The Bloomberg Compact Index Series offers a novel approach to index investing by balancing exposure across all market sectors with a limited number of securities. Unlike traditional market-cap-weighted indices, these indices minimize concentration risk by equally weighting the two largest stocks from each sector, resulting in reduced volatility and higher risk-adjusted returns. 

They simplify the process of monitoring and rebalancing by maintaining a straightforward, transparent methodology with fewer securities. This streamlined structure also enhances sector diversification by including only top-tier companies based on their market cap and primary revenue sources. 

Additionally, these indices are designed to be more resilient during market downturns, featuring high-quality companies that can better withstand economic fluctuations.

Finsum: This is a really interesting strategy and speaks to the wealth of opportunities in custom and direct indexing markets.

Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund (CCLFX), a diversified interval fund specializing in corporate middle market direct lending, has successfully completed its seventh offering of privately placed Senior Secured Notes, raising $1.37 billion. 

The Notes, which are secured by the Fund’s assets and have staggered maturities ranging from 3 to 12 years, will help support continued growth as the Fund's net assets increase in line with equity inflows. As of July 31, 2024, CCLFX reported over $21.2 billion in net assets, up from $15.6 billion at the end of 2023, demonstrating its robust expansion. 

Operating as an interval fund, CCLFX offers investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of loans, primarily in first lien senior secured positions, and focuses on generating consistent income with low price volatility. This recent transaction highlights the Fund's effective use of debt capital markets to finance its strategy.

Finsum: We have seen a huge uptick in popularity of interval funds and are projected to hit big targets in the coming years.

With persistently high interest rates, investors are increasingly turning to fixed-income separately managed accounts (SMAs) for their potential tax advantages and personalized portfolio options. SMAs give investors direct ownership of underlying securities, offering greater control over capital gains, tax-loss harvesting, and tax-efficient investment selection. 

Fixed-income SMAs can minimize tax liabilities through strategies like low portfolio turnover, selective tax-loss harvesting, and investment choices based on location-specific tax exemptions. 

While tailoring portfolios for various client types, portfolio managers must balance customization with operational efficiency to meet expectations and maintain consistent performance. The key is to achieve tax efficiency without compromising on investment goals or client-specific outcomes.

Finsum: Investors should think of the tax advantages as additional returns their accounts can optimize for their portfolio.