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ETF Opinion: Don&#39;t Be Impressed By Falling Mutual Fund Fees

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SHOO

Coach and Nike to Open Near 52-Week Highs

<p>Mutual funds can still say they've got a lot more in combined assets under management than the roughly $1.2 trillion ETFs and ETNs hold, but as the rivalry between mutual funds and exchange-traded products intensifies, more attention than ever is being paid to one of the primary causes of the tussle: Costs.</p>

<p>In a note published today <a href="http://news.morningstar.com/articlenet/article.aspx?id=547448&amp;t1=1335192121">Morningstar</a> says mutual fund investors are paid  0.75% in expenses last year compared with 0.77% in 2010." The figures include all open-end funds except funds of funds where the layering of fees can make for messy comparisons, according to Morningstar.</p>

<p>The lower fees represent progress to be sure, but at an average expense ratio of 0.75%, that still means investors lose $75 per year invested in mutual funds. </p>

<p>Again, progress is progress and no one should complain about seeing their fees lowered, but when the average goes to 0.75% from 0.77%, it's hardly cause for excitement. According to Morningstar data, the average expense ratio for an international equity mutual fund is 0.93%. Sorry, but that's insulting, especially when an investor can own the Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/vwo#NYSE">VWO</a>) and the iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/ewz#NYSE">EWZ</a>) for a COMBINDED 0.79%, 0.2% for VWO and 0.59% for EWZ. That's just one example of an ETF pair that's cheaper than the average mutual fund in a particular category.</p>

<p>Morningstar also highlights dramatic fee reductions for a couple of mutual funds including the Wasatch Ultra Growth Fund, which appears to be a <a href="https://secure.wasatchfunds.com/Our-Funds/Performance.aspx?fund=WAMCX">mid-cap or small-cap growth fund</a>. The fund "had one of the biggest fee drops as expenses fell to 1.68% in 2010 and 1.42% in 2011 from 1.75% in 2009," Morningstar notes.</p>

<p>Please sense the sarcasm: Wow. The The iShares Russell Midcap Growth Index Fund (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/iwp#NYSE">IWP</a>) charges just 0.25% while the iShares Morningstar Mid Growth Index Fund (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/jkh#NYSE">JKH</a>) has an expense ratio of just 0.3%. The Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/vot#NYSE">VOT</a>) charges a scant 0.12%.</p>

<p>Then there is the little matter of something called returns. You know, the reason investors put money into the financial markets in the first place. Well actively managed mutual funds <a href="http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2012/01/2011-disastrous-year-for-mutual-hedge-fund-managers/">are duds when it comes to returns</a>. Morningstar said earlier this year, just 17% of large-cap mutual funds beat the S&amp;P 500 last year. Remember, you can own the SPDR S&amp;P 500 for less than 0.1% in fees.</p>

<p>Not to beat up on the Wasatch Ultra Growth Fund, but over the past five years and 10 years, the fund seriously lags the performance of the <a>Russell 2000 Index</a>. Investors can capture exposure to that index with the iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/iwm#NYSE">IWM</a>), which charges just 0.26%. </p>

<p>In other words, IWM is nearly 120 basis points cheaper than the aforementioned mutual fund, but at no time over the past year, year-to-date and in the past month has the mutual fund outperformed IWM by that margin.</p>

<p>The debate doesn't revolve around just one fund from Wasatch. Just look at the the top-performing emerging market ETFs <a href="http://www.kiplinger.com/investing/funds/winners/index.php?table_select=DivEM">over the past five years as illustrated by Kiplinger's</a>. That group has an average expense ratio of 1.54%. For that privilege, an investor might also be subject to redemption fees, not being able to see a fund's holdings updated daily as is the case with most ETFs and, of course, the potential for disappointing performance exists.</p>

<p>Morningstar says "costs have come down because of appreciation, inflows, and a shift to lower-cost funds." Let's just come right and say what's really going on: Mutual fund companies are asleep at the wheel, arguably they have been, if they think investors will continue to pay even 0.75% for active management that generates slack results. Assets have to come from somewhere and since ETF assets under management show an upward trajectory, it's reasonable to say plenty of new ETF inflows are new mutual fund outflows.</p>

<p>Please feel to contact me for a cordial debate on this subject or just to ask questions. Follow me on Twitter: @ETFProfesor1</p>

ETF Opinion: Don't Be Impressed By Falling Mutual Fund Fees

<p>Retailer DSW (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/dsw#NYSE">DSW</a>) is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2011 results tomorrow, March 20, before the opening bell. The company has seen net income and revenue both increase in three consecutive quarters, and the stock is about 25% higher than three months ago. Investors no doubt will be hoping for more of the same.</p>

<p><strong>Expectations</strong></p>

<p>Analysts on average predict that DSW will post per-share earnings that are 16.3% higher than a year ago to $0.49 for the three months that ended in January. That EPS estimate is a penny less than it was 60 days ago. But note that per-share earnings topped consensus estimates by as much as 12 cents in the previous three quarters. Fourth-quarter revenue is expected to total $511.2 million, which would be up from $468.5 million in the same period of last year. </p>

<p>Looking back to the third quarter, the specialty retailer said its profit rose 51.1% to $53.7 million, or $0.75 cents a share, from the year earlier, exceeding analyst expectations. Revenue rose 8.5% to $530.7 million. The company attributed strong results to higher sales of women's footwear and growth in the men's and accessories segments. DSW also lifted its full-year EPS outlook.</p>

