What does it mean to rebalance a buffered ETF?
For buffered ETFs, such as the ARK Defined Innovation Exposure Term ETFs (ARK DIET), rebalancing means resetting the ETF’s options positions at the start of a new 12-month outcome period. This involves:
- Setting new strike prices for the put and call options
- Updating the buffer, hurdle, and participation rate based on current market conditions
- Relaunching the defined outcome for a new term
It’s not a reactive change during the year—it’s a planned update that happens once per cycle, ensuring a fresh and relevant strategy going forward.