VettaFi

Monetary Tightening Might Boost Bitcoin, Says Crypto Expert

It might be hard to believe after the crypto winter of 2022, but monetary tightening by global central banks could be supportive of Bitcoin upside.
Tax Loss Harvesting Is No Longer Just for the Ultra Wealthy

Ultra high net worth investors have been using direct indexing to reduce their annual tax bill for years. But thanks to breakthroughs in technology and the ability to buy fractional shares, direct indexing has become more accessible.
Why ESG Investing Still Matters

Environmental, social, and governance policies and investing have become targets of political derision. That doesn’t dampen the need for corporations and governments to pursue agendas tied to climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Hedge Fund Manager Sees Opportunities in International Equities

When it comes to sheer equities performance over the last 30 years, there’s no denying the United States compared to the rest of the world. However, that could be changing according to one hedge fund manager.
Beyond AI: Reasons to Believe in Technology Stocks

Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely viewed as the fuel for the rocket known as growth and technology stocks in 2023. While there is truth to that notion, there’s more to the story. Including the “magnificent seven” cadre of mega-cap growth names that are powering the market higher this year.
Despite Fund Managers Exiting Emerging Markets Assets, Opportunities Exist

Fund managers have been avoiding emerging markets (EM), especially when it comes to China. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities that exist.
4 Essential Tips to Growing Your Practice

To survive, businesses must grow. Growing your practice is important in all fields, but it is particularly critical for financial advisors. Without growth, advisors risk falling into a rut and becoming stuck. Here are four tips that can help you grow your practice.
Higher Rates Might Not Dent Tech Stocks

Many view growth stocks, including tech stocks, as sensitive to rising interest rates. Last year confirmed this thesis. That script has been flipped for the better this year as technology ranks as one of the best-performing groups in the S&P 500 despite multiple rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
What You Might Have Missed at Yesterday’s Equity Symposium

Yesterday’s Equity Symposium brought together industry thought leaders. Attendees were treated to actionable information. Additionally, the panels presented cutting-edge thinking around equities.
The Importance of Valuations in High Concentration Markets

Given concentration risk, understanding what a strategy and portfolio owns is more important than ever in current markets.
The Rise of Active ETFs: 3 Experts Weigh In

ETF Trends interviewed three sources about active ETFs, why financial advisors are opting for these investment solutions for clients, and how these factors have changed in recent years. Each source responded to the same questions in their respective interviews.
Gaining Leveraged Exposure to Gold

In State Street Global Advisors’ recent Gold ETF Impact Study, the firm reported that “36% of surveyed investors don’t invest in gold because they don’t know enough about the ways that they can invest in gold.”
Looking to Large-Caps: Where Do We Grow From Here?

The biggest growth companies continue to increase their concentration in major equity indexes this year. It’s not surprising that investors are starting to rethink their exposure to large-caps, given concentration risk and ongoing market uncertainty.
Thematic ETF Trends to Watch Entering 2024

Thematic ETFs have come a long way since they made their full debut in the ETF ecosystem.
There’s Value in Dividend ETFs. Investors Just Need to Know Where to Look

Broad-based dividend strategies haven’t performed very well in 2023. But panelists at VettaFi’s Equity Symposium argued that there is value in dividend ETFs — investors just need to know where to look.
Equity Symposium
Register today for this free Symposium to earn CE credits and learn how to take advantage of all that equities have to offer.
Exchange 2024 Announces Theme, “Blueprint for Growth”

When Exchange first launched in 2022, it redefined what an advisor-focused conference could look like. Now, Exchange 2024 is just around the corner. The financial services industry prepares to unite at Miami Beach on February 11th-14th.
Being Different From Index ETFs Can Add Value

What’s inside an ETF really matters. This is an argument I’ve been making for more than a decade. However, with the growth of alternatively weighted index ETFs and actively managed products, this has become even more notable.
How Thematic ETFs Differ From Sector Funds

Industrial securities are unloved by financial advisors. However, it is the backbone of a relatively popular sector ETF and two relatively new thematic ETFs positioned to benefit from transformational changes. Perhaps they want to dive deeper into the fundamentals with us during the VettaFi Equity Symposium on September 21.
The ABCs of Treasury Bonds

For new investors, the world of finance can appear daunting. But among the sea of investment options, Treasury bonds (often just called “Treasuries”) are a pillar of stability and reliability.
Assessing Allure of Active Management

In arguably quiet fashion, active managers are performing admirably in 2023. An impressive percentage of active equity and fixed income funds beat their benchmarks in the first half of the year.
VettaFi Voices On: Choosing Your Wrapper

Now seems like a good time to talk about wrappers and which ones are best for different situations. How do you decide whether to use an ETF, a mutual fund, or something else?
Get Active Exposure as Corporate Confidence Returns in Bonds

Confidence is returning to the bond markets and one sign is corporations’ willingness to start taking on debt again with new issuance.
Some Internet Companies Could Find AI Gold

As the artificial intelligence (AI) investment thesis continues evolving, one benefit accrued by investors will be that it becomes easier to identify winners and losers.
Successful Active Equity ETF Managers to Answer Questions

With actively managed ETFs, advisors and clients are willing to pay a premium relative to investing in an index-based approach. However, they want to be rewarded. In 2023, VettaFi is seeing this occur and is eager to share more about some of these active equity ETF strategies.
Bitcoin Slump Could Lead to Rally, Says Research Firm

Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market value, is mired in a slump. The decision in the Greyscale case stoked optimism that the SEC will eventually, finally approve spot bitcoin ETFs. Still, the bitcoin slump has erased all of the upside generated by the court ruling.
Easing Deflation Could Give China Bulls Some Hope

Bearish China traders have had the upper hand for most of the year. Still, easing deflation could give bulls a glimmer of hope.
How Analysts Look at Trends to Invest in Stocks and ETFs

Some investment trends seem obvious — people are watching more streaming movies, consumers like shopping online, and more people are buying electric cars. So why don’t these ETFs always work?
Central Banks and Investors Are Interested in Gold

Last week the World Gold Council reported that central banks continued to add to their global gold reserves during the month of July. The World Gold Council also highlighted that China, Poland and Turkey were among the countries that were the largest buyers of gold during the month.
Touchstone’s Active ETF Lineup Is Focused on Income

Touchstone Investments now has six actively managed ETFs. It seeks to bring its “distinctively active” mutual fund approach to meet advisors where they are focused.
Equity Symposium Set to Cast a Wide Net

VettaFi’s Equity Symposium is just over a week away and will provide advisors with free access to some of the most important thought leaders in the investment space.
Clarity Arrives for Pair of Big-Name Chip Stocks

Recently, some clarity emerged on Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM) — two of the most important names in the semiconductor industry.
What’s the Right Price for an ETF?

ETFs are the instrument of choice for millions of investors in the U.S. Through a single trade and for a relatively low price, an investor gains broad exposure to a market, sector or niche.
Gen Z Clients: The Active ETF Investing Generation?

ESG has dominated advisors’ minds when it comes to looking at the current generation of young prospective clients. It remains a popular investment approach for millennial and Gen Z clients per surveys.
NASDAQ 100 ETF Exposure Comes in Many Forms

While there are lots of reasons to celebrate the growth stocks inside the NASDAQ 100 index, some advisors might be looking for alternatives to the market-cap weighted index ETFs that reduce their risk profile. Thankfully there are some choices to consider.
Value ETFs Could Be Worth Revisiting

Growth stocks are getting the better of their value rivals this year. Still, that doesn’t mean exchange traded funds dedicated to value stocks are delivering losses. Rather, the opposite is true. It’s just that growth stocks are delivered better returns though the first eight months of the year.
Look No Further for Active, Short-Term Exposure to Bonds

In September, where volatility can strike at any time, investors will want the safety cushion of bonds for their portfolio. At the same time, short duration continues to be the default play as the U.S. Federal Reserve still attempts to cool down inflation further.
VettaFi Announces Acquisition of EQM Indexes

Innovative provider of custom indexes becomes a key part of a growing suite of VettaFi index solutions, which now power nearly $19 billion in ETFs and other vehicles.
Understanding High-Yield Bonds

High-yield bonds, often referred to as “junk” or “speculative grade,” are corporate bonds that command a higher interest rate than other bonds. This higher yield is essentially compensation for the increased risk of default that investors assume when purchasing these securities.
Deeper Data Dependency Could Advance ESG ETF Usage

An efficient avenue for asset managers and fund issuers to avoid regulatory scrutiny of products with the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) label is to ensure that those funds live up their ESG ETF billing. That can be accomplished with data-intensive approaches.
Why Longer Treasury ETFs Could Help if a Recession Does Occur This Year

Vanguard has forecasted that inflation will remain sticky, so the U.S. central bank will continue raising rates. But the investment giant also estimates that a recession still won’t hit the U.S. this year.
3 Big Reasons You Should Be Attending Conferences

Conference season has come for Financial Services. Future Proof is coming up and Exchange is right around the corner. Many advisors have complex, busy schedules.
As U.S. Stocks Drop on Bad Data, Eye Active ETFs

Factory order numbers had previously been a source of positivity for the U.S. economy. The tough turn for the economy should remind investors of active ETFs’ ability to respond to a market downturn.
Equity ETFs Are Shining, But What’s Next?

After a slow start to asset gathering, U.S.-listed equity ETFs were in vogue during the summer. At the end of August, the asset category had $165 billion of net inflows, more than $125 billion for fixed income.
AI Is Much More Than Hype

Last week, the VettaFi AI Symposium was one of the more popular places to be in the days before Labor Day.
Connecting the Dots in the Economic Puzzle

This week was packed with several key economic releases that helped provide insight into the overall state of the U.S. economy. Policymakers and advisors closely monitor economic indicators to understand recession risk and the direction of interest rates because the data can ultimately impact business decisions and financial markets.
VettaFi Voices On: The Odds of Avoiding a Recession

There are differing opinions all around, but some reputable sources like Goldman Sachs are saying it’s increasingly unlikely. Yet the Fed is going to be raising rates further, from what it looks like because inflation is higher than they want.
Tech Stocks Ripe for More Bullishness

Though it encountered some hiccups last month amid fears the Federal Reserve isn’t done raising interest rates, tech remains one of this year’s best-performing sectors. Some analysts believe there’s more upside to come for the S&P 500’s largest sector weight.
An Advisor’s Guide to Demystifying Managed Futures

In an environment of pronounced volatility and less-than-certain equity and bond performance in the last few years, investors are leaning toward more complex strategies such as alternatives.
Survey: Active ETFs Eating Into Mutual Funds

