Among the usual things that we’ve come to associate with this day, exchange traded funds (ETFs) focused on homeland security and aerospace and defense also come to mind.

Independence Day is a national holiday that celebrates the United States, and it is a day to remember the nation’s laws, heritage, history and society. During turbulent political times and international relations, our patriotism is important and our diligence to homeland security is crucial to keep what we treasure about our country safe.   

FocusShares ISE-CCM  Homeland Security (MYP) is a great path for an investor who wants to capture the performance of companies engaged in contractual work with the Department of Homeland Security. It holds 31.1% software, 17.5% health care, and 17% industrial materials. Year-to-date, it’s down 3.8%.

PowerShares Aerospace and Defense (PPA) is another way to capture the homeland security angles. Industrial materials are 78.7% of the fund, which is down 17.4% year-to-date.

The Fourth of July is the celebration of our freedom from Great Britain, declared on July 4, 1776. We should not take our freedom for granted, as it is threatened every day.

While you watch those fireworks, remember what they symbolize for yourself and the next generation.

Tags: Aerospace & Defense