Fidelity US Multifactor ETF

FLRG

Market cap $273M

Considering options to refresh your core allocations? Equities are facing some notable uncertainty via potential tariffs, up-and-down government policy, and declining consumer confidence.

FLRG's multifactor strategy targets large-cap and mid-cap stocks with favorable valuations, high-quality profiles, positive momentum, and lower volatility. The fund underperformed in recent bull markets due to higher exposure to smaller-cap stocks but offers lower downside risk compared to the S&P 500. FLRG's portfolio has lower concentration risk, with top holdings making up a smaller percentage than the S&P 500.

The market regime may continue to shift in response to easing rates, potentially serving as a catalyst for SMIDcap and mid-cap companies. The rate cut cycle is expected to provide more relief for smaller and more leveraged companies needing more access to capital markets than larger companies.

FLRG offers a balanced multifactor strategy with solid returns, moderate volatility, and reasonable valuations, making it a strong long-term portfolio option. The fund focuses on large and mid-cap U.S. companies, emphasizing valuation, quality, momentum, and low volatility across 101 holdings. FLRG trades at a discount to peers, with a P/E ratio of 16.7x and higher profitability, despite a higher debt/equity ratio.

Market volatility remains a fairly persistent aspect for investors to contend with in the back half of the year. With elevated short-term volatility risks in the fourth quarter, Fidelity offers five ETFs worth consideration, including a screen for lower volatility stocks.

Several potential risks loom over markets in the second half, particularly within the U.S. For investors looking to dampen volatility, invest in quality, or seek returns through value or momentum strategies, the Fidelity Multifactor ETF suite may be worth consideration. Recession concerns rose once again in August and signs of economic slowing in the U.S.

FLRG has an index-based strategy centered on the value, quality, low volatility, and momentum factors. It has outperformed IVV as well as most of its peers over the October 2020-August 2024 period. The current version of its portfolio has stronger quality and value characteristics than that of IVV.

Factor investing allows for targeted equity exposure for those seeking specific investment outcomes. For example, factors may be used to enhance a portfolio's risk and return profile or help generate income.

Fidelity U.S. Multifactor ETF (FLRG) is seen by the author as a possible alpha-generating fund to possibly complement a core ETF like SPY. Not so far though. FLRG uses four factors: attractive valuations, high quality profiles, lower volatility than the broader market, and positive momentum signals. While FLRG has composition differences compared to SPY, it currently only receives a hold rating as a SPY substitute or an alpha-generating ETF.