BlackRock Model Portfolios Drive Factor Rotation, Save a Systematic Bond ETF

After 10 years and under $100 million in assets, many ETFs still trading are on life support, before possibly being sent to the graveyard. However, last week assets in the previously obscure iShares Systematic Bond ETF (SYSB) rose approximately ten-fold.

ETF Trends • Nov 24, 2025

IUSB: A Rate Cut Is Up In The Air

The IUSB ETF is highly sensitive to rate changes due to its higher duration. Rising inflation expectations complicate the Fed's policy decisions, making sustained rate less likely than markets think, despite the emerging recessionary pressure consensus in bond markets. Falling oil prices may support a rate cut narrative, but we're cautious, favoring selective equities over duration in the current environment.

Seeking Alpha • Mar 15, 2025

Active Fixed Income ETF Demand Looks Strong for '25

Advisors and investors have long turned to active management for fixed income exposure. They are increasingly favoring ETFs to access the markets.

ETF Trends • Dec 16, 2024

A Record Year for ETF Inflows Imminent

The U.S. ETF industry is about to hit a tremendous milestone. Year to date through November 11, $897 billion has flowed into exchange traded funds, according to FactSet data.

ETF Trends • Nov 12, 2024

Here's how bond ETFs fared as investors parsed new inflation, jobless-claims data

This week's ETF Wrap shines the light on bond-fund performance as investors on Thursday weighed fresh inflation and jobless-claims data.

Market Watch • Oct 10, 2024

iShares Hits $1 Trillion in Fixed Income ETFs Globally

Fixed income ETFs continue to gain traction globally. As of August 2024, the asset category managed $2.5 trillion in assets, with iShares managing $1 trillion alone.

ETF Trends • Sep 4, 2024

IUSB: Correlation May Be Breaking

The iShares Core Total USD Bond Market ETF could be a viable countercyclical investment as the equity-bond market correlation may be breaking. IUSB has low expense ratios and high credit quality, but its significant duration makes it sensitive to medium to long-term rate changes. If inflation concerns subside, the Fed may lower rates to support growth, benefiting fixed income, though the economic decline is likely needed first, which is the basis of breaking correlation.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 3, 2024

Golden Age for Fixed Income at BlackRock

There are many reasons to celebrate the BlackRock Flexible Income ETF (BINC). The actively managed multisector ETF launched less than 15 months ago.

ETF Trends • Aug 15, 2024

24 Barron's Pro-Picked 2024 Mid-Year Dividend Dogs: Buy 2 In July

Barron's Mid-Year 2024 Pro Picks revealed by panelists for potential investment opportunities. Barron's interviews of eleven financial industry Roundtable-pros tapped 48 predictions. Twelve non-ADR foreign stocks and six funds were dropped by YCharts screens, and six selections paid no dividends, leaving 24 in the final pool. The Barron's list tracked by YCharts as of 7/17/24 projected ten top analyst-estimated net gains from WST, ASML, PBR, RUSHA & topped by SLB ranging 19.46%-35.09%.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 23, 2024

IUSB: The Bond Market Looks Attractive

IUSB tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Universal Index (LC07TRUU) which includes investment-grade and high-yield U.S. dollar-denominated bonds. The fund is overweight Treasuries and Agency MBS bonds (57% of holdings) and has a duration of 5.8 years, making it sensitive to interest rates. The ETF has a low expense ratio (0.06%) and low volatility (annualized volatility of 6.4%).

Seeking Alpha • Apr 5, 2024