Core Viewpoint - PIMCO is expanding its ETF offerings by launching a new strategy that combines passive equity exposure with active fixed income management [1][2]. Group 1: New ETF Launch - The PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF (SPLS) commenced trading on the CBOE on January 16, aiming to achieve total returns across various market cycles [2]. - SPLS provides dual exposure: a passive portfolio of U.S. large-cap equities and an actively managed selection of fixed income instruments [2]. Group 2: Innovative Strategy - PIMCO's StocksPLUS methodology, established in 1986, seeks to outperform the S&P 500 by layering bond market alpha over traditional equity beta, while maintaining the characteristics of passive equity indexing [3]. - This approach leverages PIMCO's nearly 40 years of expertise in debt markets to enhance returns [3]. Group 3: Diversification and Risk Mitigation - By integrating both asset classes into a single vehicle, SPLS offers a diversified alternative to standard large-cap funds, capturing market growth while potentially reducing volatility through active bond management [4]. - The launch aligns with PIMCO's tradition of creating innovative solutions to help investors achieve long-term investment objectives [4]. Group 4: Existing ETF Success - The introduction of SPLS follows the success of PIMCO's existing active ETF lineup, which includes notable funds like MINT, PYLD, BOND, and MUNI [5].