A quick reminder for anyone who's already forgotten about 2022: that year, the classic 60/40 balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds didn't provide much protection. In fact, it lost nearly as much as a 100% equity portfolio. Inflation surged well above the long-term 2% target, and to bring it down, the Federal Reserve hiked interest... Two hedged ETFs that retirees can use for relative safety in a bear market
The Simplify Hedged Equity ETF has delivered superior risk-adjusted returns since inception versus a traditional 60/40 S&P 500 and short-term Treasury allocation. HEQT distinguishes itself from typical buffer funds, which often underperform due to high fees and inefficient premium payouts. The article highlights empirical research questioning the efficacy of most buffer funds but notes HEQT as a notable exception.
HEQT offers a compelling hedged equity solution for investors seeking S&P 500 exposure with reduced downside risk and volatility. The fund uses a laddered put/spread collar options strategy, providing protection against 5-20% market declines while maintaining capital appreciation potential. HEQT outperforms the S&P 500 and other hedged ETFs in risk-adjusted returns and has a low expense ratio among peers.
HEQT, a collar strategy ETF, delivered a 20% return in the past year but is now rated 'Hold' due to high S&P 500 P/E ratios. Collar funds like HEQT hedge the downside by selling call options and buying put spreads, capturing 60%-80% of the index's upside and minimizing losses during downturns. HEQT's laddered rolling collar strategy outperforms peers like PJAN in up markets but carries a higher risk and reward.
HEQT ETF provides conservative investors with equity exposure while limiting downside risks through put-spread collars. The fund has delivered a solid 17% in total returns since October. Although HEQT has underperformed the S&P 500, this is to be expected. With market valuations at extended levels, I believe conservative investors should look at alternatives like HEQT to protect their portfolios against market drawdowns.
For investors seeking momentum, Simplify Hedged Equity ETF HEQT is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up about 18% from its 52-week low price of $23.70/share.