Core Viewpoint - Despite recent declines in tech stocks, particularly in AI-related companies, experts advise long-term investors to remain calm and not panic-sell, especially regarding NVIDIA Corp [1][2] Group 1: Market Trends and ETF Performance - The recent decline in AI stocks is attributed to routine profit-taking rather than a fundamental issue within the AI sector, following a shift in expectations for a rate cut and negative sentiment from a prolonged U.S. government shutdown [2][4] - Major ETFs heavily invested in AI companies, such as Invesco QQQ Trust and Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund ETF, experienced significant drops, with QQQ down 5%, VGT down over 6%, SOXX down 8%, and SMH down more than 7% in the past week [3][4] - Equal-weight ETFs like Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares are considered safer options, as they reduce the impact of large-cap stocks and allow smaller AI-related companies to have more influence [5] Group 2: Investment Opportunities - The current market pullback presents opportunities in overlooked sectors, particularly in software and cybersecurity, which are seen as the "second wave" of AI investment [6][7] - Specific ETFs such as iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF, WisdomTree Cloud Computing Fund, and First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF are highlighted as potential investment avenues [7] - ServiceNow Inc, down about 20% this year, is identified as an attractive long-term option within the AI-related stock space [7] Group 3: Earnings and Market Resilience - Despite market fluctuations, earnings remain strong, with S&P 500 net margins reaching a 25-year high of 14.2% and 82% of companies exceeding EPS expectations, indicating robust earnings growth of 13.1% for the third quarter [8] Group 4: Upcoming Catalysts - NVIDIA's upcoming earnings report on November 19 is anticipated to be a critical factor in determining whether the current market turbulence will subside or worsen, particularly for ETFs heavily invested in NVIDIA [10]

Group 1 - The First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) is characterized as a higher risk investment due to growth concerns in the cybersecurity landscape [1] - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding macroeconomic trends, corporate earnings, and financial statement analysis for identifying investment opportunities [1] Group 2 - The analyst has over 20 years of experience in quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management, focusing on equity valuation and market trends [1] - The research approach combines rigorous risk management with a long-term perspective on value creation [1]

Market Overview - September is historically the worst month for U.S. stocks, with the S&P 500 retreating 56% of the time by an average of 1.17% since 1927 [1] - This September may differ due to a high probability of a Fed rate cut, which could support market strength despite seasonal weaknesses [2] Fed Rate Cut Probability - There is currently an 86.9% probability of a 25-basis point rate cut by the Fed in September, which could lead to a weaker dollar, falling bond yields, and rising stock prices [4] Earnings and Economic Outlook - The overall earnings picture remains stable as the Q2 earnings season concludes, with favorable earnings revisions trends noted for Q3 2025 and the last quarter of the year [5] - Despite concerns about a bubble in the AI sector, the boom continues, providing a positive backdrop for investors entering September [5] ETFs in Focus - Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) is highlighted as a strong buy, with modest increases in estimates for several sectors including Finance, Tech, and Energy since the start of Q3 [7] - ALPS OShares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF (OUSA) is ranked as a buy, focusing on large and mid-cap dividend-paying issuers, offering safety in economic downturns [9] - VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) is rated as hold, benefiting from decent inflation levels and retail sales momentum, particularly during back-to-school shopping [10] - VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has seen gold prices rise over 4% in the past month, driven by Fed rate cut hopes and increased central bank demand [11][12] - First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) is positioned well due to the shift towards cloud computing and heightened demand for cybersecurity solutions amid geopolitical tensions [13]