
TSE:HMAX
This summary was created by AI, based on 5 opinions in the last 12 months.
The Hamilton Canadian Financials Yield Maximizer ETF (HMAX-T) employs a covered call strategy primarily on financial stocks, including major banks and insurance companies. While this strategy aims to enhance income through higher premiums when options are written at or in the money, it carries the downside risk of reduced upside potential, particularly during bull markets. Though the ETF achieved a 23% rise over the past year, this is significantly lower than the performance of comparable ETFs like BMO's equal weight bank ETF, which rose 33%. Experts caution that the high yield, currently around 13%, could be indicative of the risks involved, suggesting that investors should be cautious when prioritizing yield over total return. As such, HMAX-T may be more suitable for income-focused investors rather than those seeking growth.
He'd have to look at it, but generally for such a high yield, you have to give something to get something. What are you giving up? Often leverage is used, which adds risk. Covered call strategies can usually work in a sideways market, which is what the banks appear to be in.
The high yield is often not sustainable. But he would need to analyze it further to give a solid opinion.
Key difference is UMAX is focused on blue-chip, Canadian utilities. Reduces volatility by writing an options strategy. If you think we're going to be entering a more tumultuous period, utilities tend to do better.
HMAX is a similar setup, but with underlying financials. 75% exposure to the big 6 banks, which have struggled. Argument that banks' exposure to real estate makes them more economically sensitive. In a good economic environment, banks will do better.
Neither uses leverage. When the yields get juicy, remember that some of that's return of capital. Also remember that covered writing can be a drag if the market is anything but flat, slightly up, or slightly down.
Uses covered calls, but also highly dependent on capital appreciation and that brings risk. Otherwise, there's no way to achieve the yield of 14-15% via covered calls + dividends. At the end of the day, it's about total return, not just income. A new offering, whose total return is worse than that of a regular financials ETF. He'd prefer a more conservative covered call strategy.
Combination of underlying of stock dividends, and volatility of call strategy. Good product, but would recommend a portion of portfolio. Don't rely on the yield only - need to understand the product fundamentals. ~15% seems unsustainable.