Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF

ACIO

Market cap $2.13B

Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF has a covered call portfolio in U.S. equities, combined with bear put spreads on the S&P 500 Index for downside protection. ACIO's Sharpe ratio is similar to the S&P 500's since inception, and its low current yield is unattractive for income-seeking investors. Compared to peers, ACIO has outperformed JEPI, but WTPI and DIVO are more attractive based on benefit/risk, yields and fees.

The Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF mirrors the S&P 500's total return but with significantly lower drawdowns, making it a robust 'Hold' for conservative equity exposure. ACIO aims to capture 65% of the S&P 500's upside while limiting the downside to 50%, using a basket of options to achieve this. In 2025, ACIO had a maximum drawdown of -12% compared to the S&P 500's -20%, demonstrating its effectiveness in buffering against market downturns.

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Over the past five years, investors experienced two major market drawdowns even in the best ETFs. First was the Covid-19 pandemic bear market.

ACIO's unique strategy of combining a core stock basket, covered calls, and put options provides robust downside protection, making it a standout ETF. Transparency in ACIO's holdings and strategy contrasts sharply with JEPI's opaque equity-linked notes, enhancing investor confidence in understanding risk. But I don't own ACIO because my own self-driven active investment process is similar enough in some aspects that make owning it redundant for me.

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The Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF is a hedged equity ETF. It aims to mimic the S&P 500 but with fewer stocks. ACIO employs a strategy of writing call options and buying put spreads to manage risk. The fund seeks to capture 65% of the S&P 500's upside while limiting downside to 50%.

The Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF combines large-cap stock exposure, covered calls for income, and protective puts to hedge against major market drops. ACIO's active management strategy allows it to control risks and generate extra income, distinguishing it from passive index funds and other growth-focused ETFs. The fund's protective puts provide a safety net during market downturns, appealing to cautious investors seeking both growth potential and downside protection.

The Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF is a liquid ETF with $1.14 billion AUM, offering downside protection ideal for fixed income investors. ACIO employs a collared strategy by selling calls on individual holdings and buying puts on a basket of equities, enhancing net credit. The ETF has underperformed the broader market but offers downside risk protection, making it a reasonable Buy for investors seeking stability in a volatile economy.