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How Asset Managers Can Showcase Unique Holdings with YCharts to Grow AUM

Differentiating strategies against passive and competitor approaches is vital for asset managers. With the surge in active ETFs and the broadening market leadership in 2024, YCharts provides the tools you need to stand out.

In 2023, big tech companies drove the stock market’s rise. As for 2024, market performance has been much broader, with all but one sector (Real Estate) posting positive returns through the first five months of the year. 

YTD Sector Performance as of May 31, 2024: A line chart showing the year-to-date total returns for various S&P 500 sector indices. The indices include Communication Services (20.88%), Information Technology (17.31%), Utilities (15.82%), Energy (12.38%), Financials (11.16%), Consumer Staples (9.18%), Industrials (8.77%), Materials (7.30%), Health Care (5.78%), Consumer Discretionary (0.73%), and Real Estate (-4.38%). Each sector index is represented by a different colored line, showing the performance trend from January 2024 to the end of May 2024. Communication Services is the top performer, while Real Estate is the only sector index with negative returns.

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Active ETFs have gained significant traction, capturing nearly 30% of year-to-date equity ETF fund flows as of April 30, 2024, despite only making up 5% of equity ETF AUM. This surge in active management underscores the importance of providing differentiated value to advisors. 

YCharts’ unique/common holdings feature lets you quickly highlight how your fund’s holdings differ from or align with passive strategies and competitors to showcase your strategy’s strengths and help you win AUM.

Using YCharts’ Fund Screener, we identified ETFs with sector allocations ranging from 20% to 80% of their holdings. The 80% threshold aligns with Section 35(d) of the 1940 Act, known as the Names Rule, which mandates that if a fund’s name implies a specific investment focus, it must allocate at least 80% of its assets accordingly.

Applying this filter allows us to screen for sector-agnostic funds with significant but not mandated sector exposure, ensuring a more balanced comparison of performance and strategy.

We then analyzed the performance of these ETFs over year-to-date, 1-year, and 3-year periods. Additionally, we compared the holdings of the top-performing ETFs to sector ETFs to identify the holdings driving their outperformance. 

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ETFs with the Highest Communication Services Exposure

Through the end of May, the S&P 500 Communication Services index produced 20.9% YTD returns, the highest among sector indices. 

As of May 31, 2024, the MUSQ Global Music Industry ETF (MUSQ) had a 76.63% exposure to the communication services sector, the highest among the 45 ETFs analyzed. View the complete list here.

Clockwise Core Equity & Innovation ETF (TIME) produced 25.3% YTD returns, the highest in the group as of May 31, 2024.

YTD Performance of ETFs with Significant Exposure to the Communication Services Sector: A line chart showing the year-to-date total returns for various ETFs and the S&P 500 Communication Services (Sector) Index. The ETFs include Clockwise Core Equity & Innovation ETF (TIME) with a 25.33% return, iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) with a 17.04% return, Invesco AI and Next Gen Software ETF (IGPT) with a 16.24% return, Fidelity Disruptive Communications ETF (FDCF) with a 14.95% return, and Invesco Next Gen Media and Gaming ETF (GGME) with a 14.93% return. The S&P 500 Communication Services (Sector) Index shows a 20.88% return. Each ETF and the sector index are represented by different colored lines, showing the performance trend from January 2024 to the end of May 2024, with TIME leading the performance.

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On an annualized 1-year basis, TIME produced 50% returns, the highest among the ETFs analyzed. On a 3-year annualized basis, the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) led the clubhouse with 11.8% returns. 

Of the 37 securities in TIME, 31 were unique holdings compared to the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR® ETF (XLC) as of April 30, 2024. These unique securities include NVIDIA Corp (NVDA), Amazon.com Inc (AMZN), and Comfort Systems USA Inc (FIX).

YCharts showing the holdings of the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR® ETF (XLC) and the Clockwise Core Equity & Innovation ETF (TIME) as of April 2024. On the left, the XLC holdings list includes Alphabet Inc (11.97%), T-Mobile US Inc (4.78%), AT&T Inc (4.54%), Electronic Arts Inc (4.54%), The Walt Disney Co (4.34%), Comcast Corp (4.18%), Charter Communications Inc (3.78%), and Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (3.39%). On the right, the TIME holdings list includes unique holdings compared to XLC, such as SPDR® Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (9.19%), NVIDIA Corp (5.21%), Amazon.com Inc (4.92%), Comfort Systems USA Inc (4.07%), Dell Technologies Inc (3.12%), Micron Technology Inc (3.10%), Chevron Corp (3.01%), and ProShares UltraShort QQQ (3.00%) as of April 30, 2024.

