AllianzIM Expands Buffered ETF Suite with Latest International Fund and Seven New Quarterly-Reset Strategies

Executive Summary
- Allianz Investment Management announced the launch of eight new buffered ETFs, expanding both its international Uncapped Buffered series and introducing seven quarterly‑reset, single‑ticker buffered funds.
- The new funds provide defined downside buffers (5% or 15%) with 1:1 upside participation tied to major U.S. and international indices (S&P 500, Russell 2000, Nasdaq‑100, MSCI EAFE).
- The launch broadens AllianzIM’s risk‑management product suite, offering investors additional tools for downside protection while maintaining market exposure.
Key Details
- New Funds Launched:
- AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer5 ETF (QBSV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside, references SPY.
- AllianzIM Growth‑100 Buffer5 ETF (QBQV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside, references QQQ.
- AllianzIM Growth‑100 Buffer15 ETF (QBQF) – 15% buffer, 1:1 upside, references QQQ.
- AllianzIM Small Cap Buffer5 ETF (QBKV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside, references IWM.
- AllianzIM Small Cap Buffer15 ETF (QBKF) – 15% buffer, 1:1 upside, references IWM.
- AllianzIM International Equity Buffer5 ETF (QBIV) – 5% buffer, 1:1 upside, references EFA.
- AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 ETF (QBIF) – 15% buffer, 1:1 upside, references EFA.
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AllianzIM International Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLI) – 15% buffer, uncapped upside, references EFA, with a one‑year outcome period.
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Buffer Structure: Quarterly‑reset, three‑month outcome periods; downside protection of either 5% or 15%; upside participation at 1:1 to a cap (or uncapped for ARLI).
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Reference Assets: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM), iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA).
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Strategic Rationale: Designed to help investors stay invested amid market volatility, offering risk‑managed exposure across core U.S. and international equity markets.
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Management Commentary:
- Charles Champagne (Head of ETF Strategy) highlighted the expanded access across additional indices and international equities.
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Chris Chambs (CEO) emphasized supporting long‑term investor objectives through diversified buffered exposures.
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Operational Details: ETFs are advised by AllianzIM, distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC; AllianzIM leverages proprietary in‑house hedging platform managing > $165.8 billion of hedged assets (as of 12/31/25).
Notable Quotes
- “This expanded lineup broadens access across additional indices and international equities, giving investors more ways to pursue upside participation with diversified buffered exposures.” – 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