markdown
Contents
The Backbone of Wall Street
Data is the lifeblood of Wall Street, keeping its engine turning smoothly. Amidst the flurry of earnings season and daily economic reports, some crucial details may escape notice, such as the filing of Form 13Fs with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17th.
Understanding Form 13F
A 13F provides a concise snapshot of the stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that top Wall Street money managers bought and sold in the latest quarter, here the fourth quarter. Among these savvy investors is billionaire Israel Englander of Millennium Management, steering nearly $238 billion in assets, including options contracts, at the end of 2025.
Millennium Management and Its Strategic Investments
Millennium’s 13F lists nearly 6,000 positions, many with hedged options. However, Englander’s largest holding remains a straightforward investment—a strong bet on the enduring growth of the U.S. economy and corporate profits. His portfolio prominently features the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF, a security likened to a near-guaranteed moneymaker on Wall Street.
A Closer Look at iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
The iShares Core S&P 500 ETF is an index fund designed to replicate the performance of the benchmark S&P 500. By purchasing this ETF, investors bypass the need to buy weighted stakes in 503 separate companies, gaining instant access to Wall Street’s major health indicator.
Key Data Points
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| Today’s Change | (-0.11%) -$0.73 |
| Current Price | $679.39 |
| Day’s Range | $676.38 – $683.14 |
| 52wk Range | $484.00 – $700.97 |
| Volume | 6.9K |
The Appeal of Low Expense Ratios
Equity-tracking indexes generally offer low net expense ratios. The iShares Core S&P 500 ETF boasts a net expense ratio of merely 0.03%, meaning just $0.30 of every $1,000 invested is allocated toward management fees.
The Sterling Track Record of the S&P 500
The true lure of this ETF lies in the S&P 500’s historical performance. Analysts at Crestmont Research reviewed rolling 20-year total returns, including dividends, for the S&P 500, stretching back to 1900.
All 107 evaluated 20-year periods boasted positive annualized returns. If an investor had placed their faith in an S&P 500-tracking index, like the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF, over any 20-year span, they would have profited, regardless of wars, pandemics, or recessions.
Englander’s Historical Advantage
Englander’s primary investment, based on decades of historical data, positions him favourably for consistent profits. His strategy reflects enduring confidence in the aggregate power of the U.S. market, showcasing his shrewd acumen as a seasoned investor.