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ETFs with the Highest Technology Exposure

Through the end of May, the S&P 500 Information Technology index produced 17.3% YTD returns, the second highest among sector indices. 

As of May 31, 2024, the WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence & Innovation ETF (WTAI) had a 79.08% exposure to the technology sector, the highest among the 567 ETFs analyzed. View the complete list here.

TIME’s 25.3% YTD return was also the highest among the Technology group as of May 31, 2024. 

YTD Performance of ETFs with Significant Exposure to the Technology Sector: A line chart showing the year-to-date total returns for various ETFs and the S&P 500 Information Technology (Sector) Index. The ETFs include Clockwise Core Equity & Innovation ETF (TIME) with a 25.33% return, Invesco S&P 500® Momentum ETF (SPMO) with a 24.51% return, Adaptiv™ Select ETF (ADPV) with a 24.39% return, Gabelli Growth Innovators ETF (GGRW) with a 24.05% return, and Clough Hedged Equity ETF (CBLS) with a 23.46% return. The S&P 500 Information Technology (Sector) Index shows a 17.31% return. Each ETF and the sector index are represented by different colored lines, showing the performance trend from January 2024 to the end of May 2024, with TIME leading the performance.

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On an annualized 1-year basis, the Invesco S&P 500® Momentum ETF (SPMO) produced 55.7% returns, the highest among the ETFs analyzed. On a 3-year annualized basis, the Hull Tactical US ETF (HTUS) led the clubhouse with 15.7% returns. 

Of the 102 securities in SPMO, 73 were unique holdings compared to the Technology Select Sector SPDR® ETF (XLK) as of April 30, 2024. These unique securities include Meta Platforms Inc (META), Amazon.com Inc (AMZN), and Eli Lilly and Co (LLY).

YCharts showing the holdings of the Technology Select Sector SPDR® ETF (XLK) and the Invesco S&P 500® Momentum ETF (SPMO) as of April 30, 2024. On the left, the XLK holdings list includes Cisco Systems Inc (2.14%), Qualcomm Inc (2.08%), Oracle Corp (2.03%), Texas Instruments Inc (1.80%), Micron Technology Inc (1.40%), Analog Devices Inc (1.12%), NXP Semiconductors NV (0.74%), and Microchip Technology Inc (0.56%). On the right, the SPMO holdings list includes unique holdings compared to XLK, such as Meta Platforms Inc (8.18%), Amazon.com Inc (7.97%), Eli Lilly and Co (5.27%), Berkshire Hathaway Inc (3.80%), JPMorgan Chase & Co (2.50%), Costco Wholesale Corp (2.13%), GE Aerospace (1.39%), and Netflix Inc (1.18%).

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ETFs with the Highest Utilities Exposure 

Through the end of May, the S&P 500 Utilities index produced 15.8% YTD returns, the third highest among sector indices. 

As of May 31, 2024, the First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN) had a 74.42% exposure to the utilities sector, the highest among the 47 ETFs analyzed. View the complete list here.

The Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) produced 35.9% YTD returns, the highest in the group as of May 31, 2024. 

YTD Performance of ETFs with Significant Exposure to the Utilities Sector: A line chart showing the year-to-date total returns for various ETFs and the S&P 500 Utilities (Sector) Index. The ETFs include Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) with a 35.93% return, VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) with a 15.41% return, Neuberger Berman Carbon Transition & Infrastructure ETF (NBCT) with a 22.09% return, FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF (EIPX) with a 15.59% return, and First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure ETF (EMLP) with a 15.54% return. The S&P 500 Utilities (Sector) Index (^SPXUSTR) shows a 22.39% return. Each ETF and the sector index are represented by different colored lines, showing the performance trend from January 24, 2024, to the end of May 2024, with NUKZ leading the performance.