<p>For the full year, the consensus forecast calls for $2.98 per share earnings on revenue of $2.0 billion. That compares to $2.40 per share and $1.8 billion last year. Note that the EPS estimate is a penny less than it was 60 days ago, but still in the range of $2.96 and $2.99 that DSW offered recently.</p>

<p><strong>The Company</strong></p>

<p>DSW is a retailer of branded footwear and accessories in the United States. The company operates more than 325 stores in 40 states and leases more than 330 departments for other retailers. It also offers its designer dress, casual and athletic footwear and accessories online. DSW is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It was founded in 1917 and now has a market cap of $2.4 billion.</p>

<p>Competitors include Brown Shoe (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/bws#NYSE">BWS</a>), Collective Brands (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/pss#NYSE">PSS</a>) and Foot Locker (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/fl#NYSE">FL</a>). Brown Shoe and Collective Brands both posted a fourth-quarter loss, and the former said it will close stores. Foot Locker posted a better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit due in part to cost cutting efforts.</p>

<p><em>See also:</em> <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/12/03/2404366/brown-shoe-company-down-11-after-missing-earnings-estimates">Brown Shoe Company Down 11% After Missing Earnings Estimates</a> and <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/12/02/2381014/collective-brands-jumps-4-on-q4-results">Collective Brands Jumps 4% on Q4 Results</a></p>

<p>During the three months that ended in January, DSW saw strong holiday sales and it opened a new designer shoe warehouse in Lawrence, N.Y. The retailer also said it plans to open 35 to 40 stores this year, an increase from its previous estimate.</p>

<p><strong>Performance</strong></p>

<p>DSW has a return on equity of 24.9% and a long-term earnings per share growth forecast of 12.5%. Sales increased 9.8% over the past five years. The P/E ratio is less than the industry average and the operating margin is higher than the industry average. DSW has a dividend rate of 1.1%. Eight of nine analysts polled who follow the stock recommend buying it. Their mean price target is more than 7% higher than the current share price.</p>

<p>The share price is more than 25% higher than at the beginning of the year, as well as up more than 45% from a year ago. It has been above the 50-day and 200-day moving averages since mid January. Shares reached a multiyear high of $57.06 on Leap Day. Over the past six months, the stock outperformed the broader markets, but it has underperformed the competitors mentioned above.</p>

<div id="action-items"><p><strong>ACTION ITEMS:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Bullish:</strong> Investors interested in exchange traded funds invested in DSW might want to consider the following trades:</p>

<ul><li>SPDR S&amp;P Retail (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/xrt#NYSE">XRT</a>) is about 16% higher year to date.</li>
<li>First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/fxd#NYSE">FXD</a>) is more than 15% higher year to date.</li>
<li>iShares Russell Midcap Growth Index (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/iwp#NYSE">IWP</a>) is more than 14% higher year to date.</li>
<li>Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/vbk#NYSE">VBK</a>) is almost 14% higher year to date.</li>
</ul><strong>Bearish:</strong><p> Traders may prefer to consider these alternative positions in the apparel retail industry:</p>

<ul><li>Michael Kors Holdings (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/kors#NYSE">KORS</a>) is up almost 70% year to date.</li>
<li>Ascena Retail Group (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/asna#NASDAQ">ASNA</a>) is up more than 46% year to date.</li>
<li>Gap (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/gps#NYSE">GPS</a>) is up almost 37% year to date.</li>
</ul><em>Neither Benzinga nor its staff recommend that you buy, sell, or hold any security. We do not offer investment advice, personalized or otherwise. Benzinga recommends that you conduct your own due diligence and consult a certified financial professional for personalized advice about your financial situation.</em></div>

<p>The Nasdaq closed up more than 1%, the Dow and S&amp;P 500 less than 1%, yesterday. Plenty of stocks rose to new 52-week highs during the trading session. Among them were Coach (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/coh#NYSE">COH</a>) and Nike (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/nke#NYSE">NKE</a>), which reached multiyear highs of $69.47 and $103.29 per share, respectively.</p>

<p><strong>Coach</strong> this week posted better-than-expected quarterly results due to healthy sales in North America and China. The luxury goods purveyor opened new stores in both locations during the quarter. This New York-based retailer primarily offers handbags, and also operates stores in Japan, Hong Kong and Macau. It is an S&amp;P 500 component, was founded in 1941, and now has a market cap of $20.5 billion.</p>

<p>Earnings per share are anticipated to grow 16.1% over the next five years. The dividend yield is 1.3%. Though the P/E and PEG ratios are higher than the industry average, so is the operating margin. Analysts on average recommend buying the stock. The share price is about 16% higher than a month ago, as well as more than 32% higher than a year ago. But the stock's performance has been largely in line with the broader markets over the past six months.</p>

<p><em>See also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/12/01/2285383/is-coach-still-americas-premier-luxury-brand">Is Coach Still America's Premier Luxury Brand?</a></em></p>

<p><strong>Nike</strong> invests heavily in social networking in order to promote its brand image and products on the internet.  It also has been exploiting growth potential in China, where it has enhanced its distribution network. This footwear, apparel and accessory designer and purveyor is based in Beaverton, Ore. Nike is an S&amp;P 500 component with a market cap is $47.4 billion, and it was founded in 1964.</p>

<p>Nike has a dividend yield of 2.7%, its return on equity is 22.5% and the long-term EPS growth forecast is 12.0%. The P/E and PEG ratios are higher than the industry average, but so is the operating margin.  Twelve of 20 analysts following the stock recommend buying it. The share price increased almost 9% in the past month and is more than 50% higher than the 52-week low last March. The stock has outperformed competitors such as Steve Madden (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/shoo#NASDAQ">SHOO</a>) and Wolverine World Wide (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/www#NYSE">WWW</a>) over the past six months.</p>

