -46.52%, while PPLT had a lower maximum drawdown of -35.73% [5] - An investment of $1,000 in GDX would have grown to $2,587, whereas the same investment in PPLT would have grown to $2,133 over five years [5] Portfolio Composition - PPLT holds physical platinum, making it one of the older options in its niche with a 16-year track record [6] - GDX tracks an index of global gold mining companies, with top holdings including Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., Newmont Corp., and Barrick Mining Corp. [7] Dividend Yield - GDX offers an annual dividend yield of 0.59%, while PPLT currently provides no dividend yield [8][9] Market Context - Investing in precious metals is often viewed as a hedge against the U.S. dollar, with prices typically rising during economic uncertainty [10] - Platinum is estimated to be at least 10 times rarer than gold, which may contribute to its long-term value appreciation [10]

MIAMI, Jan. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Defiance ETFs today announced that the Defiance AI Power Infrastructure ETF (Nasdaq: AIPO) has surpassed $100 million in assets under management, marking a significant milestone for the first ETF focused exclusively on companies powering the artificial intelligence economy. Launched to provide targeted exposure to the infrastructure enabling AI adoption, AIPO invests in U.S.-listed companies involved in power generation, grid modernization, data center infrastructure ...

Core Insights - Fixed-income ETFs are gaining popularity among financial advisors as an alternative to traditional bonds, driven by their simplicity and efficiency [1][4][5] Group 1: Market Trends - Assets in taxable fixed-income ETFs have nearly doubled since 2020, reaching nearly $2 trillion by the end of September 2023, while tax-free fixed-income ETFs grew by 159% to a total of $165 billion [2] - Over 300 new fixed-income ETFs have been launched recently, with a total of 867 fixed-income ETFs available by the end of Q3 2025, including 739 taxable and 128 tax-free ETFs [3] Group 2: Advisor Sentiment - A majority of ETF issuers, 71%, believe that increased advisor familiarity with fixed-income ETFs will be the primary driver of fixed-income flows in the coming years [3] - Financial advisors find fixed-income ETFs appealing due to their simplicity compared to building and maintaining bond ladders, which are more time-intensive [4] Group 3: Investment Strategy - Fixed-income ETFs provide performance and risk exposure similar to directly held bond portfolios but in a more streamlined format, allowing for better diversification than individual bonds [5] - Bond ladders typically focus on higher-quality securities, which may limit diversification, whereas bond funds can invest across a wider range of credit qualities, potentially enhancing return opportunities [6] Group 4: Trading Dynamics - The "bid-ask spread" presents a challenge for advisors purchasing bonds directly, as retail traders often do not receive the same pricing advantages as large institutions due to traditional trading methods [7]

Market Volatility and Gold's Appeal - January has experienced significant market volatility, influenced by President Trump's tariffs on eight European nations, which may set a turbulent tone for the year ahead [1][4] - The CBOE Volatility Index has surged approximately 27% since last Monday and is up about 31% since the start of 2026, indicating heightened market uncertainty [2] Gold Price Performance - Gold prices have rallied significantly, increasing by 44.61% over the past six months and 79.93% over the past year, supported by solid fundamentals and a positive long-term outlook [3] - The demand for gold is being reinforced by increasing central bank purchases, ongoing economic uncertainty, expectations of further Federal Reserve rate cuts, and a weaker U.S. dollar [3][10] Geopolitical Tensions - Renewed transatlantic trade war rhetoric, particularly regarding President Trump's actions towards Greenland, has escalated geopolitical tensions, further driving demand for safe-haven assets like gold [4][7] - U.S. military actions in various regions and ongoing geopolitical flashpoints contribute to gold's safe-haven appeal [7] Investment Trends in Gold - In the week ending January 14, gold and precious metals commodity funds saw net inflows of $1.81 billion, marking the ninth week of net purchases in the last ten weeks [8] - A weaker U.S. dollar, which has fallen 0.75% over the past five days and 8.67% over the past year, typically increases demand for gold as it becomes more affordable for foreign buyers [9] Federal Reserve Influence - Anticipation of further Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026 is expected to support gold prices, as a weaker dollar becomes less attractive to foreign investors [10] - Concerns over the independence of the Federal Reserve, particularly in light of President Trump's actions, may also bolster gold's appeal [11] Investment Strategies - In the current volatile market, a long-term passive investment approach is recommended for gold exposure, allowing investors to remain resilient through market disruptions [12] - Suggested funds for increasing gold exposure include SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), iShares Gold Trust (IAU), and others [13][14] - Gold miners ETFs, such as VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) and Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM), provide access to the gold mining industry, which can magnify gains and losses [15]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. equities experienced a significant decline as investor sentiment weakened due to renewed trade tensions between the U.S. and Europe, with the CNN Business Fear & Greed Index dropping to 48.3 from 55.3, indicating a shift to a "Neutral" zone [1]. Group 1: Market Reaction to Trade Tensions - President Trump threatened additional tariffs of up to 10% on several European countries starting February 1, potentially increasing to 25% by June if negotiations over Greenland control fail [2]. - European officials warned of possible retaliation that could affect up to 25% of U.S. exports, including services, and mentioned the possibility of reducing U.S. Treasury holdings [2]. Group 2: Sector Performance and Investment Strategies - Most S&P 500 sectors closed lower, prompting investors to rotate into defensive sectors, particularly consumer staples, which were among the few to close higher [3][4]. - ETFs focused on consumer staples are gaining attention as they provide exposure to companies with stable demand during economic and geopolitical uncertainties [4]. - Minimum volatility ETFs are attracting interest as investors seek to reduce risk while remaining in equities, focusing on stocks with historically lower price fluctuations [5]. - Quality factor ETFs are in demand as concerns over tariffs and earnings sustainability rise, with investors prioritizing companies with strong balance sheets [6]. - Gold ETFs are seeing renewed interest due to escalating trade tensions and discussions about reducing U.S. Treasury exposure [7]. - Volatility ETFs are becoming popular among short-term traders due to choppy markets and sharp intraday swings [11]. - Dividend ETFs are gaining appeal as investors seek stability and income during risk-off phases, particularly as growth-oriented sectors underperform [12]. - Healthcare ETFs are drawing attention ahead of key earnings reports from major players, as the sector is viewed as a safe haven during market stress [13]. Group 3: Notable ETFs - Key ETFs in focus include: - Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLP) and Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (NYSE:VDC) for consumer staples [7]. - iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV) and Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (NYSE:SPLV) for minimum volatility [8]. - iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL) and Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (NYSE:SPHQ) for quality factors [9]. - SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE:GLD) and iShares Gold Trust (NYSE:IAU) for gold investments [14]. - Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:SCHD) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSE:VYM) for dividend strategies [16]. - Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLV) and Vanguard Health Care ETF (NYSE:VHT) for healthcare exposure [17].