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The VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) produced the highest annualized 1- and 3-year returns at 66.1% and 20.2%, respectively. 

Of the 26 securities in NLR, 20 were unique holdings compared to the Utilities Select Sector SPDR® ETF (XLU) as of April 30, 2024. These unique securities include Cameco Corp (CCJ), Endesa SA (ELEZF), and BWX Technologies Inc (BWXT).

YCharts showing the holdings of the Utilities Select Sector SPDR® ETF (XLU) and the VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) as of April 2024. On the left, the XLU holdings list includes NextEra Energy Inc (13.90%), Southern Co (8.11%), Duke Energy Corp (7.66%), American Electric Power Co Inc (4.58%), Sempra (4.56%), Dominion Energy Inc (4.31%), Exelon Corp (3.78%), and Consolidated Edison Inc (3.30%). On the right, the NLR holdings list includes unique holdings compared to XLU, such as Cameco Corp (6.93%), Endesa SA (5.34%), BWX Technologies Inc (5.29%), CEZ a.s (5.00%), Paladin Energy Ltd (4.90%), Denison Mines Corp (4.76%), CGN Power Co Ltd (4.71%), and Uranium Energy Corp (4.59%).

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ETFs with the Highest Energy Exposure

Through the end of May, the S&P 500 Energy index produced 12.4% YTD returns, the fourth highest among sector indices. 

As of May 31, 2024, the iShares North American Natural Res ETF (IGE) had a 78.14% exposure to the energy sector, the highest among the 50 ETFs analyzed. View the complete list here.

The SonicShares™ Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) produced 29.4% YTD returns, the highest in the group as of May 31, 2024. 

YTD Performance of ETFs with Significant Exposure to the Energy Sector: A line chart showing the year-to-date total returns for various ETFs and the S&P 500 Energy (Sector) Index. The ETFs include SonicShares™ Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) with a 29.40% return, VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) with a 21.00% return, Invesco S&P MidCap 400® GARP ETF (GRPM) with a 20.41% return, Global X Uranium ETF (URA) with a 16.43% return, and Strive FAANG 2.0 ETF (FTWO) with a 16.04% return. The S&P 500 Energy (Sector) Index shows a 12.38% return. Each ETF and the sector index are represented by different colored lines, showing the performance trend from January 2024 to the end of May 2024, with BOAT leading the performance.

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On an annualized 1-year basis, the Global X Uranium ETF (URA) produced 72% returns, the highest among the ETFs analyzed. On a 3-year annualized basis, the VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) led the clubhouse with 20.2% returns.  

Of the 54 securities in URA, 41 were unique holdings compared to the Energy Select Sector SPDR® ETF (XLE) as of April 30, 2024. These unique securities include Cameco Corp (CCJ), NexGen Energy Ltd (NXE), and Paladin Energy Ltd (PALAF).

YCharts interface showing the holdings of the Energy Select Sector SPDR® ETF (XLE) and the Global X Uranium ETF (URA) as of April 2024. On the left, the XLE holdings list includes Exxon Mobil Corp (23.40%), Chevron Corp (16.97%), ConocoPhillips (8.98%), EOG Resources Inc (4.68%), Schlumberger Ltd (4.11%), Marathon Petroleum Corp (4.06%), Pioneer Natural Resources Co (3.82%), and Phillips 66 (3.74%). On the right, the URA holdings list includes unique holdings compared to XLE, such as Cameco Corp (22.42%), Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (8.87%), NexGen Energy Ltd (5.91%), Paladin Energy Ltd (5.48%), Uranium Energy Corp (4.35%), Denison Mines Corp (3.70%), Yellow Cake PLC (3.56%), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (2.98%).

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ETFs with the Highest Financials Exposure 

Through the end of May, the S&P 500 Financials index produced 11.2% YTD returns, the fifth highest among sector indices. 

As of May 31, 2024, the Fidelity Disruptive Finance ETF (FDFF) had a 66.91% exposure to the financial services sector, the highest among the 153 ETFs analyzed. View the complete list here.

The Adaptiv™ Select ETF (ADPV) produced 24.4% YTD returns, the highest in the group as of May 31, 2024. 

