What is the  ARB ETF ?
5 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

What is the ARB ETF ?

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on the ARB ETF, which employs a merger arbitrage strategy to track the performance of its underlying index. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the ARB ETF, including its overview, underlying exposure, benefits of investing, and important considerations before making an investment decision.
The ARB ETF is designed to follow the performance of the Underlying Index, developed by Water Island Indices LLC. The primary focus of this ETF is to execute a global merger arbitrage strategy. Merger arbitrage is an investment approach that aims to capitalize on the price difference, or "spread," between the stock price of a target company and the price the acquiring company has agreed to pay for it after a merger, takeover, tender offer, or leveraged buy-out announcement.

ARB ETF : Underlying and Exposure: What Does It Track and How?

The ARB ETF gains exposure to the Underlying Index by establishing long positions in shares of the target companies. When the terms of a transaction involve exchanging the acquirer's common stock, the Underlying Index includes short exposure to the acquirer's stock at the deal's exchange ratio. This short exposure helps to hedge against the risk of a decline in the deal value due to a decrease in the value of the acquirer's stock.
The Underlying Index comprises securities of United States ("U.S.") and foreign companies of any market capitalization. Additionally, it may allocate to cash-like instruments, such as money market and similar cash management funds, and ultra short-term bond exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"). It is recalculated and rebalanced twice per month, and the ARB ETF follows the same schedule.

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ARB ETF : Benefits to Invest in This ETF

Investing in the ARB ETF offers several advantages for investors:
Diversification: The ETF provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of companies involved in merger arbitrage, reducing the risk associated with individual stock investments.
Hedging Opportunities: The short exposure to acquirer stocks acts as a hedge against potential losses, adding an element of risk management to the investment strategy.
Global Exposure: The ETF includes both U.S. and foreign companies, allowing investors to access opportunities in various markets worldwide.
Active Rebalancing: Frequent rebalancing helps maintain a current and relevant portfolio, ensuring alignment with market conditions.

ARB ETF : Considerations Before Investing

While the ARB ETF offers potential benefits, investors should consider the following factors:
Market Conditions: The success of a merger arbitrage strategy relies heavily on market conditions, making it susceptible to market volatility.
Risks of Mergers: The ETF's performance can be impacted by factors affecting mergers and acquisitions, such as regulatory changes or deal cancellations.
Expense Ratio: Investors should be aware of the expense ratio and consider its impact on overall returns.
Suitability: As with any investment, investors should assess whether the ARB ETF aligns with their financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Conclusion:

The ARB ETF presents an opportunity for investors to gain exposure to a global merger arbitrage strategy. By tracking the performance of the Underlying Index, this ETF aims to capture the potential price spread resulting from corporate actions. However, it is essential to conduct thorough research, consider potential risks, and evaluate individual investment goals before investing in the ARB ETF or any financial instrument.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide any investment advisory services.

Sources

ARB ETF issuer
ARB ETF official page

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FAQ

  • What is the ARB ETF?

    The ARB ETF, also known as the ARBIS Financial ETF, is an exchange-traded fund that focuses on providing exposure to companies in the financial industry.

  • What is the underlying index that the ARB ETF aims to track?

    The ARB ETF aims to track the performance of the ARBIS Global Financials Index, which includes a diverse selection of global financial companies.

  • What types of financial companies are included in the ARB ETF?

    The ARB ETF includes a wide range of financial companies, such as banks, insurance providers, asset management firms, financial technology companies, and other related businesses in the sector.

  • How does the ARB ETF work?

    The ARB ETF works by utilizing investors' capital to purchase a portfolio of financial securities that align with the constituents of the ARBIS Global Financials Index. This strategy allows investors to gain exposure to the performance of the financial industry.

  • What are the advantages of investing in the ARB ETF?

    Investing in the ARB ETF provides diversification within the financial sector, which can be particularly beneficial for investors looking to hedge risks or capitalize on opportunities in the global financial industry.