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

What is the LVOL ETF ?

The LVOL ETF, or Low Volatility Exchange-Traded Fund, is an actively managed financial instrument designed to provide investors with enhanced risk-adjusted returns over the long term while experiencing less volatility than the broader market. The fund primarily invests in common stocks of U.S. companies with a market capitalization greater than $2 billion. The portfolio managers utilize quantitative models to screen and rank companies based on various fundamental metrics to select securities that demonstrate consistent cash-flows, stable operations, and strong balance sheets. By employing a multi-dimensional approach to stock selection and risk management, the LVOL ETF aims to deliver superior risk-adjusted performance compared to its benchmark, the S&;P 500® Index.

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

The LVOL ETF's underlying strategy revolves around low volatility investing. It seeks to identify securities of businesses that demonstrate consistent cash-flows, stable operations, and strong financial positions. To achieve this, portfolio managers utilize proprietary quantitative models that analyze financial statement data, market information, and potentially other sources. Unlike traditional measures of price volatility, the LVOL ETF includes measures of asymmetric (i.e., downside) volatility in its stock selection process. By considering both risk management and fundamental measures of business safety and continuity, the ETF aims to construct a portfolio that balances return and risk objectives, while delivering a lower realized portfolio volatility compared to the S&;P 500® Index.

LVOL overlap What is the  LVOL ETF ?LVOL overlap What is the LVOL ETF ?

LVOL ETF : Benefits of Investing in this ETF

Investing in the LVOL ETF offers several compelling benefits for investors. First and foremost, the fund aims to generate enhanced risk-adjusted returns over the long term. By focusing on stocks with lower volatility and stronger fundamentals, the LVOL ETF seeks to outperform the broader market during periods of heightened market uncertainty. Additionally, for risk-conscious investors, the ETF provides a sense of stability, as its stock selection process emphasizes businesses with robust financial positions and consistent cash-flows. Moreover, the LVOL ETF's active management approach allows portfolio managers to capitalize on market opportunities and adjust the fund's holdings when market conditions change, potentially leading to better performance.

LVOL ETF : Considerations Before Investing

While the LVOL ETF offers numerous benefits, potential investors should carefully consider some essential factors before making their investment decision. As an actively managed fund, the LVOL ETF may have a higher expense ratio compared to passively managed index funds. Additionally, active management introduces the risk that the portfolio managers' decisions may not always outperform the market or achieve the desired results. Investors should also evaluate their risk tolerance and investment objectives, as the LVOL ETF, like all investments, carries inherent market and investment-specific risks. As with any investment, it's crucial for investors to conduct due diligence, understand the fund's strategy and objectives, and consider how it fits into their overall investment portfolio.

Conclusion:

The LVOL ETF represents an intriguing option for investors seeking enhanced risk-adjusted returns while aiming to mitigate the impact of market volatility. By employing quantitative models and an active management approach, the fund endeavors to select stocks with lower volatility and stronger fundamentals. However, like all investments, the LVOL ETF carries risks and is subject to market fluctuations. As such, potential investors should conduct thorough research and, if necessary, seek advice from a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Disclaimer: This blog article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any form of recommendation. The content provided here is based on publicly available information and sources mentioned above. The author is not providing any investment advisory services. Investors should consult with their financial advisors to assess their individual financial situations and investment objectives before making any investment decisions.

LVOL ETF issuer
LVOL ETF official page

LVOL 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 LVOL American Century Low Volatility ETF, access our dedicated page now.

Get started

FAQ

  • What is the LVOL ETF?

    The LVOL ETF, also known as the PIMCO Low Duration Municipal Bond Active ETF, is an exchange-traded fund that focuses on investing in a diversified portfolio of U.S. dollar-denominated municipal bonds with a relatively low duration.

  • What is the objective of the LVOL ETF?

    The LVOL ETF aims to achieve its investment objective by primarily investing at least 80% of its assets in tax-exempt municipal bonds whose interest is exempt from federal income tax.

  • How are the bonds selected for the LVOL ETF?

    The LVOL ETF focuses on investment grade debt securities rated Baa or higher by Moody's, S&P, or Fitch, or determined by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO) to be of comparable quality. The fund may also invest in industrial development bonds and municipal bonds financing projects in sectors like education, healthcare, housing, transportation, and utilities.

  • What is the average portfolio duration of the LVOL ETF?

    The average portfolio duration of the LVOL ETF typically varies within (negative) 2 years to positive 4 years of the portfolio duration of the securities comprising the Bloomberg 1-15 Year Municipal Bond Index, as calculated by PIMCO.

  • How does the LVOL ETF manage interest rate risk?

    The LVOL ETF manages interest rate risk by focusing on bonds with relatively low durations. Duration is a measure used to determine the sensitivity of a security's price to changes in interest rates. By investing in bonds with lower durations, the fund aims to reduce its sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations.