Todd Rosenbluth

ETFs are largely passively managed, but the index providers they rely on vary, even within the same markets.

If market volatility picks up, these ETFs may provide some downside support thanks to stocks with good potential for total returns.

Nearly 200 companies in the S&P 500 hiked their dividends a median 8% during the first six months of 2019, making these dividend-yielding ETFs worthy of a closer look.

Traditionally an issuer of broad allocation funds, iShares looks to give investors an "emotional connection" to the themes driving investments around technology.

Assets in ESG ETFs climbed 63% since the end of 2017, stronger than the 17% growth for broader smart-beta strategies.

Not all dividend ETFs are the same, despite the low costs.

Investors are gaining more confidence in actively managed stock or bond portfolios in an ETF wrapper. New issues by the big sponsors could further boost demand.

Here's a breakdown of the top ETFs with more than $1 billion in market capitalization and a track record of less than three years.