Many retirees dream of building an investment portfolio large enough that they can simply live off the dividends and income it generates. That usually requires a diverse set of holdings across equities, fixed income and alternatives, such as real estate. The rate environment for fixed income has improved substantially over the past few years. Yields of 4% are still available on risk-free Treasury bills. Investment-grade corporate bonds are offering yields of nearly 5%. Venture further out on the risk spec ...

Amid potential near-term volatility, global growth concerns and a complex geopolitical environment, investors are likely to become more risk-averse with time, turning their attention to more stable investment strategies like value investing.Value investing focuses on purchasing stocks that are undervalued, based on some fundamental analysis, relative to their intrinsic value. Value investors actively seek out stocks currently overlooked by the market and aim to profit by purchasing them at a discount compar ...

Market Overview - The S&P 500 Index has increased approximately 3.7% in September, leading to a year-to-date gain of 13% [1] - The Federal Reserve has implemented its first rate cut of 2025 in September, with expectations for two additional cuts this year [1] Economic Forecast - The U.S. economy is projected to grow by 1.9% in 2023 and 1.8% in 2026, slightly above previous estimates but still below recent trends [4] - Stronger-than-expected economic activity in Q3 is attributed to tech investment, with private sector activity and defense spending anticipated to be stronger than earlier forecasts [4] Consumer and Corporate Sentiment - Consumer confidence remains weak due to job security concerns and inflation, while corporations face uncertainty from changing trade policies [5] - Rising debt burdens and stringent immigration policies are adding pressure on consumers, impacting overall sentiment [5] Investment Strategy - A conservative investment approach is recommended for the upcoming quarter due to market fragility and potential for negative developments to unsettle markets [6] - Preserving capital and cushioning against volatility is essential for navigating this uncertain period [7] Defensive Investment Options - Increasing exposure to consumer staple ETFs can provide stability and balance in portfolios, with suggested funds including Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP), Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC), and iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) [9] - Dividend-paying securities are highlighted as reliable income sources during market volatility, with recommended ETFs such as Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG), Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD), and Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index ETF (VYM) [11][12] - Quality and value funds, along with volatility ETFs like iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX), are suggested for investors seeking defensive options [13]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 index has gained approximately 1.92% month to date in September, with potential for further upside as the Fed is expected to cut interest rates [1] - However, falling consumer confidence and increasing core inflation levels raise concerns about potential downside risks [2] Consumer Sentiment - Consumer sentiment has declined by 4.8% to 55.4 in September from 58.2 in August, representing a 21% decrease compared to the same period last year [3] - The University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Expectations fell by 7.3% in September from the previous month and 30.4% year-over-year [4] Equity Fund Flows - U.S. equity funds experienced net outflows of $10.44 billion in the week ending September 10, marking the largest weekly outflow in five weeks [5] - Large-cap and mid-cap equity funds saw net outflows of $18.22 billion and $912 million, respectively [5] Economic and Trade Tensions - Economic uncertainty and trade tensions, exacerbated by tariffs from the Trump administration, continue to impact the market [6][7] - A U.S. Treasury spokesperson has urged G7 and EU allies to impose "meaningful tariffs" on goods from China and India, raising the risk of heightened trade tensions [7] Investment Strategies - Investors are advised to adopt a defensive approach, focusing on capital preservation and cushioning volatility [8] - Increasing exposure to consumer staples funds can provide balance and stability, with the S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index gaining 4.13% year to date [10][11] - Value ETFs such as Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) and iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (IWD) are appealing options due to their solid fundamentals and undervaluation [12] - Quality ETFs like iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) and Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ) can serve as a strategic response to market uncertainty [13]

Core Viewpoint - The Invesco Large Cap Value ETF (PWV) is a passively managed fund aimed at providing broad exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $1.20 billion, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in this category [1]. Group 1: Fund Overview - Launched on March 3, 2005, PWV is designed to track the performance of the Large Cap Value segment [1]. - The fund is sponsored by Invesco and has accumulated over $1.20 billion in assets [1]. Group 2: Investment Characteristics - Large cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations above $10 billion, are generally more stable and exhibit predictable cash flows, making them less volatile compared to mid and small cap companies [2]. - Value stocks, characterized by lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, have historically outperformed growth stocks in most markets, although growth stocks tend to excel in strong bull markets [3]. Group 3: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expense ratio for PWV is 0.53%, which is relatively high compared to other ETFs, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.22% [4]. - As of September 12, 2025, PWV has gained approximately 15.75% year-to-date and 17.11% over the past year, with a trading range between $52.26 and $64.99 in the last 52 weeks [7]. Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Financials sector, comprising about 31.5% of the portfolio, followed by Energy and Healthcare [5]. - Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is the largest holding at approximately 3.76% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 35.09% of total assets under management [6]. Group 5: Risk Profile - PWV has a beta of 0.82 and a standard deviation of 14.35% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [8]. - The ETF consists of about 52 holdings, which helps to diversify company-specific risk [8]. Group 6: Alternatives - PWV carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the Large Cap Value segment [9]. - Alternative ETFs in this space include the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), which have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios of 0.06% and 0.04%, respectively [10]. Group 7: Conclusion - Passively managed ETFs like PWV are increasingly popular among retail and institutional investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [11].

