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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 QBIF
QBIF · Price

Executive Summary

  • Allianz Investment Management announced the launch of eight new buffered exchange‑traded fund strategies, expanding both its international Uncapped Buffered series and introducing seven quarterly‑reset, single‑ticker buffered ETFs.
  • The new funds provide defined downside buffers (5% or 15%) over three‑month outcome periods with 1:1 upside participation to caps, linked to major U.S. and international equity indexes (S&P 500, Russell 2000, Nasdaq‑100, MSCI EAFE).
  • The addition broadens investor access to risk‑managed equity exposure and leverages AllianzIM’s proprietary hedging platform that currently supports over $165.8 billion in hedged assets.

Key Details

  • Fund Names & Tickers
  • AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer5 ETF – QBSV (5% buffer, 1:1 upside) – references SPY.
  • AllianzIM Growth‑100 Buffer5 ETF – QBQV (5% buffer) – references QQQ.
  • AllianzIM Growth‑100 Buffer15 ETF – QBQF (15% buffer) – references QQQ.
  • AllianzIM Small Cap Buffer5 ETF – QBKV (5% buffer) – references IWM.
  • AllianzIM Small Cap Buffer15 ETF – QBKF (15% buffer) – references IWM.
  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer5 ETF – QBIV (5% buffer) – references EFA.
  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 ETF – QBIF (15% buffer) – references EFA.

  • AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF – ARLI (15% buffer, uncapped upside) – references EFA.

  • Buffer Structure – Each fund offers a three‑month outcome period with a defined downside protection level (5 % or 15 %). Upside participation is 1:1 to the cap; ARLI provides uncapped upside beyond the spread cost.

  • Reference Assets – Funds are linked to existing ETFs (SPY, QQQ, IWM, EFA) but do not hold the underlying securities directly.

  • Risk Management – Utilizes AllianzIM’s in‑house hedging platform and FLEX Options contracts to implement buffers; exposure to OCC settlement risk disclosed.

  • Assets Under Management Context – AllianzIM’s hedged assets total approximately $165.8 billion as of 12/31/2025, underscoring the scale of its risk‑management capabilities.

  • Strategic Rationale – Aimed at investors seeking to stay invested amid market volatility, providing downside protection while allowing upside participation across core U.S. and international equity markets.

  • 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,” said Charles Champagne, Head of ETF Strategy at 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,” said Chris Chambs, CEO of AllianzIM.

Read the original news release →