The third-quarter 2025 earnings season is about to kick off. This week’s quarterly reports from Pepsi (PEP) , Delta Airlines (DAL) , and two other S&P 500 members for their respective fiscal quarters ending in August will be considered as part of the September-quarter tally.We have already seen such fiscal August-quarter results from 19 S&P 500 members, including results from FedEx, General Mills, Oracle and others. Key banking earnings that are considered one of the inaugurators should start the season fro ...

Core Insights - The U.S. stock market appears calm with the VIX at around 16, but significant uncertainties remain [1][2] - Ongoing U.S. government shutdown risks and recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts create a complex market environment [2] - Risk-averse investors may prefer ETFs over individual stocks to mitigate potential losses from company-specific issues [3][4] ETF Advantages - ETFs provide instant diversification, spreading risk across multiple stocks, which helps moderate volatility [5] - They combine diversification with liquidity and transparency, allowing for quick adjustments to market conditions [5] - Sector-specific ETFs enable cautious investors to engage in market gains while limiting exposure to individual company risks [6] Attractive Sectors for Q4 - The Technology sector remains appealing for capital appreciation despite challenges from high interest rates [7] - The Utilities sector offers stability and reliable dividends, making it a classic defensive investment [8] - Financial stocks may benefit from rate cuts, potentially enhancing lending activity and net interest margins [8] Top ETFs to Consider - **Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK)**: Focuses on tech industries with top holdings in Nvidia (14.86%), Microsoft (12.57%), and Apple (12.33%); gained 22.4% year-to-date [10][11] - **Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU)**: Includes electric and water utilities with top holdings in NextEra Energy (11.58%) and The Southern Company (7.77%); surged 16.4% year-to-date [12][13] - **Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF)**: Covers financial services with top holdings in Berkshire Hathaway (11.92%), JP Morgan Chase (11.21%), and Visa (7.50%); increased 10.5% year-to-date [14]

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]

Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve has upgraded its U.S. economic growth outlook, expecting GDP to rise 1.6% in 2025, accelerating to 1.8% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027 [2] - The Fed's dovish stance has led to increased optimism on Wall Street, with strategists from Wells Fargo, Barclays, and Deutsche Bank raising their S&P 500 targets due to resilient earnings, the AI investment cycle, and the prospect of lower rates [3] Market Performance - The S&P 500 has gained about 3.40% so far in September, rebounding around 33% since early April [1] - The S&P Global US PMI Composite Output Index was at 54.6 in August, indicating solid U.S. growth despite a slight decrease from July's 55.1 [5] - Financials and technology sectors were highlighted as top performers in August, contributing to the recent gains in the S&P 500 [5] Sector ETFs - The Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has gained 13.73% over the past three months and 19.87% over the past year, with major allocations to Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple (AAPL) [7] - The Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) has gained 6.34% over the past three months and 19.81% over the past year, with significant exposure to JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) [8] - The Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF has gained 6.67% over the past three months and 17.23% over the past year, with RTX Corporation also included in its holdings [10] Health Care Sector - The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) has an asset base of $33.76 billion and charges an annual fee of 0.08%, with top allocations to Eli Lilly (LLY), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and AbbVie (ABBV) [11] - Despite a 10.55% decline over the past year, the Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF has gained 2.54% quarter to date and 0.27% month to date [10][12]

Core Insights - The Invesco KBW High Dividend Yield Financial ETF (KBWD) is a smart beta ETF launched on December 2, 2010, providing broad exposure to the Financials sector [1] - KBWD aims to match the performance of the KBW Nasdaq Financial Sector Dividend Yield Index, which includes 24 to 40 publicly listed financial companies in the US [5][6] - The ETF has an annual operating expense of 2.02% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 12.28% [7] Fund Overview - Managed by Invesco, KBWD has assets exceeding $430.92 million, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF in the Financials sector [5] - The fund's portfolio is entirely allocated to the Financials sector, with top holdings including Orchid Island Capital Inc (4.77%), Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc, and Dynex Capital Inc [8][9] Performance Metrics - As of September 10, 2025, KBWD has returned approximately 5.07% year-to-date and 5.82% over the past year, with a trading range between $12.37 and $15.76 in the last 52 weeks [11] - The fund has a beta of 1.15 and a standard deviation of 20.69% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [11] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the Financials sector include Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) with $12.89 billion in assets and Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) with $54.53 billion [13] - VFH has an expense ratio of 0.09% and XLF has 0.08%, presenting lower-cost options for investors [13]

