Core Insights - The Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) has outperformed the S&P 500 ETF and Total Stock Market ETF in 2026, returning 7.7% year-to-date compared to 1.5% and 1.8% respectively [1] - The ETF focuses on large-cap value stocks, with its top 10 holdings representing only 20.8% of its assets, contrasting with the S&P 500 ETF's 34% concentration in the "Magnificent 7" stocks [1] - The performance divergence is attributed to a market rotation away from mega-cap tech stocks, which have underperformed in 2026 [1] ETF Performance - Vanguard Value ETF returned 7.7% year-to-date in 2026, while the S&P 500 ETF returned 1.5% and the Total Stock Market ETF returned 1.8% [1] - The Magnificent 7 stocks, including Microsoft and Nvidia, have seen significant declines, with Microsoft down 18% and Nvidia up only 5.6% [1] - The median S&P 500 stock has risen approximately 6.8%, indicating broader market strength outside of the largest tech stocks [1] Holdings and Sector Allocation - The Vanguard Value ETF tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index and holds around 312 stocks, focusing on traditional value sectors rather than high-growth momentum [1] - The top holdings include JPMorgan Chase (3.25%), Berkshire Hathaway (3.04%), and Exxon Mobil (2.42%), with no single stock dominating the portfolio [1] - Sector allocations include financial services (22%), industrials (16.7%), healthcare (14.3%), and consumer discretionary (9.1%), benefiting from gains in these areas amid a shift away from tech [1] Investment Strategy - The Vanguard Value ETF's low expense ratio of 0.03% supports long-term compounding and minimizes costs for investors [1] - The ETF provides a defensive core for portfolios, emphasizing undervalued large-cap stocks with solid fundamentals across multiple sectors [1] - In a market environment vulnerable to momentum-driven concentration risks, the Value ETF offers a balanced, low-cost way to maintain equity exposure [1]

Core Insights - Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV) outperformed the S&P 500 with an 86.22% return over five years compared to the S&P 500's 78.13% [1] - VV has a low annual expense ratio of 0.04%, equating to $4 per $10,000 invested, which supports long-term wealth accumulation [1] - The fund's portfolio is diversified across over 400 large-cap U.S. companies, with a significant allocation to technology, financials, healthcare, and industrials [1] Performance Metrics - VV's five-year return is 86.22%, surpassing the S&P 500's 78.13% [1] - The fund's largest holdings, including NVIDIA, Apple, and Microsoft, account for approximately 20.7% of its assets [1] - The dividend yield is 1.06%, with dividends increasing from $2.02 per share in 2016 to $3.41 in 2025, marking a 69% growth [1] Investment Strategy - VV is designed for investors seeking broad U.S. large-cap exposure without making active sector bets, functioning well in various investment accounts [1] - The fund's low turnover rate of 2% minimizes friction from fees and taxes, enhancing compounding returns over time [1] - The concentration in technology (34.6% of assets) exposes investors to sector-specific risks, particularly in AI and semiconductor markets [1] Recent Trends - In the last month, Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) gained 6.38%, while VV experienced a slight decline of 0.19%, highlighting potential short-term divergences in performance based on investment style [1]

Core Insights - Gold and silver have experienced their steepest declines in years, reversing a powerful rally that had pushed prices to record levels, with gold prices falling approximately 10.31% over the past five days and 5.35% in the most recent session [1][4][11] Market Drivers - Geopolitical risks have been a primary driver of market volatility in 2026, compounded by renewed tariff frictions and U.S. military actions, which have increased demand for defensive and safe-haven assets [2] - A stronger U.S. dollar, which has increased by 1.25% over the past five days, has put additional pressure on gold and silver prices [5] - Heavy speculative inflows have turned precious metals into a crowded trade, leading to profit-taking and further declines in prices [3][11] Margin Requirements Impact - The CME Group's hike in margin requirements has contributed to a fresh wave of selling in metals, limiting speculative activity and curtailing liquidity [6][11] Investment Strategies - In light of the volatility in precious metals, investors are encouraged to explore alternative defensive ETFs that focus on low volatility, high-quality balance sheets, and stable cash flows [8][10] - Increasing allocations toward value, quality, and consumer staple ETFs can provide stability and cushion portfolios during market turmoil [9][13][14][15] - Passive, long-term strategies such as buy-and-hold or dollar-cost averaging are recommended to navigate potential near-term pullbacks while positioning for sustainable returns [16][17]