YTD Performance of ETFs with Significant Exposure to the Financials Sector: A line chart showing the year-to-date total returns for various ETFs and the S&P 500 Financials (Sector) Index. The ETFs include Adaptiv™ Select ETF (ADPV) with a 24.39% return, Pacer Lunt Large Cap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PALC) with a 13.55% return, Brendan Wood TopGun ETF (BWTG) with a 13.02% return, Davis Select US Equity ETF (DUSA) with a 12.76% return, and First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF (DVLU) with a 12.39% return. The S&P 500 Financials (Sector) Index (^SPXFINSTR) shows an 11.16% return. Each ETF and the sector index are represented by different colored lines, showing the performance trend from January 2024 to the end of May 2024, with ADPV leading the performance.

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The Global X Adaptive US Factor ETF (AUSF) produced the highest annualized 1- and 3-year returns at 38.2% and 12.3%, respectively. 

Of the 195 securities in AUSF, 168 were unique holdings compared to the Financial Select Sector SPDR® ETF (XLF) as of April 30, 2024. These unique securities include AT&T Inc ( T), Verizon Communications Inc (VZ), and International Business Machines Corp (IBM).

YCharts interface showing the holdings of the Financial Select Sector SPDR® ETF (XLF) and the Global X Adaptive US Factor ETF (AUSF) as of April 2024. On the left, the XLF holdings list includes JPMorgan Chase & Co (9.98%), Bank of America Corp (4.59%), Wells Fargo & Co (3.85%), The Goldman Sachs Group Inc (2.51%), American Express Co (2.41%), S&P Global Inc (2.40%), Morgan Stanley (2.05%), and Charles Schwab Corp (1.98%). On the right, the AUSF holdings list includes unique holdings compared to XLF, such as AT&T Inc (2.01%), Verizon Communications Inc (1.90%), International Business Machines Corp (1.90%), Republic Services Inc (1.69%), Waste Management Inc (1.69%), Walmart Inc (1.64%), Cencora Inc (1.63%), and Merck & Co Inc (1.62%).

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Using YCharts to Compare and Present ETFs to Advisors

Demonstrating to advisors that your strategy can place their clients in the right stocks at the right time is crucial for winning AUM in active, sector-specific, and sector-agnostic ETFs. Leveraging YCharts’ research and point-of-sale tools can streamline this process, providing you with the insights and visuals needed to showcase your strategy’s effectiveness and differentiate yourself in a competitive market.

Before meeting with financial advisors, asset managers can use a Comp Table or Fund Screener to understand their funds’ quantitative strengths and vulnerabilities. This can help better address potential advisor concerns and highlight competitive advantages.

During discussions, wholesalers can employ Fundamental Charts in YCharts to visually demonstrate the superiority of their strategies over competitors.

A line chart titled 'Illustrate Your Strategy's Superiority with YCharts' demonstrating how an asset manager can use YCharts in a meeting with an advisor. The chart compares the total return of 'Your Strategy' and 'A Competitor's Fund' from May 31, 2021, to May 30, 2024. 'Your Strategy' is represented by a purple line showing a total return of 31.95%, while 'A Competitor's Fund' is represented by an orange line showing a total return of 12.19%. The chart shows the performance trend over the specified period, illustrating the consistent outperformance of 'Your Strategy' compared to 'A Competitor's Fund.'

Connect with an Asset Management Specialist

After personalizing visuals for one advisor, you can save and add them to your Dashboard. All visuals and Dashboards can be shared in YCharts so a regional director can create a centralized resource hub, ensuring consistency across all client interactions.

When dealing with advisors who already invest in similar funds, you can quickly toggle between the unique and common holdings of multiple mutual funds, ETFs, and Portfolios to differentiate your strategy in a crowded market.

Connect with an Asset Management Specialist

By incorporating an advisor’s holdings into Portfolios, asset managers can illustrate how their strategies enhance client portfolios. Whether it’s improving performance, enhancing risk mitigation, or lowering volatility, YCharts provides the tools to articulate, visualize, and quantify the specific benefits of your strategy tailored to the advisor’s client needs.

Whenever you’re ready, there are three ways YCharts can help you:

Have questions about leveraging YCharts to grow AUM in your Mutual Fund or ETF?

Email us at hello@ycharts.com or call (866) 965-7552. You’ll get a response from one of our Chicago-based team members.

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