State Street Private Credit ETF Struggles Despite Hype

Core Insights - State Street Corp. launched a private credit exchange-traded fund (ETF) named PRIV in February, strategically timed ahead of an executive order promoting alternative investments [1] - The fund has faced scrutiny from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and has struggled to attract significant investment, with only $45 million raised compared to the broader ETF industry's $1.5 trillion intake [2][4] - The fund's actual investment in private credit is limited, with documents indicating that such debt constitutes only 10% to 35% of the fund, while the majority is invested in publicly traded debt [2][7] Fund Performance and Market Challenges - Despite outperforming its bond-market benchmark with a return of over 5.6% since launch, the fund's appeal is hindered by high fees and a complex investment structure [4][9][10] - The private credit industry is facing intensified challenges, including fierce competition and public scrutiny, which have raised concerns about the suitability of illiquid assets for everyday investors [6] - The fund's liquidity mismatch poses a significant risk, as private loans are typically harder to sell quickly, leading to potential difficulties in returning funds during downturns [11][12] Regulatory Scrutiny and Industry Response - The SEC has raised concerns regarding the fund's liquidity risk management, prompting State Street to clarify that other broker-dealers can provide quotes for private debt [11] - In response to market challenges, State Street has launched a second ETF to invest in both public and private credit, indicating a commitment to expanding its offerings despite regulatory scrutiny [12] - The fund's structure and the nature of its holdings have sparked debate among analysts, with estimates of private credit assets varying significantly [6][13]