Core Insights - The US exchange-traded fund (ETF) market has experienced significant growth, surpassing $12.7 trillion, but not all funds have benefited, with notable asset losses in some ETFs [2][4] ETF Market Overview - The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) have lost $31 billion and $9 billion in assets under management (AUM) year to date, respectively [2] - The decline in AUM is attributed to tariff concerns and the availability of cheaper alternatives [2][3] Investor Behavior - Investors are making tactical trades into other market segments, influenced by dollar weakness and political climate concerns [3] - Institutional investors are increasingly shifting towards lower-cost alternatives like State Street's SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG) and Vanguard's S&P 500 ETF (VOO), which have significantly lower expense ratios compared to SPY and IWM [4] Sector Performance - The energy sector, represented by State Street's Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), has seen massive outflows totaling $8.2 billion year to date, reflecting decreasing energy prices and a shift towards growth sectors [5] - Other ETFs with significant outflows include the iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) with $7.9 billion and the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) with $6.5 billion [6] Future Outlook - Despite current outflows, SPY is expected to remain a popular choice among institutional investors, particularly in the fourth quarter, due to its liquidity and status as a premium product [4]

Core Insights - The Global X U.S. Electrification ETF (ZAP) was launched on December 17, 2024, and aims to provide broad exposure to the Energy - Broad segment of the equity market [1] - The ETF has accumulated over $200.08 million in assets, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [3] - ZAP has gained approximately 23.55% this year, with a trading range between $22.7 and $29.823 since inception [7] Fund Details - ZAP is a passively managed ETF, which is gaining popularity among both institutional and retail investors due to its low cost, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [1] - The fund seeks to match the performance of the GLOBAL X U.S. ELECTRIFICATION INDEX, which tracks U.S. listed companies involved in electrification [3] - The annual operating expenses for ZAP are 0.5%, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.94% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Utilities sector, comprising about 76.2% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials [5] - Vistra Corp. (VST) is the largest holding at approximately 6.23% of total assets, with Constellation Energy (CEG) and Quanta Services Inc (PWR) also among the top holdings [6] - The top 10 holdings account for about 43.46% of total assets under management [6] Performance and Alternatives - ZAP has a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating favorable expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum [8] - Other alternatives in the energy ETF space include the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), with VDE having $7.23 billion in assets and XLE $26.66 billion [9]

Market Performance - The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones have reached all-time highs in 2025, with gains of approximately 12.5%, 16.1%, and 8.4% respectively as of September 25, 2025 [1] - Historically, the fourth quarter has been the best for the stock market, with the Dow Jones, S&P, and Nasdaq posting gains of 4.3%, 3.6%, and 4.7% respectively over the past three decades [2] Economic Indicators - The U.S. economy grew at a robust 3.8% pace in Q2 2025, driven by stronger consumer spending, marking an upward revision from a previously reported 3.3% growth [3] - Consumer spending rose by 2.5% in Q2 2025, significantly up from 0.6% in Q1, indicating a strong consumer spending pattern heading into the holiday season [4][5] Investment Trends - Significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) continue, with NVIDIA announcing plans for investments worth up to $100 billion in OpenAI and a $5 billion investment in Intel [6][7] - The AI sector is expected to drive Wall Street performance in the coming months due to ongoing mega-deals [7] Earnings Outlook - The overall trend for S&P 500 earnings estimates remains positive, with Q3 2025 earnings expected to rise by 5.2% year-over-year, supported by a 6.0% increase in revenues [9] Sector Analysis - Small-cap stocks are gaining momentum due to Fed rate cut hopes and a positive GDP outlook, making the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) a favorable investment [12] - The Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) is positioned well due to anticipated increases in long-term yields and favorable earnings revisions [13] - The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) is expected to benefit from the holiday season, with retail sales projected to increase by 2.9% to 3.4% in 2025 [14] - The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is gaining momentum due to the AI boom and expected higher heating demand in winter months [15]

