Though the $3.5 billion in assets iShares Short Maturity Bond ETF (NEAR) is smaller than MINT, it had stronger inflows in the first quarter, with the addition of $619 million. NEAR’s duration and yield are nearly the same as MINT; however, NEAR has a lower 0.25% net expense ratio. CFRA’s research indicates a neutral technical rating input.
Other short-term actively managed bond ETFs to experience net inflows in the first quarter include First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) and the newly renamed PowerShares Ultra Short Duration Portfolio (GSY); GSY was managed in the first quarter by Guggenheim.
Related: 3 Best Performing Long Bond ETFs of Past Month
CFRA rates these active ETFs against the broader ETF universe, which includes many lower-cost index-based products. Separately, we rate actively managed taxable bond funds against the broader bond mutual fund category.
Todd Rosenbluth is Director of ETF & Mutual Fund Research at CFRA.