Approval of FIS Bright Portfolios Focused Equity ETF Reorganization [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationSCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FIS Bright Portfolios Focused Equity ETF (NYSE: BRIF) ("BRIF" or the "Fund") reconvened a special meeting of shareholders earlier today (the "Special Meeting"). At the Special Meeting, the Fund's shareholders were asked to approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization pursuant to which BRIF will be reorganized into FIS Trust, as approved by BRIF's Bo ...

Core Insights - The ETF industry is experiencing a record-breaking trajectory, with the upcoming Exchange conference set to be a significant event for the sector [1] - The conference will take place from March 15–18, 2026, at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas, serving as a key gathering for financial advisors and industry stakeholders [1] - The event will feature sessions on international diversification and digital assets, highlighting the evolving landscape of ETFs and cryptocurrency [1] Group 1: Conference Details - The Exchange conference is described as the definitive summit for the ETF ecosystem, bringing together advisors, data providers, issuers, and thought leaders [1] - Todd Sohn from Strategas Asset Management emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions at the event, which contrasts with the digital interactions prevalent in the industry [1] - The agenda includes the ETF Study Hall, where intensive due diligence sessions will be led by industry experts [1] Group 2: Key Sessions - A session titled "A Smarter Way to Invest Internationally" will be moderated by Todd Sohn, focusing on strategies like the Franklin International Dividend Multiplier ETF (XIDV) and the American Century Quality Diversified International ETF (QINT) [1] - Another session will address the incorporation of cryptocurrency products into investment portfolios, moderated by Nate Geraci, featuring insights from industry professionals [1] - The discussions aim to provide actionable data for advisors to manage client expectations and portfolio risks amid a volatile global market [1]

Core Viewpoint - The recent sharp decline in gold and silver prices is attributed more to liquidity issues and margin calls rather than a fundamental decrease in demand for these precious metals [1][2]. Group 1: Market Behavior - Spot gold experienced a drop of over 12% in a single session, while silver fell approximately 33%, marking one of the most significant selloffs in decades [1]. - The behavior of gold and silver ETFs during this period highlighted the breakdown of leverage and liquidity, affecting their pricing mechanisms [1][3]. Group 2: Volatility and Market Dynamics - David Miller, CIO at Catalyst Funds, emphasized that the volatility observed does not undermine the long-term bullish outlook for gold as a primary reserve asset, suggesting that historical corrections often present buying opportunities [2]. - The extreme volatility in silver was noted to be due to its dual role as both an industrial metal and a safe haven, leading to sharper sell-offs when growth expectations falter [4]. Group 3: Margin Requirements and Liquidation - The CME Group's increase in margin requirements for gold and silver futures intensified selling pressure, forcing traders to either post additional collateral or liquidate their positions, which further exacerbated ETF pricing dislocations [4]. - Mark Malek, CIO at Siebert Financial, pointed out that crowded trades can unwind without negative news, indicating that the recent rally in gold was both macro-driven and narrative-fueled, embedding significant risk [5]. Group 4: Long-Term Outlook - For ETF investors, the events of January 31 were characterized as a liquidity and leverage event rather than a collapse of gold's long-term investment case, suggesting that the narrative surrounding gold remains intact despite short-term volatility [5].

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Core Insights - Investors have shifted focus from large-cap tech stocks to international and value stocks, marking a significant change in portfolio strategy [2][4][6] Group 1: Market Performance Trends - In 2022, emerging markets outperformed the S&P 500 for the first time since 2020, indicating a growing interest in international stocks [2] - The trend of international stocks outperforming continues into 2026, suggesting a broader market rotation away from U.S. leadership [2][6] - Historically, market leadership between U.S. and international stocks runs in multiyear cycles, with the average cycle length being just over eight years since 1975 [4][5] Group 2: Historical Context - The U.S. has outperformed international stocks for the past 15 years, but recent performance indicates that international equities are overdue for a resurgence [5][6] - The last significant period of international stock leadership occurred from 2002 to 2010, while the current U.S. leadership has lasted since 2010 [5] Group 3: Future Outlook - Fundamentals and valuations may support a shift towards developed international stocks, with the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF identified as a strong investment choice to capitalize on this trend [7][8]

Core Insights - Latin American stocks have experienced a significant rally over the past 12 months, with the iShares Latin America 40 ETF (ILF) increasing by 64% year-over-year, outperforming other markets [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The iShares Latin America 40 ETF (ILF) has shown a remarkable performance, rising 64% from a year ago [1]