Core Insights - The iShares U.S. Energy ETF (IYE) is a passively managed ETF launched on June 12, 2000, designed to provide broad exposure to the Energy - Broad segment of the equity market [1] - The ETF has amassed over $1.15 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Energy sector [3] - The ETF has a low expense ratio of 0.39% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.84% [4] Index and Performance - IYE seeks to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Oil & Gas Index and has a beta of 0.81, indicating lower volatility compared to the market [3][7] - The ETF has gained approximately 0.86% year-to-date but is down about 2.27% over the past year, with a trading range between $40.36 and $51.38 in the last 52 weeks [7] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a heavy allocation in the Energy sector, with about 98.5% of its portfolio dedicated to this sector [5] - Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) is the largest holding, accounting for approximately 22.39% of total assets, followed by Chevron Corp (CVX) and Conocophillips (COP) [6] Alternatives and Comparisons - The iShares U.S. Energy ETF carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a sufficient option for investors seeking exposure to the Energy ETFs area [8] - Other alternatives include the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), with VDE having $6.98 billion in assets and XLE having $26.13 billion [9]

Core Insights - The Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) is a passively managed fund launched on September 23, 2004, providing long-term investors with a low-cost, transparent, and tax-efficient investment vehicle in the energy sector [1][3]. Fund Overview - VDE has over $6.98 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Energy - Broad segment [3]. - The fund aims to match the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index, which includes large, mid-size, and small U.S. companies in the energy sector [3]. Cost Structure - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.09%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the market [4]. - It offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.28% [4]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - VDE is heavily concentrated in the energy sector, with approximately 99.9% of its portfolio allocated to this sector [5]. - The largest holding is Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM), which constitutes about 22.62% of total assets, followed by Chevron Corp (CVX) and Conocophillips (COP) [6]. Performance Metrics - As of August 13, 2025, VDE has experienced a year-to-date loss of about 0.28% and a decline of approximately 1.99% over the past year [7]. - The fund has traded between $105.87 and $136.78 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.80 and a standard deviation of 24.23% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [7]. Alternatives - VDE holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to energy ETFs [8]. - Other alternatives include the iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), with assets of $1.76 billion and $26.34 billion respectively [9].

Core Viewpoint - The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is a leading option for investors seeking broad exposure to the Energy sector, characterized by its low cost, transparency, and tax efficiency [1][4]. Group 1: ETF Overview - XLE is a passively managed ETF launched on December 16, 1998, and has accumulated over $26.4 billion in assets, making it the largest ETF in the Energy - Broad segment [1][3]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the Energy Select Sector Index, which includes companies in oil, gas, consumable fuels, and energy equipment & services [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - XLE has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.08%, making it the least expensive option in its category, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.37% [4]. - As of August 11, 2025, the ETF has seen a year-to-date increase of approximately 0.82% but is down about 1.59% over the past year, trading between $76.44 and $97.27 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated to the Energy sector, with Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) representing about 23.24% of total assets, followed by Chevron Corp (CVX) and Conocophillips (COP) [5][6]. - The top 10 holdings constitute approximately 73.31% of total assets under management, indicating a concentrated exposure [6]. Group 4: Alternatives and Rankings - XLE holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong expected returns based on various factors including expense ratio and momentum [8]. - Other alternatives in the energy ETF space include iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE), with assets of $1.76 billion and $6.97 billion respectively [9].

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Energy ETF (RSPG) offers a unique investment opportunity in the energy sector by utilizing an equal-weighting strategy, which aims to provide better risk-return performance compared to traditional market cap weighted ETFs [1][5][3]. Fund Overview - RSPG debuted on November 1, 2006, and has accumulated over $430.95 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Energy category [1][5]. - The fund seeks to match the performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Energy Plus Index, which equally weights stocks in the energy sector [5]. Cost and Expenses - RSPG has annual operating expenses of 0.40%, positioning it as one of the cheaper options in the ETF space [6]. - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 2.62% [6]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - RSPG is fully allocated to the Energy sector, with approximately 100% of its portfolio dedicated to this area [7]. - Valero Energy Corp (VLO) constitutes about 4.86% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up approximately 46.8% of the fund's total assets [8]. Performance Metrics - As of July 25, 2025, RSPG has gained roughly 1.44% year-to-date but is down about -1.67% over the past year [9]. - The fund has traded between $65.43 and $86.09 in the last 52 weeks [9]. - RSPG has a beta of 0.87 and a standard deviation of 23.06% over the trailing three-year period, indicating more concentrated exposure than its peers [10]. Alternatives - While RSPG is a viable option for investors looking to outperform the Energy ETFs segment, alternatives such as the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) are also available [11][12]. - VDE has $7.22 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.09%, while XLE has $27.74 billion in assets with an expense ratio of 0.08% [12].

