The NFRA ETF, also known as the "Infrastructure Real Estate ETF," is an investment fund designed to provide investors with exposure to publicly traded infrastructure companies. The fund aims to track the performance of the NFRA Index, which includes a selection of companies primarily involved in the ownership, development, construction, financing, or operation of infrastructure-related assets. The ETF operates with a passive or indexing approach, aiming to replicate the underlying index's performance rather than attempting to beat it.
The NFRA ETF's underlying index is curated by STOXX Ltd., an independent Index Provider, and comprises a diverse range of developed and emerging-market infrastructure companies. The index includes companies from five key super sector groups: communication, energy, government outsourcing/social, transportation, and utilities. Eligible securities must generate at least 50% of their revenues from these super sector groups and meet specific minimum liquidity requirements. The constituent securities are selected based on free-float adjusted market capitalization, with a maximum of 40 securities from each super sector group.
The ETF may not necessarily hold all of the securities included in the Underlying Index, but it employs a representative sampling strategy. This approach allows the fund to invest in a sample of securities that collectively mirrors the investment profile of the index. Alternatively, the fund may choose to replicate the Underlying Index by investing in substantially all of the securities in the same proportions. The index is reconstituted annually, and weight caps are applied quarterly to prevent dominance by specific companies, super sectors, or countries.
NFRA overlap What is the NFRA ETF ?
Investing in the NFRA ETF offers several benefits for investors seeking exposure to infrastructure companies. These benefits include:
Diversification: The ETF holds a broad range of infrastructure-related assets across various sectors and regions. This diversification can help reduce risk compared to investing in individual infrastructure stocks.
Income Potential: The companies included in the Underlying Index are chosen for their potential to generate income through dividends and other payments, making it an attractive option for income-seeking investors.
Passive Approach: The NFRA ETF follows a passive investment strategy, which means it aims to track the performance of the index rather than actively making investment decisions. This approach can result in lower management fees and may appeal to long-term investors.
Market Exposure: Infrastructure is a crucial sector in both developed and emerging markets. By investing in the NFRA ETF, investors gain exposure to this vital segment of the economy.
While the NFRA ETF offers enticing opportunities, investors should consider several factors before making an investment decision:
Market Conditions: Infrastructure stocks and ETFs can be influenced by economic conditions, government policies, and market sentiment. Analyzing the current economic climate and potential headwinds is essential.
Expense Ratio: Like any ETF, the NFRA ETF has an expense ratio that covers management fees and operating expenses. Investors should compare expense ratios with other similar funds to ensure competitive pricing.
Portfolio Fit: Investors should assess whether the NFRA ETF aligns with their overall investment strategy and risk tolerance. The ETF's performance should complement their existing portfolio rather than duplicating exposure to the same assets.
Long-Term Perspective: As with any investment, a long-term perspective is crucial. Infrastructure projects often have extended timelines, and the ETF's performance may reflect these long-term dynamics.
The NFRA ETF presents an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to infrastructure companies with potential income generation. Its passive approach and diversification benefits make it a compelling choice for long-term investors. However, like any investment, thorough research and consideration of personal financial goals are essential before investing in the NFRA ETF or any other financial instrument.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the NFRA ETF and should not be considered as investment advice. Investors should conduct their due diligence and consider their unique financial situations before making any investment decisions. The author is not providing investment advisory services.
Sources:
Information on the Underlying Index and selection criteria from STOXX Ltd.
Data on the NFRA ETF's holdings and investment approach from NTI's official documentation.
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NFRA ETF issuer
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To learn more about the NFRA FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund, access our dedicated page now.
The NFRA ETF, also known as the FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund, is an actively managed exchange-traded fund that invests in various fixed income securities, including U.S. Treasuries, investment-grade U.S. bonds, high-yield U.S. bonds, U.S. aggregate bond, municipal bonds, and international government bonds.
The NFRA ETF uses proprietary quantitative models and discretionary implementation to allocate its assets. The advisor ranks five major fixed income asset classes based on the combination of yield spread and price momentum, selecting the top three ranked asset classes for the portfolio.
The ranking process of the NFRA ETF considers yield spread, which is the difference between yields on fixed income securities of varying maturities and risk, and price momentum, which measures the rate of rise or fall in stock prices.
The NFRA ETF adjusts its portfolio monthly based on prevailing market conditions. If an asset class does not display positive momentum, it may not be included in the portfolio, even if it is one of the three highest-ranked asset classes.
The NFRA ETF has a maximum weight of 56.67% for high-yield U.S. bonds and U.S. Treasuries, and a maximum weight of 21.67% for U.S. aggregate bond, investment-grade U.S. bonds, and international government bonds.