Notable ETF Filings Recap: May 2024

As of May 31st, the ETF Central Screener lists a total of 3,536 U.S.-listed ETFs—a number that's almost guaranteed to be out of date by the time you read this article. That's how rapidly the domestic ETF industry is expanding!

Every month brings a fresh batch of ETF filings, each proposing new and innovative investment strategies. In this edition, we're diving into the latest filings to spotlight some of the most interesting strategies that issuers are lining up to introduce to the market.

JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) Dividend Leaders ETF (JDIV)

Best known for their actively managed income-generate trio, the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE:JEPI) JEPI+0.04%, JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ:JEPQ) JEPQ-0.12%, and JPMorgan Ultra-Short Income ETF

But, unlike the current dividend index ETFs available, JDIV will differ in numerous ways. First, the ETF will have a fairly concentrated, actively managed portfolio of 40-90 stocks. Second, it will be globally diversified across both developed and emerging markets. Finally, it will use a hybrid strategy targeting both dividend growth and high dividend yields.

There's no expense ratio specified yet, but I anticipate it to be in the range of 0.35%, similar to JPMorgan's existing actively managed ETFs. This is a long-only fund, so unlike JEPI and JEPQ it will not utilize a covered call strategy to boost monthly income.

KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF

With an inverted yield curve and short-term rates hovering around 5%, there hasn't been much incentive for investors to take on extended durations.

Recognizing this trend, ETF managers have seen billions flow into ultra-short, fixed income ETFs that offer high credit quality, low interest rate risk, and monthly payouts.

KraneShares, a firm primarily known for its Chinese equity expertise, is stepping into this space with a new offering. They are filing to launch the KraneShares Sustainable Ultra Short Duration Index ETF, which will track the Solactive ISS Paris Aligned Select 0-1 Year USD Corporate IG Index.

This ETF is distinctive because it focuses on investment-grade corporate bonds from issuers aligned with the Paris Agreement's goals. This agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius this century, aiming for 1.5 degrees if possible.

To adhere to these goals, the ETF will exclude issuers that violate the United Nations Global Compact principles, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines, or the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. It will also avoid companies involved in controversial weapons, tobacco, gambling, fossil fuels, and cannabis.

This ETF will likely attract ESG investors who, until now, haven't had many ESG-screened options for short-term fixed income outside of Treasury bill ETFs.

Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF

Schwab's ETF lineup has expanded significantly in recent years as the firm aims to build an in-house selection that competes with brokerage giants like Fidelity and Vanguard.

The pending Schwab Ultra-Short Income ETF is poised to directly challenge established options like the Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF VUSB+0.05% and the Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF GSY+0.04%.

This ETF will include a typical mix of fixed-income instruments such as commercial paper, promissory notes, certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, floating-rate notes, repurchase agreements, and U.S. agency obligations.

It is actively managed with an emphasis on high credit quality, liquidity, and monthly payouts, positioning it as a solid choice for investors seeking conservative income-producing investments.

However, Schwab is clear to differentiate this offering from a money market fund. While it can serve as an alternative to money market funds for those looking to park their cash, it's important to note that the NAV of this ETF will not remain stable at $1 per share, reflecting the slight increase in risk and potential return compared to traditional money market funds.

This content was originally published by our partners at ETF Central.