Core Insights - The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Energy ETF (RSPG) is a passively managed ETF launched on November 1, 2006, aimed at providing broad exposure to the Energy - Broad segment of the equity market [1] - The Energy - Broad sector is currently ranked 16th among the 16 Zacks sectors, placing it in the bottom 0% [2] Fund Overview - RSPG has over $428.33 million in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Energy - Broad segment [3] - The ETF seeks to match the performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Energy Plus Index, which equally weights stocks in the energy sector of the S&P 500 Index [3] Cost Structure - The annual operating expense ratio for RSPG is 0.40%, positioning it as one of the cheaper options in the ETF space [4] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.64% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - RSPG has a 100% allocation in the Energy sector, providing concentrated exposure [5] - Valero Energy Corp (VLO) constitutes approximately 4.86% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 46.80% of total assets under management [6] Performance Metrics - As of July 24, 2025, RSPG has gained about 0.82% year-to-date but is down approximately -2.93% over the past year [7] - The ETF has traded between $65.43 and $86.09 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.87 and a standard deviation of 23.08% over the trailing three-year period [7] Alternatives - RSPG carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to Energy ETFs [8] - Other alternatives include the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) with $7.15 billion in assets and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) with $27.57 billion in assets, both of which have lower expense ratios [9]

Core Insights - The Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF (FENY) is a passively managed ETF launched on 10/21/2013, designed to provide broad exposure to the Energy sector of the equity market [1] - FENY has amassed over $1.35 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Energy sector [3] - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.08%, making it the least expensive product in its category, with a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.31% [4] Index and Performance - FENY seeks to match the performance of the MSCI USA IMI Energy Index, which represents the U.S. energy sector [3] - The ETF has returned approximately 0.07% year-to-date and is down about -4.96% over the past year, with a trading range between $20.83 and $26.91 in the last 52 weeks [7] - The fund has a beta of 0.77 and a standard deviation of 24.77% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a high-risk profile [7] Holdings and Sector Exposure - FENY has a heavy allocation in the Energy sector, with about 99.90% of its portfolio dedicated to this sector [5] - The top three holdings include Exxon Mobil Corp (22.92%), Chevron Corp, and Conocophillips, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 64.27% of total assets [6] Alternatives and Market Position - FENY carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to Energy ETFs [8] - Other alternatives in the market include the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) with $7 billion in assets and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) with $26.99 billion in assets, both of which have competitive expense ratios [9]

Core Insights - The First Trust Energy AlphaDEX ETF (FXN) is a smart beta ETF that provides broad exposure to the Energy sector, having debuted on May 8, 2007 [1] - The ETF industry has been traditionally dominated by market capitalization weighted indexes, but smart beta strategies aim to outperform through stock selection based on fundamental characteristics [2][3] - FXN is sponsored by First Trust Advisors and has assets totaling approximately $278.76 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in the Energy category [5] Fund Structure and Strategy - FXN seeks to match the performance of the StrataQuant Energy Index, which is a modified equal-dollar weighted index designed to identify stocks from the Russell 1000 Index that may generate positive alpha [6] - The fund has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.61% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.92%, which is competitive within its peer group [7] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The fund has a significant allocation to the Energy sector, representing 93.5% of its portfolio [8] - First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) is the largest holding at approximately 5.8%, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 41.17% of total assets [9] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, FXN has experienced a loss of approximately -3.71%, and over the last 12 months, it is down about -14.12% as of July 18, 2025 [11] - The fund has a beta of 0.90 and a standard deviation of 28.29% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile compared to peers [11] Alternatives in the Market - For investors seeking to outperform the Energy ETFs segment, alternatives such as the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) are available, with VDE having $7.15 billion in assets and XLE at $27.57 billion [13] - VDE and XLE have lower expense ratios of 0.09% and 0.08% respectively, making them more attractive options for cost-conscious investors [13]