Core Insights - The Franklin U.S. Large Cap Multifactor Index ETF (FLQL) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Blend segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $1.56 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs in this category [1] Group 1: Fund Overview - FLQL is a passively managed ETF launched on April 26, 2017, sponsored by Franklin Templeton Investments [1] - The fund targets companies with market capitalizations above $10 billion, typically offering more stability and reliable cash flows compared to mid and small cap companies [2] Group 2: Costs and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.15%, positioning it as one of the cheaper options in the market, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.16% [3] - FLQL has achieved a return of approximately 10.89% year-to-date and 18.52% over the past year, with a trading range between $50.10 and $64.69 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 34.40% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Telecom [4] - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) is the largest holding at approximately 6.42% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 34.29% of total assets under management [5] Group 4: Investment Strategy - FLQL aims to match the performance of the LibertyQ US Large Cap Equity Index, which seeks lower risk and higher risk-adjusted performance compared to the Russell 1000 Index through a multi-factor selection process [6] Group 5: Alternatives and Market Position - FLQL holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential based on expected returns, expense ratio, and momentum [9] - Other ETFs in the same space include the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), which have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [10]

Core Viewpoint - Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index ETF (VYM) has approximately $75 billion in assets, indicating its popularity among investors, but it may not be the best dividend ETF available [1] Group 1: ETF Overview - Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index ETF is an exchange-traded fund that pools investors' money for management [2] - The ETF aims to track the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, which includes companies with high dividend yields and a history of above-average dividend payments [4][5] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The FTSE High Dividend Yield Index identifies dividend-paying companies on U.S. exchanges and selects the top 50% with the highest yields [5] - The ETF holds around 580 stocks, providing wide diversification across dividend stocks [7] Group 3: Performance Metrics - The current dividend yield of the ETF is 2.6%, which is better than the S&P 500 index but lower than some other dividend-focused ETFs [8] - The expense ratio of the ETF is low at 0.06%, comparable to other higher-yielding dividend ETFs [8] Group 4: Selection Process Concerns - The ETF's selection process does not differentiate between well-managed and troubled companies, focusing solely on yield [9] - This could result in a portfolio that includes both high-quality and poor-performing companies [9] Group 5: Alternatives - Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is presented as a better alternative, offering a yield of approximately 3.8%, notable diversification, and a focus on financially strong companies, with a similar expense ratio of 0.06% [11]

Core Insights - The FlexShares International Quality Dividend ETF (IQDF) debuted on April 12, 2013, and provides broad exposure to the World ETFs category [1] - IQDF is managed by Flexshares and has accumulated over $766.5 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [5] - The fund aims to match the performance of the Northern Trust International Quality Dividend Index, focusing on high-quality, income-oriented international securities [6] Fund Characteristics - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.47%, positioning it as one of the cheaper options in the market [7] - IQDF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 6.09% [7] - The fund's top 10 holdings account for approximately 17.46% of its total assets, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd being the largest holding at 2.63% [8][9] Performance Metrics - As of July 25, 2025, IQDF has a return of approximately 23.19% and has increased by about 20.83% year-to-date [10] - The ETF has traded between $22.10 and $28.22 over the past 52 weeks [10] - IQDF has a beta of 0.74 and a standard deviation of 15.10% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [11] Alternatives and Market Position - IQDF is a viable option for investors looking to outperform the World ETFs segment, but there are alternatives such as the FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic ETF (IQDY) with an expense ratio of 0.45% [12] - Traditional market cap weighted ETFs are suggested for investors seeking lower-cost and lower-risk options [13]

Core Insights - The First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX ETF (FYX) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Small Cap Blend segment of the US equity market, with assets over $841.68 million [1] - Small cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations below $2 billion, present both potential and risk, typically combining growth and value stocks [2] Costs - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.61%, which is considered relatively high compared to other funds in the space [3] - It offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.21% [3] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 23.90% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Consumer Discretionary [4] - Sezzle Inc. (SEZL) is the largest individual holding at approximately 1.20% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 6.29% of total assets under management [5] Performance and Risk - FYX aims to match the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Core Index, having lost about -0.04% year-to-date and gained approximately 4.83% over the past year as of July 25, 2025 [6] - The ETF has a beta of 1.12 and a standard deviation of 22.18% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [7] Alternatives - FYX carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to the Small Cap Blend market [8] - Other comparable ETFs include the Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) with $65.51 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.05%, and the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) with $82.09 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.06% [9] Bottom-Line - Passively managed ETFs like FYX are favored by both institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [10]

