BLOK Breaks Away From Traditional Tech Early in 2026ETF Trends is now VettaFi. Read More --It's still early in the year, but a noticeable split is already forming within the technology sector. While the Magnificent Seven and legacy tech leaders have logged respectable gains, they're being decisively outpaced by companies tied to the blockchain and digital asset ecosystem.As of Tuesday, January 27, [the Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK)] has jumped 11.78% year-to-date, according to Ycharts. By compari ...

Core Insights - The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) focuses specifically on semiconductor companies, while the State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) offers broader exposure to the technology sector at a lower cost [1][5] Fund Comparison - SOXX consists of 30 positions entirely within the technology sector, heavily weighted towards semiconductors, with major holdings in Advanced Micro Devices, Broadcom, and Nvidia [2] - XLK holds approximately 70 stocks, covering a wide range of technology subindustries, including hardware, software, IT services, and communications equipment, with top positions in Nvidia (13.72%), Apple (12.82%), and Microsoft (11.17%) [3] Performance Metrics - SOXX has achieved a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1%, but has also faced significant volatility, including a maximum drawdown of over 45% in 2022 [6] - XLK has a five-year CAGR of 18.6% and a maximum drawdown of 33.5%, indicating greater stability compared to SOXX [7] Cost and Yield - The expense ratio for SOXX is 0.34%, while XLK is significantly lower at 0.08%, with yields of 0.62% for SOXX and 0.55% for XLK [4][6] Investor Suitability - More conservative investors may prefer XLK due to its lower fees and reduced historical drawdowns, while aggressive investors might be attracted to SOXX's higher returns and concentrated sector focus [8]

Core Viewpoint - A new ETF issuer, VegaShares, has filed with the SEC for 16 highly leveraged funds, despite previous warnings from the SEC regarding the violation of leverage limits [2][3]. Group 1: SEC Filings and Regulatory Context - VegaShares is attempting to launch 16 funds that would utilize 3X or 4X leverage on various large ETFs, amidst a backdrop of at least nine other companies having received warning letters from the SEC for similar filings [2]. - The SEC has indicated that leverage beyond 200% is incompatible with Rule 18f-4, raising questions about how these new filings will comply with regulatory standards [3]. Group 2: Market Implications and Strategies - The timing of these filings is seen as perplexing, suggesting that issuers may be engaging in regulatory brinkmanship or betting on the SEC's leniency regarding leverage rules [3][4]. - The investment advisor behind VegaShares, Vega Capital Partners, has not previously launched any ETFs and has not commented on the filings [4]. Group 3: Specific Fund Details - The initial prospectuses filed include five funds seeking 3X exposure to various ETFs such as the Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund ETF (VT) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) [5]. - Additionally, there are 11 funds seeking 4X exposure to ETFs including QQQ, SPY, and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) [5].

Core Viewpoint - The comparison between Roundhill Investments' Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT) and State Street's Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) highlights two distinct investment strategies in the technology sector, with CHAT focusing on generative AI and XLK providing broad exposure to established market leaders [1][8]. Cost and Size - CHAT has an expense ratio of 0.75% and assets under management (AUM) of $1 billion, while XLK has a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.08% and AUM of $93.46 billion [3][4]. - The one-year return for CHAT is 44.6%, compared to XLK's 21.9% [3]. Performance and Risk Comparison - Over five years, CHAT has a maximum drawdown of -31.34%, while XLK has a drawdown of -33.56% [5]. - An investment of $1,000 would grow to $2,243 in CHAT and $2,207 in XLK over the same period [5]. Fund Composition - XLK consists of approximately 70 companies, with 99% of its assets in technology, focusing on major players like Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [6]. - CHAT invests in 52 stocks, with 83% in technology, 11% in communication services, and 6% in consumer cyclicals, including major holdings like Alphabet, Nvidia, and Microsoft [7]. Investment Strategy - XLK mirrors the S&P 500 technology sector, relying on established companies for returns, while CHAT actively targets firms involved in generative AI, which may lead to more variability in performance [8][10]. - The distinction between the two funds lies in whether investors prefer exposure to current market leaders or a forward-looking approach that anticipates future value creation through generative AI [11].

Core Insights - The State Street SPDR NYSE Technology ETF (XNTK) is a passively managed ETF launched on September 25, 2000, providing broad exposure to the Technology - Broad segment of the equity market [1] - XNTK has gained popularity among retail and institutional investors due to its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making it suitable for long-term investment [1] Fund Overview - Sponsored by State Street Investment Management, XNTK has over $1.5 billion in assets, positioning it as one of the larger ETFs in the Technology - Broad segment [3] - The ETF aims to match the performance of the NYSE Technology Index, which includes 35 leading U.S.-listed technology companies [3] Cost Structure - XNTK has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, making it one of the least expensive options in its category [4] - The ETF offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.24% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation of approximately 72.3% in the Information Technology sector, with Consumer Discretionary and Telecom as the next largest sectors [5] - Palantir Technologies Inc A (PLTR) constitutes about 5.09% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings representing approximately 41.49% of total assets under management [6] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, XNTK has returned roughly 38.67%, and it has increased approximately 37.21% over the last 12 months as of December 22, 2025 [7] - The ETF has traded between $164.461 and $294.46 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.31 and a standard deviation of 24.77% over the trailing three-year period [7] Investment Alternatives - XNTK holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating favorable expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum [8] - Other ETFs in the technology space include the State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) and the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT), with XLK having $93.47 billion in assets and VGT $112.27 billion [10]

