AllianzIM Buffer15 Uncapped Allocation ETF (SPBU) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund that seeks capital appreciation with downside risk mitigation by investing in a laddered portfolio of twelve AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 Uncapped ETFs. These underlying ETFs track the share price returns of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) over specified one-year outcome periods, subject to a stated spread, while providing a buffer against the first 15% of SPY losses; they primarily invest in FLEX Options referencing SPY to achieve uncapped upside potential beyond the spread, differentiating from traditional capped buffered strategies. The fund's monthly resetting laddered structure offers continuous diversified exposure to these outcome periods in a single ticker, smoothing market fluctuations for investors seeking U.S. large-cap equity participation with structured risk management.
Launched on March 5, 2025, and listed on NYSE Arca, SPBU forms part of Allianz Investment Management LLC's (AllianzIM) Buffer Allocation ETF suite, which also includes the Buffer20 Allocation ETF (SPBW) and Buffer10 Allocation ETF (SPBX); it carries a net expense ratio of 0.79% and targets investment professionals and retail investors navigating volatility.
AllianzIM, the fund's adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and leverages proprietary hedging platforms managing over $155 billion in hedged assets as of December 31, 2024.
The ETF operates primarily in the U.S. market, focusing on developed market large-cap equities through its options-based strategy.