SHDG is an actively-managed ETF designed to reduce risk during stock market declines and seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. On the portfolio, the Fund systematically writes (sells) equity index call options, covered calls and option spreads to potentially generate additional income. A portion of this income is used to systematically purchase a series of protective equity index put options or put spreads in an effort to reduce the negative impact of stock market declines on long-term performance.
The Fund follows a proprietary rules-based BUY, HOLD & HEDGE™ strategy, which selects option strikes, maturities, and trade dates based upon several measurable market factors. Through the use of options, the Fund intends to reduce the downside risk inherent in equity investments while generating long-term equity returns in line with the benchmark index.