Astoria Portfolio Advisors is set to launch a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) in October aimed at helping investors navigate the tax implications of a soaring stock market. While ETFs are generally considered more tax-efficient than mutual funds, the Astoria U.S. Enhanced Core Equity ETF (LCOR) will employ a tax-mitigation strategy known as a Section 351 exchange to provide additional benefits to investors.
The Section 351 exchange allows investors to reallocate assets without triggering capital gains taxes. This can be particularly advantageous for investors who find themselves heavily invested in a single stock that has experienced significant gains. By transferring some of these assets to the newly created ETF, investors can potentially reduce their tax burden while diversifying their holdings.
Bruce Lavine, Chief Operating Officer and Head of ETFs at Astoria Portfolio Advisors, highlighted the relevance of the LCOR fund in light of the outperformance of Big Tech stocks. With companies like Nvidia and Microsoft posting substantial gains, investors may be facing sizable tax bills if they choose to sell their positions. The LCOR ETF offers a tax-efficient solution for investors looking to manage their tax liabilities while capitalizing on market opportunities.
Todd Rosenbluth, Head of Research at VettaFi, noted the increasing demand for tax-efficient investment options, particularly among investors with concentrated stock positions. While ETFs are generally known for their tax efficiency, the LCOR fund specifically targets investors looking to transition from individual stock holdings to a diversified ETF strategy without incurring unnecessary tax consequences.
Overall, the launch of the Astoria U.S. Enhanced Core Equity ETF represents a proactive approach to addressing the tax challenges associated with a booming stock market. By leveraging innovative tax-mitigation strategies, Astoria Portfolio Advisors aims to provide investors with a cost-effective and efficient means of managing their investment portfolios in a tax-efficient manner.