10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America

Published on December 20, 2022 at 1:53 pm by Tim Frederick in ETF Trading, Lists, News

In this article we present the list of 10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America. Click to skip ahead and see the 5 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America.

The Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF (NASDAQ:VCSH), iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF, and Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF are three of the 10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America, managing tens of billions of dollars in assets.

Introduced just two decades ago, bond or fixed income ETFs have quickly risen to occupy a prominent place in the portfolios of many investors thanks to their ability to diversify portfolios and lower their risk profile. There are now 569 bond ETFs being traded on the U.S market, with total assets under management of $1.31 trillion.

While the 10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America and most other bond ETFs are known for their low-risk, low-reward profiles that help bring stability to an investment portfolio, some do occasionally break out in big ways. A prominent example is the ProShares UltraPro Short 20+ Year Treasury (NYSEARCA:TTT), which has gained 130% over the last year.

Before we check out the 10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America, let’s run through some of the top questions people have about bond ETFs so you have a better understanding of what they are, their benefits and drawbacks, and how you can invest in them. We asked OpenAI’s artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT for the top questions people have about bond ETFs and recorded six of them below, along with their associated answers.

Question 1: What is a bond ETF and how does it work?

ChatGPT’s Answer: Here’s how bond ETFs work:

Portfolio of bonds: A bond ETF holds a portfolio of bonds, which may include government bonds, corporate bonds, or mortgage-backed securities, among others. The bonds in the ETF’s portfolio may have different maturities, credit ratings, and yields, and may be chosen to meet a specific investment objective.
Traded on an exchange: Bond ETFs are traded on an exchange like stocks, which means that you can buy or sell them throughout the trading day. The price of a bond ETF is determined by the value of the bonds in its portfolio, as well as supply and demand for the ETF.
Interest payments and principal: As an investor in a bond ETF, you are essentially lending money to the issuer of the bonds in the ETF’s portfolio in exchange for regular interest payments and the return of principal when the bonds mature.
Fees and expenses: Bond ETFs charge fees and expenses, which can impact your returns. Be sure to carefully consider the fees and expenses of any bond ETF you are considering investing in.

Question 2: What are the risks and benefits of investing in bond ETFs?

ChatGPT’s Answer: Benefits of investing in bond ETFs may include:

Diversification: Bond ETFs hold a diversified portfolio of bonds, which can help to spread risk and potentially improve returns.
Income: Bond ETFs can provide a source of regular income through the interest payments on the bonds in the fund’s portfolio.
Potential protection against inflation: Some bond ETFs may hold bonds with longer maturities, which may offer some protection against inflation by providing a higher rate of return over time.
Liquidity: Bond ETFs can be traded on an exchange like stocks, which makes them more liquid than many other types of bond investments.
Convenience: Bond ETFs can be easily bought and sold through a brokerage account, which makes them convenient for investors who want to actively manage their bond investments.

Risks of investing in bond ETFs may include:

Credit risk: There is a risk that the issuer of the bonds in the ETF’s portfolio will not be able to make the required interest payments or repay the principal when the bonds mature. This is known as credit risk.
Interest rate risk: If interest rates rise, the value of bonds in the ETF’s portfolio may decline, which could impact the ETF’s performance.
Market risk: Bond ETFs are subject to market risk, which is the risk that the value of the ETF will decline due to changes in the financial markets.
Liquidity risk: Some bond ETFs may hold less liquid bonds, which may make it more difficult to buy or sell the ETF in times of market stress.
Fees and expenses: Bond ETFs charge fees and expenses, which can impact your returns. Be sure to carefully consider the fees and expenses of any bond ETF you are considering investing in.

Question 3: How do bond ETFs compare to other types of bond investments, such as individual bonds or bond mutual funds?