Active ETFs have had a really strong year so far in 2023, picking up advisor and investor interest. Even institutional investors have increasingly turned towards specialist, responsive management.
Moving Averages: S&P Finishes August Down 1.7%

The S&P 500 closed August with a monthly loss of 1.71%, after a gain of 3.22% in July.
Younger Investors Are Devoted to ESG

A slew of recent polls, studies, and surveys confirmed the importance and relevance of ESG investing to younger investors.
Corporate Bonds Can Be a Part of a Retirement Portfolio

Given their overall credit risk versus safer government debt, corporate bonds may not get enough exposure in a retirement portfolio. However, they can serve a purpose as long as investors are aware of their nuances.
Grayscale Win Leads to More Questions on Spot Bitcoin ETFs

On Tuesday, Grayscale finally won its lawsuit against the SEC (see initial coverage here). For the past few years, Grayscale has been in an ongoing legal battle with the SEC over converting its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) product into a spot Bitcoin ETF.
VettaFi’s Artificial Intelligence Symposium Recap

On August 30, 2023, VettaFi hosted an Artificial Intelligence Symposium which had an extraordinary turnout, with over 1,200 advisors registered for the event.
Go Active for International Equity ETFs – Here’s Why

Active ETF investing has had a big year so far, but it can still play a big role in closing out 2023. International equity ETFs can really benefit from active investing. With a strong case for international equities brewing, now may be the time to look closer.
VettaFi’s Dave Nadig on AI: “We Should Be in That Critical Learning Phase”

When it comes to AI, VettaFi’s financial futurist Dave Nadig said that thanks to ChatGPT, “we’re in this bit of a hype cycle.” But we’re also “in a bit of the reality-check cycle.”
ESG Criticism Seen Benefiting Bonds

Broadly speaking, equity-based strategies fueled the initial boom in environmental, social, and governance exchange traded fund proliferation. As a result, criticism lobbed at ESG investing has focused on equity-based ESG funds.
How Qraft and Kaiju Are Using AI to Enhance Returns

Some ETF issuers are not only investing in AI, but are instead investing with AI.
Looking Beyond the Big Names For AI Opportunities

When discussing AI, the large companies like Microsoft, Tesla, or NVIDIA typically take up most of the oxygen. But Matthew Bartolini, managing director at State Street Global Advisors and head of SPDR Americas research, noted that “innovation happens down the cap spectrum.”
AI an “Incredibly Powerful Theme” of Next Decade: How to Invest

Artificial intelligence is one of the top investment themes this year and is the new megatrend likely to last for at least the next decade. BlackRock’s Jay Jacobs and Global X’s Pedro Palandrani joined VettaFi’s head of research, Todd Rosenbluth, to discuss AI investing and companies to look to in the coming years at the recent AI Symposium hosted by VettaFi.
The Benefits of Combining Active ETFs With AI

Active ETFs have had a big year so far in 2023 by several metrics. From institutional investor interest to advisors planning to up allocations, active strategies have grown in popularity. With their ability to invest nimbly and lean on managerial expertise, that appeal makes some sense.
Active Managers Have Edge in Capturing AI Opportunities

There is a plethora of AI-related investment opportunities, with the winners and losers yet to be determined.
AI Symposium
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to impact every corner of the economy. This technology is already changing the way data is used in investment decisions and is a burgeoning investment mega-trend. On August 30th, VettaFi will host an AI Symposium that will bring experts and thought leaders together to unpack the opportunities AI will create as it continues to rise in prominence.
The Artificial Intelligence Symposium Happens Today

VettaFi’s Artificial Intelligence Symposium is happening today. Investors and advisors seeking to better understand this complicated and exciting new technology will have the opportunity to hear from experts and thought leaders. Additionally, they can do so for free while earning CE credits. Now is the time to expand your understanding of this critical topic.
Assessing the Economy Through Consumer Sentiment and Housing

Several key economic indicators are released every week offering valuable insights into the overall health of the U.S. economy. Policymakers and advisors closely monitor economic indicators to understand recession risk and the direction of interest rates because the data can ultimately impact business decisions and financial markets.
Knight Checks King: Court of Appeals Rules in Favor of Grayscale

The United States Court of Appeals announced this morning it’s ruling in favor of the Grayscale petition to convert its flagship fund, GBTC, to a bitcoin ETF. In the intricate game of chess the SEC plays with bitcoin funds, it’s a “check” for Grayscale’s white knight strategy.
Nvidia’s Success Powering Many ETFs

A few weeks ago, VettaFi announced an AI symposium at the end of the month. Our hope was to bring some of the leading experts in asset management to discuss how the future is fast approaching.
Why Advisors Need to Understand AI to Survive

Financial advisors have a unique job. To be competent, they must deeply understand some highly specialized topics centered around finance.
VettaFi Voices On: Investing in Artificial Intelligence

Is AI going to be a major part of our lives going forward? Is it worthy of being classified as a megatrend? What are the best ways to access it as an investment? What are investors overlooking about AI as an investment theme?
Some Money Managers Convinced Bond Bull Market is Still Ahead

High interest rates begetting a recession was one reason many money managers were bullish on bonds after a bearish 2022. While the economy continues to run hot and a recession may not arrive, some suspect a bond bull market is still ahead.
Equal-Weight Flexes Diversification Credibility