Core Insights - Vanguard has announced significant fee reductions across 84 mutual fund and exchange-traded share classes, impacting 53 different funds, with estimated savings of nearly $250 million for investors in 2026 alone [1] - The total savings from fee cuts over the past two years amounts to approximately $600 million, marking the largest two-year cost reduction in Vanguard's history [1] - The average expense ratio for Vanguard's entire lineup is now at 0.06%, reinforcing the firm's commitment to making investing more accessible and affordable [1] Fee Reductions Overview - The fee cuts affect 25% of Vanguard's total fund lineup, with an average reduction of 27% for the specific funds receiving cuts this year [1] - Notable ETFs impacted include the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG), Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO), Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG), and High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) [1] - In the fixed-income sector, 100% of Vanguard's active fixed-income funds and 89% of its fixed-income ETFs are now priced in the lowest cost decile of their respective categories [1] Implications for Financial Advisors - The correlation between cost and performance remains a key selling point for advisors, with 84% of Vanguard's funds outperforming peer group averages over the past decade [1] - In the active fixed-income space, 88% of Vanguard's active fixed-income funds have beaten their benchmarks, strengthening Vanguard's competitive position [1] - The fee reductions challenge advisors to justify the use of higher-cost active managers in client portfolios [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) and the State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF (SPTM) serve different investment strategies, with VTV focusing on large-cap value stocks and SPTM providing broader market exposure across various market capitalizations [2][9]. Cost & Size - VTV has an expense ratio of 0.04% and assets under management (AUM) of $218 billion, while SPTM has a slightly lower expense ratio of 0.03% and AUM of $12 billion [3][4]. - The one-year return for VTV is 11.48%, compared to SPTM's 12.91%, and VTV offers a higher dividend yield of 2.05% versus SPTM's 1.13% [3][4]. Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, VTV has a maximum drawdown of -17.03%, while SPTM has a higher drawdown of -24.15% [5]. - An investment of $1,000 in VTV would grow to $1,622 over five years, whereas the same investment in SPTM would grow to $1,765 [5]. Portfolio Composition - SPTM tracks a broad U.S. equity index with 1,510 stocks, heavily weighted towards technology (34%), followed by financial services (13%) and consumer cyclical (11%) [6]. - VTV focuses on 312 large-cap value stocks, with significant sector exposure in financial services (25%), healthcare (16%), and industrials (13%) [7]. Investment Implications - SPTM offers broader market exposure and includes stocks from various sectors and sizes, making it suitable for investors seeking overall market performance [9]. - VTV targets large-cap value stocks, which may provide more stability and higher dividend income potential, appealing to income-focused investors [10].

Core Insights - The Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (SCHB) provides broader market exposure with a technology emphasis, while the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) focuses on large-cap value stocks, offering higher yield and lower volatility, catering to different investor priorities [2][10] Cost & Size Comparison - VTV has an expense ratio of 0.04% and assets under management (AUM) of $217.8 billion, while SCHB has a lower expense ratio of 0.03% and AUM of $38.9 billion [4] - The one-year return for VTV is 15.3%, compared to SCHB's 16.9%, and VTV offers a higher dividend yield of 2.0% versus SCHB's 1.1% [4][5] Performance & Risk Metrics - Over five years, VTV has a maximum drawdown of 17.04%, while SCHB has a higher drawdown of 25.36% [6] - A $1,000 investment in VTV would grow to $1,622, while the same investment in SCHB would grow to $1,697 over five years [6] Holdings Composition - SCHB holds 2,401 stocks with a significant tilt towards technology (33%), followed by financial services (14%) and consumer cyclicals (11%), with top positions in Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [7] - VTV focuses on large-cap value with major sectors being financial services (23%), healthcare (15%), and industrials (17%), featuring top holdings in JPMorgan Chase, Berkshire Hathaway, and Exxon Mobil, which collectively represent about 8% of its net assets [8] Summary of Investment Characteristics - SCHB captures the entire U.S. equity market with a heavier technology focus, while VTV offers a higher dividend yield and lower volatility [10] - SCHB is more diversified with over 2,400 holdings, whereas VTV is larger in terms of assets under management [10]

Geopolitical and Economic Landscape - The last year was characterized by tariff fears, geopolitical tensions, and AI bubble concerns, with expectations for continued volatility this year [1] - Recent U.S. military operations in Venezuela and tensions in the Middle East and Asia have heightened risk aversion, with President Trump considering military action over Greenland due to increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic [2] - A tech-driven inflation surge is identified as a potential overlooked threat to the market for 2026, which could dampen investor sentiment [3] Investment Strategies - Amid potential near-term volatility, investors are likely to adopt more risk-averse strategies, such as value investing, especially in light of possible economic downturns [4] - Value investing focuses on purchasing undervalued stocks based on fundamental analysis, aiming to profit from market inefficiencies [5] - By holding undervalued stocks long-term, value investors expect the market to recognize their true value, potentially yielding significant rewards with lower volatility compared to growth stocks [6] Value Investing Appeal - With rising geopolitical tensions and lingering AI bubble fears, value investing is emerging as an attractive strategy for investor portfolios [7] - From January 2 to January 6, the S&P 500 Value Index gained approximately 2%, outperforming the S&P 500 Growth Index, which rose about 0.98%, indicating renewed momentum in value stocks [8] - Value stocks are often perceived as less risky due to their stability and reduced volatility, making them appealing for risk-managed equity investing [9] Value ETFs - Value investing requires discipline and patience, and using ETFs can simplify the implementation of this strategy for investors [10] - Persistent geopolitical and economic risks are enhancing the case for value investing, with value ETFs offering diversification, lower volatility, and easier access to undervalued stocks [11] - Value ETFs focus on stocks with strong fundamentals that trade below their intrinsic value, providing potential for higher, stable returns and lower volatility compared to growth stocks [12] Benefits of Value Investing - Value funds can cushion against market volatility and serve as a source of income through dividends, making them suitable for medium to long-term investors [13] - Adopting a value investing approach also provides diversification benefits for investors looking to safeguard their portfolios [13] Recommended Value ETFs - Investors may consider various value ETFs, including Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), JPMorgan Active Value ETF (JAVA), Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value ETF (AVLV), iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (IWS), and Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) [14]

