U.S. equity markets climbed to the cusp of fresh record-highs as another soft slate of employment data and modest PCE inflation data helped solidify the case for another rate cut. ADP provided the most evident signs of cooling labor markets, posting job losses in three of the past six months and a cooldown in wage growth to four-year lows. The PCE report showed corresponding disinflation in discretionary services categories, offsetting modest upward pressures on goods prices, resulting in the first monthly deceleration in core inflation since April.
U.S. equity markets staged a broad rally in the holiday-shortened week, while benchmark interest rates dipped to the cusp of multi-year lows, as investors leaned into December rate cut expectations. Reports that Kevin Hassett- a close Trump ally- has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Fed Chair Powell in 2026 further sharpened expectations for a more explicitly dovish policy approach. The "Hasset trade" revived appetite for long-duration and rate-sensitive equity sectors, as investors priced in a lower terminal-rate environment and a steeper path of 2026 policy accommodation.
With $1.01 trillion of net inflows for the year, ETFs are sure to break the 2024 record of $1.1 trillion, likely in November. However, with $325 billion of new money as of October 15, fixed income ETFs have already hit a new milestone for the year.
| ARCA Exchange | US Country |
The described entity operates within the financial sector, focusing specifically on investment-grade bond markets in the United States. It aims to closely track the performance of the total U.S. investment-grade bond market by primarily investing in securities and To-Be-Announced (TBA) transactions that mirror the economic characteristics of the underlying index's components. This strategic approach allows the company to provide its investors with diversified exposure to high-quality fixed income securities. The emphasis on investment-grade bonds signifies a commitment to lower-risk investments, targeting stable returns over time.
This service involves directly investing at least 80% of the company's assets into the exact securities that constitute the underlying index. This allocation is instrumental in aiming to replicate the index's performance closely, providing investors with a transparent and focused investment strategy that mirrors the broader trends and health of the U.S. investment-grade bond market.
Allocating a portion of assets into To-Be-Announced (TBA) transactions represents a strategic approach to bond investment, focusing on commitments to buy or sell securities at a future date. These TBAs have economic characteristics that align closely with those of the underlying index, enabling precise market tracking and potential returns in line with those of the component securities. This approach allows for flexibility and efficiency in portfolio management, optimizing the fund's performance relative to the underlying index.
By committing to invest at least 90% of its assets in fixed income securities of types included in the underlying index, the company underscores its dedication to tracking its performance. These investments are chosen based on the advisor’s conviction that they will enable the fund to mirror the index closely. The selection process focuses on securities that not only match the index's characteristics but also complement the overall investment strategy, balancing risk and return, and steering towards the desired financial outcomes for the investors.