Global X launches US Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF as credit demand soars
As demand for fixed income assets rise, Global X ETFs (Global X) has launched the Global X USD Corporate Bond ETF (Currency Hedged) (ASX: USIG) in Australia, which provides investors with access to the world’s largest corporate bond in a cost-effective, highly liquid and currency hedged vehicle.
The fund has a management fee of 30 basis points and tracks the Bloomberg USD Liquid Investment Grade Corporate Hedged to AUD Index, which offers exposure to US investment grade corporate bonds, with bond maturities of at least three years and a minimum amount outstanding of US$750 million per bond and US$2 billion per issuer. This is the fourth product launch for Global X this year and brings its product range to 31 ETFs as it expands its business in Australia.
Blair Hannon (pictured), Head of Investment Strategy at Global X, said USIG is designed to provide investors with a steady income from US investment grade corporate bonds, which generally deliver higher yields than US Treasurys, but still offer attractive risk-adjusted returns.
“There has been a significant sentiment shift in a very short space of time that is heavily impacting fixed income markets, especially those in the US. As we’ve seen the Silicon Valley Bank collapse and persistent interest rate hikes from the Fed, many investors are consequently looking to bonds as a safe haven,” Hannon said.
“Only a month ago, US 12-month treasuries were paying more than 5% for the first time since 2001, yet with the recent market dislocation we’ve seen these rates compress back towards 4.50%. This is where US investment grade bonds can shine because they have a low correlation to equity markets – for instance a 28% correlation to the S&P 500, according to Bloomberg.
“Additionally, fixed income strategies can act as a ballast in times of distress – such as the market conditions the US and beyond are currently experiencing – as well as diversifying a portfolio’s risk profile and income potential.”
When it comes to yield, US investment grade bonds are the middle ground in comparison to other types of US bonds, according to Hannon. Still, as with all investments USIG is exposed to potential market, credit and interest rate risks.
“Investment grade bonds strike a balance between risk and reward – offering proportionately higher yields than US treasuries, but lower yield potential than riskier high yield bonds. Therefore, to build up your portfolio’s resilience and yield potential you could consider having multiple US bond ETFs in your investment mix.” Hannon said.
The US corporate bond market is the world’s largest, with more than US$1.2 trillion worth of investment grade bonds being issued in 2022 and over US$10 trillion in outstanding debt. Despite its scale, Australian investors have had limited access to this fixed income asset. Hence, the launch of USIG will provide an easily accessible, cost-effective solution for local investors.
