Passive aggregate bond strategies have long been default options for advisors and investors looking to defray risk in equity-heavy portfolios while adding a reliable income sleeve. However, many of the ETFs and index funds tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and other related benchmarks come with drawbacks some market participants overlook.
Dynex Capital remains a Buy for its high-yield, dependable monthly dividend and opportunistic MBS portfolio growth amid market volatility. DX's strategy centers on Agency MBS, now 95% of assets, leveraging market dislocations to add $6B in investments despite Q1 book value decline. Net interest income rose to $0.40/share in Q1 2026; liquidity remains robust at $1.3B, or 46% of equity.
The Angel Oak Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF is indeed a standout for its "pure-play" focus on residential mortgage credit and its prime ticker symbol. As of early April 2026, the fund is navigating a volatile environment where geopolitical tensions (specifically the Iran conflict) have pushed Treasury yields up by 20–30 bps. With an effective duration of 5.7 years, MBS is more sensitive to rate hikes than short-term Treasury funds (like IEI), but it captures the "excess spread" from mortgages.
AGNC Investment Corp. offers a compelling 13.99% yield, with a resilient agency MBS portfolio exceeding $90 billion and minimal credit risk. Despite recent macro volatility and share price declines, AGNC's robust hedging, liquidity, and GSE MBS demand position it for recovery and income stability. Strategic balance sheet expansion, swap repositioning, and strong Q4 results—including $0.89 per share comprehensive income—underscore AGNC's operational strength.
Minimal Credit Risk: Agency MBS are guaranteed by GSEs. Historically, MBS prices rise during economic downturns, leading to higher book values and sustainable payouts for mREITs. Despite a recent rally, Agency MBS spreads remain attractive compared to the 40-year historical average.
In a bid to drive mortgage rates down and foster more home buying among younger people, President Trump recently proposed a plan to purchase $200 billion worth of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). There ETFs for that, which makes sense given the sheer scope of the MBS market.
Beyond The 15 Minutes Of Fame: Locking In +12% Yields With Agency MBS
Mortgage rates fell 22 basis points after President Donald Trump instructed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion in mortgage-backed bonds, or MBS. Analysts predict that $200 billion of MBS purchases could drive a 25 to 50 basis point drop in mortgage rates.
Agency mREITs are entering a powerful 2026 recovery as falling funding costs meet high asset coupons. By focusing on mortgages guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, these companies avoid the default risks currently plaguing the commercial real estate market. The Power of Flexibility: Smaller portfolios allow for tactical repositioning that massive $100B peers simply cannot replicate.
MBS saw positive returns in the third quarter. The fund outperformed its benchmark, the Bloomberg U.S. MBS Index. MBS outperformed the broader bond market, benefiting from their relatively high yields.
Annaly Capital offers an attractive opportunity for income investors, driven by its high dividend yield and large Agency MBS portfolio. NLY stands to benefit from falling interest rates, which should boost agency MBS prices, book value, and support continued dividend payments. Current dividend coverage is strong at 104%, with a $0.70 quarterly payout and a yield just below 13%, making it appealing for yield-focused investors.
Recommend buying Saudi-focused ETFs like iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia and Franklin FTSE Saudi Arabia to capitalize on economic diversification. KSA and FLSA offer exposure to sectors beyond oil, including financials, technology, and infrastructure, with FLSA having a lower expense ratio. Saudi Arabia's Vision2030 plan drives rapid non-oil sector growth, supported by large-scale projects and increased foreign investment.