ChatGPT’s Answer: Here are some ways that bond ETFs compare to other types of bond investments:

Diversification: Both bond ETFs and bond mutual funds offer diversification by holding a portfolio of bonds, which can help to spread risk and potentially improve returns. Individual bonds, on the other hand, do not offer the same level of diversification, as they represent a single loan to a borrower.
Liquidity: Bond ETFs can be traded on an exchange throughout the trading day, which makes them more liquid than bond mutual funds or individual bonds. Bond mutual funds can only be bought or sold at the end of the trading day, and individual bonds may be less liquid and may be more difficult to sell, especially if they are not widely held or have a low rating.
Fees and expenses: Bond ETFs and bond mutual funds both charge fees and expenses, which can impact your returns. Bond ETFs may have lower expense ratios than bond mutual funds, but they may also incur trading costs when you buy or sell them on an exchange. Individual bonds do not have expense ratios, but you may pay a commission to buy or sell them through a broker.
Transparency: Bond ETFs are required to disclose their holdings on a daily basis, which allows investors to see exactly what bonds the fund holds. Bond mutual funds may disclose their holdings less frequently, and individual bonds may not provide as much information about their underlying holdings.
Suitability: Bond ETFs, bond mutual funds, and individual bonds may all be suitable investments for different investors, depending on their investment goals, risk tolerance, and other factors. It’s important to carefully consider your specific situation and consult with a financial advisor or professional for personalized guidance.

Question 4: What factors should I consider when choosing a bond ETF?

ChatGPT’s Answer: When choosing a bond exchange-traded fund (ETF), there are several factors that you should consider:

Investment objective: Consider what you are trying to achieve with your investment in a bond ETF. Do you want to generate income, protect against inflation, or diversify your portfolio? Different bond ETFs may have different objectives, and you should choose one that aligns with your goals.
Type of bonds: Bond ETFs can hold a variety of different types of bonds, such as government bonds, corporate bonds, or mortgage-backed securities. You should consider the credit quality and duration of the bonds in the ETF, as well as the risk and potential return of the different types of bonds.
Fees and expenses: All bond ETFs charge fees and expenses, which can impact your returns. Be sure to compare the fees and expenses of different bond ETFs to determine which one is the most cost-effective option for you.
Diversification: Consider the level of diversification offered by the bond ETF. A fund that holds a wide range of different bonds may be less risky than a fund that holds a concentrated portfolio of just a few bonds.
Liquidity: Bond ETFs can be traded on exchanges like stocks, which makes them more liquid than many other types of bond investments. Consider the liquidity of the bond ETF you are considering, as well as the size of the fund and the volume of trades it sees on a daily basis.
Performance: Look at the past performance of the bond ETF you are considering, as well as the performance of its benchmark index. Keep in mind that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Question 5: How do I buy and sell bond ETFs?

ChatGPT’s Answer: Bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be bought and sold in a similar way to stocks. Here are some steps you can follow to buy or sell bond ETFs:

Choose a brokerage firm: You will need to open an account with a brokerage firm that offers bond ETFs. There are many different firms to choose from, and you should consider factors such as fees, investment options, and customer service when making your selection.
Research and select a bond ETF: Once you have opened an account, you can start researching bond ETFs to find one that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance. You can find information about different bond ETFs, including their holdings, performance, and fees, on the fund company’s website or through financial news and research websites.
Place an order: Once you have decided on a bond ETF, you can place an order to buy or sell the ETF through your brokerage account. You can usually do this online or by contacting your broker directly.
Monitor your investment: After you have purchased a bond ETF, it’s important to regularly monitor your investment to ensure that it is meeting your goals and to make any necessary adjustments. You can track the performance of your bond ETF through your brokerage account or by accessing the fund company’s website.

Question 6: How do bond ETFs fit into my overall investment portfolio?

ChatGPT’s Answer: Bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a useful tool for adding diversity to an investment portfolio. Bonds are a type of fixed-income security that represent a loan made by an investor to a borrower, typically a government or corporation. When you invest in a bond ETF, you are essentially lending money to the issuer of the bonds in the ETF’s portfolio in exchange for regular interest payments and the return of principal when the bonds mature.

Bonds can provide a number of benefits as part of a well-diversified investment portfolio. For example, they tend to be less volatile than stocks and can offer a source of stable income through regular interest payments. They may also offer some protection against inflation. In addition, bonds can help to balance out the risk of other investments in your portfolio, such as stocks, which may have higher price swings.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that bonds come with their own set of risks, such as the risk of default or credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the bond will not be able to make the required interest payments or repay the principal when the bond matures.

