What is the IMSI ETF?
5 min read
By Beqa Bumbeishvili, ETF Insider

What is the IMSI ETF?

IMSI ETF: Overview

When it comes to exploring the world of finance and investment, the IMSI ETF, short for Invesco Municipal Securities ETF, stands out as a unique and intriguing option. This actively managed exchange-traded fund aims to achieve its investment objective by focusing on municipal securities. But what exactly are municipal securities, and how does this ETF navigate through them? In this article, we'll delve into the key aspects of the IMSI ETF and shed light on its investment strategy, risk factors, and potential rewards.

IMSI ETF: Understanding Municipal Securities

Municipal securities are debt obligations issued by state and local governments or their agencies to fund various public projects, such as infrastructure development and public services. These securities are known for their tax-exempt status, meaning that the interest income generated from them is typically exempt from federal income taxes. The IMSI ETF, following its investment objective, allocates at least 80% of its net assets to municipal securities. These securities can range from fixed-rate to variable-rate bonds, each carrying specific risks and benefits. One of the notable features of municipal securities is their diverse quality range. The IMSI ETF aims to invest between 50% - 65% of its total assets in low- to medium-quality municipal securities, which includes bonds with ratings below investment grade. This approach introduces a balance between risk and potential returns, as lower-rated bonds often come with higher yields but also higher default risks.

IMSI overlap What is the IMSI ETF?IMSI overlap What is the IMSI ETF?

IMSI ETF: Exploring Risk and Leverage

Like any investment instrument, the IMSI ETF is not without risks. It's important to understand that the fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in defaulted or distressed municipal securities. This strategy involves assessing the potential recovery from holding these securities over the long term. Additionally, the fund can employ leverage through investments in inverse floating rate municipal obligations. These inverse floaters, which move in the opposite direction of prevailing interest rates, can amplify returns but also introduce greater volatility.
Moreover, the IMSI ETF may use derivative instruments like futures contracts and swap agreements. These tools help the fund manage its exposure to interest rate changes and mitigate risks. However, the fund's combined investment in inverse floating rate municipal obligations and derivatives is capped at 15% of its net assets, highlighting a prudent approach to leverage.

IMSI ETF: Investment Strategy and Considerations

The IMSI ETF's investment strategy revolves around thorough credit research and due diligence. The fund's managers focus on intensive credit analysis and consider various factors like issuer operations, capital structure, and macroeconomic conditions. This approach enables the fund to make informed decisions when selecting securities for purchase or sale.
It's worth noting that the IMSI ETF has no policy limiting investments to municipal securities within a specific state. While the fund can invest up to 25% of its assets in securities from a single state, its present intention is to maintain diversification.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the IMSI ETF offers investors a pathway into the world of municipal securities, where tax-exempt income and diverse risk profiles await. By strategically allocating its assets and employing careful credit research, the fund seeks to balance potential rewards with inherent risks. However, it's important to recognize that all investments carry some level of risk, and thorough research and consultation with financial experts are crucial before making any investment decisions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide investment advisory services. Investing involves risks, and readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with financial professionals before making investment decisions.

IMSI ETF issuer
IMSI ETF official page

IMSI 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 IMSI Invesco Municipal Strategic Income ETF, access our dedicated page now.

Get started

FAQ

  • What is the IMSI ETF?

    IMSI ETF, is an exchange-traded fund that provides investors with exposure to companies operating in the relevant sector.

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

    IMSI ETF aims to track the performance of a specific index, which includes companies involved in various aspects of the relevant industry.

  • What types of companies are included in the IMSI ETF?

    IMSI ETF includes companies from the relevant industry, which may consist of specialized firms, equipment manufacturers, and other related entities.

  • How does the IMSI ETF work?

    IMSI ETF functions by pooling investors' capital to purchase a diversified portfolio of related stocks, aiming to replicate the performance of the underlying index.

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

    Investing in the IMSI ETF offers exposure to a specialized sector with potential for growth and innovation. It allows investors to diversify within the industry, which could experience significant advancements and expansion in the future.