What is the expense ratio of the Weitz Core Plus Bond ETF compared to existing actively managed bond ETFs?

Expense‑ratio perspective

The launch press release does not list the exact expense ratio for the Weitz Core Plus Bond ETF (WCPB). However, the firm’s positioning of the fund—as “the first actively managed bond ETF” from Weitz—suggests it is aiming to be cost‑competitive with the existing universe of actively managed fixed‑income ETFs.

In the broader market, actively managed bond ETFs typically charge between 0.30 % and 0.55 % (30–55 bps) in annual management fees, with a few niche or multi‑manager products edging toward the 0.70 % mark. If Weitz’s expense ratio falls within or below this band, it would be at or slightly below the average cost of current actively managed bond ETFs, giving it a pricing edge that could attract cost‑conscious investors seeking an active approach.

Trading implications

• Relative value play: If Weitz’s fee is indeed lower than the 0.30‑0.55 % range, the ETF may trade at a premium to peers on the basis of “cheaper active management.” Traders can look for a price‑to‑NAV (P/NAV) spread that reflects this cost advantage—tightening spreads as the market digests the fee advantage.
• Liquidity and inflow catalyst: A competitive expense ratio combined with Weitz’s rapid AUM growth (≈300 % in two years) could drive strong inflows, supporting price appreciation and tighter bid‑ask spreads. Positioning long on the ETF’s opening weeks, especially if the NAV discount is modest, may capture early momentum.
• Benchmark comparison: Monitor the ETF’s performance relative to existing actively managed bond indices (e.g., Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate – Active). If the cost advantage translates into tighter tracking error, the fund could out‑perform peers, creating a technical breakout scenario on the daily chart (higher highs, higher lows) that traders can ride.

In short, while the exact expense ratio isn’t disclosed in the release, Weitz appears to be targeting a cost structure that is at least on par with, if not below, the prevailing 0.30‑0.55 % range for active bond ETFs—a factor that should be reflected in the fund’s pricing dynamics and could present a short‑to‑mid‑term trading opportunity.