Is iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) a Strong ETF Right Now?

Overview of iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG):

• Launched in 2000, it aims to provide broad exposure to the Style Box - All Cap Growth category.
• Sponsored by Blackrock, it tracks the S&P 900 Growth Index and has assets over $18.10 billion.
• Operating expenses are low at 0.04%, making it cost-effective for investors.
• Sector exposure is primarily in Information Technology, with top holdings including Microsoft Corp, Apple Inc, and Nvidia Corp.
• Performance-wise, the ETF has shown a return of 18.13% this year and 32.85% in the last year.

Smart Beta ETFs:

• Smart beta funds focus on non-cap weighted strategies for stock selection.
• These funds aim to pick stocks based on fundamental characteristics or a combination thereof.
• Different methodologies like equal-weighting, fundamental weighting, and volatility/momentum-based strategies are used.
• While they offer potential for outperformance, not all smart beta strategies deliver superior results.

Cost & Other Expenses:

• The iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.04%.
• Cheaper funds tend to outperform expensive ones in the long term if other factors remain constant.
• The fund's dividend yield stands at 0.69%.

Sector Exposure and Top Holdings:

• The ETF has the highest allocation to the Information Technology sector.
• Major holdings include Microsoft Corp, Apple Inc, and Nvidia Corp.
• The top 10 holdings account for around 54.78% of total assets under management.

Performance and Risk:

• The ETF has shown a return of 18.13% this year and 32.85% in the last year.
• It has a beta of 1.06 and standard deviation of 20.86%, indicating medium risk.
• With approximately 477 holdings, the fund effectively diversifies company-specific risk.