iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG)
A Narrow Strait To Peace
U.S. equities surged to record highs as optimism over a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz drove a risk-on rally, pushing oil sharply lower. Markets rapidly repriced the risk of a prolonged oil shock after the Strait of Hormuz reopened, easing fears of a major energy disruption that could have derailed global growth. Cooler-than-expected PPI data and a solid start to earnings season supported equities, though renewed threats to shipping traffic over the weekend underscored that progress toward de-escalation remains fragile.
VIDEO: ETF of the Week: GMUB
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi's Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the Goldman Sachs Municipal Income ETF (GMUB) with Chuck Jaffe of Money Life. The pair discussed several topics related to the fund to give investors a deeper understanding of the ETF.
Conflict Without Closure
U.S. equity markets fell for a fifth-straight week— pulling several major benchmarks into correction territory— as the Iran conflict remained locked in a volatile stalemate, keeping energy markets on edge. The fourth week of the Iran conflict delivered little progress toward de-escalation, as Washington maintained strikes on Iranian nuclear sites while Tehran continued retaliatory attacks across the Persian Gulf. The S&P 500 declined 2.1% this week and now sits 8.7% below its late-January record. The Dow and Nasdaq both entered "correction" territory, while the VIX volatility index topped 30.
The Bond ETF 141 Billion Investors Trust Has a Five-Year Return Smaller Than a Savings Account
Five years of holding AGG has returned roughly what you'd earn leaving money in a savings account.
The Strait Squeeze
U.S. equity markets fell for a fourth straight week, while interest rates jumped to eight-month highs, as continued turmoil in the Middle East rattled financial markets and revived inflation concerns. The third week of the Iran conflict settled into an uneasy equilibrium between escalation and de-escalation amid a continued standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, the key global energy chokepoint. The Federal Reserve - long bemoaning tariff-related inflation that failed to materialize - did little to calm markets, delivering a “hawkish hold” that pushed traders to price in rate hikes by year-end.
Alliancebernstein L.P. Raises Stock Holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF $AGG
Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its stake in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG) by 3.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,651,804 shares of the company's stock after buying an additional 88,807 shares during the period.
Tariffs, Tensions, And Repriced Risk
U.S. equity markets advanced this week as investors parsed a deluge of headlines, including a major Supreme Court tariff ruling, escalating Middle East tensions, soft economic data, and hawkish Fed-speak. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to restrict the President's authority to impose broader tariffs under the IEEPA framework, a widely expected move that was quickly countered by the White House. Investors also shrugged off renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which sent oil prices to seven-month highs. The S&P 500 advanced 1.1% - its best weekly gains since early January.
VGMS: This New Low-Cost Active Bond ETF Is Growing
VGMS: This New Low-Cost Active Bond ETF Is Growing
From Silicon To Steel: The Value Trade Returns
U.S. equity markets diverged sharply as cooling labor data revived Fed rate-cut expectations, accelerating a value rotation and pressuring growth amid scrutiny and an unwind of the dollar debasement trade. With the January BLS payrolls report delayed, investors instead reacted to softer-than-expected JOLTS, ADP, Challenger, and initial claims data, interrupting a stretch of resilient economic releases and tempering risk sentiment. Meanwhile, the busiest week of corporate earnings season raised questions around where long-term value from booming AI spending ultimately accrues, both within the AI ecosystem and across the broader economy.
AGG: Muted Volatility And Light Positioning, Why That's Bullish
I reiterate a buy rating on iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG), citing strong fixed income fundamentals and positive real yield prospects. AGG's 4.4% yield, low volatility, and favorable risk-adjusted returns make it an attractive core holding for balanced portfolios. Investor allocations to AGG remain light post-2022, suggesting potential upside as sentiment shifts back toward traditional fixed income.
The Polar Pivot
Ahead of the Fed meeting, U.S. equity markets declined modestly this week as investors navigated a fresh bout of global rate volatility amid headline churn out of Davos and Japan. Markets drew relief from de-escalation in the Greenland saga, as the White House backed away from military and tariff threats after agreeing to a NATO framework enabling expanded U.S. influence. Speculation ramped up around the next Fed Chair, with BlackRock's Rick Rieder suddenly viewed as the betting favorite, a candidate that markets view as a pragmatic and more centrist alternative.
AGG vs. BND: Comparing Two of the Most Widely Traded Bond Funds
BND and AGG deliver nearly identical costs and yields, but BND holds more higher-rated bonds. Both ETFs posted small price gains in 2025, but it's a positive sign as the bond market continues to rebound from its historic crash in 2022.
