iShares High Yield Systematic Bond ETF

HYDB

Market cap $1.6B

The iShares High Yield Systematic Bond ETF underperformed YTD despite a higher energy allocation and value tilt versus USHY. HYDB's higher expense ratio (0.35% vs. 0.08% for USHY) is questionable given higher volatility and the worse performance. The value tilt in the index maybe isn't adding much. Credit spreads had already normalized, limiting HYDB's capital appreciation potential even if geopolitical risks subside as related to general macro considerations.

iShares High Yield Systematic Bond ETF invests in high-yield bonds with a strategy aiming to reduce the probability and impact of defaults. HYDB has a low-risk profile in its category, based on credit rating, maturity, duration, and diversification. HYDB has outperformed the benchmark HYG since inception and shows a superior Sharpe ratio compared to competitors.

Credit spreads have widened, making high-yield corporate bond funds much more attractive to investors. High-yield corporate bond ETFs offer a simple, cheap way to get exposure to these securities. HYDB is one such ETF, with a solid investment strategy: focusing on bonds with wide spreads, compelling risk-return yields. It yields 7.0%.

High-yield corporate bond ETFs provide investors with strong yields, albeit somewhat elevated credit risk. There are lots of high-yield bond ETFs available to investors. Some with higher yields, some with better performance track-records, some focusing on more niche areas of the market. A quick overview of five of these follows. ETFs include simple, cheap vanilla ETFs, smart beta ETFs, and those targeting niche, best-performing bonds.

iShares High Yield Systematic Bond ETF (HYDB) is a junk bond ETF with a rules-based strategy aiming to mitigate risk. HYDB is well-diversified across sectors and issuers, with a focus on higher credit quality and maturities inferior to 5 years. HYDB shows superior risk-adjusted performance compared to other high-yield bond ETFs.

HYDB focuses on high-yield corporate bonds with higher quality and wider spreads. This results in an above-average 6.9% dividend yield, and consistent outperformance to peers. HYDB's strategy has worked in the past and will, I believe, continue to work in the future, making the fund a solid investment opportunity.

iShares High Yield Systematic Bond ETF pursues fixed income investments in junkier markets. Recent market conditions have increased credit spreads. The ETF consists mostly of BB or B rated instruments, with recent rise in credit spreads offsetting benefits from lower prevailing rates associated to recession chatter. The negative correlation between spreads and risk-free rates limits the appeal of high-yield credit in the current market.

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF is a reliable income holding and capable of capital appreciation. The iShares High Yield Systematic Bond ETF offers investors quite a bit more yield for the buck.

Although 14 new ETFs debuted in the U.S. this past week, closure announcements came in even stronger, largely due to Global X pruning its lineup. Launches during the week included funds from BondBloxx, WisdomTree, Innovator, JPMorgan, and Range ETFs.

The last full week of the year was a busy one, with 18 new ETFs launching. Among the rolled-out funds were offerings from Texas Capital, PlanRock, PGIM, John Hancock, SP Funds, Bancreek, KB Asset Management, ProShares, and WisdomTree.