Timothy Plan International ETF (TPIF)

Overview

The Timothy Plan International ETF (TIMT) is an exchange-traded fund that focuses on investing in international companies that meet specific ethical and moral screening criteria. It aims to provide investors with exposure to global equities while adhering to a Biblically responsible investing philosophy, avoiding companies involved in certain industries like abortion, pornography, alcohol, and tobacco.

Reputation and Reliability

Timothy Plan is a faith-based investment firm with a long-standing commitment to Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI). Their reputation is built on providing investment solutions aligned with Christian values.

Management Expertise

The ETF is managed by Timothy Plan, a firm that specializes in BRI. While specific individual manager details may not be as publicly prominent as larger fund houses, the firm's collective expertise lies in screening and selecting companies based on their ethical and moral frameworks.

Goal

To provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in international equities that align with Biblically Responsible Investing principles.

Investment Approach and Strategy

Strategy: The ETF aims to track the performance of international companies that meet the Timothy Plan's proprietary ethical screening criteria. It is an actively managed fund that selects securities based on these screens rather than tracking a specific broad market index.

Composition The ETF primarily holds a diversified portfolio of international equities (stocks) from developed and emerging markets. The selection process involves a rigorous screening process to exclude companies involved in industries deemed objectionable from a Christian perspective.

Market Share: Specific market share data for niche ETFs like TIMT is often not readily broken out in the same way as large-cap broad market ETFs. Its market share is likely very small within the overall international equity ETF universe.

Total Net Assets (AUM): 27000000

Key Competitors

• Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA)
• iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA)
• iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM)

Competitive Landscape

The international equity ETF market is highly competitive and dominated by large players offering broad market exposure at very low costs. TIMT differentiates itself through its niche Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) focus, which appeals to a specific investor base. Its disadvantages include a smaller universe of investable companies due to its screening criteria, potentially higher expense ratios compared to broad index trackers, and lower liquidity. Its advantage lies in its unique value proposition for faith-based investors.

Historical Performance: As of recent data, TIMT has shown varied historical performance. Detailed year-over-year returns for specific periods are crucial for a comprehensive review, but generally, its performance can be influenced by its concentrated portfolio and the exclusion of certain large global companies. Investors should consult up-to-date performance charts and data for specific timeframes.

Benchmark Comparison: TIMT does not track a specific benchmark index in the traditional sense due to its proprietary screening process. Its performance is often compared to broad international equity indices, but direct comparison can be misleading given its focused investment universe and ethical mandates.

Expense Ratio: 1.25

Average Trading Volume

The ETF has a relatively low average trading volume, indicating moderate liquidity for active traders.

Bid-Ask Spread

The bid-ask spread for TIMT is typically wider than highly liquid ETFs, reflecting its lower trading volume and potentially higher transaction costs for investors.

Market Environment Factors

TIMT is influenced by global economic growth, currency fluctuations, geopolitical events, and investor sentiment towards international markets. Its performance is also shaped by the adherence of its portfolio companies to ethical standards and the overall demand for faith-based investment products.

Growth Trajectory

The growth trajectory of TIMT is closely tied to the growth of the Biblically Responsible Investing movement and the firm's ability to attract and retain investors seeking its specific ethical focus. Changes in strategy would likely involve adjustments to screening criteria or the inclusion/exclusion of specific geographic regions or sectors based on evolving BRI principles.

Competitive Edge

TIMT's primary competitive edge is its unwavering commitment to Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI), offering a unique value proposition for Christian investors. This ethical screening process allows it to cater to a dedicated niche market that prioritizes moral alignment in their investments. By avoiding certain industries, it provides a distinct portfolio composition that traditional ETFs do not offer. This specialization fosters a loyal investor base seeking to align their financial goals with their faith.

Volatility

The historical volatility of TIMT can be moderate to high, as it invests in international equities, which are generally more volatile than domestic markets. Its concentrated portfolio due to screening can also contribute to higher volatility.

Market Risk

TIMT is subject to market risk associated with international stock markets, including political instability, economic downturns, currency fluctuations, and regulatory changes in foreign countries. Additionally, its ethical screening process introduces a specific risk if companies that meet its criteria underperform or if the excluded industries experience significant growth.

Ideal Investor Profile

The ideal investor for TIMT is a Christian individual or institution seeking to invest in international equities while adhering to Biblically Responsible Investing principles. This investor prioritizes ethical considerations and faith alignment in their financial decisions.

Market Risk

TIMT is best suited for long-term investors who are committed to its ethical screening criteria and understand the potential trade-offs in diversification and performance compared to broader market indices. It is not typically recommended for short-term traders due to its niche focus and liquidity characteristics.

The Timothy Plan International ETF (TIMT) offers international equity exposure with a strong emphasis on Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI). Its proprietary ethical screening process appeals to faith-based investors, distinguishing it in a competitive market. While this niche focus provides a unique advantage, it may lead to lower liquidity and potentially higher expense ratios compared to broad-market ETFs. Investors should consider its specific investment philosophy and risk profile when evaluating its suitability for their portfolios.

Data Sources:

• Timothy Plan Official Website
• Financial Data Providers (e.g., Morningstar, ETF.com, Bloomberg)

Disclaimers:

This information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.