
iShares Buffer ETFs use a unique investment strategy that combines the benefits of index funds with the protection of a buffer. This buffer helps to reduce potential losses during market downturns.
The buffer is created by investing a portion of the ETF's assets in a combination of stocks, bonds, and options. This allows the ETF to potentially capture some of the upside of the market while limiting potential losses.
The goal of the buffer is to provide a safety net for investors, helping to protect their principal investment from significant losses. By doing so, the buffer can help investors stay invested in the market for the long term.
iShares Buffer ETFs typically have a fixed buffer level, which is expressed as a percentage of the ETF's net asset value (NAV). This buffer level is designed to provide a specific level of protection for investors.
Related reading: How Do Buffer Etfs Work
Why IVVM?
IVVM can be a great tool for managing risk in your investment portfolio.
One of the main reasons to consider IVVM is that it's outcome-oriented, meaning it seeks to participate in the price movements of large cap U.S. equities with potentially less downside risk in exchange for capped upside.
This approach can be especially appealing to investors who want to reduce their exposure to market volatility.
IVVM provides easy access to an options-based risk management strategy, which can be convenient and cost-effective.
This convenience and cost-effectiveness can be a major advantage for investors who want to manage their risk without breaking the bank.
Strategy Details
The Hedge Period is a crucial aspect of iShares Buffer ETFs, and it's essential to understand how it works. The Hedge Period typically starts on January 1st and ends on March 31st, giving investors a three-month window to take advantage of the Buffer and Cap.
Investors who purchase Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period or sell prior to the end of a Hedge Period may not fully realize the Buffer or Cap for the Hedge Period, which can expose them to greater risk of loss. For example, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has decreased, their Buffer may be decreased.
You might enjoy: Buffer System
Here are some key facts about the Hedge Period:
The Buffer and Cap apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period, so it's essential to consider the Fund's position relative to the Cap and Buffer before investing.
Strategy Characteristics
The Hedge Period is a critical aspect of the Fund's strategy, and it's essential to understand its implications on investor experience. The Hedge Period typically starts on a specific date and ends on a specific date, as seen in Examples 1, 2, and 3, where the Hedge Period Start Dates are Jan 01, 2025, Jan 01, 2025, and Jul 01, 2024, respectively.
The Buffer and Cap apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period. If an investor purchases Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period, they may not fully realize the Buffer or Cap for the Hedge Period. Conversely, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has increased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, their upside potential may be reduced and they may experience losses prior to reaching the downside protection offered by the Buffer.
Additional reading: Can You Buy Fractional Shares of Etfs at Fidelity

The Hedge Period's duration can vary, as seen in Examples 1, 2, and 3, where the Hedge Period End Dates are Mar 31, 2025, Mar 31, 2025, and Jun 30, 2025, respectively. This means that investors should consider the Hedge Period's length before investing in the Fund.
Here's a summary of the Hedge Period characteristics:
Investors who sell prior to the end of the Hedge Period may not fully realize the Buffer or Cap, which can expose them to greater risk of loss. It's essential to carefully consider the Hedge Period's implications on investor experience before investing in the Fund.
Fund Details
The iShares Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF is a fund advised by BlackRock. It was launched on June 30, 2023.
This fund is domiciled in the United States and trades in US dollars.
Here are the key details about this fund:
- Legal Name: iShares Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF
- Fund Family Name: BlackRock-advised Funds
- Inception Date: June 30, 2023
- Currency: USD
- Domiciled Country: US
Fees
Fees can be a significant consideration when investing in iShares Buffer ETFs. The management fee is 0.50%.
The acquired fund fees and expenses add another 0.03% to the total cost. This is a relatively small amount, but it's still important to consider.
Other expenses are a flat 0.00%, which is great news for investors. This suggests that the fund is well-managed and efficient.
The expense ratio is the total of all these fees, which comes out to 0.53%. This is a relatively low expense ratio, especially compared to other funds.
A fee waiver of 0.03% is also in effect, which reduces the net expense ratio to 0.50%. This is a significant reduction in costs for investors.
Here's a breakdown of the fees and expenses:
The net expense ratio is also 0.50%, which is a great result for investors.
Performance and Comparison
Buffer ETFs offer different levels of downside protection to help balance risk and return potential.
Each Buffer ETF targets a specific level of protection, allowing you to choose the right amount of risk for your investment goals.
By comparing Buffer ETFs, you can find the one that best suits your needs and risk tolerance.
This comparison chart helps you visualize the different levels of protection and potential returns, making it easier to make informed investment decisions.
Buffer ETFs are designed to help you balance risk and return potential, making them a valuable tool for investors of all experience levels.
Buffer Comparison Chart
Buffer ETFs are designed to help you balance risk and return potential. They target different levels of downside protection.
You can compare Buffer ETFs based on their target levels of downside protection. This can help you choose the right one for your investment goals.
Buffer ETFs are available with various levels of protection, allowing you to select the one that fits your risk tolerance.
Intriguing read: Target Outcome Etfs
Sources
- https://www.ishares.com/us/products/332306/ishares-large-cap-moderate-buffer-etf
- https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual/products/332307/ishares-large-cap-deep-buffer-etf
- https://www.ishares.com/us/products/337965/ishares-large-cap-max-buffer-jun-etf
- https://www.composer.trade/etf/IVVM
- https://www.mutualfunds.com/etfs/ivvb-blackrock-etf-trust-ii-ishares-large-cap-deep-buffer-etf/
Featured Images: pexels.com