<p><em>See also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/dividends/12/01/2266498/top-4-stocks-in-the-textile-apparel-footwear-accessories-indus">Top 4 Stocks in the Textile-Apparel Footwear and Accessories Industry with the Highest Dividend Yield</a>.</em></p>

<div id="action-items"><p><strong>ACTION ITEMS:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Bullish:</strong> Investors interested in exchange traded funds invested in Coach or Nike might want to consider the following trades:</p>

<ul><li>ProShares Ultra Russell MidCap Growth (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/ukw#NYSE">UKW</a>) is about 57% higher than the 52-week low.</li>
<li>iShares Russell Midcap Growth Index (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/iwp#NYSE">IWP</a>) is more than 28% higher than the 52-week low.</li>
<li>PowerShares Dynamic Consumer Discretionary (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/pez#NYSE">PEZ</a>) is more than 28% higher than the 52-week low.</li>
<li>PowerShares Dynamic Large Cap Growth (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/pwb#NYSE">PWB</a>) is more than 23% higher than the 52-week low.</li>
</ul><strong>Bearish:</strong><p> Traders may prefer to consider these alternative positions in the same sector:</p>

<ul><li>Steve Madden (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/shoo#NASDAQ">SHOO</a>) is up about 63% from the 52-week low.</li>
<li>Wolverine World Wide (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/www#NYSE">WWW</a>) is up almost 28% from the 52-week low.</li>
<li>RG Barry (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/dfz#NASDAQ">DFZ</a>) is up about 56% from the 52-week low.</li>
</ul><em>Neither Benzinga nor its staff recommend that you buy, sell, or hold any security. We do not offer investment advice, personalized or otherwise. Benzinga recommends that you conduct your own due diligence and consult a certified financial professional for personalized advice about your financial situation.</em></div>

<p>Harley-Davidson (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/hog#NYSE">HOG</a>) is expected to report its third straight quarterly rise in sales when it shares its third-quarter 2011 results tomorrow, October 18, before the opening bell. The Milwaukee-based company saw domestic retail sales rise in the second quarter for the first time in five years. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are considered luxury items, so continued strength despite the economic climate could be a good sign for both the company and the U.S. economy</p>

<p>Analysts on average predict that Harley-Davidson will report earnings of $0.76 per share, up 47.4% from the same quarter of last year. That EPS estimate was $0.65 per share 90 days ago. And note that earnings results were better than expected in five of the past six quarters.</p>

<p>The forecast also calls for the company to post revenues of $1.3 billion, which would be an 18.8% increase from a year ago. Looking ahead to the current quarter, which will include the holiday season, analysts so far are looking for 10.1% year-over-year growth in revenues. And the forecast for the full year so far calls for revenues up 12.6% from a year ago, with per-share earnings 52.9% higher.</p>

<p><strong>The Company</strong></p>

<p>Harley-Davidson produces and sells heavyweight touring, custom and performance motorcycles, as well as parts, accessories, and related services. The company operates in two segments: Motorcycles and Related Products, and Financial Services. Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903, is an S&amp;P 500 component and has a market cap of $8.9 billion.</p>

<p>During the three months that ended in September, the company introduced two new models, raised its shipment estimates, lobbied to tear down obstacles to sales in China, and renewed its sponsorship of Ultimate Fighting Championship. More recently, it opened its new Latin America headquarters in Miami.</p>

<p><strong>Performance</strong></p>

<p>The company has a long-term earnings per share growth forecast of 15.4%, its PEG ratio is 0.7 and its return of equity is 15.5%. The dividend yield is 1.3%. While the P/E ratio is higher than the industry average, so is the operating margin. Nine of 17 analysts following the stock rate it a Buy or Strong Buy; none recommend selling. They have a mean price target of $45.38 per share.</p>

<p>Shares are trading at $37.87 after the share price jumped more than 13% in the past week from near the 52-week low to approaching the 200-day moving average. The share price is down about 8% from three months ago, but still more than 10% higher year to date. The stock's performance has been largely inline the broader markets over the past six months.</p>

<p><strong>Action Items:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Bullish:</strong> Investors interested in exchange traded funds invested in Harley-Davidson might want to consider the following trades:</p>

<ul><li>SPDR S&amp;P 500 (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/spy#NYSE">SPY</a>) is about 6% higher than a week ago.</li>
<li>iShares S&amp;P 500 Index (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/ivv#NYSE">IVV</a>) is about 6% higher than a week ago.</li>
<li>iShares Russell Midcap Growth Index (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/iwp#NYSE">IWP</a>) is more than 7% higher than a week ago.</li>
<li>Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/xly#NYSE">XLY</a>) is more than 6% higher than a week ago.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Bearish:</strong> Traders may want to consider these alternative positions:</p>

<ul><li>ProShares UltraShort Russell MidCap Growth (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/sdk#NYSE">SDK</a>) is more than 7% higher than three months ago.</li>
<li>Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bear 3X Shares (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/mwn#NYSE">MWN</a>) is more than 6% higher than three months ago.</li>
</ul>

<p><em>Neither Benzinga nor its staff recommend that you buy, sell, or hold any security. We do not offer investment advice, personalized or otherwise. Benzinga recommends that you conduct your own due diligence and consult a certified financial professional for personalized advice about your financial situation.</em></p>

ProShares UltraShort Russell MidCap Growth

Select Sector SPDR-Consumer Discretionary

Harley-Davidson Earnings Preview

<p>Tiffany (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/tif#NYSE">TIF</a>) is scheduled to report second-quarter 2011 results Friday, August 26, before the opening bell. The luxury goods retailer has been on a roll, with double-digit growth of both EPS and revenues in the previous three quarters. Investors will be looking for that momentum to continue.</p>