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX ETF (FYC) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Small Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with a focus on growth stocks that have higher potential but also higher risks [1][2][3]. Fund Overview - Launched on April 19, 2011, FYC has accumulated assets exceeding $462.95 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [1]. - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.71%, which is considered high compared to other funds in the space [4]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising approximately 22.10% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Healthcare [5]. - Sezzle Inc. (SEZL) is the largest individual holding at about 2.86% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for roughly 12.34% of total assets under management [6]. Performance Metrics - FYC aims to match the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Growth Index, with a year-to-date return of approximately 4.59% and a one-year return of about 16.76% as of July 25, 2025 [7]. - The ETF has a beta of 1.16 and a standard deviation of 22.36% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [8]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include the iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO) with $11.90 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.24%, and the Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) with $19.60 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.07% [11]. Conclusion - FYC is a viable option for long-term investors seeking exposure to small-cap growth stocks, benefiting from low costs, transparency, and tax efficiency typical of passively managed ETFs [12].

Core Viewpoint - The TCW Transform 500 ETF (VOTE) is a passively managed ETF that aims to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Blend segment of the US equity market, with significant assets under management and low expense ratios [1][3]. Group 1: Fund Overview - The TCW Transform 500 ETF was launched on June 22, 2021, and has accumulated over $843.86 million in assets, positioning it as one of the larger ETFs in its category [1]. - The fund targets large cap companies, typically those with market capitalizations above $10 billion, which are known for their stability and predictable cash flows [2]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.05%, making it one of the least expensive options available [3]. - It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.10% [3]. - As of July 25, 2025, the ETF has gained approximately 9.19% year-to-date and 19.39% over the past year, with a trading range between $58.20 and $74.71 in the last 52 weeks [6]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Information Technology sector, comprising about 33.40% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [4]. - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) is the largest holding at approximately 6.87% of total assets, with Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and Apple Inc (AAPL) also among the top holdings [5]. - The top 10 holdings account for about 35.56% of total assets under management [5]. Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - The ETF seeks to match the performance of the Morningstar US Large Cap Select Index, which tracks the 500 largest US companies [6]. - It has a beta of 1.01 and a standard deviation of 16.99% over the trailing three-year period, indicating effective diversification of company-specific risk with around 509 holdings [7]. - The TCW Transform 500 ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it is a strong option for investors looking for exposure to the Large Cap Blend segment [8]. Group 5: Market Context - Other ETFs in the same space include the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), with assets of $653.02 billion and $701.38 billion respectively, and expense ratios of 0.09% and 0.03% [9]. - 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].

Core Insights - The Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares (QQQE) is a passively managed ETF launched on March 21, 2012, designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $1.26 billion [1] - Large cap companies typically have market capitalizations above $10 billion, characterized by stability and predictable cash flows, making them less volatile compared to mid and small cap companies [2] - Growth stocks, which QQQE primarily invests in, exhibit higher sales and earnings growth rates but also come with higher valuations and volatility [3] Costs - The annual operating expenses for QQQE are 0.35%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.60% [4] Sector Exposure and Top Holdings - QQQE has a significant allocation of approximately 40.10% to the Information Technology sector, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Telecom [5] - The top 10 holdings represent about 10.69% of total assets, with Datadog Inc - Class A (DDOG) accounting for around 1.16% of total assets [6] Performance and Risk - QQQE aims to match the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index, which includes 100 of the largest non-financial securities listed on NASDAQ [7] - The ETF has returned approximately 11.52% year-to-date and 12.01% over the past year, with a trading range between $76.98 and $99.91 in the last 52 weeks [8] - With a beta of 1.07 and a standard deviation of 19.85% over the trailing three-year period, QQQE is considered a medium risk investment [8] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ), with VUG having $179.21 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, while QQQ has $358.16 billion in assets and charges 0.20% [11] Bottom-Line - Passively managed ETFs like QQQE 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 [12]

