Group 1 - The article promotes iREIT on Alpha as a source for in-depth research on various income alternatives including REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, and ETFs [1] - It highlights the positive feedback from users, with 438 testimonials, most rated 5 stars, indicating high satisfaction with the service [1] Group 2 - The article includes a disclosure from the analyst stating a beneficial long position in several companies, which may influence the analysis presented [2] - It clarifies that the opinions expressed are those of the author and not influenced by compensation from any mentioned companies [2] Group 3 - Seeking Alpha emphasizes that past performance does not guarantee future results, indicating a cautionary stance on investment outcomes [3] - The platform notes that it does not provide personalized investment advice and that views expressed may not represent the entire organization [3]

Core Insights - The First Trust Financials AlphaDEX ETF (FXO) is a smart beta ETF launched on 05/08/2007, providing broad exposure to the Financials sector [1] - FXO aims to outperform traditional passive indices by utilizing the AlphaDEX screening methodology to select stocks from the Russell 1000 Index [6] Fund Overview - Managed by First Trust Advisors, FXO has accumulated over $2.25 billion in assets, positioning it among the larger ETFs in the Financials category [5] - The fund's annual operating expenses are 0.61%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.87% [7] Sector Exposure and Holdings - FXO has a significant allocation in the Financials sector, comprising approximately 99.7% of its portfolio [8] - The top holdings include Bank Ozk (1.68% of total assets), Invesco Ltd., and Interactive Brokers Group, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 16.07% of total assets [9] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, FXO has returned approximately 10.08%, and it has increased by about 21.33% over the last 12 months as of 08/25/2025 [11] - The fund has a beta of 1.02 and a standard deviation of 22.53% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [11] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the Financials space include Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) and Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF), with VFH having $12.88 billion in assets and XLF at $52.3 billion [13] - VFH and XLF have lower expense ratios of 0.09% and 0.08% respectively, making them attractive alternatives for cost-conscious investors [13]

Group 1: ETF Inflows and Performance - ETFs across various categories attracted $38 billion in capital last week, bringing year-to-date inflows to $730 billion [1] - U.S. equity ETFs led inflows with $13.3 billion, followed by fixed income ETFs at $10.6 billion and international ETFs at $8.8 billion [1] - Wall Street experienced its second consecutive week of gains, with the Dow Jones increasing by 1.7%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite Index rose by 0.9% and 0.8%, respectively [2] Group 2: Consumer Sentiment and Retail Sales - U.S. consumer sentiment declined in August, with the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index falling to 58.6 from 61.7, indicating renewed inflation concerns [3] - Retail sales increased by 0.5% in July, suggesting that consumer spending has stabilized after a significant drop earlier in the year [3] Group 3: Individual ETF Highlights - **Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)**: The top asset creator with $6.6 billion in inflows, tracking the Nasdaq 100 Index, has an AUM of $373.6 billion and charges 20 bps in annual fees [4] - **Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)**: Gathered $3 billion in inflows, tracking the S&P 500 Index with an AUM of $732 billion and charging 3 bps in annual fees [5] - **ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK)**: Accumulated $2.7 billion, focusing on companies benefiting from technological advancements, with an AUM of $10 billion and charging 75 bps in fees [6] - **iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA)**: Saw inflows of $2.2 billion, reflecting Ethereum's price performance, with an AUM of $15.9 billion and charging 25 bps in annual fees [7] - **Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT)**: Accumulated $1.6 billion, following the Bloomberg U.S. 5–10 Year Corporate Bond Index, with an AUM of $55.8 billion and an expense ratio of 0.03% [8][9]

Core Insights - The Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) debuted on June 7, 2017, and provides broad exposure to the emerging markets category of ETFs [1] - NUEM aims to match the performance of the TIAA ESG Emerging Markets Equity Index using a rules-based methodology focused on ESG criteria [6][5] Fund Overview - NUEM has accumulated assets of over $316.8 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF within the Broad Emerging Market ETFs category [5] - The ETF has annual operating expenses of 0.36% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.65% [7] Holdings and Sector Exposure - The top holding, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, constitutes approximately 11.62% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 28.58% of total assets [8][9] - The ETF holds around 187 securities, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [11] Performance Metrics - As of August 19, 2025, NUEM has gained roughly 18.26% year-to-date and 19.07% over the past year, with a trading range between $25.97 and $34.65 during the last 52 weeks [10] - The ETF has a beta of 0.59 and a standard deviation of 19.35% for the trailing three-year period [11] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the ESG space include Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU), with assets of $11.1 billion and $14.25 billion respectively [13] - Investors may consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs for potentially lower-cost and lower-risk options [13]

Core Insights - The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF (XLV) was the top performer among the 11 S&P 500 sector ETFs last week, increasing by 4.7%, marking its best week since October 2022 [1] Group 1 - The significant rise in XLV indicates a strong performance in the healthcare sector, suggesting potential investment opportunities [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC) is a passively managed ETF that provides broad exposure to the Technology sector, appealing to both retail and institutional investors due to its low costs and tax efficiency [1][3]. Group 1: ETF Overview - FTEC was launched on October 21, 2013, and has accumulated over $15.05 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Technology sector [3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology Index, which reflects the U.S. information technology sector [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - FTEC has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.08%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the market, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.43% [4]. - Year-to-date, FTEC has increased by approximately 12.84%, and over the last 12 months, it has risen by about 23.07% [7]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is heavily concentrated in the Information Technology sector, with about 99.9% of its portfolio allocated to this sector [5]. - Nvidia Corp (NVDA) constitutes around 17.21% of total assets, followed by Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and Apple Inc (AAPL), with the top 10 holdings making up about 59.54% of total assets [6]. Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - FTEC has a beta of 1.25 and a standard deviation of 24.87% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [7]. - The ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting strong expected returns based on various factors [8].

Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) is a passively managed fund designed to provide broad exposure to the financial sector, appealing to both institutional and retail investors due to its low costs and tax efficiency [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - VFH was launched on January 26, 2004, and has accumulated over $12.63 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the financial sector [3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Financials 25/50 Index, which measures investment returns in the financial sector [3]. Group 2: Cost Structure - VFH has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.09%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the ETF market [4]. - The fund offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.71% [4]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated to the financial sector, with approximately 100% of its portfolio dedicated to this area [5]. - Major holdings include Jpmorgan Chase & Co (9.6% of total assets), Berkshire Hathaway Inc, and Mastercard Inc [6]. Group 4: Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, VFH has returned approximately 9.53%, with a 12-month return of about 23.7% as of August 18, 2025 [7]. - The ETF has a beta of 1.01 and a standard deviation of 18.85% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [7]. Group 5: Alternatives - VFH holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it is a strong option for investors seeking exposure to the financial sector [8]. - Other alternatives include the iShares MSCI Europe Financials ETF (EUFN) and the Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF), with respective assets of $4.44 billion and $52.72 billion [9][10].

Core Insights - The Vanguard Russell 1000 Value ETF (VONV) is a passively managed ETF launched on September 22, 2010, with assets exceeding $13.28 billion, targeting the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market [1] - Large cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations above $10 billion, are considered more stable with predictable cash flows and lower volatility compared to mid and small cap companies [2] - Value stocks typically have lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, and while they have outperformed growth stocks in most markets over the long term, they may underperform during strong bull markets [3] Costs - The annual operating expenses for VONV are 0.07%, making it one of the least expensive ETFs in its category, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.91% [4] Sector Exposure and Top Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising approximately 22.8% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Healthcare [5] - Mktliq represents about 5.1% of total assets, with Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK/B) and Jpmorgan Chase & Co (JPM) also being notable holdings [6] Performance and Risk - VONV aims to replicate the performance of the Russell 1000 Value Index, with a year-to-date return of approximately 8.1% and a one-year return of about 11.18% as of August 18, 2025 [7] - The ETF has a beta of 0.88 and a standard deviation of 14.82% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile with around 880 holdings to diversify company-specific risk [8] Alternatives - VONV holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong potential based on expected returns, expense ratios, and momentum [9] - Other comparable ETFs include the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) with $71.11 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.06%, and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) with $141.73 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04% [10] Bottom-Line - Passively managed ETFs like VONV are gaining popularity among both institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [11]

Core Insights - The iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (IWR) is a passively managed fund launched on July 17, 2001, with over $43.61 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Mid Cap Blend segment of the US equity market [1] Group 1: Investment Characteristics - Mid cap companies, with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, offer a balance of stability and growth potential, generally exhibiting higher growth prospects and lower volatility compared to large and small cap companies [2] - The ETF has annual operating expenses of 0.19% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.29%, which is competitive within its peer group [3] Group 2: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF's largest sector allocation is to Industrials, comprising approximately 18.4% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [4] - Royal Caribbean Group Ltd (RCL) represents about 0.68% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 5.46% of total assets under management [5] Group 3: Performance Metrics - IWR aims to match the performance of the Russell MidCap Index, having gained roughly 7.39% year-to-date and approximately 15.44% over the past year as of August 15, 2025 [6] - The ETF has a beta of 1.03 and a standard deviation of 17.91% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile with effective diversification across 824 holdings [7] Group 4: Alternatives - The iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to the Mid Cap Blend market segment [8] - Alternatives include the Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) with $86.40 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.04%, and the iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) with $97.90 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.05% [9] Group 5: Conclusion - Passively managed ETFs like IWR are favored by both institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [10]

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P SmallCap Value with Momentum ETF (XSVM) is a passively managed fund that aims to provide broad exposure to the Small Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with assets totaling over $583.48 million [1] Group 1: Investment Characteristics - Small cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations below $2 billion, present higher potential returns but also increased risks [2] - Value stocks typically exhibit lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, along with lower sales and earnings growth rates, yet have historically outperformed growth stocks in most markets [2] Group 2: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expenses for XSVM are 0.36%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2% [3] - As of August 14, 2025, XSVM has gained approximately 3.96% year-to-date and 7.17% over the past year, with a trading range between $44.22 and $60.64 in the last 52 weeks [6] Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 50.4% of the portfolio, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Industrials [4] - Spartannash Co (SPTN) represents about 1.93% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 14.88% of total assets under management [5] Group 4: Risk and Alternatives - XSVM seeks to match the performance of the S&P 600 High Momentum Value Index, which includes securities with strong value characteristics from the Russell 2000 Index, and has a beta of 1.07 and a standard deviation of 22.6% over the trailing three years [6][7] - Alternatives to XSVM include the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and the Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [9]