In volatile markets, ProShares Inverse ETFs can be a valuable tool for investors looking to protect their portfolios.
These ETFs use various strategies to provide a return that is the inverse of the underlying index or asset.
By investing in a ProShares Inverse ETF, you can potentially profit from market downturns or reduce losses during times of market volatility.
Some ProShares Inverse ETFs, like the ProShares Short S&P 500 (SH) and the ProShares Short QQQ (SQQQ), have been designed to provide a daily return that is the inverse of the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq-100, respectively.
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What Are ETFs?
ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, are a type of investment that allows you to diversify your portfolio with a single investment.
They track a specific index or security, like the S&P 500, and provide returns in line with its underlying benchmark.
Some S&P 500 index funds have an expense ratio as low as 0.015%, which means you'll pay a tiny fraction of a percentage point in fees per year.
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An inverse ETF, on the other hand, uses financial derivatives to provide daily returns that are the opposite of the returns provided by the index or security it tracks.
For example, the ProShares Short S&P 500 ETF holds swaps with various banks acting as the counterparty in a futures contract on the S&P 500.
If the S&P 500 index goes up, the fund must pay the daily return to the counterparties from its cash holdings, causing its value to go down.
An inverse ETF has a much higher expense ratio, with the ProShares Short S&P 500 ETF having an expense ratio of 0.89% - that's $8.90 in fees per year for every $1,000 you invest.
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Investing in ETFs
Investing in ETFs requires careful consideration of several key factors.
To start, you should have a strong knowledge of the underlying index or asset class you want to trade. This will help you analyze it daily before investing in a bear ETF that aims to profit from its decline.
Fees are another crucial aspect to consider. Expect management expense ratios of 1% or more, and compare fees across funds to find the best value.
Leverage is also an important consideration. Work out how much risk you're willing to accept and whether you want a 1:1 inverse ETF or a leveraged inverse ETF, which can provide greater returns but also greater losses.
Past performance is another factor to check. Has the fund consistently performed in line with its stated objective?
Trading volume and assets are also important. Take a look at the daily trading volume of the inverse ETF to work out how quickly and easily you'll be able to sell it when needed. Also, check the ETF's assets under management to find out if it's a popular choice with other investors.
Don't buy and hold inverse ETFs - they're for short-term intraday trading only. Make sure you monitor market movements carefully and have a clear exit strategy.
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Risks of Investments
Investing in ProShares Inverse ETFs comes with its fair share of risks. You should be aware of these risks before making a decision.
Inverse ETFs have higher management fees than regular ETFs, which can eat away at your performance. For example, management fees of 1% or more are common for inverse ETFs.
Leveraged inverse ETFs can amplify your losses, making it even riskier to invest in them. This is because they're designed to magnify the daily performance of a given index.
You should expect to pay higher management fees for inverse ETFs, with some index ETFs having expense ratios of less than 0.1%. In contrast, inverse ETFs often have fees of 1% or more.
To choose the best inverse ETFs, consider the following factors:
- Underlying index or asset: Look for an ETF that offers exposure to the index or asset class you want to trade.
- Fees: Expect management expense ratios of 1% or more.
- Leverage: Work out how much risk you’re willing to accept and whether you want a 1:1 inverse ETF or a leveraged inverse ETF.
- Past performance: Check back on the fund’s past performance.
- Trading volume and assets: Take a look at the daily trading volume of the inverse ETF.
Don't buy and hold inverse ETFs – they're for short-term intraday trading, not for long-term investing. This means you'll need to monitor market movements carefully and have a clear exit strategy.
Leveraged ETFs
Leveraged ETFs are a type of exchange-traded fund that aims to amplify the daily return of a particular index. They can be a powerful tool for investors who want to make a statement with their investments, but they come with a high level of risk.
These ETFs use derivatives such as futures contracts to achieve their goals, and they can be used to bet against a particular index or sector. For example, the ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) is a three-times leveraged ETF that seeks to amplify the daily return of the Nasdaq-100 Index.