Core Insights - The Fidelity MSCI Financials Index ETF (FNCL) is a passively managed ETF launched on October 21, 2013, designed to provide broad exposure to the financial sector of the equity market [1][3] - FNCL has amassed over $2.35 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Financials - Broad segment [3] - The ETF has a low expense ratio of 0.08% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.46% [4] Index Details - FNCL aims to match the performance of the MSCI USA IMI Financials Index before fees and expenses [3] - The MSCI USA IMI Financials 25/50 Index represents the performance of the financial sector in the U.S. equity market [3] Sector Exposure and Top Holdings - FNCL has a 100% allocation in the Financials sector, providing diversified exposure [5] - The top three holdings are Jpmorgan Chase + Co (8.82%), Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B), and Bank Of America Corp (BAC), with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 40.98% of total assets [6] Performance and Risk - FNCL has increased by about 11.49% year-to-date and approximately 22.65% over the past year as of September 10, 2025 [7] - The ETF has a beta of 1.03 and a standard deviation of 18.68% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [7] Alternatives - FNCL carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to the Financials ETFs area [8] - Other alternatives include Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) with $12.89 billion in assets and Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) with $54.53 billion in assets [9]

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]

Core Insights - The iShares U.S. Financial Services ETF (IYG) offers broad exposure to the Financials sector, appealing to both institutional and retail investors due to its low cost and transparency [1][2] - The ETF is sponsored by Blackrock and has assets exceeding $1.87 billion, aiming to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Financial Services Index [3] - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.39% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.06% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - IYG provides nearly 100% allocation in the Financials sector, ensuring diversified exposure [5] - The top holdings include Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class B (13.21%), Jpmorgan Chase & Co, and Visa Inc Class A, with the top 10 holdings comprising approximately 60.74% of total assets [6] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date return for IYG is approximately 12.55%, with a 12-month return of about 28.02% as of August 19, 2025 [7] - The ETF has a beta of 1.11 and a standard deviation of 19.77% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [7] Alternatives - IYG holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it is a strong option for investors seeking Financials exposure [8] - Other ETFs in the sector include Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) with $12.64 billion in assets and Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) with $52.46 billion, both having lower expense ratios of 0.09% and 0.08% respectively [9]

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 iShares U.S. Financials ETF (IYF) is a passively managed ETF launched on May 22, 2000, providing broad exposure to the Financials sector of the equity market [1][3] - The ETF has amassed over $3.97 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [3] - IYF seeks to match the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Financials Index before fees and expenses [3] Cost Structure - The annual operating expenses for IYF are 0.39%, which is competitive within its peer group [4] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.28% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - Approximately 99.5% of IYF's portfolio is allocated to the Financials sector [5] - The largest holding is Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class B (BRK.B), accounting for about 11.34% of total assets, followed by Jpmorgan Chase & Co (JPM) and Bank Of America Corp (BAC) [6] - The top 10 holdings represent about 46.81% of total assets under management [6] Performance Metrics - As of August 18, 2025, IYF has returned approximately 11.54% year-to-date and 24.28% over the past year [7] - The fund has traded between $99.23 and $124.47 in the past 52 weeks [7] - IYF has a beta of 1.01 and a standard deviation of 18.77% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [7] Alternatives - IYF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential based on expected returns, expense ratio, and momentum [8] - Other ETFs in the financial sector include Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) and Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF), with VFH having $12.63 billion in assets and XLF having $52.72 billion [9]