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iShares Aaa - A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA)

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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/24/2025: QLTA (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 7.32% | Avg. Invested days 52 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | ETF Returns Performance |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 1.18 | 52 Weeks Range 44.84 - 47.96 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 44.84 - 47.96 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
iShares Aaa - A Rated Corporate Bond ETF
ETF Overview
Overview
The iShares Aaa - A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. dollar-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds rated Aaa to A.
Reputation and Reliability
iShares is a well-established and reputable issuer of ETFs, known for its wide range of investment products and sound management.
Management Expertise
BlackRock, the parent company of iShares, has extensive experience and expertise in fixed income investment management.
Investment Objective
Goal
To track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. dollar-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds rated Aaa to A.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The ETF aims to replicate the investment performance of the ICE US Corporate AAA-A Index.
Composition The ETF holds a portfolio of U.S. dollar-denominated corporate bonds rated Aaa to A by at least one of the three major rating agencies: Moody's, S&P, and Fitch.
Market Position
Market Share: Information on QLTA's market share is not readily available. It occupies a niche segment within the broader corporate bond ETF market.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 115500000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT)
- iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (IGIB)
- SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (ITR)
Competitive Landscape
The corporate bond ETF market is highly competitive, with several large players offering similar products. QLTA differentiates itself by focusing solely on Aaa to A rated bonds, offering a more conservative risk profile compared to broader investment-grade corporate bond ETFs. Its smaller AUM indicates a less dominant market position compared to larger competitors like VCIT and IGIB.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data should be sourced from financial data providers. Returns will vary based on market conditions.
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance should be compared to the ICE US Corporate AAA-A Index to assess its tracking effectiveness.
Expense Ratio: 0.15
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
Average trading volume should be checked from live market data, and it provides an indicator of the ease with which shares can be bought or sold.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread represents the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept, and this fluctuates.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic indicators such as interest rates, inflation, and GDP growth influence the performance of corporate bonds. Sector-specific factors and overall credit market conditions also play a role.
Growth Trajectory
The growth trajectory of QLTA depends on investor demand for highly-rated corporate bonds and the overall growth of the fixed income ETF market. Changes to the underlying index or investment strategy could also impact its growth.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
QLTA's competitive advantage lies in its focus on the highest rated segment of the corporate bond market (Aaa to A). This niche focus may appeal to risk-averse investors seeking a more conservative fixed income investment. The ETF benefits from BlackRock's established brand and expertise in ETF management. However, the niche focus limits its overall market size compared to broader corporate bond ETFs.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
QLTA's volatility should be lower than broader corporate bond ETFs due to its focus on higher-rated bonds. However, it is still subject to interest rate risk and credit risk.
Market Risk
The primary market risk is interest rate risk, as bond prices tend to decline when interest rates rise. Credit risk is lower compared to lower-rated corporate bonds, but it is still present.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
QLTA is suitable for risk-averse investors seeking a conservative fixed income investment with exposure to highly-rated corporate bonds.
Market Risk
QLTA is best suited for long-term investors seeking stable returns and diversification within their fixed income portfolio.
Summary
The iShares Aaa - A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA) offers targeted exposure to the highest-rated segment of the U.S. corporate bond market. Its conservative investment strategy makes it a suitable choice for risk-averse investors. The ETF benefits from BlackRock's strong reputation and expertise in fixed income management. However, its niche focus limits its overall market size and liquidity compared to broader corporate bond ETFs.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- iShares website
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
Disclaimers:
The data provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investment decisions should be based on thorough research and consultation with a financial advisor. Market share data is estimated and may not be precise.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About iShares Aaa - A Rated Corporate Bond ETF
Exchange NYSE ARCA | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
The fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in the component securities of the underlying index, and the fund will invest at least 90% of its assets in fixed income securities of the types included in the underlying index that BFA believes will help the fund track the underlying index. The underlying index is a subset of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Index, which measures the performance of the Aaa - A rated range of the fixed-rate, U.S. dollar-denominated taxable, corporate bond market.

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