Fed holdings of bond ETFs now total $2.98 billion

Fed holdings of bond ETFs now total $2.98 billion
The central bank also signaled that its lending program for states and municipalities will open soon
MAY 29, 2020
By  Bloomberg

The Federal Reserve’s weekly balance sheet update showed its holdings of exchange-traded funds continued to grow over the past week, while also signaling that a lending program for states and municipalities would soon be operational.

Fed holdings of ETFs invested in corporate debt rose to $2.98 billion as of May 26, according to the data released Thursday, up from $1.8 billion a week earlier. The ETF purchases, which began on May 12, are part of an emergency lending program designed to backstop large corporate borrowers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Total assets held in the special-purpose vehicle set up for that program, known as the Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility, was shown as a much larger amount. But a note with the release explained that this reflected the U.S. Treasury Department’s equity contribution to the facility to shield the Fed from losses, of which 85% must be invested in non-marketable Treasury securities and reported in the net holdings of the program.

The Fed also added a line item for another emergency lending program for state and local government borrowers, known as the Municipal Liquidity Facility, which has yet to launch.

“On May 26, 2020, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York received Treasury’s equity contribution for the MLF program,” the explanatory note said.

Latest News

Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams
Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams

Integrated Partners is adding a mother-son tandem to its network in Missouri as Kestra onboards a father-son advisor duo from UBS.

Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases
Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases

Futures indicate stocks will build on Tuesday's rally.

From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier
From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier

Cost of living still tops concerns about negative impacts on personal finances

Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study
Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study

Financial advisors remain vital allies even as DIY investing grows

Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs
Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs

A trade deal would mean significant cut in tariffs but 'it wont be zero'.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.