<p>Analysts on average predict that Tiffany will report earnings of $0.70 per share, which is an increase over $0.55 in the same period of last year. That EPS estimate is up a penny from 60 days ago. And note that analysts have underestimated the company's per-share earnings in the past five quarters.</p>

<p>The consensus forecast also calls for the company to post revenues of $785.4 million, which would be 17.4% higher than a year ago. Looking ahead to the current quarter, analysts so far are looking for sequential and year-over-year growth of revenues. And the forecast for the full year so far calls for revenues up 16.0% year over year, with per-share earnings 17.7% higher.</p>

<p><strong>The Company</strong></p>

<p>Headquartered on Fifth Avenue in New York, Tiffany &amp; Co. designs, manufactures and retails fine jewelry worldwide. The company also provides timepieces, sterling silver goods, china, crystal, stationery, fragrances, personal accessories and leather goods. It operates more than 225 stores and boutiques worldwide. The company was founded in 1837, is an S&amp;P 500 component and currently has a market cap of $8.1 billion.</p>

<p>During the three months that ended in July, the company boosted its dividend by 16%, increased its full-year outlook and appointed a new chief financial officer and a new chief operating officer.</p>

<p><strong>Performance</strong></p>

<p>The company has a long-term earnings per share growth forecast of 14.7%, a return of equity of 18.2% and a dividend yield of 1.8%. Its P/E and PEG ratios are higher than the industry average, but 13 out of 24 analysts rate the stock a Buy or Strong Buy, while only one rates it a Sell.</p>

<p>The share price is more than 53% higher than a year ago despite falling about 22% in the past month. Shares are up only about 3% year to date. But the stock has outperformed competitors such as Coach (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/coh#NYSE">COH</a>) and Zale (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/zlc#NYSE">ZLC</a>), as well as the broader markets, year to date.</p>

<p><strong>Action Items:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Bullish:</strong> Traders interested in exchange traded funds invested in Tiffany might want to consider the following trades:</p>

<ul><li>Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/xly#NYSE">XLY</a>): up more than 20% in the past year</li>
<li>iShares Russell Midcap Growth Index (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/iwp#NYSE">IWP</a>): up about 18% in the past year</li>
<li>Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/vo#NYSE">VO</a>): up more than 15% in the past year</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Bearish:</strong> Traders may want to consider these alternative positions:</p>

<ul><li>Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bear 3X Shares (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/mwn#NYSE">MWN</a>): up more than 37% in the past month</li>
<li>ProShares UltraShort Russell MCap Growth (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/sdk#NYSE">SDK</a>): up more than 27% in the past month
</li><li>ProShares UltraShort Consumer Goods (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/szk#NYSE">SZK</a>): up about 10% in the past month</li>
</ul>

<p><em>Neither Benzinga nor its staff recommend that you buy, sell, or hold any security. We do not offer investment advice, personalized or otherwise. Benzinga recommends that you conduct your own due diligence and consult a certified financial professional for personalized advice about your financial situation.</em></p>

