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Best And Worst Q4 2019: Basic Materials ETFs And Mutual Funds by David Trainer

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Summary

  • The Basic Materials sector ranks ninth in Q4'19.
  • Based on an aggregation of ratings of the 151 stocks in the Basic Materials sector.
  • PICK is our top-rated Basic Materials sector ETF.
  • Looking for a portfolio of ideas like this one? Members of Value Investing 2.0 get exclusive access to our model portfolio. Get started today »

The Basic Materials sector ranks ninth out of the 11 sectors as detailed in our Q4'19 Sector Ratings for ETFs and Mutual Funds report. Last quarter, the Basic Materials sector ranked seventh. It gets our Unattractive rating, which is based on an aggregation of ratings of the 151 stocks in the Basic Materials sector. See a recap of our Q3'19 Sector Ratings here.

Figures 1 and 2 show the five best and worst rated ETFs and mutual funds in the sector. Not all Basic Materials sector ETFs and mutual funds are created the same. The number of holdings varies widely (from 26 to 198). This variation creates drastically different investment implications and, therefore, ratings.

Investors seeking exposure to the Basic Materials sector should buy one of the Attractive-or-better rated ETFs or mutual funds from Figures 1 and 2.

Our Robo-Analyst technology[1] empowers our unique ETF and mutual fund rating methodology, which leverages our rigorous analysis of each fund’s holdings.[2] We think advisors and investors focused on prudent investment decisions should include analysis of fund holdings in their research process for ETFs and mutual funds.

Figure 1: ETFs with the Best and Worst Ratings

  • Best ETFs exclude ETFs with TNAs less than $100 million for inadequate liquidity.

Sources: New Constructs, LLC and company filings

Four ETFs (SLX, JHMA, PSCM, PYZ) are excluded from Figure 1 because their total net assets (TNA) are below $100 million and do not meet our liquidity minimums.

Figure 2: Mutual Funds with the Best and Worst Ratings

  • Best mutual funds exclude funds with TNAs less than $100 million for inadequate liquidity.

Sources: New Constructs, LLC and company filings

PICK is the top-rated Basic Materials ETF. There are no mutual funds that receive a Neutral-or-better rating. PICK earns a Very Attractive rating.

XME is the worst rated Basic Materials ETF and FMFAX is the worst rated Basic Materials mutual fund. XME earns an Unattractive rating and FMFAX earns a Very Unattractive rating.

151 stocks of the 2,850-plus we cover are classified as Basic Materials stocks.

The Danger Within

Buying a fund without analyzing its holdings is like buying a stock without analyzing its business and finances. Put another way, research on fund holdings is necessary due diligence because a fund’s performance is only as good as its holdings’ performance. Don’t just take our word for it, see what Barron’s says on this matter.

Performance of Holdings = Performance of Fund

Analyzing each holding within funds is no small task. Our Robo-Analyst technology enables us to perform this diligence with scale and provide the research needed to fulfill the fiduciary duty of care. More of the biggest names in the financial industry (see At BlackRock, Machines Are Rising Over Managers to Pick Stocks) are now embracing technology to leverage machines in the investment research process. Technology may be the only solution to the dual mandate for research: Cut costs and fulfill the fiduciary duty of care. Investors, clients, advisors and analysts deserve the latest in technology to get the diligence required to make prudent investment decisions.

Figures 3 and 4 show the rating landscape of all Basic Materials ETFs and mutual funds.

...Read the Full Post On Seeking Alpha

Author Bio:

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