Core Viewpoint - The First Trust SMID Cap Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (SDVY) offers investors exposure to mid-cap value stocks with a focus on companies that have a history of increasing dividends [1][5][6]. Fund Overview - SDVY was launched on November 1, 2017, and is managed by First Trust Advisors, accumulating over $8.73 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [1][5]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the NASDAQ US Small Mid Cap Rising Dividend Achievers Index, which includes 100 small and mid-cap companies known for raising dividends [5][6]. Cost and Expenses - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.59%, which is considered high compared to other funds in the space [7]. - It offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.96% [7]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Industrials sector, comprising approximately 31.3% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [8]. - The top three holdings include Woodward, Inc. (1.11% of total assets), Comfort Systems USA, Inc., and Northern Trust Corporation, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 10.12% of total assets [9]. Performance Metrics - As of August 14, 2025, SDVY has increased by approximately 6.47% year-to-date and 12.98% over the past year [11]. - The ETF has traded between $29.52 and $40.33 in the past 52 weeks and has a beta of 1.11 with a standard deviation of 21.35% over the trailing three-year period [11]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the mid-cap value space include iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE), with IWS having $13.8 billion in assets and VOE $18.65 billion [12][13]. - IWS has a lower expense ratio of 0.23%, while VOE has an expense ratio of 0.07%, making them potentially more attractive options for cost-conscious investors [13].

Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) is a leading option for investors seeking exposure to the Mid Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with significant assets and low expense ratios [1][4]. Group 1: Fund Overview - The Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF was launched on August 17, 2006, and has accumulated over $18.38 billion in assets, making it the largest ETF in its category [1]. - The ETF is passively managed and aims to replicate the performance of the CRSP U.S. Mid Cap Value Index, which focuses on mid-capitalization value stocks [7]. Group 2: Investment Characteristics - Mid-cap companies, with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, are perceived to have higher growth potential than large-cap companies while being less risky than small-cap firms, providing a balance of growth and stability [2]. - Value stocks, characterized by lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, have historically outperformed growth stocks in long-term performance, although growth stocks may excel in strong bull markets [3]. Group 3: Cost and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.07%, making it one of the least expensive options available, and it offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.19% [4]. - As of July 29, 2025, the ETF has gained approximately 5.91% year-to-date and 9.57% over the past year, with a trading range between $141.87 and $176.18 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 17.40% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Utilities [5]. - The top holding, Arthur J Gallagher & Co (AJG), represents approximately 1.69% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 5.53% of total assets under management [6]. Group 5: Risk Profile - The ETF has a beta of 0.92 and a standard deviation of 15.98% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile with effective diversification across 191 holdings [8]. Group 6: Alternatives - Other ETFs in the Mid Cap Value space include the First Trust SMID Cap Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (SDVY) and the iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS), with respective assets of $8.46 billion and $13.61 billion [10].

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust SMID Cap Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (SDVY) is a significant player in the Mid Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with over $8.30 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in this category [1]. Group 1: Mid Cap Value Characteristics - Mid cap companies, with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, typically offer higher growth prospects than large cap companies while being less volatile than small cap companies, providing a stable and growth-oriented investment [2]. - Value stocks are characterized by lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, but they also exhibit lower sales and earnings growth rates compared to growth stocks. Historically, value stocks have outperformed growth stocks in nearly all markets, although growth stocks tend to perform better in strong bull markets [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expenses for SDVY are 0.59%, which is relatively high compared to other ETFs in the space. The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.07% [4]. - SDVY aims to match the performance of the NASDAQ US Small Mid Cap Rising Dividend Achievers Index, which includes 100 small and mid-cap companies known for raising their dividends [7]. - As of July 22, 2025, SDVY has returned approximately 1.12% year-to-date and 3.84% over the past year, with a trading range between $29.52 and $40.33 in the last 52 weeks. The ETF has a beta of 1.09 and a standard deviation of 21.43% over the trailing three-year period, indicating effective diversification with about 185 holdings [8]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 32.40% of the portfolio, followed by Industrials and Consumer Discretionary [5]. - Woodward, Inc. (WWD) represents approximately 1.11% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 10.12% of total assets under management [6]. Group 4: Alternatives and Market Position - SDVY holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Mid Cap Value segment [10]. - Alternatives in the market include the iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS) with $13.49 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.23%, and the Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) with $18.07 billion in assets and a lower expense ratio of 0.07% [11].