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Minimum volatility ETFs

Key takeaways

  • Minimum volatility ETFs (commonly referred to as "min vol" ETFs) attempt to reduce exposure to stock market volatility.
  • Min vol ETFs can be constructed in a number of ways, such as by holding a diverse mix of investments or defensive-leaning investments.
  • Min vol ETFs do not ensure against losses.

If you are concerned about the direction of stocks, minimum volatility ETFs are an opportunity worth considering if you want to reduce your exposure to short-term volatility while staying invested.

Managing volatility

While neither diversification nor asset allocation ensures a profit or guarantees against a loss, both can be effective ways to manage long-term fluctuations in the market. If you are diversified, you might simply prefer to wait out any expected market volatility.

Some investors prefer more tactical approaches. During periods of expected heightened market volatility, you may be thinking about reducing your exposure to riskier positions. If volatility is subsequently expected to be lower, you can get back into positions you would invest in under normal market conditions that also align with your risk and return objectives. It can go without saying that this requires a commitment of time and a level of skill that most individual investors may not have. 

Another strategy to consider to reduce exposure to volatility is a min vol ETF.

Min vol ETFs in focus

A min vol ETF (as well as other min vol investment vehicles) attempts to reduce exposure to volatility by tracking indexes that aim to provide lower-risk alternatives to other riskier investments. For example, a min vol ETF might exhibit less risk during market turbulence compared with a broadly diversified index such as the S&P 500. You might also see these types of investments referred to as low volatility ETFs.

There are other investment vehicles that attempt to mitigate exposure to volatility, including minimum volatility mutual funds and low volatility managed accounts. Many min vol investments are heterogeneous (i.e., they have different exposures and upside/downside profiles). Min vol strategies come in a variety of forms, including single asset class, multi-asset class, long-only, long/short, risk parity, and downside managed.

A min vol ETF does not eliminate risk exposure to volatility. Min vol funds may underperform non-min vol funds with similar asset class exposures when the broad market is doing well, and they can experience declines during sharp corrections. However, the expectation for a min vol ETF investor is that any potential losses during a market decline might be smaller relative to other investments that may have more exposure to volatility. As a result, a less risky portfolio could recover more quickly than the broad market after a downturn when stocks recover.

Some characteristics that an investor might use to evaluate a min vol ETF include risk and return measures like R-squared, beta, standard deviation, upside/downside capture ratio, and historical performance. You can find some of these on Fidelity.com when you select a particular ETF.

Min vol ETF opportunities

Min vol ETFs can be used to lower overall portfolio risk. For instance, if your portfolio consists largely of cyclical stocks, a min vol ETF might diversify away some risk exposure in the event that the market becomes volatile. If you want to reduce your exposure to volatility if, for example, you think there may be an increase in short-term volatility, and you like the benefits of ETFs, a min vol ETF could be right for you.

Of course, investors who rely too heavily on them could end up with portfolios that are concentrated in large-cap defensive stocks and light on small-cap growth stocks.

With that said, and assuming you like to make tactical adjustments to your investments (and you are comfortable with the long-term risk/return characteristics of your asset mix), min vol investment choices may help you execute your strategy if you are concerned about a short-term market decline. If you want to explore min vol ETFs, here are the 10 largest by net assets according to Fidelity.com data, as of August 1, 2024:

  • iShares MSCI Min Vol USA ETF ()
  • Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF ()
  • iShares MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF ()
  • iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Min Vol Factor ETF ()
  • iShares MSCI Min Vol Global ETF ()
  • Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF ()
  • Fidelity US Low Volatility Equity Fund ()
  • Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF ()
  • Goldman Sachs Activebeta World Low Vol Plus Equity ETF ()
  • iShares MSCI USA Small Cap Min Vol Factor ETF ()

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ETFs are subject to market fluctuation and the risks of their underlying investments. ETFs are subject to management fees and other expenses.

There is no guarantee that minimum volatility funds will attain a more conservative level of risk, especially during periods of extreme market conditions.

Because of their narrow focus, sector investments tend to be more volatile than investments that diversify across many sectors and companies.

Neither diversification nor asset allocation ensures a profit or guarantees against loss. For iShares ETFs, Fidelity receives compensation from the ETF sponsor and/or its affiliates in connection with an exclusive, long-term marketing program that includes promotion of iShares ETFs and inclusion of iShares funds in certain FBS platforms and investment programs. Additional information about the sources, amounts, and terms of compensation is described in the ETF’s prospectus and related documents. Fidelity may add or waive commissions on ETFs without prior notice. BlackRock and iShares are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates. Exchange-traded products (ETPs) are subject to market volatility and the risks of their underlying securities, which may include the risks associated with investing in smaller companies, foreign securities, commodities, and fixed income investments. Foreign securities are subject to interest rate, currency-exchange rate, economic, and political risk, all of which are magnified in emerging markets. ETPs that target a small universe of securities, such as a specific region or market sector, are generally subject to greater market volatility as well as to the specific risks associated with that sector, region, or other focus. ETPs that use derivatives, leverage, or complex investment strategies are subject to additional risks. The return of an index ETP is usually different from that of the index it tracks because of fees, expenses, and tracking error. An ETP may trade at a premium or discount to its net asset value (NAV) (or indicative value in the case of exchange-traded notes). Each ETP has a unique risk profile that is detailed in its prospectus, offering circular, or similar material, which should be considered carefully when making investment decisions.

All indexes are unmanaged, and performance of the indexes includes reinvestment of dividends and interest income, unless otherwise noted. Indexes are not illustrative of any particular investment, and it is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Before investing in any exchange-traded fund, you should consider its investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus, offering circular or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

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