Core Viewpoint - The 60/40 portfolio strategy, traditionally a staple in investment, is regaining relevance as market conditions improve, according to BlackRock's chief investment strategist Gargi Pal Chaudhuri [1][8]. Group 1: Historical Context - The 60/40 portfolio strategy faced significant challenges in 2022 due to soaring inflation and rising interest rates, which negatively impacted both stocks and bonds simultaneously [2]. - A similar scenario occurred in early 2025, marked by a trade war initiated by President Donald Trump, leading to increased bond yields and declining stock values, making it the worst period for the 60/40 strategy in 150 years [3]. Group 2: Current Market Outlook - Chaudhuri expresses optimism for the equity market in 2026, suggesting that bonds can once again serve as a hedge against stock market downturns [8]. - Interest rates are starting the year at higher levels compared to 2022, providing potential for rates to decrease, which has led to a negative correlation between stocks and long-end bonds [9]. Group 3: Investment Recommendations - For bond investments, Chaudhuri recommends focusing on the middle of the yield curve, specifically the five to ten-year segments, to achieve attractive yields while minimizing duration risk [9][10]. - In the stock market, the value factor is highlighted as attractive, with an expected earnings growth of approximately 12% in the value sector [11].

Core Insights - The Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (SCHB) provides broader market coverage, while the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) focuses on value stocks with higher income potential [1][2] Cost & Size Comparison - SCHB has an expense ratio of 0.03% and assets under management (AUM) of $38.0 billion, while VTV has a slightly higher expense ratio of 0.04% and AUM of $215.5 billion [3][10] - The one-year return for SCHB is 11.9%, compared to VTV's 10.2%, and SCHB has a dividend yield of 1.1% versus VTV's 2.0% [3][4] Performance & Risk Metrics - Over the past five years, SCHB experienced a maximum drawdown of 25.36%, while VTV's maximum drawdown was 17.04% [5] - An investment of $1,000 in SCHB would have grown to $1,779, while the same investment in VTV would have grown to $1,646 over five years [5] Holdings & Sector Exposure - VTV holds approximately 315 stocks, with significant allocations in financial services (25%), healthcare (15%), and industrials (13%), featuring top positions like JPMorgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway [6] - SCHB, on the other hand, leans heavily into technology (34%), financial services (14%), and consumer cyclicals (11%), with major holdings including Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [7] Investment Strategy Implications - SCHB offers a comprehensive approach to market exposure, capturing around 2,400 companies across various market caps, making it suitable for investors seeking broad market representation [8][9] - VTV's strategy is more selective, focusing on large-cap value stocks, which may appeal to income-focused investors looking for higher dividends [11]

Core Insights - The Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) focuses on large-cap value stocks, while the iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF (ITOT) aims to provide diversified access to the entire U.S. stock market, including both growth and value stocks [2][9] Cost & Size Comparison - VTV has an expense ratio of 0.04% and assets under management (AUM) of $215.5 billion, while ITOT has a slightly lower expense ratio of 0.03% and an AUM of $80.39 billion [3] - The 1-year return for VTV is 12.66%, compared to ITOT's 11.67%, and VTV offers a higher dividend yield of 2% versus ITOT's 1.09% [3] Performance & Risk Metrics - Over a 5-year period, VTV experienced a maximum drawdown of 53.7%, while ITOT had a lower maximum drawdown of 27.57% [4] - An investment of $1,000 would have grown to $1,606 in VTV and $1,707 in ITOT over the same 5-year period [4] Portfolio Composition - ITOT holds 2,498 stocks, with technology companies making up 34% of its assets, followed by financial services and consumer cyclicals [5] - VTV is concentrated in established value stocks, with significant weightings in financial services (22%), industrials (16%), and healthcare (15%) [7] Investment Implications - ITOT's broader exposure provides instant portfolio diversification and increased concentration in the technology sector, appealing to investors looking for long-term growth [9] - VTV's focus on established value stocks may offer a stronger hedge against market volatility and a higher dividend yield, attracting income-focused investors [10]