Core Insights - Market-cap weighted indexes are highly concentrated, leading to a lack of diversification for investors [2][5] - The rise of equal-weight ETFs aims to provide investors with better exposure beyond major companies [2] - VanEck is developing sector ETFs to navigate concentration limits while complying with federal regulations [2][4] Company Developments - VanEck launched its first two TruSector ETFs in August, focusing on technology and consumer discretionary sectors [3] - A third ETF for communication services is in testing, with potential launch depending on demand [3][4] - The TruSector ETFs invest in individual stocks and other ETFs, adhering to Registered Investment Company weight limits [4] Sector Allocations - The VanEck Technology TruSector ETF (TRUT) has significant allocations: 16% in Nvidia, 14% in Microsoft, 13% in Apple, and 44% in the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLKI) [4] - The Consumer Discretionary TruSector ETF (TRUD) allocates 20% to Amazon, 6% to Tesla, and 71% to the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) [6] - VanEck filed for additional ETFs covering sectors such as energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, real estate, and utilities [6]

Core Insights - The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) is outperforming the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP), indicating strong consumer spending power after basic needs are met [1][2] - The XLY's relative strength has reached above 1.20, the highest since the beginning of the year, suggesting healthy consumer strength [2] - Historical data shows that when the XLY/XLP relative strength exceeds 1.20, it has led to varying stock performance, with short-term returns generally being negative but longer-term returns showing more promise [4][5] Consumer Discretionary vs. Consumer Staples - The XLY includes major holdings like Amazon, Tesla, Home Depot, and Booking Holdings, which thrive on discretionary spending [1] - The XLP consists of essential goods providers such as Walmart, Costco, Procter & Gamble, and Coca-Cola, focusing on necessities [1] - The performance of XLY stocks has been better than XLP stocks following signals of relative strength [10] Historical Performance Analysis - In the short term, the S&P 500 averaged a loss of 0.82% over the next month after XLY/XLP signals, with only 33% of returns positive [5] - Over three months, the S&P 500 gained an average of 0.44%, with 44% of returns positive, compared to a typical return of 1.82% [5] - Longer-term returns (6-month and 12-month) show average returns of 3.52% and 10.82% respectively, indicating a more favorable outlook [5] Individual Signal Performance - The last five signals have resulted in positive S&P 500 returns every time over the next year, with a minimum return of 11.8% and an average of 26% [7] - Historical data from 1999 shows that the average returns for the XLY after signals are generally higher than those for the XLP [10] Returns After Signals - XLY returns after signals show an average of 0.66% for 1-month, 0.41% for 3-month, 4.15% for 6-month, and 15.42% for 12-month periods [11] - XLP returns after signals indicate an average of -0.48% for 1-month, -1.39% for 3-month, 2.16% for 6-month, and 8.95% for 12-month periods [12]

Economic Outlook - U.S. consumer sentiment reached a five-month high in July, with the Consumer Sentiment Index increasing to 61.8 from 60.7 in June, indicating growing optimism about the economy [3] - Rising consumer sentiment is expected to positively influence household spending, particularly benefiting the consumer discretionary sector [1][3] Inflation Expectations - A significant factor contributing to improved consumer sentiment is the decline in inflation expectations, with consumers now anticipating a 4.4% price increase over the next year, down from 5% in June, marking the lowest short-term inflation outlook since February [4] - Long-term inflation expectations also decreased to 3.6%, the lowest in five months [4] Consumer Caution - Despite the positive sentiment, consumers remain cautious regarding business conditions, labor markets, and personal income prospects compared to the previous year [5] - The recent increase in sentiment suggests that consumers believe the risk of worst-case scenarios has diminished [5] Investment Opportunities in ETFs - Investors can capitalize on the positive consumer sentiment trend through consumer discretionary ETFs, including: - **Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY)**: Holds 51 securities with significant allocations in hotels, restaurants, leisure, and retail, boasting an AUM of $22.3 billion and an expense ratio of 0.08% [2][5] - **Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR)**: Comprises 296 stocks, primarily in broadline retail and automobiles, with an asset base of $6 billion and low fees of 9 bps [2][6] - **Invesco Dorsey Wright Consumer Cyclicals Momentum ETF (PEZ)**: Focuses on 37 stocks showing momentum, with an asset base of $30.6 million and annual fees of 60 bps [2][7] - **VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH)**: Tracks the performance of 26 large retail firms, with an asset base of $244.1 million and annual fees of 35 bps [2][8]

Core Insights - Amazon has launched its longest-ever Prime Day event, expanding from 48 to 96 hours, running from July 8 to 11, with expectations of significant online spending [1][2] - U.S. online sales during this event are projected to reach a record $23.8 billion, marking a 28.4% year-over-year increase [2] - The event's spending is anticipated to be equivalent to the combined online spending of two Black Fridays [2] E-commerce Trends - Amazon is offering millions of discounts across various product categories, with daily deal drops to encourage frequent consumer engagement [4] - Mobile shopping is expected to account for $12.5 billion, or 52.5% of total sales, highlighting the importance of mobile channels for impulse purchases [5] - Discounts across categories are expected to match last year's levels, with apparel at 24%, electronics at 22%, and other categories following [6] Technological Innovations - The use of generative AI-powered shopping assistants and chatbots is expected to increase, with traffic from AI sources projected to surge by 3,200% compared to last year [7] - The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) option is forecasted to rise to 8% of overall online sales during the event, up from 7.6% in 2024 [8] Investment Opportunities - Investors can consider ETFs with significant allocations to Amazon, including ProShares Online Retail ETF (24.5% allocation), Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (24.2%), and others [3][9][10][11][12][13] - ProShares Online Retail ETF has an asset base of $78.3 million, while Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF has $1.8 billion [9][10] - Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF holds a 22.8% allocation to Amazon and has an asset base of $6.1 billion [11]

Core Insights - Amazon reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter 2025 results, surpassing earnings and revenue estimates but provided a cautious second-quarter operating income guidance due to tariff uncertainties [1][3][6] Financial Performance - Earnings per share reached $1.59, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.35 and up from 98 cents a year ago [3] - Revenues grew 10% year over year to $155.7 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $154.56 billion [3] - Amazon's advertising business was the fastest-growing division, with ad revenues increasing 19% year over year to $13.9 billion [4] - Online store sales grew 6% to $57.41 billion, while Amazon Web Services (AWS) revenues soared 17% year over year to $29.3 billion [4] Future Outlook - For the second quarter of 2025, Amazon expects revenues in the range of $159-$164 billion, with a consensus estimate of $160.46 billion [6] - Operating income is projected to be between $13 billion and $17.5 billion, with a cautious outlook due to uncertain consumer demand influenced by tariff policies [6] Investment Focus - Several ETFs with significant allocations to Amazon include: - ProShares Online Retail ETF (ONLN) with 23.9% allocation to Amazon and $66.3 million in assets [7] - Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (FDIS) with 22.2% allocation and $1.7 billion in assets [8] - Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) with 22% allocation and $5.3 billion in assets [9] - Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) with 21.9% allocation and nearly $19.5 billion in assets [11] - VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH) with 18.1% allocation and $235.9 million in assets [12]