Tiffany Earnings Preview: Second Quarter Expected to Shine

<div>
<div>As investors continue to seek diversification in their  portfolios, US Equity ETFs remain a popular choice. Equity ETFs allow  for diversification across         sectors and in regards to size of the company<strong>. </strong>The  style of an ETF is determined by the market segment it occupied,  generally falling         into small, mid, or large-cap. Additionally, the potential for  growth is taken into account which index style a stock should fit into.  The Russell         indices provide a strong benchmark for each style.</div>
<div></div>
<div>With the market continually evolving and investors becoming more  sophisticated, it is more necessary than ever to make sure each index  properly tracks         the markets it is intended to. The Russell indices have proven  to be a favorite among investment managers, as almost half of all US  equity investment         products use the Russell Style Indices as  their benchmarks.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The table below shows the weekly returns of US equity ETFs that track a Russell Index:         </div>
<div></div>
<h2><span>US Equity Style Trend</span></h2>
<p><span>05/06/2011</span></p>
<p ><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; color: black;">We track <a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/advanced__markets.action">asset class movement</a> which are updated weekly.<br /> </span></span></p>
<p ><span class="apple-style-span"></span>Performance data are based on closing prices on last Friday.</p>
<div class="dividerTop">
<table id="USStyle" class="tablesorter" border="2" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="3">
<thead>
<tr>
<th > Description </th>
<th > Symbol </th>
<th > 1 Week </th>
<th > 4 Weeks </th>
<th > 13 Weeks </th>
<th > 26 Weeks </th>
<th > 52 Weeks </th>
<th > Trend Score </th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="even">
<td>Russell Largecap Growth</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWF&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWF</a></td>
<td>-1.68%</td>
<td>1.42%</td>
<td>2.73%</td>
<td>10.84%</td>
<td>26.86%</td>
<td>8.03%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Russell Largecap Index</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWB&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWB</a></td>
<td>-1.72%</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
<td>2.96%</td>
<td>11.02%</td>
<td>24.11%</td>
<td>7.48%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Russell Largecap Value</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWD&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWD</a></td>
<td>-1.69%</td>
<td>0.57%</td>
<td>3.15%</td>
<td>12.18%</td>
<td>22.55%</td>
<td>7.35%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Russell Midcap Growth</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWP&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWP</a></td>
<td>-1.63%</td>
<td>1.82%</td>
<td>4.84%</td>
<td>16.38%</td>
<td>35.25%</td>
<td>11.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Russell Midcap Indedx</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWR&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWR</a></td>
<td>-1.82%</td>
<td>1.1%</td>
<td>4.33%</td>
<td>14.23%</td>
<td>30.96%</td>
<td>9.76%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Russell Midcap Value</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWS&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWS</a></td>
<td>-1.87%</td>
<td>0.56%</td>
<td>3.78%</td>
<td>13.38%</td>
<td>28.55%</td>
<td>8.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Russell Smallcap Growth</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWO&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWO</a></td>
<td>-3.91%</td>
<td>-0.37%</td>
<td>6.1%</td>
<td>16.76%</td>
<td>36.75%</td>
<td>11.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Russell Smallcap Index</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWM&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWM</a></td>
<td>-3.61%</td>
<td>-0.85%</td>
<td>4.47%</td>
<td>13.63%</td>
<td>28.99%</td>
<td>8.53%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Russell Smallcap Value</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWN&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWN</a></td>
<td>-3.36%</td>
<td>-1.48%</td>
<td>2.74%</td>
<td>11.48%</td>
<td>22.66%</td>
<td>6.41%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>In the past week, the US market suffered as slight retraction as  many corporate earnings reports failed to meet Wall Street  expectations. Additionally,         general economic uncertainty reared its head in the market,  driving investors out of US equities for the week Because of this, all  ETFs in the US         Equity Style Trend table were down for the week.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Small cap ETFs were hit the hardest, as the iShares Russell 2000  Growth Index (IWO), the iShares Russell 2000 Index (IWM), and the  iShares Russell 200         Value Index (IWN) all dropped over 3% in the past week. This  follows traditional market behavior as small cap equties tend to react  more harshly to         swings in the market.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The iShares Russell Midcap Growth Index (IWP), down 1.63%, and  the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index (IWF), down 1.68%, were least  effected by the         downturn in the market. In the near future, mid to large cap  equity ETFs will likely provide more stability and better gains than  smaller ETFs as the         market remains in flux and succesptible to turn on a variety of  daily economic news.         </div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<table border="0" cellspacing="10">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th align="left"><strong>Assets Class</strong></th>
<th><strong>Symbols</strong></th>
<th><strong>05/04<br />Trend<br /> Score</strong></th>
<th><strong>04/27<br />Trend<br /> Score</strong></th>
<th><strong>Direction</strong></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Growth</td>
<td>IWP</td>
<td>10.11%</td>
<td>12.57%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Growth</td>
<td>IWO</td>
<td>9.75%</td>
<td>14.01%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Indedx</td>
<td>IWR</td>
<td>8.92%</td>
<td>10.9%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Value</td>
<td>IWS</td>
<td>8.24%</td>
<td>9.84%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Growth</td>
<td>IWF</td>
<td>7.69%</td>
<td>9.25%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Index</td>
<td>IWM</td>
<td>7.41%</td>
<td>11.05%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Value</td>
<td>IWD</td>
<td>7.39%</td>
<td>8.15%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Index</td>
<td>IWB</td>
<td>7.29%</td>
<td>8.52%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Value</td>
<td>IWN</td>
<td>5.7%</td>
<td>8.56%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>  Trend score is the average of 1,4,13,26 and 52 week total returns (including dividend reinvested).<br /> You can get a <a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/api__customize.action">no cost widget </a>for any of these tables which will automatically update weekly.</p>
<p><a rel="lightbox" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_toptablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed"> <img src="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_toptablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed"     width='600' height='400' /> </a></p>
<p><a rel="lightbox" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_lowtablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed"> <img src="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_lowtablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed"     width='600' height='400' /> </a></p>
<p></p>
<div>Despite the weak performance in recent periods, every style in  the table has exhibited strong growth over the past 52 weeks, mirroring a  rise in the US         equity market. Investing in ETFs that use Russell Indices as a  benchmark provides an investor with a the assurance that his or her  investment will         maintain the risk and return possibilities that he or she signed  up for. As with any investment, it is important to ensure that the  goals of the ETF         match your personal investment goals.</div>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Symbols:</strong> <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWF&amp;count=0013'>IWF</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWB&amp;count=0011'>IWB</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWD&amp;count=0015'>IWD</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWP&amp;count=0021'>IWP</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWR&amp;count=0032'>IWR</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWS&amp;count=0025'>IWS</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWO&amp;count=0027'>IWO</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWM&amp;count=00110'>IWM</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWN&amp;count=0027'>IWN</a><br /> <strong></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Tickers:</strong> (NYSE: IWF), (NYSE: IWB), (NYSE: IWD), (NYSE: IWP), (NYSE: IWR), (NYSE: IWS), (NYSE: IWO), (NYSE: IWM), (NYSE: IWN)</p>
<div>
<p ><strong><span style="color: #1e2d3b;">Disclosure:</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k__main.action">MyPlanIQ </a>does not have any business relationship with the company or companies mentioned in this article. It does not set up their retirement plans. The performance data of portfolios mentioned above are obtained through historical simulation and are hypothetical.</span></p></div>
</div>
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iShares Trust Russell MidCap Value Index Fund

