Strategic ETF Investments
Oarsman Capital significantly increases stakes in diverse ETFs, expanding its portfolio strategy.
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For the iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF (DSI), the article adds specific market/valuation context: it listed a market capitalization of $5.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.56, and a beta of 1.07, along with a 12-month low of $111.14 and high of $144.71. It also cited 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages of $136.80 and $131.15, respectively.
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The same DSI article notes the fund’s naming history, stating that iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social Index Fund was “formerly iShares FTSE KLD 400 Social Index Fund,” offering additional background on the index/strategy backing the ETF.
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Beyond Oarsman’s own trades, one article details other large institutions expanding in the GVI ETF: Bank of New York Mellon increased its holdings by 4.8% to 621,855 shares (about $66,756,000) and BOKF NA increased by 17.0% to 139,273 shares (about $14,951,000). It also reports New Hampshire Trust grew its stake by 93.1% to 38,560 shares (about $4,139,000).
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For the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP), the article provides examples of outsized moves by other investors: Empirical Asset Management LLC increased its holdings by 417.0% in the third quarter to 11,544 shares (about $2.19 million), while Allen Investment Management LLC increased by 32.8% in the fourth quarter to 142,450 shares (about $27.29 million).
Oarsman Capital Inc. added to several key positions in the fourth quarter of 2025, boosting its stake in the iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF (GVI) by 6.4% to 233,532 shares worth about $25.07 million, according to Ticker Report. The GVI position now makes up roughly 3.2% of the firm's total portfolio.
The moves are part of a broader push by Oarsman to diversify away from concentrated market bets. The firm raised its gold exposure, added an ESG equity fund, and grew its equal-weight S&P 500 position — all in the same quarter.
Gold and Bonds Get Bigger Slices of the Portfolio
Oarsman lifted its stake in the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) by 6.8%, reaching 194,089 shares worth about $8.26 million, according to Watchlist News. Unlike paper-backed products, AAAU holds physical gold bars in secure vaults. The increase came during a period of persistent inflation concerns and heavy central bank gold buying.
On the fixed-income side, Oarsman was not alone in piling into GVI. Watchlist News reported that Bank of New York Mellon grew its GVI stake by 4.8% to 621,855 shares worth about $66.76 million. BOKF NA added 17.0%, reaching 139,273 shares worth $14.95 million. New Hampshire Trust nearly doubled its position, up 93.1% to 38,560 shares worth $4.14 million.
Oarsman Makes a New Bet on ESG Stocks
Oarsman initiated a position in the iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF (DSI), buying 5,980 shares worth roughly $770,000. The fund — formerly known as the iShares FTSE KLD 400 Social Index Fund — screens companies based on environmental, social, and governance standards. The ETF carries a market cap of $5.39 billion and a P/E ratio of 26.56, according to Ticker Report.
DSI has a beta of 1.07, meaning it moves slightly more than the broader market. Its 52-week range runs from $111.14 to $144.71. The 50-day moving average of $136.80 sits well above the 200-day average of $131.15 — a pattern traders call a "Golden Cross," which often signals upward momentum.
Equal-Weight S&P 500 Fund Draws Surge of Institutional Money
Oarsman grew its position in the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) by 13.9%, reaching 227,723 shares worth about $43.62 million. RSP gives every company in the S&P 500 the same weight. That means a small retailer counts as much as a mega-cap tech giant — reducing the risk that a handful of big names drag down the whole portfolio.
Other firms made even bolder RSP moves. Empirical Asset Management jumped in by 417.0% in the third quarter, buying up to 11,544 shares worth $2.19 million, according to Ticker Report. Allen Investment Management added 32.8% in Q4, reaching 142,450 shares worth $27.29 million. The flood of money into RSP points to a wide institutional concern: too much risk is piled into a few large tech stocks.
A Pattern of Defensive Diversification Takes Shape
Taken together, Oarsman's Q4 moves tell a clear story. The firm added to bonds (GVI), physical gold (AAAU), equal-weight equities (RSP), and ESG stocks (DSI) all at once. Each of those asset classes acts as a buffer against different risks — rising rates, inflation, tech selloffs, and governance failures.
The firm also raised holdings in other ETFs during the quarter. It added 11.4% to its iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) position and lifted its SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF (SPMD) stake by 10.2% to 482,998 shares worth $27.97 million, according to Ticker Report. The pattern suggests Oarsman is building broad market coverage while reducing reliance on any single sector or strategy.
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