However a brand new technology of ETFs proudly gives nothing of the type. Like Canadian Depositary Receipts (CDRs), single-stock ETFs maintain or at the least derive their efficiency from only one underlying inventory, usually a serious U.S. tech model. In distinction to CDRs, although, this isn’t plain vanilla publicity. Many single-stock ETFs use choices methods, borrowing, or each to amplify revenue or ship some type of enhanced return. These aren’t conventional buy-and-hold instruments, they usually include actual dangers, a few of which can solely present up throughout risky market environments.
You’ll wish to do your homework earlier than leaping in. These funds could appear to be acquainted tickers wrapped in a handy bundle, however their construction and technique can result in unpredictable outcomes. Right here’s what potential Canadian traders ought to find out about single-stock ETFs.
The 2 sorts of single-stock ETFs
Broadly talking, Canadian issuers have launched two sorts of single-stock ETFs. One kind is constructed for income-seeking traders. The opposite is geared towards short-term merchants trying to speculate on directional strikes in fashionable U.S. shares.
The income-focused class is dominated by Harvest ETFs and Goal Investments. With some minor variations, each suppliers comply with an analogous playbook. These ETFs sometimes apply 25% portfolio leverage and write coated calls on 50% of the portfolio. Which means if the ETF holds $100 value of inventory, it borrows a further $25, just like utilizing a margin mortgage. The purpose is to extend the full base producing dividends and possibility revenue.
Lined calls contain promoting the proper for another person to purchase the ETF’s shares of a inventory at a sure worth earlier than a set expiration date. In return, the ETF receives a premium, which it distributes as revenue. If the underlying inventory rallies above the strike worth, the ETF forfeits that upside. When solely 50% of the place is roofed, it leaves the opposite half uncovered to additional features.
Goal’s YieldShares lineup makes use of this technique on a variety of well-known U.S. names, together with Palantir, Superior Micro Units, Coinbase, Broadcom, UnitedHealth, Costco, Netflix, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, Microsoft, Berkshire Hathaway, Tesla, Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet. Harvest’s Excessive Earnings Fairness Shares lineup shares lots of the similar names, however provides additional ones like MicroStrategy and Eli Lilly.
On the trading-focused facet of the market is Longpoint ETFs. This agency gives a lineup of SavvyLong and SavvyShort merchandise, which offer each day two-times (2x) bullish or bearish publicity to single U.S. shares. These ETFs are designed for tactical use, not revenue technology. They don’t use coated calls or pay month-to-month distributions.
As an alternative, they’re constructed for merchants who wish to double down on short-term strikes in names like Tesla, Nvidia, Amazon, Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft. The best way these ETFs obtain leverage can be completely different.