Should Inspire 500 ETF (PTL) Be on Your Investing Radar?

The Inspire 500 ETF (PTL), launched in March 2024, is a passively managed large-cap blend ETF with $325.13 million in assets under management and an expense ratio of 0.09%. PTL's largest sector allocation is to Information Technology (25.50%), with top holdings including Broadcom (6.88%), Palantir, and Exxon Mobil; the ETF seeks to replicate the INSPIRE 500 INDEX and has returned approximately 3.68% YTD and 13.94% over the past year.

Analysis

The Inspire 500 ETF (PTL), launched on March 25, 2024, is a passively managed U.S. large-cap blend equity fund that has garnered over $325.13 million in assets. It aims to replicate the INSPIRE 500 INDEX, which includes the 500 largest U.S. companies filtered by 'Inspire Impact Scores' greater than or equal to zero, suggesting a values-based screening component. PTL's annual operating expense ratio is competitive at 0.09%, and it offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.25%. The portfolio exhibits a significant allocation to the Information Technology sector (25.50%), with Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) being the top individual holding at 6.88%; notably, the top ten holdings account for 26.71% of total assets. As of May 30, 2025, PTL has delivered a year-to-date return of approximately 3.68% and a one-year return of around 13.94%. The ETF has a reported beta of 1.03 and a standard deviation of 19.65% for the trailing three-year period, and diversifies across approximately 454 holdings. Despite its features, PTL carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), positioning it as a viable option, though investors might compare it against more established and potentially lower-cost alternatives like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), which has an expense ratio of 0.03%.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Consider PTL if its 'Inspire Impact Score' methodology aligns with specific ethical or values-based investment mandates, weighing its competitive 0.09% expense ratio against its recent performance and sector concentrations.
• Investors should evaluate PTL's Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold) and its risk profile, including a beta of 1.03 and a substantial 25.50% allocation to Information Technology, in comparison to larger, potentially more cost-effective peers in the large-cap blend space such as VOO.
• Given PTL's recent launch in March 2024 and its current asset base of $325.13 million, monitor its ongoing asset accumulation, trading liquidity, and the tangible benefits of its 'Inspire' screening criteria over time relative to traditional index funds.