What is the  ESHY ETF ?
6 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

What is the ESHY ETF ?

The ESHY ETF is a financial instrument that follows a passive or indexing investment approach. Its primary objective is to match the performance, before fees and expenses, of the Underlying Index. This index applies environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations to a broader parent index, the J.P. Morgan DM High Yield USD Index, which comprises USD-denominated high yield corporate bonds of developed market issuers. The ESHY ETF offers investors exposure to the high yield fixed income market with an emphasis on ESG aspects.

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

The ESHY ETF tracks the J.P. Morgan DM High Yield USD Index after incorporating ESG considerations. The index provider assigns each issuer within the parent index an ESG score and places them in a quintile based on that score. The lowest-scoring issuers are excluded from the Underlying Index, while the remaining issuers are weighted up or down depending on their quintile. The best-performing issuers receive higher weights, while the lower-scoring ones receive lower weights.
ESG factor valuations for each issuer are obtained from reputable research providers, Rep Risk and Sustain analytics, on a daily basis. The ESG scores are translated to a range of 0 – 100, with 100 being the best possible score. The issuer's ESG score is calculated using a 3-month rolling average, ensuring the index remains up-to-date with the latest ESG information. Additionally, the Underlying Index upgrades securities classified as "green" by the Climate Bond Initiative, while excluding issuers involved in controversial industries like thermal coal, tobacco, weapons, oil sands, or UN Global Compact principle violation, regardless of their ESG score.
The Underlying Index comprises various types of bonds, such as fixed-rate bonds, floating rate bonds, hybrid bonds, step-up bonds, payment-in-kind (PIK) bonds, toggle bonds, amortizer bonds, perpetual bonds, Sukuk bonds, and subordinated financial bonds, among others. Sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities' securities issued by developed market countries are also included. There are certain exclusions based on maturity and issue size criteria.

ESHY overlap What is the  ESHY ETF ?ESHY overlap What is the ESHY ETF ?

ESHY ETF: Benefits to Invest in This ETF

The ESHY ETF offers several compelling benefits for investors looking to add high yield fixed income exposure with a focus on ESG considerations to their portfolios:
ESG Integration: The ETF incorporates ESG factors into its investment strategy, allowing socially responsible investors to align their investments with their values.
Diversification: With exposure to a broad range of high yield corporate bonds across developed market issuers, the ETF provides diversification benefits, spreading risk across different companies and industries.
Passive Investment Approach: The ETF adopts a passive investment approach, making it a cost-effective and straightforward option for investors seeking market exposure without the complexities of active management.
Potential for Attractive Yields: High yield bonds often offer attractive yields compared to traditional investment-grade bonds, potentially enhancing overall portfolio returns.

ESHY ETF: Considerations Before Investing

While the ESHY ETF presents an enticing investment opportunity, there are some considerations investors should keep in mind:
Risk and Volatility: High yield bonds generally carry higher credit risk compared to investment-grade bonds, which can lead to increased volatility in the ETF's value.
Interest Rate Sensitivity: As with all fixed income investments, changes in interest rates can impact the performance of the ESHY ETF. Rising interest rates may lead to a decrease in bond prices.
Currency Risk: Investors should be aware of currency risk if the ETF invests in bonds denominated in foreign currencies. Exchange rate fluctuations can affect returns.

Market Conditions: The performance of the ESHY ETF can be influenced by broader market conditions, economic factors, and credit cycles.

Conclusion:

The ESHY ETF provides investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of high yield corporate bonds with a focus on environmental, social, and governance considerations. By considering the potential benefits and risks associated with this financial instrument, investors can make informed decisions that align with their investment objectives and risk tolerance.

Disclaimer: This article does not provide investment advice or any form of recommendation. The information presented here is for educational purposes only. Investors should conduct their research or seek advice from qualified financial professionals before making investment decisions.

ESHY ETF issuer
ESHY ETF official page

ESHY quote and analysis

Discover the top holdings, correlations, and overlaps of ETFs using our visualization tool.
Our app allows you to build and track your portfolio.
To learn more about the ESHY Xtrackers J.P. Morgan ESG USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF, access our dedicated page now.

Get started

FAQ

  • What is the ESHY ETF?

    The ESHY ETF, also known as the iShares ESG Aware 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF, is an exchange-traded fund that focuses on investing in short-term, investment-grade corporate bonds issued by companies that demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

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

    The ESHY ETF aims to track the performance of the Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Corporate ESG Focus Index, which includes U.S. dollar-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds issued by companies that meet certain ESG criteria.

  • What types of bonds are included in the ESHY ETF?

    The ESHY ETF primarily includes short-term corporate bonds with maturities ranging from one to five years. These bonds are issued by companies that are evaluated for their positive ESG practices, making it a socially responsible investment option.

  • How does the ESHY ETF work?

    The ESHY ETF operates by investing in a diversified portfolio of short-term corporate bonds that meet specific ESG criteria. The fund aims to replicate the performance of its underlying index by holding a representative sample of the bonds included in the index.

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

    Investing in the ESHY ETF offers investors exposure to short-term corporate bonds with a focus on companies that prioritize environmental, social, and governance practices. It allows investors to align their investments with their values while potentially earning income from the bond holdings.