BlackRock Launches iShares USD Bond Factor ETF (USBF)
BlackRock has launched the iShares USD Bond Factor ETF (NASDAQ: USBF), designed to outperform the U.S. fixed income market through a rules-based selection of bonds that considers macroeconomic and quality factors. The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.18%, lower than 86% of similar funds. Its strategy aims to enhance total return while managing credit and interest rate risks. BlackRock's systematic approach utilizes style factors to discover underpriced securities, providing a dynamic alternative for bond investors in a low-yield environment.
- USBF has an expense ratio of 0.18%, lower than 86% of mutual funds and ETFs in its category.
- The ETF aims to enhance total returns while managing credit and interest rate risks.
- Utilizes a transparent, rules-based factor investing strategy for bond selection.
- None.
Many debt market participants are seeking to navigate credit risk – the ability to be repaid in full and on time – and interest rate risk, given how yields could rise after not only recent all-time lows, but also four consecutive decades of declines. By applying a rules-based, transparent factor, or “smart beta,” investing lens to bonds, USBF pursues a strategy that seeks to provide a diversified selection of
“Historically low yields heighten the importance of broadening potential sources of fixed income returns,” said
Factors, like value, momentum, quality, and low volatility, have historically driven both investment risk and returns for asset classes like stocks and bonds.
“Using macro and style factors for
iShares ETFs like USBF enable access to factor-based strategies in a transparent and cost-effective way. To learn more, please visit here.
About BlackRock
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About iShares
iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 900+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and
Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses or, if available, the summary prospectuses which may be obtained by visiting www.iShares.com or www.blackrock.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
Fixed income risks include interest-rate and credit risk. Typically, when interest rates rise, there is a corresponding decline in bond values. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the bond issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments. Non-investment-grade debt securities (high-yield/junk bonds) may be subject to greater market fluctuations, risk of default or loss of income and principal than higher-rated securities. Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") and commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") are subject to prepayment and extension risk and therefore react differently to changes in interest rates than other bonds. Small movements in interest rates may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities.
There can be no assurance that performance will be enhanced or risk will be reduced for funds that seek to provide exposure to certain quantitative investment characteristics ("factors"). Exposure to such investment factors may detract from performance in some market environments, perhaps for extended periods. In such circumstances, a fund may seek to maintain exposure to the targeted investment factors and not adjust to target different factors, which could result in losses.
Diversification and asset allocation may not protect against market risk or loss of principal. Buying and selling shares of ETFs may result in brokerage commissions. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares of an ETF will develop or be maintained. Buying and selling shares of ETFs may result in brokerage commissions.
Prepared by
This information should not be relied upon as research, investment advice, or a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change.
The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by
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1 Morningstar as of
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Luke.Shane@BlackRock.com
646.592.1672
Federico.Serrano@BlackRock.com
646.352.2218
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FAQ
What is the expense ratio of the iShares USD Bond Factor ETF (USBF)?
How does the USBF ETF aim to outperform the U.S. fixed income market?
What is the investment strategy of the iShares USD Bond Factor ETF?
What kind of securities does USBF target?