Leveraged ETFs can be used for short-term trading, but they are not suitable for long-term buy-and-hold positions. In fact, the article notes that there can be a significant difference between the expected return and actual performance over the long term.
There are many types of leveraged ETFs available, including those that track equity indexes, single stocks, fixed income, commodities, and currencies. Some examples include the ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ), which is designed to move in the opposite direction of the Nasdaq-100 Index, and the ProShares UltraPro Short S&P 500 (SPXU), which is designed to move in the opposite direction of the S&P 500 Index.
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Here are some key statistics for the ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ ETF:
- Ticker: SQQQ
- YTD return: -28.39%
- Assets under management: $1.84 Billion
- Expense ratio: 0.95%
It's worth noting that leveraged ETFs can amplify both gains and losses, so investors should be aware of the potential risks involved. As the article notes, "Leveraged ETFs can amplify your losses" if the market moves against you.
Strategies and Tips
Market volatility can be nerve-wracking, but there are strategies to help you navigate it.
To use inverse ETFs effectively, know when to enter and exit a position, as they can move against you quickly.
Involving inverse ETFs in your portfolio is an advanced strategy, so it's essential to keep the holding period to a minimum to minimize volatility loss.
Buying an inverse ETF can be a short-term hedge on an existing position or a directional bet on the market, but it's crucial to be aware of the risks involved.
Reading Stock Charts
Learning how to read stock charts and recognize chart patterns can unlock your success as a trader. This skill is essential for making informed investment decisions.
A good stock chart should have clear labels, including the date range and the stock's ticker symbol. Clear labels help you quickly understand the chart's context.
Understanding chart patterns is crucial, as they can indicate trends, reversals, or consolidations. By recognizing these patterns, you can anticipate potential price movements.
To read stock charts effectively, you need to understand the different types of charts, such as line charts, bar charts, and candlestick charts. Each type of chart provides unique information about the stock's price action.
Chart patterns are often categorized into three main types: reversal patterns, continuation patterns, and trading range patterns. Reversal patterns indicate a change in the stock's trend, while continuation patterns confirm the existing trend. Trading range patterns suggest that the stock is moving within a defined range.
By mastering the art of reading stock charts, you can gain a deeper understanding of the market and make more informed investment decisions.
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Strategies for Volatile Markets
Market volatility can be nerve-wracking, but there are strategies to help you navigate it. One approach is to use inverse ETFs, which can be a short-term hedge on an existing position in your portfolio.
Inverse ETFs work best in the short term, so it's essential to know when to enter and exit a position. They're best used as a hedge on an existing position or to make a directional bet on the market.
Using inverse ETFs in your portfolio is an advanced strategy, and it's crucial to understand the risks involved. Inverse ETFs can move against you quickly, so keep the holding period to a minimum.
Leveraged ETFs, like inverse ETFs, need to be frequently rebalanced to maintain their fixed leverage ratio. This can result in a volatility loss proportional to the market variance.
Volatility loss can destroy profits, even if you're directionally right. It's essential to consider this risk when using inverse ETFs in your portfolio.
Direxion and Horizons BetaPro are examples of providers that offer inverse ETFs. However, it's essential to carefully evaluate the performance of these products, as their risk can differ significantly from a fixed short position.
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Selling
Selling is a crucial aspect of investing, and there are several strategies to consider.
Short selling can be a way to profit from a declining market, but it comes with risks.
You'll need to borrow shares from your broker and sell them, with the goal of buying back the shares at a lower price later.
Limited downside is one of the key advantages of inverse ETFs over short selling.
With an inverse ETF, your downside is limited to the amount invested, whereas with short selling, the price can go up indefinitely.
You'll be on the hook to buy back shares at some point, which can lead to a margin call from your broker.
Some accounts, like IRAs, don't allow margin loans, so you can't take a short position in these accounts.
Inverse ETFs can be used to accomplish something similar in these accounts.
Short selling may also come with fees, such as a fee to borrow shares and interest on the margin loan.
Inverse ETFs, on the other hand, charge high expense ratios.
However, some investors may find it difficult to buy or sell shares of a thinly traded leveraged ETF.