US Equities Fall as Economic Instability Continues

<p> </p>
<p>Small cap ETFs are generally made up of investments in companies  with less than $1 billion in market capitalization. Small Cap Growth  ETFs offer investors diversification throughout a wide range of industries and the potential  for very high returns. At the same time, these ETFs tend to move up and  down with the market and are subject to high levels of volatility.</p>
<p>US Small Cap Growth ETFs, represented by the iShares Russell 2000  Small Cap Growth Index ETF (IWO), continued to outperform other styles  of US Equity Assets with a one week return of 2.66% and a trend score of 13.93%. The small cap growth sector has also  outperformed other US Equity Assets over a 52 week period, returning  24.31% in the past year. (See Russell Table)</p>
<h2>US Equity Style Return</h2>
<h3>4/29/2011</h3>
<p> </p>
<table border="2">
</table>
<table border="0" cellspacing="12">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th align="left"><strong>Assets Class</strong></th>
<th><strong>Symbols</strong></th>
<th><strong>04/27<br />Trend<br /> Score</strong></th>
<th><strong>04/20<br />Trend<br /> Score</strong></th>
<th><strong>Direction</strong></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Growth</td>
<td>IWO</td>
<td>14.01%</td>
<td>13.06%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Growth</td>
<td>IWP</td>
<td>12.57%</td>
<td>11.91%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Index</td>
<td>IWM</td>
<td>11.05%</td>
<td>9.92%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Indedx</td>
<td>IWR</td>
<td>10.9%</td>
<td>10.15%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Value</td>
<td>IWS</td>
<td>9.84%</td>
<td>9.03%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Growth</td>
<td>IWF</td>
<td>9.25%</td>
<td>8.24%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Value</td>
<td>IWN</td>
<td>8.56%</td>
<td>7.26%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Index</td>
<td>IWB</td>
<td>8.52%</td>
<td>7.38%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Value</td>
<td>IWD</td>
<td>8.15%</td>
<td>6.96%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The trend score is defined as the average of 1,4,13,26 and 52 week total returns (including dividend reinvested).</p>
<p><a rel="lightbox" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_toptablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed"> <img src="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_toptablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed" /> </a></p>
<p><a rel="lightbox" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_lowtablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed"> <img src="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_lowtablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed" /> </a></p>
<p> </p>
<div id="smallCapGrowth" class="back">
<h2><span>U.S. Small Cap Growth</span></h2>
<p><span>04/29/2011</span></p>
<div class="dividerTop">
<table id="USSmallCapGrowth" class="tablesorter" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2">
<thead>
<tr>
<th> Description </th>
<th> Symbol </th>
<th> 1 Yr </th>
<th> 3 Yr </th>
<th> 5 Yr </th>
<th> Avg. Volume(K) </th>
<th> 1 Yr Sharpe </th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="even">
<td>Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=VBK&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">VBK</a></td>
<td>27.33%</td>
<td>10.31%</td>
<td>6.52%</td>
<td>248</td>
<td>121.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>iShares Russell 2000 Growth In</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWO&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWO</a></td>
<td>26.68%</td>
<td>9.57%</td>
<td>4.89%</td>
<td>1,679</td>
<td>119.24%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>iShares S&amp;P SmallCap 600 Growth</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IJT&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IJT</a></td>
<td>24.47%</td>
<td>8.6%</td>
<td>5.17%</td>
<td>187</td>
<td>121.82%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
<p>Among US Small Cap Growth ETFs, the Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF  (VBK) has shown the most strength, returning 27.33% in the past year.  Others, including the iShares Russell 2000 Growth Index ETF (IWO) and the iShares S&amp;P SmallCap 600  Growth ETF (UT) have also provided investors with returns higher than  24%.</p>
<p>In recent periods, equities have experienced high levels of growth,  leading many to speculate that a retraction is inevitable. If equity  markets begin to lose value, US Small Cap Growth ETFs will certainly be impacted, as the  performance of these ETFs correlate with general market conditions.  Still, investors should expect strong returns from ETFs in this sector for the foreseeable  future.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Symbols: <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=VBK&amp;count=0032'>VBK</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWO&amp;count=0027'>IWO</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IJT&amp;count=0024'>IJT</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWO&amp;count=0027'>IWO</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWM&amp;count=00110'>IWM</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWR&amp;count=0032'>IWR</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWS&amp;count=0025'>IWS</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWF&amp;count=0013'>IWF</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWN&amp;count=0027'>IWN</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWB&amp;count=0011'>IWB</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWD&amp;count=0015'>IWD</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tickers: (NYSE: VBK) (NYSE: IWO) (NYSE: IJT) (NYSE: IWO) (NYSE: IWP)  (NYSE: IWM) (NYSE: IWR) (NYSE: IWS) (NYSE: IWF) (NYSE: IWN) (NYSE: IWB)  (NYSE: IWD)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Disclosure: MyPlanIQ does not have any business relationship with the  company or companies mentioned in this article. It does not set up  their retirement plans. The performance data of portfolios mentioned  above are obtained through historical simulation and are hypothetical.</p>
</div>
</div>
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iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index Fund

