Demographics (outside of immigration considerations) aren't a direct concern for US productivity and therefore long-term benchmark rates. But it has been suggested the demographic effects in portfolio allocation may see a net retail divestment from long-term fixed income as the soon-to-retire sell long-dated bonds. We see more risks in the ability for the US to maintain its USD reserve currency status over significant horizons of the long-dated SPLB, at 20+ years.
SPLB offers diversified exposure to long-term US corporate bonds, with a focus on A and BBB credits and a 12.5-year duration. Current BBB spreads are near historic lows, limiting upside potential and increasing downside risk if spreads widen or rates rise. The fund's performance relies heavily on long-term interest rates and credit spreads, both of which present unfavorable risk/reward at present.