Core Viewpoint - The SPDR Russell 1000 Yield Focus ETF (ONEY) is a smart beta ETF designed to provide broad exposure to the large-cap value segment of the market, with a focus on high yield characteristics [1][5][6]. Fund Overview - Launched on December 2, 2015, ONEY has accumulated over $897.86 million in assets, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in its category [1][5]. - Managed by State Street Investment Management, the fund aims to match the performance of the Russell 1000 Yield Focused Factor Index [5]. Cost and Performance - ONEY has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.20%, making it one of the cheaper options in the market [7]. - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 3.01% [7]. - As of September 12, 2025, ONEY has gained approximately 7.75% year-to-date and 9.85% over the past year, with a trading range between $95.52 and $117.55 during the last 52 weeks [11]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The fund has a significant allocation in the Consumer Staples sector, accounting for about 13.5% of the portfolio, followed by Consumer Discretionary and Industrials [8]. - United Parcel Service Cl B (UPS) represents about 2.1% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings comprising approximately 13.74% of total assets under management [9]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the large-cap value space include Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX ETF (FTA) is a smart beta ETF that aims to provide broad exposure to the large-cap value segment of the market, utilizing a unique stock selection methodology to potentially outperform traditional market cap weighted indexes [1][5]. Fund Overview - Launched on May 8, 2007, FTA has accumulated assets exceeding $1.14 billion, positioning it as an average-sized ETF within its category [1][5]. - The fund is managed by First Trust Advisors and seeks to match the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Large Cap Value Index, which employs an enhanced stock selection methodology [5]. Cost Structure - FTA has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.58%, making it one of the more expensive options in the large-cap value ETF space [6]. - The ETF offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.95% [6]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF's largest sector allocation is in Financials, comprising approximately 20.1% of the portfolio, followed by Healthcare and Industrials [7]. - D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI) represents about 1.08% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for around 10% of total assets under management [8]. Performance Metrics - As of September 11, 2025, FTA has increased by approximately 8.92% year-to-date and 10.04% over the past year [10]. - The ETF has traded within a range of $67.12 to $83.49 over the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.92 and a standard deviation of 16.57% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10]. Alternatives - While FTA is a viable option for investors looking to outperform the large-cap value segment, alternatives such as Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) are available, with SCHD having $71.6 billion in assets and VTV at $145.21 billion [11][12]. - SCHD has a lower expense ratio of 0.06%, and VTV charges 0.04%, making them attractive options for cost-conscious investors [12].

Core Viewpoint - The Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) is a large-cap value ETF that has gained significant assets and aims to provide broad exposure to the large-cap value segment of the US equity market [1] Group 1: ETF Overview - Launched on December 16, 2016, COWZ has amassed over $19.57 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [1] - The ETF is passively managed and designed to match the performance of the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index, which targets large and mid-cap U.S. companies with high free cash flow yields [7] Group 2: Investment Characteristics - Large-cap companies typically have market capitalizations above $10 billion and are known for their stability and predictable cash flows [2] - Value stocks, which COWZ focuses on, generally have lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, but they have historically outperformed growth stocks in the long term [3] Group 3: Costs and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.49% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.07% [4] - COWZ has gained approximately 2.8% year-to-date and 6.16% over the past year, with a trading range between $47.46 and $61.35 in the last 52 weeks [7] Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Healthcare sector, comprising about 20.1% of the portfolio, followed by Energy and Information Technology [5] - Nike Inc (NKE) is the largest individual holding at approximately 2.17% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 20.95% of total assets under management [6] Group 5: Alternatives and Market Position - COWZ carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to the large-cap value segment [9] - Other comparable ETFs include Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [10] Group 6: Investor Appeal - Passively managed ETFs like COWZ are increasingly favored by retail and institutional investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [11]

Core Insights - The iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) is a smart beta ETF that debuted on April 16, 2013, providing broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Value category [1] - VLUE is managed by Blackrock and has accumulated over $7.2 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in its category [5] - The fund seeks to match the performance of the MSCI USA Enhanced Value Index, which is based on a traditional market capitalization-weighted index [5] Cost and Expenses - VLUE has an annual operating expense of 0.15%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the market [6] - The fund offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.51% [6] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The Information Technology sector represents 32.6% of VLUE's portfolio, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [7] - Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) is the largest holding at approximately 7.16%, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 33.85% of total assets [8] Performance Metrics - As of September 10, 2025, VLUE has increased by approximately 15.04% year-to-date and 17.58% over the past year [10] - The fund has a beta of 0.98 and a standard deviation of 16.67% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), with SCHD having $71.46 billion in assets and VTV at $144.33 billion [12] - SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% and VTV at 0.04%, presenting lower-cost alternatives for investors [12]

Group 1 - The technology sector is experiencing increased concentration risks due to heavy investments aimed at capitalizing on AI's growth potential, raising concerns about a possible AI bubble [1][2] - Goldman Sachs has issued warnings regarding the short-term outlook for AI stocks, indicating cautious investor sentiment and the need for concrete evidence of near-term earnings impacts before committing to these stocks [3][4] - Recent labor data suggests a likely interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, which could benefit tech players and the broader market, but investors are advised to preserve capital and cushion against potential volatility [5] Group 2 - Investors are encouraged to diversify beyond tech to mitigate risks associated with an AI-driven stock market bubble burst, aiming for stable long-term returns [6] - Equal-weighted ETFs are recommended for broad market exposure with lower risk profiles, as they reduce concentration risks by assigning equal weight to each stock [7] - Specific equal-weighted ETFs such as Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP), ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL), and Invesco S&P 100 Equal Weight ETF (EQWL) are highlighted as good options [8] Group 3 - Value ETFs like Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (IWD), and iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (IVE) are appealing due to their solid fundamentals and undervaluation [9] - Quality ETFs such as iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL), Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ), and JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF (JQUA) are recommended as a strategic response to market uncertainty, providing a buffer against potential headwinds [11]