TMF is the symbol for a debt based, leveraged (3x) trading fund (ETF - Exchange Traded Fund). The underlying securities are long term bonds. Basically it is an instrument to use when speculating on the direction of interest rate changes in the short term (not to be confused with short term “debt” but rather “short term” speculation in the direction of the interest rate (on 20 year long term bonds in the case of TMF)). It’s a derivative which means it “derives” its valuation from different underlying securities.
The pricing of TMF basically moves opposite to interest rates. Interest rates fall (or are speculated to fall) and shares of TMF will go up. If interest rates go up, expect the share price of TMF to fall. The 3x feature means it is a leveraged investment product and moves (approximately) 3x as much as the underlying security (a 20 year bond in this case).
In basic terms, there are two forms of capital that can be bought or sold (4 positions). Debt or equity. You can own either or you can sell an obligation to deliver the “asset” to somebody else that will own them (asset in quotes because when you own debt (a liability) it is an asset from your perspective). Wall Street firms create all sorts of investment products to take one of the 4 positions in debt or equity (owned or owed).
TMF isn’t a good investment for most individuals to be involved with. The time variable erodes a portion of the value as the investor keeps the security in their investment portfolio. It isn’t a buy and hold security - it is mainly a trading vehicle. Traders generally need to stay on top of the variables affecting price and be ready and able to move in or out quickly.
https://www.etf.com/TMF#overview
Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Explanation With Pros and Cons
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