What is the  TLTW ETF ?
4 min read
By Beqa Bumbeishvili, ETF Insider

What is the TLTW ETF ?

In the world of finance, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have gained immense popularity as versatile financial instruments. Among these, the Cboe TLT 2% OTM BuyWrite ETF, commonly known as TLTW ETF, has garnered considerable attention due to its unique investment approach. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the TLTW ETF to provide a comprehensive understanding of its underlying principles and benefits.

TLTW ETF: Overview

The TLTW ETF is an exchange-traded fund that seeks to track the performance of the Cboe TLT 2% OTM BuyWrite Index. The Index is designed by Cboe Global Indices, LLC, and aims to generate income by holding the underlying fund and simultaneously writing (selling) one-month call options on the same fund. This strategy, also known as a "covered call" or "buy-write" strategy, involves holding a stock or basket of stocks while selling call options that reference those assets.

TLTW ETF: Underlying and Exposure

The TLTW ETF's underlying index utilizes "European-style" call options, which can only be exercised on the expiration date. Each call option in the index has a strike price closest to 102% of the closing value of the underlying fund one day prior to the roll date. The roll date is the day the index closes out open call option positions and writes new call options that expire the following month.
To minimize potential trading costs, the index may select an option with a strike price closest to 100% of the closing value of the underlying fund if the premium on the new 102% call option is too low. By writing call options, the TLTW ETF receives premiums but forgoes participating in market gains above the strike price while fully participating in any market losses.

TLTW overlap What is the  TLTW ETF ?TLTW overlap What is the TLTW ETF ?

TLTW ETF: Benefits of Investment

The TLTW ETF's buy-write strategy provides investors with several benefits. By writing call options, the fund generates income from the premiums received, which can act as a cushion during market downturns. Additionally, this strategy may enhance the overall yield on the ETF's holdings, making it attractive to income-oriented investors seeking additional returns from their investments.

TLTW ETF: Considerations Before Investing

While the TLTW ETF presents an intriguing investment opportunity, there are certain considerations investors should bear in mind. The buy-write strategy may limit the ETF's potential for significant outperformance of its underlying index. Moreover, the income generated from selling call options may not fully offset potential losses during a significant market decline.

Conclusion:

The TLTW ETF, tracking the Cboe TLT 2% OTM BuyWrite Index, offers investors a unique approach to generate income while holding the underlying fund. The buy-write strategy allows for income generation and risk mitigation, making it an appealing option for income-oriented investors. However, as with any investment, it is crucial for investors to assess their risk tolerance and consider their investment objectives before adding the TLTW ETF to their portfolio.

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

Sources:

TLTW ETF issuer
TLTW ETF official page

TLTW quote and analysis

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FAQ

  • What is the TLTW ETF?

    The TLTW ETF, also known as the iShares ESG Advanced High Yield Corporate Bond ETF, is an exchange-traded fund that focuses on high yield corporate bonds while incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.

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

    The TLTW ETF aims to track the performance of the Underlying Index, which is derived from the J.P. Morgan DM High Yield USD Index. The Underlying Index applies ESG criteria to the parent index and includes high yield corporate bonds from developed market issuers.

  • How does the TLTW ETF incorporate ESG considerations?

    The TLTW ETF's underlying index assigns each issuer within the parent index an ESG score based on data from RepRisk and Sustainalytics, two ESG research providers. The scores are translated into a range of 0 to 100, with 100 being the best possible score. The lowest-scoring issuers are removed, and the remaining issuers are weighted based on their ESG quintile.

  • What types of bonds are included in the TLTW ETF's underlying index?

    The TLTW ETF's underlying index includes a variety of 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 from developed market issuers. Bonds from certain sectors or with specific characteristics, such as thermal coal, tobacco, weapons, oil sands, or UN Global Compact principle violations, are excluded.

  • What are the major sectors represented in the TLTW ETF's underlying index?

    As of July 31, 2022, the major sectors represented in the TLTW ETF's underlying index were communication services (16.562%) and consumer discretionary (15.68%). The communication services sector includes companies in telecom, media, entertainment, and interactive gaming. The consumer discretionary goods sector includes companies in durable goods, apparel, entertainment, leisure, and automobiles.