The iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) tracks the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, giving investors broad exposure to investment-grade U.S. bonds. Its portfolio is heavily tilted toward Treasuries, which now make up about 47%, far higher than the category average, and this emphasis helps reduce credit risk.
Roughly 75% of its assets carry AA or AAA ratings, insulating investors from credit shocks but limiting return potential since the fund cannot hold high-yield bonds. While the ETF’s safety focus mutes drawdowns, its longer duration makes it more sensitive to interest rate swings, which has led to higher volatility in some periods.
Over the past 20 years, its conservative profile and low fees have helped it slightly outperform peers while weathering downturns like the 2020 COVID market shock better than most.
Finsum: With the Fed most likely cutting rates this next cycle, this could help this fund which had suffered in rate hike cycles.