US Small Cap Growth ETFs Continue Strong Gains

<p>Large Cap Blend ETFs provide access to both growth and value stocks,  looking for high returns while hedging that risk with more stable  securities. Large Cap ETFs invest across the entire spectrum of the US  market. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the US equity  market are defined as large cap.</p>
<p>Despite strong returns, US Large Cap Blend ETFs, including the  Russell Large Cap Index (IWB), have underperformed mid cap and small cap  ETFs. With a one-year trend score of 8.52%, the Russell Large Cap Index  falls towards the bottom of the US Style Return Table as seen below.</p>
<h2>US Equity Style Return</h2>
<h3>4/29/2011</h3>
<p> </p>
<table border="2">
</table>
<table border="0" cellspacing="12">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th align="left"><strong>Assets Class</strong></th>
<th><strong>Symbols</strong></th>
<th><strong>04/27<br />Trend<br /> Score</strong></th>
<th><strong>04/20<br />Trend<br /> Score</strong></th>
<th><strong>Direction</strong></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Growth</td>
<td>IWO</td>
<td>14.01%</td>
<td>13.06%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Growth</td>
<td>IWP</td>
<td>12.57%</td>
<td>11.91%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Index</td>
<td>IWM</td>
<td>11.05%</td>
<td>9.92%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Indedx</td>
<td>IWR</td>
<td>10.9%</td>
<td>10.15%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Value</td>
<td>IWS</td>
<td>9.84%</td>
<td>9.03%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Growth</td>
<td>IWF</td>
<td>9.25%</td>
<td>8.24%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Value</td>
<td>IWN</td>
<td>8.56%</td>
<td>7.26%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Index</td>
<td>IWB</td>
<td>8.52%</td>
<td>7.38%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Value</td>
<td>IWD</td>
<td>8.15%</td>
<td>6.96%</td>
<td>^</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The trend score is defined as the average of 1,4,13,26 and 52 week total returns (including dividend reinvested).</p>
<p><a rel="lightbox" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_toptablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed"> <img src="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_toptablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed"     width='600' height='400' /> </a></p>
<p><a rel="lightbox" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_lowtablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed"> <img src="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/article_lowtablechart.action?tableName=USStyleReturnTableWed"     width='600' height='400' /> </a></p>
<h2>US Large Cap Blend</h2>
<h3>4/29/2011</h3>
<table id="USLargeCapBlend" class="tablesorter" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2">
<thead>
<tr>
<th > Description </th>
<th > Symbol </th>
<th > 1 Yr </th>
<th > 3 Yr </th>
<th > 5 Yr </th>
<th > Avg. Volume(K) </th>
<th > 1 Yr Sharpe </th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="even">
<td>SPDR S&amp;P 500</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=SPY&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">SPY</a></td>
<td>15.13%</td>
<td>1.42%</td>
<td>2.64%</td>
<td>169,849</td>
<td>83.79%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>iShares S&amp;P 500 Index</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IVV&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IVV</a></td>
<td>14.66%</td>
<td>2.18%</td>
<td>2.45%</td>
<td>2,992</td>
<td>79.99%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Vanguard Total Stock Market</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=VTI&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">VTI</a></td>
<td>17.54%</td>
<td>3.35%</td>
<td>3.48%</td>
<td>1,833</td>
<td>92.09%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>iShares Russell 1000</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWB&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWB</a></td>
<td>15.83%</td>
<td>2.66%</td>
<td>2.84%</td>
<td>886</td>
<td>86.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Rydex S&amp;P Equal Weight</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=RSP&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">RSP</a></td>
<td>18.18%</td>
<td>5.79%</td>
<td>4.44%</td>
<td>1,115</td>
<td>94.46%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>iShares S&amp;P 100</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=OEF&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">OEF</a></td>
<td>12.47%</td>
<td>0.94%</td>
<td>2.15%</td>
<td>883</td>
<td>67.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Vanguard Large Cap</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=VV&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">VV</a></td>
<td>15.8%</td>
<td>2.78%</td>
<td>3.54%</td>
<td>223</td>
<td>85.55%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Schwab U.S. Large Cap</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=SCHX&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">SCHX</a></td>
<td>15.95%</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>297</td>
<td>87.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Vanguard S&amp;P 500</td>
<td><a href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=VOO&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">VOO</a></td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>311</td>
<td>NA</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Among US Large Cap Blend ETFs the Ryder S&amp;P Equal Weight ETF  (RSP) and the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) have performed the  strongest, offering one-year returns of 18.18% and 17.54% respectively.  The ETF in the sector with the highest level of average volume, the SPDR  S&amp;P 500 Index, returned 15.13% in the past year, near the middle of  the pack.</p>
<p>While US Large Cap Blend ETFs have provided investors with strong  returns in recent periods, many in the market believe that the sector is  due for a retraction based on overheated valuations. For the time  being, investors will likely find better returns elsewhere.</p>
<p>Symbols: <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=SPY&amp;count=00149'>SPY</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IVV&amp;count=0054'>IVV</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=VTI&amp;count=00113'>VTI</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWB&amp;count=008'>IWB</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=RSP&amp;count=0050'>RSP</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=OEF&amp;count=004'>OEF</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=VV&amp;count=0046'>VV</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=SCHX&amp;count=0046'>SCHX</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=VOO&amp;count=001'>VOO</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWO&amp;count=0024'>IWO</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWP&amp;count=0020'>IWP</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWM&amp;count=00108'>IWM</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWR&amp;count=0030'>IWR</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWS&amp;count=0023'>IWS</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWF&amp;count=0011'>IWF</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWN&amp;count=0025'>IWN</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWB&amp;count=008'>IWB</a>, <a href ='http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol=IWD&amp;count=0013'>IWD</a></p>
<p> Tickers: (NYSE: SPY) (NYSE: IVV) (NYSE: VTI) (NYSE: IWB)(NYSE: RSP)(NYSE: OEF)(NYSE: VV)(NYSE: SCHX)(NYSE: VOO) (NYSE: IWO) (NYSE: IWP) (NYSE: IWM) (NYSE: IWR) (NYSE: IWS) (NYSE: IWF) (NYSE: IWN) (NYSE: IWB) (NYSE: IWD)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Disclosure: MyPlanIQ does not have any business relationship with the  company or companies mentioned in this article. It does not set up  their retirement plans. The performance data of portfolios mentioned  above are obtained through historical simulation and are hypothetical.</p>
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Rydex ETF Trust Rydex S&P Equal Weight ETF

