iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF

FLOT

Market cap $8.98B

FLOT offers a low-interest rate and credit risk profile, with a 5.15% yield, making it ideal for parking extra cash temporarily. The ETF invests mainly in high-quality, short-term floating-rate notes from supranationals and major banks, minimizing risk while boosting yield. Liquidity is excellent, costs are reasonable at 0.15%, and capital value remains stable, with minimal price volatility outside monthly dividends.

FLOT tracks the Bloomberg US Floating Rate Note < 5 Years Index, focusing on USD-denominated, investment-grade floating rate bonds. The ETF employs an indexing strategy, aiming to match index performance while minimizing costs and portfolio turnover. With a low 0.15% expense ratio, FLOT effectively tracks its benchmark, even outperforming expectations after fees.

FLOT offers zero-duration, low credit risk exposure, making it a defensive choice when rate and duration risks are elevated. However, it is USD denominated which is an enhanced consideration currently. Current geopolitical tensions, especially around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, could support the US dollar if the US demonstrates commitment to the maritime order countering perceived isolationism. Rising oil prices from the conflict are likely to delay rate cuts, supporting USD yields and nominally increasing the attractiveness of the USD, reducing the USD risk.

A rise in yields is likely to benefit a few corners of the market. Investors seeking to capitalize on the opportune moment should consider these ETFs.

FLOT offers a conservative risk/reward profile with a 4.77% 30-day SEC yield and investment-grade exposure. Its short duration of 0.02 years and exposure to highly liquid, investment-grade corporate bonds make it a better risk management tool than T-Bills. The ETF benefits from rising interest rates, with significant exposure to multilateral development banks, reducing credit risk and enhancing liquidity.

A rise in Treasury yields is likely to benefit a few corners of the stock and bond market.

These ETF strategies may safeguard your portfolio amid rising treasury yields.

FLOT's floating rate bonds excel in rising interest rate environments but underperform in easing conditions, prompting a shift from 'Buy' to 'Hold'. The ETF's higher default risk and tight credit spreads make it less appealing compared to short-term bond funds like TBUX. FLOT offers a low 30-day SEC yield of 5.15%, with minimal spread over treasuries and short-term bond funds, reducing its attractiveness.

Long-term U.S. treasury yields have been on the uptrend lately. Benchmark U.S. Treasury yields were 4.26% on Nov. 5, up from 3.74% recorded on Oct.1.

iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF is nice to avoid duration risk while benefiting from higher short-term yields amid volatile interest rates. Inflation declines are helped by lower oil prices, and sustained rate cuts are less likely in our view due to ongoing price increases by companies. We think the main chance for victory in the inflation battle is if the slightly lower oil and gas prices shift expectations, which are a persistent anchor above target rates.