Advisors and investors typically allocate to index funds and exchange traded funds linked to well-known benchmarks, such as the S&P 500, in the name of diversification. After all, these funds are homes to hundreds of stocks and those sizable rosters imply some level of diversity.
Real Rates, Real Problems for Bonds

Longer-dated US Treasuries – those with maturities of 5 years or longer – continue to struggle. At best, coupon payments are keeping investors relatively flat.
Examining Benefits of International Equity Investing

International stocks and the related exchange traded funds have accumulated bum reputations after lengthy spells of underperforming domestic equivalents.
Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin Tumbles to $26K

This weekly update tracks some of the largest cryptocurrencies by market share: bitcoin and ether. We’ve also included XRP, as it was one of the largest cryptocurrencies when this article began.
The AI Investing Ballgame Is Just Getting Started

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) investing is taking the world by storm this year. With that, there are substantial, long-term investment implications.
Know Your Options: Protective Puts

Increasingly more advisors and investors are discovering the benefits of options strategies in their portfolios. There is great value in understanding and utilizing options strategies with the range of benefits they can provide portfolios, including protective puts.
Blood on REITs Streets Could Signal Buying Opportunity

Year-to-date, the largest exchange traded fund dedicated to real estate investment trusts (REITs) is saddled with a small loss, while the S&P 500 is higher by about 15%.
Trio of QQQ Holdings Could Be AI Winners

When it comes to large- and mega-cap stocks benefiting from the artificial intelligence (AI) craze, Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) are among the obvious choices.
Assessing the Recession Risk: Interpreting Key Economic Indicators

With the Fed’s tightening on monetary policy and the constant threat of a recession looming, policymakers and advisors are closely monitoring economic indicators because the data can ultimately impact business decisions and financial markets.
NVIDIA Stock Could Push This Leveraged AI ETF Even Higher

Thanks to NVIDIA stock, the ETF is now up over 50% YTD — and it could keep climbing, as investor interest in AI continues to heat up.
Looking To Extend Duration? 3 Long-Term Vanguard ETFs to Consider

Over the past 12-24 months of rate hikes, short-term and ultra-short-term bond ETFs have served income-seeking investors well. But as interest rates continue to rise, exposures farther out on the curve have begun to offer attractive yields, too.
Experts Still Projecting Big Bitcoin Rally on ETF Approval

Approval of a spot bitcoin exchange traded fund in the U.S. is one of the most widely anticipated and delayed events in the roughly three-decade history of the ETF industry.
Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin Holds Steady for 3rd Straight Week

This weekly update tracks some of the largest cryptocurrencies by market share: bitcoin and ether. We’ve also included XRP, as it was one of the largest cryptocurrencies when this article began.
4 ETFs For Investors Looking For International Dividends

With so much uncertainty remaining around the Fed’s rate cycle and the potential for recession, many investors are beginning to look toward international equity markets for the means to build income. Yields continue to look attractive for international dividend ETFs, in particular.
Some Tips for Avoiding AI Investing Disappointment

In 2023, it’s fair to say that artificial intelligence (AI) is one of this year’s most captivating investment themes. Add to that, from the perspectives of adoption, applications, and investing, AI is still in its infancy. This indicates market participants will be hearing about it for years to come.
Why Advisors Need to Understand AI

Artificial intelligence is one of the most controversial topics across many fields. Though many see AI has a critical tool for improving productivity and increasing efficiency, there are also concerns. Artists and other creatives have raised questions about how AI could be stealing their work.
Bull vs. Bear: Can Semiconductor ETFs Maintain Their Return Trajectory?

For this edition of Bull vs. Bear, Elle Caruso and Karrie Gordon discuss the likelihood of continued strong returns for semiconductor ETFs.
Real Estate ETFs: The Top Funds in the Sector

Data extracted from all of VettaFi’s digital properties from the data and analytics tool Explorer indicate that investor interest in real estate ETFs has remained steady in the past three months. VettaFi’s LOGICLY tool allows us to examine some of the leading ETFs in the U.S. real estate space.
Treasury Yields Snapshot: August 11, 2023

The yield on the 10-year note ended August 11, 2023, at 4.16%, the two-year note ended at 4.89%, and the 30-year at 4.24%.
Rosenbluth Discusses AI and More on Yahoo! Finance

VettaFi head of research Todd Rosenbluth appeared on Yahoo! Finance to discuss ETFs with unexpected demand — including AI-focused ETFs.
AI Can Help Investors Navigate ESG

For experienced and novice investors, there are myriad complexities associated with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings and scoring.
Bull vs Bear: Do Alts Deserve More Portfolio Allocation?

For this edition of Bull vs. Bear, Karrie Gordon and Nick Peters-Golden discuss the case for trading in the old 60/40 portfolio for an alts augmented 50/30/20 portfolio.
Time to Play Defense? Consider This ETF

Broader domestic equity benchmarks turned in impressive showings through the first seven months of the year. A significant portion of that bullishness comes thanks to large- and mega-cap growth stocks.
Camp Kotok: In the Canoe Is Where We Learn

Each year, I head to the woods of Maine for an event called “Camp Kotok.” Over the coming week or so, I’ll be sharing some videos of conversations I had with attendees while there (and also pointing to coverage from other attendees, as well).
Into the Ether… Futures ETF Filings

After a rush among issuers to file for spot bitcoin ETFs, followed shortly by a rush to file for ether futures ETFs, the environment for crypto-related ETFs looks significantly different from early 2023 when several crypto ETFs announced closures.
Treasury Yields: A Long-Term Perspective

