I have HBND in my TFSA for US bond exposure (and the high monthly income). The ETF started in Sept of last year and was wondering what your thoughts are in general for this security?
Thank You,
Andrew
HBND targets a 10%+ yield and writes call options on around 50% of its holdings.
The ETFs distribution yield can benefit if interest rates or the expectation of interest rates rise, as not only the yield on the underlying bond holdings will increase along with interest rates, but a rising yield also means bond prices fall, which benefits the covered call portion of the ETF. But, this means that the price of the underlying bond holdings in the ETF could decline in value, and thus the unit price of the ETF.
If an investor feels that interest rates will continue to rise, then we think HBND can be beneficial in that scenario as the distribution yield and covered call feature will benefit, but the price of HBND will decline as bond prices fall. However, if rates stagnate or decline, this ETF may see some capital appreciation, but its yield can be negatively impacted. In other words, for an investor primarily seeking income, if rates continue to rise, this ETF can be attractive as its yield and covered call portion will benefit (but its unit price will decline). But if rates stagnate or decline, and for an investor seeking income, the yield on this ETF may come under pressure, but its unit price can see capital appreciation. Overall, it is an interesting security to enhance one's yield from a bond ETF. But, it is down 7.7% this year, so on a net basis hasn't really done much (yet) for investors. We think it is OK, but would like to of course see longer performance numbers.