VRP: Reassessing Positioning As The Rate Expectations Turns
The Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF (VRP) has delivered a 4.45% CAGR over five years, outperforming most long-duration fixed income funds during rising rate environments. With the US 10-year Treasury stable above 4% and potential rate cut expectations emerging, VRP faces reduced future return expectations both on absolute terms and relative terms. VRP's low duration and variable rate structure limit capital appreciation potential in a rate-cut scenario, while distributions may decline as underlying rates adjust downward.
VRP: Preferred ETF With Outstanding Risk-Adjusted Return
Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF (VRP) is a preferred stocks ETF with moderate credit and interest rate risk, but significant concentration risk in financials. VRP demonstrates high returns since June 2020 compared to preferred ETFs, with low volatility and shallow drawdowns. Despite flattish share price and distribution, VRP's total return has outpaced inflation since inception.
Trying To Beat VRP With One Of Its Own Holdings - MS.PR.A
MS-A preferred stock is currently undervalued by about $2 relative to VRP, presenting a mean reversion opportunity. A pair trade - long MS-A, short VRP - can lock in this valuation gap, with manageable borrow fees for VRP. Directional investors may consider swapping VRP for MS-A to capture potential alpha as MS-A potentially reverts to historical pricing.
Say No To Fixed-Rate Preferred Stocks With VRP
VRP's portfolio consists of 85 exchange-traded holdings with an average credit score close to Baa3, split into bonds (13%) and preferred stock (87%). OTC Preferred stocks represent close to 50% of the entire portfolio of VRP. Investors have access to the better-priced fixed-to-floating and reset rate preferred stocks via VRP.
VRP: A Preferred ETF Looking Safer Than Its Peers
The Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF invests in preferred stocks and similar securities whose rates adjust periodically to reflect market interest rates. VRP looks a good choice for investors seeking exposure in preferred stocks with a relative low risk of capital decay compared to peers. However, inflation may take its toll and the heavy weight of financials in the portfolio incurs a systemic risk.
VRP: The Value May Not Justify The Fees
VRP tracks the ICE Variable Rate Preferred & Hybrid Securities Index, offering a 5.33% yield at a 0.50% expense ratio. It has outperformed a lot of its peers, but in a generally low-interest-rate environment, other ETFs can offer equally good returns with better consistency and less risk. Also, VRP carries significant sector concentration risk, with nearly two-thirds of the funds in financials, and includes a lot of below-investment-grade preferred stocks.
Still Flying 'VRP Air' After The Distribution Increase
I've been long on the Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF since 2022, and have increased my position in recent months in expectation of higher monthly distributions. VRP recently declared an October distribution of $0.1428, a sequential increase of 30%, and the highest so far in 2024. I see continued blue skies for VRP in the next half-year, on the basis of the reset structure, the ETF's duration, and Fed Funds expectations.
VRP: Assessing My Floating Rate Preferred ETF As Interest Rates Set To Decrease
The Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF has outperformed in a rising rate environment due to its low duration and floating rate nature. VRP is weighted heavily towards the financial sector - investors should be keenly aware of this. Despite anticipated interest rate cuts, VRP's preferred stock holdings may continue to reset at higher dividends until at least 2025. This means I will continue to rate VRP a Buy.