SCHX

US Large Cap Blend ETFs Return Can Be Beaten As Equity Markets Continue Ascent

WisdomTree Trust WisdomTree SmallCap Dividend

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PowerShares Exchange Traded Fund Dynamic Mid Cap Portfolio

PowerShares Exchange Traded Fund Dynamic Small Cap Portfolio

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PowerShares Exchange Traded Fund Trust Dynamic Small Cap Growth Portfolio

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Rydex ETF Trust S&P Midcap 400 Pure Growth ETF

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Rydex ETF Trust S&P Smallcap 600 Pure Growth ETF

SCHA

SCHV

National Semiconductor Provides Good Funds in Their Retirement Plan

<p>U.S. small cap stocks have been doing well recently. In fact, small cap blend (IWM) has a 24.15% 52-week return. Only the Smallcap Growth (IWO) and Midcap Growth (IWP) have the higher 52-week returns. For more detailed performance, please refer to <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/advanced__markets.action" target="_blank">here</a>.  </p>
<p> Smallcap Blend (IWM) is now ranked as second in the following U.S. equity style trend score table.</p>
<div><span> 
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th><strong>Assets Class</strong></th>
<th><strong>Symbols</strong></th>
<th><strong>03/04<br /> Trend<br /> Score</strong></th>
<th><strong>02/25<br /> Trend<br /> Score</strong></th>
<th><strong>Direction</strong></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Growth</td>
<td>IWO</td>
<td>14.99%</td>
<td>17.86%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Index</td>
<td>IWM</td>
<td>12.96%</td>
<td>16.32%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Growth</td>
<td>IWP</td>
<td>12.68%</td>
<td>15.65%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Smallcap Value</td>
<td>IWN</td>
<td>11.71%</td>
<td>15.18%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Indedx</td>
<td>IWR</td>
<td>11.39%</td>
<td>14.3%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Midcap Value</td>
<td>IWS</td>
<td>10.81%</td>
<td>13.86%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Growth</td>
<td>IWF</td>
<td>10.19%</td>
<td>12.42%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Index</td>
<td>IWB</td>
<td>9.41%</td>
<td>11.89%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Largecap Value</td>
<td>IWD</td>
<td>9.36%</td>
<td>11.94%</td>
<td>v</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> The trend score is defined as the average of 1,4,13,26 and 52 week total returns (including dividend reinvested).<br /> </p></span><br /> To gain exposures in US Small Cap stocks, one can choose one of the five ETFs listed in the following table, among other ETFs in this category. These five ETFs have the highest average trading volumes in the Small cap stock ETFs category. 
<p> Let's review their performance:</p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Description(Symbol)</th>
<th>1Yr</th>
<th>3Yr</th>
<th>5Yr</th>
<th>1Yr Sharpe</th>
<th>Volume(K)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vanguard Small Cap ETF(<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=VB&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">VB</a>)</td>
<td>28.25%</td>
<td>8.18%</td>
<td>4.25%</td>
<td>127.83%</td>
<td>219</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares S&amp;P SmallCap 600 Index(<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IJR&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IJR</a>)</td>
<td>26.7%</td>
<td>7.1%</td>
<td>3.13%</td>
<td>122.73%</td>
<td>626</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Russell 2000 Index(<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWM&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWM</a>)</td>
<td>26.68%</td>
<td>7.21%</td>
<td>2.67%</td>
<td>117.63%</td>
<td>49,700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Russell Microcap Index(<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=IWC&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">IWC</a>)</td>
<td>25.51%</td>
<td>3.91%</td>
<td>-1.65%</td>
<td>100.14%</td>
<td>212</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF(<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.myplaniq.com/LTISystem/jsp/fundcenter/View.action?symbol=SCHA&amp;type=1&amp;includeHeader=true" target="_blank">SCHA</a>)</td>
<td>30.17%</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>133.31%</td>
<td>223</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> <br /> <span>From the above table, it is very clear that Schwab ETF (SCHA) achieved highest 1 year return and highest Sharpe ratio (1.33). Since Schwab ETF was created in 11/2009, it has shortest history and thus its 3 year and 5 year performance can not be compared. But its extra 2% return in the last one year is impressive. </span></p>
<p> If we expand the time horizon, Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) stands out as a clear winner, in both last 3 and 5 years. Compared with iShares S&amp;P SmallCap 600 (IJR), in the last 5 years, VB gave investors extra 1.12% annually. This is something not very insignificant. What is more, if one compares VB with the most popular iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF (IWM), VB returned extra 1.58% annually! This extra return can not be explained by the low expense ratio in VB alone, as VB has 0.12% expense, compared with IJR's 0.2%. </p>
<p> The takeaway is that investors should pay attention to the performance among ETFs, even in the same category. The 1-2% annual return difference is striking. A systematic and periodic review of these ETFs can definitely improve portfolio performance. </p>
<p><strong>Symbols:<a href ='../../../../LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol= VB &amp;count=001'> VB </a>,<a href ='../../../../LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol= IJR &amp;count=001'> IJR </a>,<a href ='../../../../LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol= IWM &amp;count=001'> IWM </a>,<a href ='../../../../LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol= IWC &amp;count=001'> IWC </a>,<a href ='../../../../LTISystem/f401k_symbols.action?symbol= SCHA&amp;count=001'> SCHA</a>,
</strong></p></div>
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Schwab and Vanguard Small Cap ETFs Outperformed More Liquid iShares ETFs

<p>Here are three stock ETFs to skirt the Eurozone contagion.</p>


PowerShares DWA Technical Leaders Portfolio

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