Core Viewpoint - FIS Bright Portfolios Focused Equity ETF (BRIF) is undergoing a reorganization into FIS Trust, pending shareholder approval, with a special meeting adjourned to February 19, 2026 for further voting [1]. Shareholder Voting Information - Shareholders as of November 20, 2025, are encouraged to vote in advance of the adjourned Special Meeting [2]. - Holders of record wishing to participate in the meeting can contact the Fund's proxy solicitor, Mediant, for credentials [3]. - Shareholders holding BRIF shares through intermediaries must obtain a legal proxy to participate and vote at the meeting [4]. Additional Meeting Details - All requests to participate in or vote at the adjourned Special Meeting must be submitted by 9 a.m. Mountain Standard Time on February 19, 2026 [4]. - Mediant is available for any questions regarding access to the adjourned Special Meeting [5]. Reorganization Information - The press release does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell shares of BRIF, and the solicitation for proxies will be made through a definitive proxy statement/prospectus [6]. - Detailed information regarding the interests of the Fund's trustees and officers can be found in the proxy statement/prospectus related to the reorganization [7]. - Shareholders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus for important information about the proposed reorganization [8].

Core Insights - The Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) utilizes a rules-based approach to allocate between eurozone equities and U.S. Treasury bills based on trend signals [1] Group 1: Portfolio Construction Methodology - The underlying index for PTEU is the FTSE Eurozone Index, which is a market-cap-weighted index of large- and mid-cap stocks from developed eurozone markets, reviewed semi-annually for investability [1] - The Trendpilot overlay assesses the FTSE Eurozone Total Return Index against its 200-day simple moving average daily [1] - If the total return index exceeds the 200-day average for five consecutive days, the allocation shifts to 100% FTSE Eurozone; conversely, if it falls below for five consecutive days, the allocation changes to a 50% FTSE Eurozone and 50% 3-Month U.S. Treasury bill mix [1] - A further condition triggers a move to 100% T-bills if the 200-day average itself drops below its level from five days prior after being in a 50/50 state [1] - Allocation changes are implemented on the second business day following a signal [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of passive income, particularly through dividends and dividend-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as effective investment strategies [1][2] Dividend Performance - Dividend-paying stocks have historically outperformed non-dividend payers, with dividend growers and initiators achieving an average annual total return of 10.24% from 1973 to 2024, compared to 4.31% for non-payers [3] - The average annual total return for dividend payers stands at 9.20%, while those with no change in dividend policy yield 6.75% [3] Dividend-Paying ETFs - The article lists 12 attractive dividend-paying ETFs, highlighting their yields and historical performance over various time frames [4][6] - For instance, the iShares Preferred & Income Securities ETF (PFF) has a yield of 6.37% with a 5-year average annual return of 2.05% [4] - The State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) offers a yield of 4.53% with a 5-year average annual return of 10.37% [4] Benefits of Dividends - Healthy dividend-paying stocks tend to increase their payouts over time, which helps investors keep pace with inflation [5] - Dividends provide a consistent income stream without the need to sell off portfolio assets, allowing for reinvestment opportunities [5] Investment Strategies - Investors can diversify their investments across multiple ETFs to balance yield and growth potential [8] - Specific ETFs are recommended based on sector outlooks, such as the Vanguard Energy ETF for those bullish on energy due to AI data center growth, and the Vanguard Real Estate ETF for real estate investments [8]

Core Insights - Vanguard is recognized as a leading ETF provider, credited with pioneering the exchange-traded fund concept, which has democratized passive investing for millions of Americans [1][3]. Group 1: Vanguard ETFs Overview - Vanguard offers a wide range of ETFs, with a focus on three specific funds that are currently recommended for investment [3]. - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is highlighted as a long-standing fund with assets under management exceeding $1 trillion, making it a significant player in the ETF market [4][5]. - VOO provides exposure to the S&P 500, which consists of the largest and highest-quality U.S. stocks, making it a preferred choice for both domestic and international investors seeking to capitalize on U.S. market growth [5][6]. Group 2: Investment Strategy and Performance - VOO's portfolio is heavily weighted towards mega-cap technology companies, but it also includes a diverse range of blue-chip stocks that can contribute to overall index performance [6]. - The Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is recommended as a complementary investment to VOO, offering exposure to developed markets outside the U.S. [7]. - VEA has outperformed VOO in 2025 amid policy uncertainties, indicating its potential value in a diversified investment strategy [8].