Clark Asset Management LLC has increased its position in the Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (NYSEARCA: BSV) by 10.8% during the third quarter of 2023, as disclosed in a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Following this purchase, the institutional investor now holds 409,927 shares of the ETF, having acquired an additional 39,837 shares during the quarter. This investment now constitutes approximately 3.8% of Clark Asset Management’s overall portfolio, making it the firm’s seventh largest holding.
As of the close of the most recent reporting period, Clark Asset Management owned about 0.08% of the Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF, valued at approximately $32,347,000. The move reflects a broader trend among institutional investors, with several others also increasing their stakes in the ETF recently.
In the second quarter of 2023, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp initiated a new position in the Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF, valued at around $28,000. Similarly, Angeles Wealth Management LLC acquired a stake worth $30,000. In a notable increase, Bogart Wealth LLC raised its holdings in the ETF by 90.2%, now owning 487 shares valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 231 shares during the same period.
Additionally, Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH established a new position in the ETF valued at approximately $39,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC also expanded its holdings significantly, increasing its stake by 104.9% in the third quarter, resulting in ownership of 506 shares valued at around $40,000.
Current Performance of Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
On Tuesday, shares of the Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF opened at $78.85. The ETF has experienced a 52-week low of $76.93 and a 52-week high of $79.21. The fund’s performance is also reflected in its moving averages, with a 50-day simple moving average of $78.89 and a 200-day simple moving average of $78.73.
The Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF seeks to replicate the performance of a market-weighted bond index characterized by a short-term, dollar-weighted average maturity. It employs a passive management strategy designed to track the Barclays Capital U.S. 1-5 Year Government/Credit Bond Index. This index comprises medium and larger issues of U.S. government, investment-grade corporate, and investment-grade international dollar-denominated bonds with maturities ranging from 1 to 5 years.
The increasing interest from institutional investors signals a growing confidence in the Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF as a stable investment vehicle amid fluctuating market conditions. As more investors seek security in short-term bonds, the ETF’s performance will be closely monitored in the coming months.
