Despite the heightened uncertainty about interest rates and inflation as we get closer to year-end, investor appetite for fixed income ETFs hasn't waned — especially for actively managed fixed income ETFs.
Many advisors are finding actively managed fixed income ETFs are an effective way to balance interest rate and credit risk, while helping their clients generate income, and keep more of what they own.
Taking a look at the genesis of active fixed income ETFs, we see that while worries over higher inflation and interest rates have been a recent factor driving growth, the category has been quietly growing since the first active fixed income ETF was launched in 2008. By 2011, there were still just 25 active fixed income ETFs, with assets of just $3 billion. Today, there are over 175 active bond ETFs with $137 billion in assets.
One of the most common questions we hear from financial advisors is: How do I navigate today's challenging fixed income environment? And according to a recent survey conducted by State Street Global Advisors, about half of investors expect to pay for advice on how to generate income out of their various sources of retirement savings. With historically low yields and historically high interest rate risk, advising clients on decisions related to fixed income portfolios is increasingly difficult.
To meet clients' need for income (and returns), advisors are faced with two imperfect decisions: Take on additional interest rate risk, or add credit risk to a portfolio. Either choice exposes clients, especially for those living on fixed incomes, to added risk that could push them out of their comfort zone. These challenges continue to grow as the Federal Reserve talks about tapering its bond purchases and potentially putting upward pressure on rates.
At the same time, prudent advisors recognize the need for bonds to remain a core portion of many client portfolios to hedge against the risk of stock market volatility, especially as valuations are extended.