This article takes a look at a long-term perspective on Treasury yields as of the July 31, 2023 close. The chart below shows the 10-year constant-maturity yield since 1962 along with the Fed funds rate (FFR) and inflation.
Three Ways to Take Advantage of High Interest Rates

It’s no secret that we are currently in a high interest-rate environment. The Federal Funds rate, the benchmark rate in the U.S. set by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), currently sits between the range of 5.00% and 5.25%.
Dr. Preston Cherry on Financial Psychology

Evan Harp sat down with Dr. Preston Cherry to discuss financial psychology, how it differs from behavioral finance, and how advisors can benefit from incorporating it into their practices.
Rosenbluth Talks AI on ETF Edge

Todd Rosenbluth appeared on Bob Pisani’s “ETF Edge” to discuss AI ahead of the coming AI Symposium.
Bitcoin Can Be ESG Driver

Due to the energy-intensive nature of the bitcoin mining process, many consider miners and the digital currency itself detractors to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability objectives.
U.S. ETF Fee Compression Slows

This year in the six months through June 2023, ETF expenses fell just 0.001%, one-fifth of what we would have expected based on the drops over the previous five years, when asset-weighted ETF expense ratios fell by over 0.01% per year, on average, as depicted in the chart below.
AI Has a Limited Role in Investing — That Could Change

While younger investors have taken a growing interest in artificial intelligence, advisors are cautioning individuals against using AI. They’ll use a do-it-yourself approach in hopes of gaining an investing edge.
Use Gold ETFs to Protect Your Portfolio

Investors can use gold as part of a short-term strategy to hedge against volatility, inflation and weakness in the dollar. Over the long term, it can serve as a portfolio diversifier, providing uncorrelated returns.
BondBloxx Exceeds $2 Billion in Assets

BondBloxx Investment Management continues to grow at a rapid pace in a short time. The fixed income specialist has exceeded $2 billion in assets under management. The firm achieved this milestone shortly after reaching $1 billion in AUM in April.
State Street Slashes Fees on Portfolio Suite ETFs

We think advisors and end clients should dig deeper than a fund’s expense ratio to understand the exposure provided. For example, while IEMG has exposure to South Korean stocks, SPEM is like VWO and does not own them.
Is Now the Time to Look to Europe?

European equities have been attracting interest from U.S. investors who may be nervous about the future of domestic markets and looking to diversify by investing overseas. Two of the largest ETFs covering developed markets in Europe have pulled in billions in assets during 2023.
3 Key Country ETFs Have Viable Alternatives

Investors are paying close attention to China, Japan, and India ETFs lately, according to VettaFi’s Explorer data and analytics tool. Interest in non-U.S. economies is high as investors look for more ways to diversify their portfolios.
Welcome TCW to the ETF Market

TCW is the latest well-established asset manager poised to enter the ETF business. But unlike some of its peers, TCW is going the acquisition route. Today, TCW announced it is buying the Engine No. 1 ETF business.
Interest in Commodity ETFs Continues to Drop

Commodity ETFs have seen a significant dip in financial advisors' interest and YTD flows in 2023.
4 Reasons Why You Can’t Miss the Fixed Income Symposium

It is no secret that the biggest virtual event of the summer is the coming July 24 Fixed Income Symposium. Here’s why advisors can’t afford to miss this event.
A Promising Shift as Inflation Cools and Sentiment Soars

Economic indicators are released every week to help provide insight into the overall health of the U.S. economy. In this article, we examine indicators from the past week, such as inflation, that shed light on both inflationary trends and sentiment within the market.
International Bond ETFs Can Benefit Investors’ Portfolios

Home country bias means that investors may be overlooking international bonds. Certainly, the flows into U.S. fixed income ETFs dwarf the flows into international bond ETFs. That could be a missed opportunity.
Interest in Equity ETFs Remains Strong

Using LOGICLY’s data and analytics platform, this article looks at the top funds in the equity asset class that have brought in the most assets YTD.
Affluent Investors Are Embracing Crypto

Wealthy market participants are flocking to this asset class in a significant fashion. Investors that have waded into the cryptocurrency space in incremental fashion and those building currently-small grubstakes may find this encouraging.
Fixed Income Symposium Brings Thought Leaders Together

VettaFi’s Fixed Income Symposium, happening on July 24th, is fast approaching. The symposium will bring together industry thought leaders.
How I Taught My Kids About Compounding

In general, compounding refers to the process of something growing or accumulating over time, by successively building upon previous growth. Think of compounding like a snowball: It starts small, but as it rolls downhill, it becomes gigantic.
Big Players Are Boosting Bitcoin Holdings

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could finally change its tune regarding spot Bitcoin exchange traded funds. A notable rally in the largest cryptocurrency fueled speculation. And data indicate large institutional players are increasing their Bitcoin holdings.
NVIDIA Drives Performance Gap Between AI Funds

To provide some insights into what is going on with AI, we use data pulled from LOGICLY to gain an in-depth perspective on the three-month performance of the two largest AI-focused ETFs.
SMH, XLK Deliver Dramatic Returns in 2023

In this article, we will explore the performance and characteristics of key ETFs representing the semiconductor and technology categories, respectively, using advanced data analytics tools provided by LOGICLY.
Treasury ETFs See Strong Flows in 2023

Drawing on data from LOGICLY, this article will dive into the Treasury ETFs that boast the highest YTD inflows, shedding light on some of their standout features and key characteristics.
It’s The Economy That Matters: The Labor Market

Economic indicators are released every week to help provide insight into the overall health of the U.S. economy. In this article, we cover three of the most important economic releases from the past week: the BLS employment report, job openings, and labor turnover (JOLTS), and the ADP employment report.
Fixed Income Symposium Set Ahead of Next FOMC

VettaFi’s coming Fixed Income Symposium is timed to go live just days before the next FOMC meeting. The Symposium goes live on the 24th and the next FOMC meeting is scheduled for July 25th – July 26th.
Is Now the Time To Consider India ETFs?

