| BATS Exchange | US Country |
The fund is specifically designed for investors seeking to mimic the performance of a precise segment of the market: U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed rate securities with a maturity span falling between more than one year and up to three years. This focus offers a blend of relatively short-duration assets, aiming to provide a balance between yield and risk that tends to be lower than longer-term fixed-income investments. By targeting this specific maturity range, the fund positions itself as a potentially attractive option for those looking to manage interest rate risk while still seeking to earn returns through fixed income securities. It adheres to a strategy of investing at least 80% of its assets in securities that are included in the underlying index, ensuring a high degree of alignment with the index's performance, before accounting for fees and expenses.
At the core of the fund's investment strategy are U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed rate securities. These are debt instruments that offer a fixed return over their life, which are denominated in U.S. dollars, mitigating currency risk for U.S. investors. The predetermined interest payments and principal repayment upon maturity provide a predictable stream of income, making them suitable for investors with a low risk tolerance looking for stable returns in the short to medium term.
The fund specifically targets securities that have a remaining maturity of more than one year and up to three years. This short to medium-term investment horizon is strategic, balancing the need for higher yields than what is typically offered by ultra-short-term securities, with a lower degree of interest rate risk compared to longer-term bonds. This investment focus is particularly appealing during periods of volatility or uncertain monetary policy, providing a blend of modest income potential and capital preservation.
By aiming to closely correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the underlying index, the fund employs an index-tracking investment strategy. This approach minimizes active management risks and offers a transparent, predictable investment process. The underlying index is curated to measure the performance of the specified segment of fixed income securities, providing a benchmark against which the fund's performance can be measured. This rigidity ensures that investors have a clear understanding of the fund’s objective, making it easier to assess alignment with their individual investment goals.