Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF

VRP

Valor de mercado US$ 3 bi

The Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) offers a higher yield (7.2% SEC, 8.5% TTM) and lower expense ratio (0.25%) than VRP, making it attractive for income-focused investors. The Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF (VRP) provides greater diversification (365 holdings) and higher portfolio quality, with 84% investment grade issuers and less exposure to mREITs. PFFV's elevated yield is driven by a nearly 20% allocation to mortgage REIT preferreds, introducing higher risk and greater price downside in volatile markets.

With the 1-year Treasury yielding about 4% and the 6-month bill just under 4%, income investors face a familiar dilemma.

Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF offers moderate interest and credit risk, low volatility, and a stable asset value profile. VRP has outperformed key competitors in total return and Sharpe ratio since June 2020. With 92% exposure to financials, VRP presents sector and systemic risk despite its solid performance and low volatility.

These days, forecasting what the Federal Reserve has in store for interest rates feels like a futile endeavor. Consensus wisdom indicates the central bank is highly unlikely to cut or raise rates this month, but after that, it's anyone's guess.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Preferred stock ETFs may be a compelling opportunity for 2025. Tailwinds for preferred ETFs this year include deregulation, stable interest rates, and a steepening yield curve.