Core Insights - The article compares two leading technology ETFs: State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) and iShares US Technology ETF (IYW), highlighting their differences in cost, yield, and sector focus [1][2]. Cost & Size Comparison - XLK has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to IYW's 0.38%, making it more affordable for long-term investors [3][4]. - As of December 12, 2025, the one-year return for IYW is 20.8% while XLK is at 20.7% [3]. - XLK offers a higher dividend yield of 0.5% compared to IYW's 0.1% [10]. - Assets Under Management (AUM) for XLK is $95.6 billion, while IYW has $21.4 billion, indicating XLK's greater liquidity [3][11]. Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, IYW experienced a maximum drawdown of 39.43%, while XLK had a lower drawdown of 33.55% [5]. - The growth of a $1,000 investment over five years would yield $2,413 for IYW and $2,303 for XLK [5]. Holdings & Sector Focus - XLK focuses on the S&P 500's technology sector with 72 stocks, heavily weighted towards industry giants like Nvidia (13.71%), Apple (12.82%), and Microsoft (11.16%) [6]. - IYW holds 142 stocks, providing broader exposure including communication services, with top holdings of Nvidia (15.46%), Apple (15.42%), and Microsoft (13.44%) [7]. Investor Considerations - Both ETFs have similar performance and holdings, but XLK's lower costs and higher yield may appeal more to cost-conscious investors [8][12].

Core Insights - The article compares two technology-focused ETFs, XLK and FTEC, highlighting their similarities and differences in terms of holdings, assets under management (AUM), and performance metrics [5][6][9]. Fund Overview - FTEC includes 294 holdings, providing broader exposure to U.S. tech, while XLK focuses on 70 companies within the S&P 500, heavily weighted towards larger firms [1][2]. - The top three holdings for both ETFs are Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple, with Nvidia having a higher weight in FTEC [1][2]. Performance and Metrics - Both ETFs have an expense ratio of 0.08%, making them equally affordable [3][6]. - XLK has a higher trailing one-year return and a slightly larger dividend yield compared to FTEC [3][6]. - AUM for XLK is significantly larger at $95.6 billion, compared to FTEC's $16.6 billion, indicating better liquidity for XLK [8][9]. Diversification and Risk - FTEC offers greater portfolio breadth with nearly 300 holdings, which may provide additional diversification despite many smaller positions [7][9]. - Both funds exhibit nearly identical performance and risk metrics, relying on major tech companies for their returns [6][9].

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced mixed performance last week, with the S&P 500 down 0.6%, the Dow Jones up 1.1%, and the Nasdaq down approximately 1.6% [1] - Tech stocks faced significant pressure, impacting the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500, with Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (MAGS) down 1.7% and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) down 2.5% [1] Tech Sector Performance - Oracle's shares fell 14% due to revenue misses, negatively affecting related AI companies like NVIDIA and Micron [2] - Broadcom's stock dropped about 11% despite strong earnings, raising concerns over high capital expenditures and delayed AI revenue realization [2] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve implemented its final rate cut of the year, lowering the benchmark federal funds rate to a range of 3.5% to 3.75% following a divided vote [3] - The Fed's outlook for 2026 appears more cautious, projecting only one rate cut next year, consistent with previous forecasts [4] Winning ETF Areas - **Cannabis Sector**: Roundhill Cannabis ETF (WEED) rose 51.2% and Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF (CNBS) increased 51.0% due to speculation about potential easing of federal marijuana regulations [5] - **Silver Miners**: Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) gained 8.4% and Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) rose 7.6% driven by increased industrial demand and supply shortages [6] - **Space Economy**: Procure Space ETF (UFO) increased by 7.8%, with Rocket Lab Corp (RKLB) surging 22.8% due to heightened investor interest in the space sector [7] - **Gold Miners**: VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) rose 7.1%, and SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) gained 2.2% as the U.S. dollar weakened [9] - **Platinum**: GraniteShares Platinum Trust (PLTM) increased by 6.3%, with platinum prices surpassing $1,700 per ounce amid projected market deficits [10] - **Health Care**: Roundhill GLP-1 & Weight Loss ETF (OZEM) rose 6.3%, being the first actively-managed GLP-1 ETF, highlighting advancements in weight loss pharmaceuticals [11]

Core Insights - The Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) both focus on U.S. technology companies, with VGT having a larger asset base and more holdings, while XLK has outperformed VGT in recent returns and is slightly cheaper [2][11]. Cost & Size - Both ETFs are similarly priced with modest yields; XLK has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to VGT's 0.09% [4][5]. - As of December 15, 2025, XLK has a total asset under management (AUM) of $92.8 billion, while VGT has $130.0 billion [5]. Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past year, XLK has returned 21.49%, outperforming VGT's 18.28% [5]. - The maximum drawdown over five years for XLK is -33.55%, while VGT's is -35.08% [6]. - A $1,000 investment in XLK would have grown to $2,319 over five years, compared to $2,222 for VGT [6]. Portfolio Holdings - VGT holds over 320 stocks, with significant allocations to Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, making it one of the largest sector ETFs with $138.0 billion in AUM [7][9]. - XLK is more concentrated with around 70 holdings and nearly 99% sector exposure, also heavily invested in Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [8][9]. Investment Implications - Both ETFs have shown strong performance compared to the S&P 500, with XLK having a slight edge in returns and expense ratio, making it a potentially more attractive option for investors focused on technology [11].