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WDO 26.04 −0.9% FVI 11.84 −1.6% OM 1.75 −1.7% ETG 2.99 +0.0% ARTG 31.47 −4.6% LUC 0.163 +1.6% AFM 1.38 +0.0% IMG 20.95 −3.5% CPAU 0.150 +3.5% MMX 0.075 +7.1% IE 12.47 −2.4% SASK 1.09 −1.8% MOG 0.390 +2.6% XIM 0.070 −6.7% S 0.110 −29.0% OMI 0.300 −4.8% WDO 26.04 −0.9% FVI 11.84 −1.6% OM 1.75 −1.7% ETG 2.99 +0.0% ARTG 31.47 −4.6% LUC 0.163 +1.6% AFM 1.38 +0.0% IMG 20.95 −3.5% CPAU 0.150 +3.5% MMX 0.075 +7.1% IE 12.47 −2.4% SASK 1.09 −1.8% MOG 0.390 +2.6% XIM 0.070 −6.7% S 0.110 −29.0% OMI 0.300 −4.8%
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AllianzIM Expands Buffered ETF Suite with Latest International Fund and Seven New Quarterly-Reset Strategies

By The Northwire Desk — AI Analysis Apr 01, 2026 · 08:00 ARLI
ARLI · Price

Executive Summary

  • Allianz Investment Management announced the launch of eight new buffered exchange‑traded funds (ETFs), expanding its “Uncapped Buffered” series and adding seven quarterly‑reset, single‑ticker buffered ETFs covering U.S. equity, growth, small‑cap, and international indices.
  • Each ETF provides a defined downside buffer (5 % or 15 %) over three months with 1:1 upside participation to a cap, offering investors risk‑managed exposure to major market indexes.
  • The new International Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLI) adds uncapped upside potential while maintaining a 15 % downside buffer for broad international equity exposure.

Key Details

  • New Funds Launched (8 total):
  • AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer5 ETF (QBSV) – 5 % buffer, 1:1 upside to cap, reference SPY.
  • AllianzIM Growth‑100 Buffer5 ETF (QBQV) – 5 % buffer, 1:1 upside, reference QQQ.
  • AllianzIM Growth‑100 Buffer15 ETF (QBQF) – 15 % buffer, 1:1 upside, reference QQQ.
  • AllianzIM Small Cap Buffer5 ETF (QBKV) – 5 % buffer, 1:1 upside, reference IWM.
  • AllianzIM Small Cap Buffer15 ETF (QBKF) – 15 % buffer, 1:1 upside, reference IWM.
  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer5 ETF (QBIV) – 5 % buffer, 1:1 upside, reference EFA.
  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 ETF (QBIF) – 15 % buffer, 1:1 upside, reference EFA.

  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLI) – 15 % buffer, uncapped upside beyond a spread over a 1‑year outcome period, reference EFA.

  • Buffer Structure: Quarterly‑reset, three‑month outcome periods; downside protection of either 5 % or 15 %; upside participation at 1:1 to a cap (except ARLI, which is uncapped).

  • Reference Indices / ETFs:

  • S&P 500 – SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (SPY)
  • Nasdaq‑100 – Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)
  • Russell 2000 – iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM)

  • Developed International – iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA)

  • Strategic Rationale: Provides investors with risk‑managed exposure to core equity markets, aiming to keep capital invested during volatile periods while offering upside participation.

  • Management Commentary:

  • Charles Champagne (Head of ETF Strategy) highlighted market volatility and the need for diversified buffered exposures.

  • Chris Chambs (CEO, AllianzIM) emphasized the expansion’s role in supporting long‑term investor objectives.

  • Operational Capabilities: Funds will be hedged using AllianzIM’s proprietary in‑house platform, leveraging the firm’s $165.8 billion of hedged assets (as of 12/31/25).

  • Distribution: ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC; AllianzIM and Allianz Life are not affiliated with the distributor.

Notable Quotes

“As market leadership continues to diverge, volatility persists, and investors reassess the AI trade, staying invested can feel more daunting,” – Charles Champagne, Head of ETF Strategy, AllianzIM.

“By expanding our buffered ETF lineup across core U.S. and international exposures, we are supporting investors who want to stay invested and remain focused on long‑term objectives.” – Chris Chambs, CEO, AllianzIM.

Read the original news release →