Worried About the Economy? 3 ETFs for Defensive Positioning
- Economic Resilience and Concerns: Despite economic strength in 2023, cracks appeared in the second quarter due to Fed rate hikes, with concerns about stagflation or recession leading investors to seek defensive opportunities.
- Market Outlook by Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley's CIO mentioned rising odds of a recessionary 'hard landing' or 'stagflation' at 25%-30%.
- Economic Indicators and Signals: ISM Manufacturing Index showed contraction, private payrolls slowed, and consumer spending pullbacks could indicate trouble for the economy.
- Defensive Investment Strategies: Ultra-short-duration bonds are favored for market volatility and uncertainty, with the Eaton Vance Ultra-Short Income ETF (EVSB) highlighted as an option.
- Bond Investments for Stability: Bonds are seen as less volatile during recessions, with government and municipal bonds like the Eaton Vance Intermediate Municipal Income ETF (EVIM) recommended for stability and tax benefits.
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Conversion Announcement: Morgan Stanley Investment Management has successfully converted the Morgan Stanley Income Opportunities Fund into the Eaton Vance Income Opportunities ETF, expanding its range of actively-managed fixed income ETFs to 18.
Investment Strategy: The Eaton Vance Income Opportunities ETF aims to provide diversified exposure to various global fixed income sectors, focusing on underrepresented areas in traditional portfolios, with a primary goal of generating high current income.
Market Positioning: The ETF's strategy is designed to offer flexibility across geographies, sectors, and the yield curve, helping investors navigate shifting market conditions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
MSIM Overview: Morgan Stanley Investment Management manages approximately $1.8 trillion in assets and employs around 1,400 investment professionals globally, providing a comprehensive suite of investment management solutions to a diverse client base.
Conversion Announcement: Morgan Stanley Investment Management has converted the Morgan Stanley Mortgage Securities Trust into the Eaton Vance Mortgage Opportunities ETF, expanding its ETF platform to 18 products, including 10 active fixed income ETFs.
Investment Strategy: The Eaton Vance Mortgage Opportunities ETF aims to provide a diversified portfolio of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, targeting higher yields with less volatility, while offering an alternative investment-grade option for investors.
Municipal-Bond Market Insights: Morgan Stanley and BlackRock share their perspectives on investing in the municipal-bond market in this week's ETF Wrap.
Contact Information: Feedback and tips can be sent to the provided email addresses, and social media handles for the authors are also shared for further engagement.
ETF Inflows: The EVIM ETF experienced the largest increase in inflows, adding 200,000 units, which represents a 40.0% rise in outstanding units.
Author's Perspective: The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Nasdaq, Inc.
- Economic Resilience and Concerns: Despite economic strength in 2023, cracks appeared in the second quarter due to Fed rate hikes, with concerns about stagflation or recession leading investors to seek defensive opportunities.
- Market Outlook by Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley's CIO mentioned rising odds of a recessionary 'hard landing' or 'stagflation' at 25%-30%.
- Economic Indicators and Signals: ISM Manufacturing Index showed contraction, private payrolls slowed, and consumer spending pullbacks could indicate trouble for the economy.
- Defensive Investment Strategies: Ultra-short-duration bonds are favored for market volatility and uncertainty, with the Eaton Vance Ultra-Short Income ETF (EVSB) highlighted as an option.
- Bond Investments for Stability: Bonds are seen as less volatile during recessions, with government and municipal bonds like the Eaton Vance Intermediate Municipal Income ETF (EVIM) recommended for stability and tax benefits.