Several ETFs offer targeted exposure to the burgeoning Indian economy. In this article, we will dive into four top-performing India ETFs, exploring their key characteristics.
A Real Estate Recovery Is Just What This Leveraged ETF Needs

A summer real estate market should help heat up the sector amid relatively high-interest rates. If the real estate market is indeed in recovery mode, that’s just what it needs for bullish momentum.
It’s The Economy That Matters: Consumer Optimism Fuels Resilience

In this article, we take a deeper look at some of the most important economic releases from the past week: personal consumption expenditures (PCE), gross domestic product (GDP), and consumer confidence and sentiment.
Beginner’s Guide to the Bond Market

Depending on who you ask, the word bond can either refer to a specific type of financial instrument, or when capitalized, your favorite British Secret Service agent. For this guide, we’ll be talking about the lowercase version, which represents one of the largest financial markets in existence.
Is Now the Time to Consider Long-Term Bond ETFs?

Given the current economic climate, now may be an opportune time to look closely at long-term bond ETFs.
Invest in the Future of Finance With ARK Fintech ETF and Its Competitors

As a result of these technological advancements in finance, fintech ETFs have emerged as a popular investment vehicle, offering exposure to a range of disruptive companies that are making waves in the financial industry.
It’s the Economy That Matters: The Housing Market

In this article, we take a deeper look into three key housing releases from the past week: existing home sales, building permits, and housing starts. By examining this data, we gain valuable insights into the current state of the housing market and the broader economy.
ChatGPT for Finance: Promise and Peril

One crystal-clear pattern has emerged. Everyone wants real-world, specific examples of how AI can and can’t enter into an advisor’s, investor’s, or creator’s workflow.
Can Leveraged and Inverse ETFs for NVIDIA Rival Tesla?

One such company is NVIDIA Corporation, a leader in the AI industry. With the growing interest in AI, it’s no surprise that investors are looking for ways to gain exposure to NVIDIA, including through leveraged and inverse ETFs.
How Advisors Can Better Serve LGBTQ+ Clients

Evan Harp sat down with financial advisor Ramona Maior. Maior reflected on how financial advisors can better serve LGBTQ+ clients. She offered a number of quick and useful tips for advisors.
Top Emerging Market Bond ETFs for Advisors and Investors

In this article, we’ll closely examine the EM bond ETFs that have performed the best over the past year.
Consider CDEI as LGBTQ+ Investment Ideas

With June being Pride Month, advisors and market participants are paying renewed attention to strategies relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.
Exploring Japan ETFs: Top Performers and Investment Opportunities

In this article, we will delve deeper into some of the top-performing Japan ETFs, analyzing their YTD performance. We will also discuss whether advisors and investors should consider investing in them.
US LNG Projects Advance Even as Global Prices Slump

After an outstanding 2022, global liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices have weakened in 2023. However, the long-term outlook for LNG remains constructive as customers continue to sign 20-year purchase agreements with US exporters. This note discusses growing US LNG export capacity and how this benefits midstream companies.
Top Small-Cap ETFs for High Growth Potential

This article will cover some of the top small-cap ETFs based on their year-to-date (YTD) performance.
Creating the Industry’s First Black-Owned Billion-Dollar RIA

Exchange Advisor Council members Anna N’Jie-Konte and Keith Beverly have merged practices. The two advisors have set their sights on the goal of creating the first black-owned RIA with over $1 billion in client assets.
Comparing the Expense Ratios of ETFs Investing in AI: Which One Is Right for You?

This article will explore the expense ratios and YTD returns of four ETFs investing in AI with some of the lowest fees in the market. By comparing these key metrics, investors can evaluate which ETF may be the most cost-effective option for gaining exposure to the AI industry.
The Monthly Market Tune Up: Market News and Investing Strategies for Financial Advisors from Financial Advisors
Market news has always moved fast, but these days it moves faster than ever. The Monthly Market Tune Up Webcast Series is a monthly webcast where Tom Lydon and financial advisors break down the market news in real time and apply it to real portfolio construction strategies. Find out how the best strategists in the business are navigating the news of the moment.
It’s the Economy That Matters: The Inflation Situation

In this article, we examine three important indicators from the past week: the consumer price index, the producer price index, and retail sales. By examining these data points, we gain valuable information about inflation in the U.S. and consumer spending patterns and their response to the ongoing inflation battle.
Illiquidity Concerns May Be Unnecessary With Smaller ETFs

In this article, we will explore why advisors may not need to worry about illiquidity regarding ESG and other specialty ETFs. We will also offer some tips on how to mitigate any potential issues.
Bull vs. Bear: Are High Yield ETFs Worth the Higher Risk?

