VBETF

The Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) is a passively managed small-cap blend ETF launched in June 2024 with $1.39 billion in assets. It offers a low expense ratio of 0.08%, tracks the Russell 2000 index, and has returned 12.32% year-to-date and 11.06% over the past year.

The fund holds approximately 1,981 stocks with heavy exposure to Healthcare (19.9%), Financials, and Industrials sectors. It carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold) and is compared to larger competitors like Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap ETF and iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF.

Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (VB) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) are compared as low-cost small-cap investment options. Both charge identical 0.03% expense ratios, but VB offers broader diversification with 1,357 holdings while SPSM focuses on 607 concentrated picks. SPSM delivered higher 1-year returns (17.3% vs 14.3%) and a higher dividend yield (1.56% vs 1.28%), with the analyst slightly favoring SPSM for its profitability filter and stronger dividend growth.

VTWO, a passively managed small-cap blend ETF with $16.11 billion in assets, offers broad exposure to the small-cap segment with a low expense ratio of 0.06% and a dividend yield of 1.24%. The fund has gained 10.74% year-to-date and 11.62% over the past year, with a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy). It holds approximately 2,001 diversified holdings with heaviest allocation to Healthcare (20%), Financials, and Industrials sectors.

The Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Revenue ETF (RWJ) is reviewed as a sufficient small-cap blend option with $1.98 billion in assets and a 0.39% expense ratio. The ETF has gained 18.58% year-to-date and 19.42% over the past year, but carries higher risk with a beta of 1.10 and 21.66% standard deviation. It received a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), with cheaper alternatives like Vanguard and iShares small-cap ETFs available.

Recent economic data shows PCE inflation came in softer than expected while Q2 GDP exceeded expectations. Market attention is now focused on the upcoming Friday employment report, which will be a key indicator for economic health and potential Federal Reserve policy decisions.