Tap Into High Yield Opportunity With Active ETFs

Where are the best opportunities emerging for advisors and investors in the fixed income space?

This is becoming an increasingly crucial question to answer, given that the Federal Reserve has now trimmed interest rates for the second time this year. Whenever interest rates shift around, the fixed income market will likewise see its opportunity set move as well.

Rate cuts aren’t the only factor supporting the bond market right now. A number of experts are expecting U.S. growth to slow in the near-term. If that narrative plays out, the bond market could benefit, based on historical precedence.

Keeping all of this in mind, it’s crucial for advisors and investors to fine-tune their fixed income portfolio to make sure they’re engaged with the most valuable opportunities in the space. One bond sector that has done particularly well as of late has been the high yield space. However, it goes without saying that while high yield bonds can offer tremendous income potential, this could come at the expense of increased portfolio risk. As such, when one pivots towards high yield, it’s important that they choose the right strategy.

BKHY Offers High Yield Exposure With Active Expertise

The BNY Mellon High Yield ETF (BKHY) could offer a compelling solution for those looking to amplify high yield exposure. Here’s why.

First, BKHY’s strategy and fund structure help limit the risk that tends to implicitly come within the high yield bond sector. The fund uses a proprietary credit model to build a portfolio that has a similar risk profile to the Bloomberg US Corporate High Yield Total Return Index. From there, the credit model opportunistically looks to capitalize on fallen angels and other high-value opportunities while limiting its exposure to the lower-quality elements of the high yield sector. This strategy can help the fund lower its risk profile while strengthening its reward opportunities.

Furthermore, BKHY is an actively managed fund. Active fixed income strategies have been gaining traction in popularity, and high yield is certainly no exception. Active managers can more nimbly react to changing market and macroeconomic conditions, be it offensively or defensively. This can prove to be exceptionally beneficial when looking at a higher-risk sector like high yield bonds.

The lion’s share of assets within BKHY’s portfolio have a short- to medium-duration. This can prove to be extremely fortuitous, as short- and medium-duration bonds can benefit from ongoing rate cuts and other favorable factors, while being less exposed to concerns over the long-term, such as deficits.

BKHY’s approach to high yield investing has paid off this year with very potent results. As of November 24, 2025, the fund has a subsidized 30-day SEC yield of 6.98%.

For more news, information, and strategy, visit the Portfolio Strategies Content Hub.