Core Viewpoint - The Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF (FNDA) is a smart beta ETF designed to provide broad exposure to the Small Cap Value category, with a focus on fundamental characteristics for stock selection [1][3]. Fund Overview - FNDA was launched on August 13, 2013, and is managed by Charles Schwab, accumulating over $8.49 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [1][5]. - The fund aims to match the performance of the Russell RAFI US Small Co. Index, which evaluates small U.S. companies based on fundamental size and weight [5]. Cost Structure - FNDA has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.25%, positioning it as a cost-effective option in the ETF market [6]. - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 1.35% [6]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Industrials sector, comprising approximately 20.2% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [7]. - The top holdings include Verisign Inc (0.39% of total assets), Urban Outfitters Inc, and Woodward Inc, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 3.31% of total assets [8]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, FNDA has experienced a loss of approximately -0.42%, while it has gained about 2.37% over the last 12 months as of July 21, 2025 [10]. - The fund has traded between $23.85 and $32.42 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.09 and a standard deviation of 21.00% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the Small Cap Value space include iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR), with IWN having $10.95 billion in assets and VBR at $30.17 billion [12]. - IWN has an expense ratio of 0.24%, while VBR has a lower expense ratio of 0.07%, suggesting options for investors seeking lower-cost alternatives [12].

Core Viewpoint - 21Shares US LLC has filed a registration statement with the SEC for two new crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), marking a significant step in the regulatory engagement for cryptocurrency investment products in the U.S. [1][5] Group 1: Fund Details - The two funds are the 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF and the 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 ex-BTC Index ETF, designed to provide diversified exposure to the crypto market through dedicated indexes [2][8] - The 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF tracks a market cap-weighted index of the top ten largest crypto assets globally, dynamically adjusting to reflect the size and success of each asset [8] - The 21Shares FTSE Crypto 10 ex-BTC Index ETF tracks a separate index that excludes Bitcoin, focusing on cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks with real-world applications [8] Group 2: Regulatory and Tax Structure - These ETFs are the first crypto basket ETFs registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, offering a more familiar and tax-efficient vehicle for investors [2][3] - The funds qualify for Form 1099 tax reporting, simplifying tax obligations compared to the K-1 forms associated with other investment structures [3] Group 3: Company Background and Strategy - 21Shares AG, the sponsor of the ETFs, is a leading provider of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products, aiming to bridge traditional finance and decentralized finance [6] - The company has a seven-year track record of creating crypto ETFs and is backed by a specialized research team and proprietary technology [6] - The partnership with ETF Solutions by Teucrium supports the development and market entry of these products, highlighting a commitment to innovation in digital asset investing [4][6]

Core Viewpoint - The American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF (QGRO) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Growth category, utilizing a smart beta strategy to potentially outperform traditional market cap weighted indexes [1][5]. Fund Overview - QGRO was launched on September 10, 2018, and is sponsored by American Century Investments [1][5]. - The fund has accumulated over $1.75 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [5]. - It aims to match the performance of the American Century U.S. Quality Growth Index, which selects large and mid-cap U.S. companies with strong growth and quality fundamentals [5]. Cost Structure - QGRO has an annual operating expense of 0.29%, positioning it as one of the more affordable options in the smart beta ETF space [6]. - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 0.24% [6]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Information Technology sector, comprising approximately 36.2% of the portfolio [7]. - The top three sectors also include Industrials and Healthcare [7]. - Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG) is the largest individual holding at about 3.52% of total assets, followed by Meta Platforms Inc Class A (META) and Netflix Inc (NFLX) [8]. - The top 10 holdings account for around 27.32% of total assets under management [8]. Performance Metrics - As of July 17, 2025, QGRO has gained approximately 8.3% year-to-date and about 22.13% over the past year [10]. - The fund has traded between $80.24 and $109.93 in the last 52 weeks [10]. - QGRO has a beta of 1.10 and a standard deviation of 20.20% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a moderate level of risk [10]. - The fund holds about 189 securities, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [10]. Alternatives - While QGRO is a viable option for investors looking to outperform the Style Box - All Cap Growth segment, there are other ETFs available, such as iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) and iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) [11][12]. - ILCG has $2.8 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, while IUSG has $23.75 billion in assets with the same expense ratio [12].