iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF (NYSEARCA:PFF) offers investors a 6.4% yield by investing in U.S.
iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF (PFF) is favored over iShares High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG) as the Fed has entered an easing cycle. PFF offers higher yield, better credit quality, and lower fees than HYG, with recent outperformance driven by expectations of falling rates and economic uncertainty. PFF's sector concentration in financials and lower diversification present risks, but Fed stress tests show banks are well-capitalized for downturns.
PFF is the largest preferred stock ETF, holding nearly 450 securities, offering broad diversification and a focus on income generation. The fund's portfolio is mainly preferred stocks, baby bonds, and hybrid securities, with a significant portion trading below par, presenting capital appreciation potential. PFF is suitable for investors seeking moderate risk and balanced returns, especially those looking for exposure to higher coupon instruments as rates rise.
| NASDAQ (NMS) Exchange | US Country |
This company is an investment fund that focuses on replicating the performance of a specific underlying index. It aims to invest a minimum of 80% of its assets directly in the securities that constitute the index it tracks. The remaining 20% of its assets may be allocated to a variety of financial instruments, including futures, options, swap contracts, as well as cash and cash equivalents. This strategic allocation allows the fund to potentially enhance returns, manage risk, and maintain liquidity.
The core of the fund's investment strategy is to allocate at least 80% of its assets into securities that are part of its underlying index. This approach aims to closely mirror the index's performance, providing investors with a transparent and predictable investment outcome influenced by the movements of the selected index.
Up to 20% of the fund's assets may be invested in futures, options, and swap contracts. These derivative instruments are used to hedge against market volatility, speculate on future movements of the underlying index, or achieve a targeted investment exposure without directly purchasing the underlying assets. This strategy can enhance the fund's ability to manage risk and capitalize on market opportunities.
A portion of the fund's assets may be held in cash and cash equivalents. This liquidity strategy is important for covering redemptions, managing transaction costs, and taking advantage of short-term investment opportunities. It offers the fund flexibility to respond quickly to market changes or to rebalance its portfolio in alignment with its investment objectives.