For this edition of Bull vs. Bear, James Comtois, and Elle Caruso debate the pros and cons of investing in high-yield fixed-income ETFs.
Are Investors Still Interested in Artificial Intelligence ETFs?

The intensity of the chatter around AI has led to some concerns that the space might be in a bubble or that interest in it could wane. However, a look at flows into ETFs that focus specifically on AI suggests that investor engagement remains strong.
RSP Sees Surge in Inflows as Investors Reconsider Equal-Weight Strategies

The sudden influx of capital into the fund could suggest that equal-weight strategies may be back in favor with advisors.
Why Inclusive Firms Thrive

It can feel like inclusivity is a risky policy for a firm in the current climate, but this is not the case at all. Research has shown that companies that are more inclusive tend to perform better than less inclusive firms.
VettaFi Viewpoints: Nadig Talks AI Regulation With Berkeley’s Professor Russell OBE

AI could have a profound impact on the economy and on everyday life for billions of people. In the latest edition of VettaFi Viewpoints, financial futurist Dave Nadig sat down with U.C. Berkeley Professor Stuart Russell OBE in a public discussion on the topic of AI regulation.
An Advisor’s Guide to Managed Futures Strategies

It’s been a challenging year for many managed futures strategies but they continue to offer long-term potential for portfolios. The benefits of trend-following strategies are numerous and worth consideration for inclusion in any alternative sleeve.
It’s the Economy That Matters: Services PMI and More

In this article, we explore three of those important economic releases from the past week: the S&P Global Services PMI, the ISM Services PMI, and the trade balance.
A Comprehensive Comparison of Top U.S. Real Estate ETFs

In this article, we will compare the three largest U.S. real estate ETFs by market capitalization: Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ), Schwab US REIT ETF (SCHH), and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE).
Easing Recession Fears Could Propel Small-Cap Stocks

For more than a year now, there’s been ample discussion about whether or not the U.S. economy is in or approaching a recession. The surprisingly strong May jobs report out last Friday appears to have allayed some of those concerns.
Top 5 ETFs for Investing in Artificial Intelligence

As a result, many are looking to capitalize on this trend by investing in ETFs that focus on AI companies. In this article, we will cover the top 5 ETFs to consider when investing in this sector based on their YTD performance.
Chart of the Week: Are There Financials in Your ETFs?

While it has been months since the latest regional bank failure, many advisors remain concerned. They fear that the issues that caused runs on Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank have not receded.
4 Top-Performing Real Estate ETFs You Should Consider

This article will examine four real estate ETFs that investors and advisors can consider for their portfolios in 2023. Whether investors are seeking exposure to a specific sector or a diversified portfolio, there is a real estate ETF available to meet their needs.
Bull vs. Bear: Is The Hype for Japan ETFs Justified?

For this edition of Bull vs. Bear, Nick Peters-Golden and Karrie Gordon discussed the fundamentals for and against investing in Japan ETFs.
Getting the Best Out of ChatGPT and AI

ChatGPT and AI seem to be everywhere these days, but what do they really mean for asset management and financial advisors? Does AI arrive as just a theme, or can it really have an immediate impact on financial advisors’ work?
It’s The Economy That Matters: The Employment Situation

Several key economic indicators are released every week to help provide insight into the overall health of the U.S. economy.
Real Estate ETFs: A Good Investment Amidst Predicted Recession?

Real estate ETFs have become a popular investment option for investors who want to gain exposure to the real estate market without owning physical properties. However, with some experts predicting a real estate recession, advisors may be wondering if such funds remain a good option.
VettaFi Honored As Finalist for 2023 “Wealthie” Award In Research Innovation

Earlier this month, WealthManagement.com announced the finalists for its 2023 Industry Awards (the “Wealthies”). VettaFi is one of two firms to be recognized for outstanding achievement in research innovation. The Wealthies was the first award program of its kind to honor companies, organizations, and individuals supporting financial advisor success.
How to Be a Trans-Friendly Financial Advisor

As Pride month begins, financial advisors have an opportunity to reflect on how trans-friendly their practices are and take steps to make them warmer, more inclusive, and more appealing to transgender clients.
A Diversified Approach to Investing in the AI Sector

Some investors may not want to go all-in on AI, preferring a more diversified approach to their investments. For those investors, there are stock picker ETFs that have holdings in AI-focused companies but won’t bet the house on AI.
Future of Finance: 5 Hard Truths About How AI Impacts the Real World

Tired of the AI hype yet? It’s OK, I understand. I’m tired of it too. The pace of human progress — and our insatiable need to be entertained by the shock of the new — seems to be forevermore in the “hockey stick” part of the growth curve.
Assessing the AIEQ ETF: Implications for AI Investing

The AI Powered Equity ETF (AIEQ) has garnered attention recently, but not for positive reasons. Despite using artificial intelligence to make investment decisions, the ETF has struggled to perform well, with a disappointing one-year return of -13.92%.
Short-Term Versus Long-Term Gains When Selling ETFs

Because exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a dynamic product that can serve as a buy-and-hold or buy-and-sell investment, they can offer investors the opportunity to reap long-term or short-term gains. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial, especially when it comes time for taxes.
Investing in AI-Focused ETFs: A Smart Move for Modern Investors

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized how we live and work, and it is now poised to transform the investing world. As technology continues to evolve and mature, investors are increasingly turning to AI-focused ETFs to gain exposure to this dynamic and rapidly growing sector.
VettaFi Voices On: Debt Ceiling Investing

