The Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index II reflects the performance of an index strategy that uses the S&P 500® Index and the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate RBI® Series 1 Index.
BXIIUDB2 Hypothetical Historical Weighting
Here is a hypothetical chart showing how the last 14 years of weighting between the two underlying indexes would have looked, had the Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index II existed (the index came into existence on April 14, 2015).
As you can see, in periods like 2008 when volatility was high, the index would have shifted to be nearly all in the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate RBI® Series 1 Index.
The 14-year period shown reflects the longest common period of historical data available for each of the indexes that comprise the Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index II.
About Hypothetical Historical Depictions
The BUDBI II was launched on August 14, 2015. All information presented before this launch date is hypothetical (back-tested), and back-tested performance is not actual performance.
The back-tested performance is based on the methodology and mechanics of the index retroactively applied to historical market data, as if the index had previously existed, to generate hypothetical performance during the periods of time depicted.
This back-tested performance for any constituent that makes up the index may have actual performance and history, and it will also have back-tested data for any period before its inception.
Back-tested performance may not be a reliable indicator of future results. Prospective application of the methodology and mechanics of the index may not result in performance commensurate with the back-tested returns shown.
BXIIUDB2 Overview
The S&P 500® Index is a well-established benchmark for U.S. equity markets. The Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate RBI Series 1 Index is designed to track the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index —a well-established benchmark for the U.S. bond markets.
Every day, the Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index II (BXIIUDB2) dynamically allocates between the S&P 500® Index and the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate RBI® Series 1 Index based on their historical realized volatility (a measure of the magnitude of daily movements, regardless of direction, of an index).
In general, when the S&P 500® volatility is low, the balance shifts more toward the S&P 500®.
And vice versa: When volatility is high, the balance shifts toward the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate RBI® Series 1 Index. The balancing of risk every day helps stabilize index performance over time.
Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index II Mechanics
Realized volatility is calculated for the S&P 500® Index and the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate RBI® Series 1 Index over 20 days and 40 days.
- For the S&P 500® Index, the greater of the 20- or 40-day realized volatility is used to determine the weighting.
- Realized volatility for the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate RBI® Series 1 Index is calculated based on historical daily returns over the corresponding period of 20 or 40 days.
These realized volatilities are used to determine the final weight allocation daily.¹
One nice feature of these types of cross-asset strategy indices is the fact there is no human component involved. In recent months many fund managers have ventured beyond a fund’s normal asset quality in search of yield due to our ultra-low interest rate environment.
The allocation weights in the Bloomberg US Dynamic Index II are controlled purely by an algorithm from which it does not stray.
Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index II Historical Performance
Let’s see how the Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index ll would have looked relative to its components (the S&P 500® Index and the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate RBI® Series 1 Index) over the last 14years.
Again, in periods like 2008 when the S&P 500® Index dropped significantly, the weighting would have shifted to the bond index, which would have helped keep the Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index II from a significant drop, as well.
Showing the index comparison doesn’t necessarily indicate how much interest would have been credited to a fixed index annuity over that time period. Actual contract results would depend on the crediting method chosen, and caps and spreads in place during that time period. Past results are not a guarantee of future performance.
Allianz Annuities Return Using BUDBI Index
The Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index II allocation is available in the Allianz 222, Allianz 360, Allianz Core Income 7 Annuity, and Allianz ABC Annuity with an annual point-to-point crediting method that has either a cap or spread – it’s up to you. It resets annually, which provides you with the opportunity to receive interest every year the index rises.
The chart highlights the last 14 years of hypothetical historical returns in the Bloomberg
US Dynamic Balance Index II, and the interest that Allianz would have credited after applying a cap or spread.
It assumes the Allianz annuity was issued on 1/1/2005 and was available during this time period, which it was not. The Bloomberg US Dynamic Balance Index II return reflects hypothetical historical data from 12/31/2004 to 12/31/2018 using current caps and spreads.
Remember, this chart represents past hypothetical results only. Actual caps or spreads that could have been applied over this time frame would have been different from the figures in this example and some cases may have been dramatically higher or lower, depending on several factors.
Actual results will vary depending on market conditions, index allocation choice, caps, and spreads. No single crediting method consistently delivers the most interest under all market conditions.
In an index scenario with flat or negative results, the LOWEST possible indexed interest rate is 0%. This is not intended to project or predict future results.
¹Weighting allocation can change up to 3% daily.
