MAX BUFFER ETFs

Managing potential volatility

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  1. The increased uncertainty of the U.S. Election could lead to greater volatility to end the year.
  2. The Fed’s 50bp interest rate cut in September, coupled with potential future cuts, may make cash-like instruments less attractive in the future.
  3. iShares Max Buffer ETFs are designed to help investors seek to reduce volatility, while staying invested in the equity market.

1. IS ELECTION VOLATILITY ON THE HORIZON?

Despite entering a Fed easing cycle and strong corporate earnings, volatility may be on the rise, as election uncertainty continues to heighten. As measured by the VIX index, October volatility has historically spiked by over 30% over the past 4 election years, relative to more muted volatility in all other months.

Although volatility may be on the rise, we encourage investors to stay invested through this tumult, as markets have historically performed well after election uncertainty dissipates. 

chart showing average monthly change in VIX index during the past 4 elections. One bar showcases the average change in October, the other bar shows the average change in all other months.

Source: Morningstar Direct as of 8/31/24 utilizing monthly changes in VIX Index in 2020, 2016, 2012 and 2008.


Table showing the S&P 500 returns and changes in VIX for the months of October and November during election years 2020, 2016, 2012, and 2008. The average values for these metrics are also provided.

Source: Morningstar Direct as of 8/31/24. Index performance is for illustrative purposes only. Index performance does not reflect any management fees, transaction costs or expenses. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance does not guarantee future results.


2. IS CASH STILL KING?

With the Fed cutting rates by 50bps in September, 1-year Treasury Bills fell below 4% for the first time since October 20221. The market is currently pricing in 200bps of Fed Fund rate cuts through 2025 2, which may lead risk-averse investors to seek new opportunities to potentially generate higher returns.

bar chart with three columns. The first shows the current Fed Fund’s rate, the second shows the implied rate at the end of 2024, and the third shows the implied rate at the end of 2025.

1 Treasury Bill rates from U.S. Department of Treasury (treasury.gov)

2 Source: Bloomberg as of 9/23/24 via the WIRP function (world interest rate probabilities).


3. INTRODUCING MAX BUFFER ETFs

Rather than moving into – or staying in – cash, investors may consider Max Buffer ETF strategies, which seek to track the share price return of the iShares Core S&P 500 500 ETF (IVV), up to an approximate upside cap, while seeking to provide 100% downside protection (minus fees) for a 12-month hedge period.

Max Buffer ETFs can be used strategically for risk-aware investors to gain equity exposure, or as a tactical trade for investors that may want to mitigate risk ahead of the U.S. election. The purpose of the chart below is to hypothetically illustrate how the cap and buffer are designed to work over the course of the hedge period.

chart showing hypothetical annual scenarios of what may happens in a max buffer ETF when IVV is down 15%, down 5%, up 5%, or up 15%.

This information is strictly for illustrative and educational purposes and is subject to change. This is not meant as a guarantee of any future result or experience. This information does not represent the actual performance of any iShares or BlackRock fund or strategy. The information presented does not take into consideration commissions, tax implications, or other transactions costs, which may significantly affect the economic consequences of a given strategy or investment decision. The funds aim to provide their respective approximate downside buffer against price declines of the Underlying (IVV) over the hedge period, before fees and expenses if held for the entire hedge period. The illustration shows starting caps as of 10/1/2024, for remaining cap values, please refer to the Buffer Comparison Tool.


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Headshot of Robert hum

Robert Hum, CAIA

U.S. Head of Factor & Co-Head of Outcome ETFs

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