This week, the VettaFi Voices come together for an abbreviated chat about an important topic: the debt ceiling.
VettaFi Viewpoints: Dave Nadig & Zeno Mercer on AI’s Disruptive Potential

VettaFi’s Financial Futurist Dave Nadig sat down with ROBO Global’s senior research analyst Zeno Mercer for a wide-ranging discussion about AI. Together, the two explored industries that could benefit from AI, those facing existential threats, and how the smartest AI analysts see it.
It’s The Economy That Matters: PCE, GDP, Durable Goods & Employment Numbers

Several key economic indicators come out every week to help provide insight into the overall health of the U.S. economy. Policymakers and advisors closely monitor these indicators to understand the direction of interest rates, as the data can significantly impact business decisions and financial markets.
VettaFi Viewpoints: Nadig & Reverend Tuck on Community

VettaFi’s financial futurist Dave Nadig spoke at length with Reverend Michael Tuck on the topic of finding meaning for this video. The pair discussed community as a central pillar of meaning and how the community has changed before and after the pandemic.
VettaFi Voices On: One Year as VettaFi

Last week the VettaFi Voices gathered to reflect on a year at VettaFi under the firm’s new name. The team celebrated wins, and time spent together, and shared their favorite insights and highlights from a busy twelve months.
Tesla’s Recent Shareholder Meeting Could Appease Bulls

With a year-to-date gain of just over 60%, Tesla stock keeps rolling higher, and the company’s recent shareholder meeting could continue to appease the bulls — if the electric automaker manages to hit its goals.
The 11 Best Finance Films to Watch This Memorial Day Weekend

Why not take a break from working in the world of finance by immersing yourself in the eleven best finance films of all time?
Examining the Importance of Dividend Growth

The two primary styles of dividend investing are growth and yield. In the latter, investors embrace stocks with what are deemed above-average yields — often from slower-growth sectors, such as utilities and real estate.
VettaFi Viewpoints: Dave Nadig & Canopy’s Eric Golden Talk Crypto

To better understand the state of play, VettaFi’s financial futurist Dave Nadig met with Canopy founder Eric Golden for a discussion on crypto’s prospects.
ETF Liquidity: What Is It and How Does It Benefit Investors?

One of the advantages of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) compared to other investment vehicles is their relative liquidity. But what is liquidity for an ETF? How does that liquidity actually give ETF investors the upper hand, compared to other assets?
It's the Economy That Matters: Most Recent Housing Market Trends

Several key economic indicators are released every week to help provide insight into the overall health of the U.S. economy. Policymakers and advisors closely monitor these indicators to understand the direction of interest rates.
How Direct Indexing Automation Aids Tax-Loss Harvesting

Tax-loss harvesting is one of the direct indexing’s biggest benefits. The automation that direct indexing provides greatly increases the strategy’s potential benefits.
Surrounding Crypto ETFs: Metaverse, Web3, and More

The distinction between futures-based ETFs and crypto equity ETFs is clear when you look closely at the two. But even when examining them closely, it may be difficult to distinguish between the different types of blockchain/crypto equity ETFs because of similarities with fintech, metaverse, and Web3 concepts.
Bull vs. Bear: Playing Earnings Season With Single-Stock ETFs

For this edition of Bull vs. Bear, James Comtois, and Elle Caruso discussed the pros and cons of using single-stock ETFs to express opinions on stock earnings.
Active Management Could Help Tame Market Volatility From Traders

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is down about 26% for the year, but investors shouldn’t assume there won’t be market fluctuations ahead, especially with quantitative traders increasing their activity as of late.
High-Beta & Low-Beta ETFs: How Do They Differ?

When an exchange traded fund (ETF) is associated with high or low beta, what exactly does that entail? It all boils down to risk and how much an investor is willing to accept, which is different for everybody.
AI and Institutional Decay: A Future of Finance Q2 Update

Is artificial intelligence (AI) a powerful force for institutional change? A destructive blunt instrument for bad actors pursuing zero-sum games? A little of both, says Dave Nadig, VettaFi’s Financial Futurist.
Bull vs. Bear: When Investing in Gold ETFs, Find What Glitters

For this edition of Bull vs. Bear, Karrie Gordon and Nick Peters-Golden debated the long-term investing case for gold ETFs. Have the yellow metal’s fundamentals fundamentally changed?
The State of Crypto ETFs in 2023

Many investors are choosing to access bitcoin and broader crypto themes through traditional ETF wrappers due to their relative simplicity and familiarity.
TMX Group Makes Announcement of Strategic Investment in VettaFi

TMX Group Limited (TMX Group) announced today that it has made a strategic investment in VettaFi Holdings LLC (VettaFi), a U.S.-based, privately owned data, analytics, indexing, digital distribution, and thought leadership company.
VettaFi Names Peter Dietrich Head of Sales for Index, Data, and Analytics

Dietrich spent the previous 15+ years in senior business development roles with Morningstar and brings extensive experience in indexing and direct indexing across the asset management and wealth spaces
Why Energy Infrastructure? Potential Income, Real Asset Exposure and More
Energy infrastructure has long attracted investors seeking income, but there are other notable investment benefits for today’s volatile markets. Energy infrastructure companies generate stable cash flows from fee-based businesses resulting in more defensive energy exposure.