The First Trust AAA CMBS ETF (CAAA) is a core investment grade bond ETF focusing on commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) with a ‘AAA' rating. Launched in February 2024, CAAA has a small AUM of $0.03 billion and an expense ratio of 0.30%. The fund aims to maximize long-term total return by investing at least 80% of its assets in AAA-rated CMBS, offering targeted exposure to this segment of the fixed income market. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The First Trust AAA CMBS ETF (CAAA) is a core investment grade bond ETF focusing on commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) with a ‘AAA' rating. Launched in February 2024, CAAA has a small AUM of $0.03 billion and an expense ratio of 0.30%. The fund aims to maximize long-term total return by investing at least 80% of its assets in AAA-rated CMBS, offering targeted exposure to this segment of the fixed income market. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
ETF Overview
First Trust AAA CMBS ETF (the "Fund") seeks to maximize long-term total return. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") with a ‘AAA' rating (or equivalent) at the time of purchase, as determined by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or, if unrated, as determined by the Advisor to be of comparable credit quality at the time of purchase.
CAAA aims to maximize long-term total return by focusing on the AAA-rated CMBS market. The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in commercial mortgage-backed securities that hold a ‘AAA' rating from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or are deemed of comparable credit quality by the Advisor. This targeted approach allows investors to gain exposure to a specific segment of the fixed-income market known for its relatively high credit quality. With 49 holdings, the fund provides a diversified portfolio within the AAA CMBS universe. The fund's exposure is primarily outside the United States, with 98.4% allocated to 'Other' countries and only 1.6% to the United States. This international focus differentiates it from some competitors that may have a greater emphasis on domestic CMBS. CAAA's strategy is designed for investors seeking stable returns through high-quality, mortgage-backed securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk Metrics
CAAA's risk profile is shaped by its focus on AAA-rated CMBS. While AAA ratings indicate low credit risk, concentration risk exists due to the fund's specific focus on a single sector of the bond market. The fund's beta of 0.00 (3Y) suggests that it has very low volatility relative to the broader market. The expense ratio of 0.30% can create a slight drag on performance over time, although it is comparable to other specialized fixed-income ETFs. The fund's geographic concentration, with a large portion of its holdings in 'Other' countries, introduces potential risks related to international market conditions and currency fluctuations. Investors should carefully consider these factors when assessing CAAA's suitability for their portfolios. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The First Trust AAA CMBS ETF (CAAA) is an exchange-traded fund that focuses on investing in commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) with a ‘AAA' rating. The fund aims to maximize long-term total return by investing at least 80% of its net assets in these high-quality, mortgage-backed securities. This targeted approach allows investors to gain exposure to a specific segment of the fixed-income market known for its relatively high credit quality. CAAA provides a diversified portfolio within the AAA CMBS universe, holding 49 securities. As of 2026-03-15, the fund's NAV is $20.38.
What is the expense ratio for CAAA?
The expense ratio for CAAA is 0.30%. This means that for every $10,000 invested in the fund, $30 is used to cover the fund's operating expenses annually. While expense ratios can vary among ETFs, CAAA's 0.30% is competitive within the core investment grade bond ETF category. When evaluating ETFs, it's important to consider the expense ratio as it can impact the overall return on investment. The category average expense ratio is 0.44%.
What are the top holdings in CAAA?
As of 2026-03-15, the First Trust AAA CMBS ETF (CAAA) holds 49 securities. While a full list of holdings and their exact weights would require deeper analysis of current portfolio data, the fund description indicates it focuses on AAA-rated commercial mortgage-backed securities. The fund's country exposure is primarily in 'Other' countries (98.4%), with a small allocation to the United States (1.6%). Investors should consult the fund's official website for the most up-to-date holdings information.
Is CAAA a good long-term investment?
Determining whether CAAA is a suitable long-term investment depends on individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook. CAAA focuses on AAA-rated CMBS, offering exposure to a specific segment of the fixed-income market. The fund's expense ratio is 0.30%, and it has a beta of 0.00 (3Y). these may be worth researching factors, along with the fund's investment strategy and potential risks, before making a decision. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How does CAAA compare to similar ETFs?
CAAA distinguishes itself through its specific focus on AAA-rated commercial mortgage-backed securities. Compared to broader investment-grade bond ETFs, CAAA offers a more targeted exposure. Its expense ratio of 0.30% is competitive. With AUM of $0.03 billion, CAAA is smaller than some of the larger, more established bond ETFs. Investors should compare CAAA's strategy, expense ratio, and AUM to those of other CMBS and investment-grade bond ETFs to determine the best fit for their portfolios.
Does CAAA pay dividends?
As of 2026-03-15, the First Trust AAA CMBS ETF (CAAA) has a dividend yield of 0.00%. This indicates that the fund is not currently distributing income to shareholders in the form of dividends. Investors seeking income-generating investments may want to consider other ETFs with a higher dividend yield. Dividend payments can fluctuate based on market conditions and the fund's underlying holdings.