In a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), &Alerus Financial NA disclosed its acquisition of a new position in shares of iShares MBS ETF (NASDAQ:MBB) during the fourth quarter. The firm reportedly acquired 22,474 shares of the company’s stock, which were valued at roughly $2,084,000. This news has garnered significant attention from industry experts since it underscores the growing trend towards institutional investors diversifying their portfolios with exchange-traded funds (ETFs) such as MBB.
According to financial analysts, institutional investors have been showing an increased interest in ETF investments like MBB due to their cost-effectiveness, flexibility and ability to provide exposure to a wide range of assets. Moreover, given that interest rates are currently at historic lows and bonds producing yield is increasingly difficult to find, many financial experts believe that ETFs like those comprising MBB present a viable option for income-hungry investors trying to achieve meaningful returns.
Interestingly enough, while some investment banks were initially hesitant to adopt these low-cost products out of concerns that they would cannibalize their higher-margin mutual funds offerings, more institutions are now seeing value in adding ETFs into their portfolio mix. Some asset managers estimate that it could take less than two years for ETFs’ global assets under management (AUM) to surpass those held by actively managed mutual funds.
With this new development in &Alerus Financial NA’s acquisition of positions in iShares MBS ETF (NASDAQ:MBB), it is evident that institutional investors have taken keen interest in ETFs as part of their broader investment strategy. For individual investors as well who want long-term investments with robust yields whilst maintaining diversity in their portfolio – perhaps now might be an opportune time to explore the rising popularity of these low-cost products. When properly researched and appropriately rebalanced alongside other complementary investments or diversified portfolios – investing in high performing ETFs like MBB may prove to be a sound, and profitable investment strategy in the months and years ahead.
Analysis: Institutional Investors Increasing Holdings in iShares MBS ETF
The realm of investment has always been a territory paved with risk and reward. The key is to find the right balance of risk and willing participation in order to reap the benefits. One company that many institutional investors have chosen to invest in is iShares MBS ETF, an exchange-traded fund that seeks to correspond with the price and yield performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. MBS Index.
While some investors are hesitant at first, there are those who have already taken positions in this company, demonstrating their faith in its ability to deliver results. Fairfield Bush & CO. recently purchased a new position worth $33,000 during the first quarter, while Synovus Financial Corp increased its holdings in iShares MBS ETF by 3.8% during this same period. According to public records, MacKay Shields LLC grew its stake by a staggering 80%, bringing their total worth up to $502,000.
Moors & Cabot Inc., another major investor for iShares MBS ETF, raised their holdings by 9% during this time frame as well. Baird Financial Group Inc., one of the largest holders of stock in the company today, also raised its holdings by almost 16%. All these figures combined show an overall institutional holding percentage rate of 77.56%.
While figures don’t often accurately predict future performance no matter how consistent they may be over time – one must definitely consider company statistics when considering entering any potential investments given its recent trailing share price range between $88 and $100 dollar markups per year.
iShares MBS ETF’s fifty-day moving average currently sits at $93.97 with a two-hundred-day moving average at $94.08 dollars per share on Tuesday’s recent opening day for market trade placements which began around $93.59 per share.
The bottom line is simple: do your research before you decide on any investments for you or your clients individually as particular investment vehicles will have its own degrees of risk and required capital outlay, even for institutions. With that said, considering iShares MBS ETF as a potential candidate is a smart move given its past performance and the support shown by several institutional investors as they increase their overall position in the company.