When determining how to allocate your investments, it’s important to consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. A financial advisor or professional can help you to determine the appropriate mix of investments for your specific situation.

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With a broad knowledge base about bond ETFs in place and the knowledge of why you might want to consider adding some to your portfolio, let’s check out the 10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America.

Photo by Executium on Unsplash

Our Methodology

To determine the 10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America, we accessed etf.com’s database of all 569 bond ETFs that are traded on the U.S. markets, which have a combined $1.31 trillion in assets under management. We then organized the ETFs by their individual assets under management to compile the listing of the ten biggest ones.

10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America

Disclaimer: The following write-ups are generated primarily by ChatGPT and not everything ChatGPT outputs is accurate, so its responses have to be taken with a grain of salt. However, for the most part it’s proven to be a powerful research tool. In some instances the responses have been edited for style and clarity, or additional information has been added by the author.

10. iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:SHY)

Assets Under Management: $27.4 billion

3-Month Total Returns: 0.39%

First up on the list of the 10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America with $27.4 billion in assets under management is the iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF, which is designed to track the performance of a basket of short-term U.S. Treasury bonds with maturities of one to three years. Treasury bonds are debt securities issued by the U.S. government to finance its operations. They are considered to be among the safest investments because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

The iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF is one of several ETFs offered by BlackRock’s iShares division that invest in U.S. Treasury bonds. It is intended for investors who are looking for a relatively low-risk investment with a stable stream of income. Because the bonds in the fund have short maturities, they tend to have lower interest rates than longer-term bonds, which means they may offer a lower level of income. However, they may also be less sensitive to changes in interest rates, which can make them a good choice for investors who are looking to preserve capital in a volatile market.

9. iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:TLT)

Assets Under Management: $30.3 billion

3-Month Total Returns: 1.28%

The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) is a financial product that tracks the performance of a basket of long-term U.S. Treasury bonds. It is designed to provide investors with exposure to the long-term U.S. Treasury bond market, which is known for its relatively low risk and steady returns.

TLT is also managed by BlackRock, Inc., a global investment management firm. The fund holds a diversified portfolio of U.S. Treasury bonds with maturities of 20 years or longer, and it is rebalanced periodically to ensure that it reflects the current composition of the long-term Treasury bond market.

TLT is a popular choice for investors who are looking for a way to diversify their portfolios and potentially reduce risk.

8. iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB)

Assets Under Management: $32.3 billion

3-Month Total Returns: 2.46%

With $32.3 billion in assets under management, the iShares National Muni Bond ETF is one of the 10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America. MUB is a financial product that tracks the performance of a basket of municipal bonds issued by states, cities, and other local governments in the United States. It is designed to provide investors with exposure to the U.S. municipal bond market, which is known for its relatively low risk and steady returns.

MUB, which is managed by BlackRock, holds a diversified portfolio of high-quality municipal bonds and is rebalanced periodically to ensure that it reflects the current composition of the U.S. municipal bond market.

7. iShares iBoxx USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:LQD)

Assets Under Management: $37.5 billion

3-Month Total Returns: 3.31%

The iShares iBoxx USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF is a financial product that tracks the performance of a basket of investment-grade corporate bonds issued by companies in the United States. It is designed to provide investors with exposure to the U.S. corporate bond market.

LQD is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and can be bought and sold like a stock. It is managed by BlackRock and holds a diversified portfolio of high-quality corporate bonds, which are rebalanced at regular intervals so the ETF reflects the current composition of the U.S. corporate bond market.

6. Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:BSV)

Assets Under Management: $37.7 billion

3-Month Total Returns: 0.70%

Closing out part one of the 10 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America is the Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF, a financial product that tracks the performance of a basket of short-term fixed income securities. It is designed to provide investors with exposure to the short-term bond market, which is known for its relatively low risk and steady returns.

BSV is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is managed by Vanguard, a global investment management company. The fund holds a diversified portfolio of high-quality short-term bonds, including U.S. Treasuries, corporate bonds, and municipal bonds. The average maturity of the bonds in the fund’s portfolio is typically between one and five years.

Please continue to see the 5 Biggest Fixed Income ETFs in America.