skip to main content

Three Reasons for NFRA

Three reasons to consider a strategic allocation to infrastructure, which has been known to offer stability as equity market volatility increases

withSpaceAndBorder

Why Now?

Pace of Inflation Returning to Normal is Unknown: Recent CPI prints have come in below market expectations and are off the high mark set in June, but the path returning to the Federal Reserve’s target of 2% will most likely be volatile and full of fits and starts. Investors still need inflation protection during this unknown timeframe and global infrastructure offers historical correlation to inflation.

Attractive Late Cycle Asset Class: Infrastructure assets have tended to do well in economic slowdowns due to their inelastic demand of essential services, high barriers to new entrants and predictable cash flow streams. These features make infrastructure an attractive asset class as investors prepare for the potential of a global recession in 2023.

Provides Stability as Equity Market Volatility Increases: The predictiveness of both expenses and revenues associated with established infrastructure assets has the potential to offer lower relative volatility compared to other risk assets. As global equity markets exhibit greater price swings due to inflationary pressures, economic data and monetary policy shifts, global infrastructure has  potential to offer a level of downside hedge indeclining markets.

Annualized Return DuringGlobal EquitiesNatural ResourcesGlobal InfrastructureGlobal Real Estate
High Inflation10.9%12.2%11.2%8.3%
Low Inflation8.3%1.4%5.1%4.1%
Annualized Return DuringFixed IncomeGlobal EquitiesTIPSFutures-based Commodities
High Inflation-4.2%10.9%1.2%26.9%
Normal Inflation4.0%8.3%2.9%-8.3%
% of Time Covers Inflation0633389
Annualized Return DuringNatural ResourcesGlobal InfrastructureGlobal Real Estate
High Inflation12.2%11.2%8.3%
Normal Inflation1.4%5.1%4.1%
% of Time Covers Inflation596767

Source: Bloomberg. Data from 12/31/2012 - 12/31/2022. High Inflation (above 2.6%) is the 75th percentile of the data Normal inflation during this time frame has been below 2.6%. Past performance is not indicative or a guarantee of future results. Index performance retruns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in any index. Index performance is not representative of fund performance.

DEFINITIONS

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Indexes are available for the U.S. and various geographic areas. Average price data for select utility, automotive fuel, and food items are also available.

FOOTNOTES

Global Equities are represented by the MSCI ACWI Index (USD). TIPS is represented by the Bloomberg US Treasury Inflation Notes TR Index Value Unhedged USD. Futures-based commodities are represented by the Bloomberg Commodity Index Total Return Index. Natural Resources is represented by the S&P Global Natural Resources Index. Global Infrastructure is represented by the S&P Global Infrastructure Index. Global Real Estate is represented by the MSCI World Index (USD.)

Sign Up for Exclusive Access to Financial Professional Only Tools & Content

Related Content

Before investing, carefully consider the FlexShares investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information is in the prospectus and a summary prospectus, copies of which may be obtained on this website. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest. Foreside Fund Services, LLC, distributor.

An investment in FlexShares is subject to numerous risks, including possible loss of principal. Fund returns may not match the return of the respective indexes. The Funds are subject to the following principal risks: asset class; authorized participant, calculation methodology; commodity; concentration; counterparty; currency; derivatives; dividend; emerging markets; Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG); equity securities; financial sector, fluctuation of yield; foreign securities; geographic; high portfolio turnover; income; industry concentration; inflation; infrastructure-related companies; interest rate; issuer; liquidity; large cap; management; market; market trading; mid cap stock; MLP; momentum; natural resources; new funds; non-diversification; passive investment; privatization; securities lending; small cap stock; tracking error; value investing; and volatility risk. A full description of risks is in the prospectus.

Individual investors should contact their financial advisor or broker dealer representative for more information on FlexShares ETFs. FlexShares ETFs are managed by Northern Trust.

Investment Products and Services are:

Not FDIC INSURED May lose value No bank guarantee

All registered investment companies, including FlexShares, are obliged to distribute portfolio gains to shareholders at year-end regardless of performance. Trading FlexShares Funds will also generate tax consequences and transaction expenses. The information provided is not intended to be tax advice. Tax consequences of dividend distributions may vary by individual taxpayer.

The FlexShares Funds, registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Funds") are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, not affiliated with Northern Trust.

Foreside Fund Services, LLC