Similarly, a broker may be unable to obtain shares for an investor to short.
This can limit your options when it comes to bearish investing.
ETFs in Canada
Inverse ETFs in Canada are built with derivatives such as futures contracts and aim to generate a daily performance that moves in the opposite direction of a particular index.
There are two main types of inverse ETFs in Canada: one-to-one ETFs and leveraged ETFs. One-to-one ETFs are designed to move in the opposite direction of a particular index daily, while leveraged ETFs produce daily returns that multiply the performance of a given index in the opposite direction.
Leveraged ETFs typically have a multiplying factor such as three times (3X) in their names. For example, a leveraged 3X ETF betting against the S&P 500 would go up 9% if the S&P 500 goes down 3%.
To invest using inverse ETFs, you must first have a discount brokerage account. Then, it’s time to consider the options.
There are 10 of the best-known inverse ETFs in Canada that investors should consider.
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Specific ETFs
The ProShares Short QQQ ETF, with the ticker PSQ, tracks the 100 largest nonfinancial securities on the Nasdaq and has a 1-year return of -8.95%.
It's worth noting that the PSQ may be suitable for short-term investors who want to hedge against their Nasdaq investments or bet against top Nasdaq nonfinancial stocks.
The ProShares Short Russell 2000 ETF, with the ticker RWM, tracks an index of small-cap US equities that are also tracked by the Russell and has a 1-year return of -16.48%.
The ProShares Short Dow 30 ETF, with the ticker DOG, aims to move in the opposite direction of an index that invests in American blue chip companies, particularly the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Here are some key details about these ETFs:
For a Wide Range of Assets
Inverse ETFs can be invested in across a wide range of assets and market sectors.
You can access inverse ETFs for major stock market indices, making it easy to diversify your portfolio.
Inverse ETFs are available for bonds, allowing you to hedge against potential losses in this asset class.
Inverse ETFs can also be used to speculate on the decline of cryptocurrencies.
Investors can choose from a host of inverse ETFs for commodities, giving them more flexibility in their investment strategies.
These options provide a way to express a bearish view on various markets and assets, which can be beneficial in certain market conditions.
S&P 500
The S&P 500 is a popular benchmark for large-cap US equities, and there are ETFs designed to track it. The ProShares Short S&P 500, for example, is designed to perform in the opposite direction of the S&P 500.
This ETF has a 1-year return of -12.85% and a net asset value of $1.40 Billion. Its expense ratio is 0.90%, which means it's relatively affordable compared to other investment options.
The ProShares Short S&P 500 is designed for investors who want to bet against large-cap US equities and don't plan to hold their stocks in the long run. It's not suitable for long-term investors.
Here are some key statistics about the ProShares Short S&P 500:
- Ticker: SH
- 1-year return: -12.85%
- Assets under management: $1.40 Billion
- Expense ratio: 0.90%
QQQ
The QQQ ETF is a popular choice for investors. It's actually an index fund that tracks the 100 largest nonfinancial securities on the Nasdaq.
One notable example of a QQQ ETF is the ProShares Short QQQ, which has a 1-year return of -8.95%. That's a significant drop.
Here are some key facts about the ProShares Short QQQ:
- Ticker: PSQ
- Assets under management: $592.62 Million
- Expense ratio: 0.95%
This ETF is designed for short-term investors who want to hedge against their Nasdaq investments or bet against top Nasdaq nonfinancial stocks. It's a bit of a riskier strategy, but it can be a good option for those who are comfortable with it.
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Russell 2000
The Russell 2000 is an index of small-cap US equities that tracks the performance of the smallest 2,000 publicly traded companies in the US.
The ProShares Short Russell 2000 ETF (RWM) is an example of an ETF that tracks this index. It has a 1-year return of -16.48% and has $259.35 million in assets under management.
The RWM has an expense ratio of 0.95%, which is a relatively low cost compared to other ETFs. This makes it a good option for investors who want to hedge against existing investments or bet against small-cap US stocks.
If you're interested in investing in the RWM, you can buy it through CIBC Investor's Edge.
Dow 30
The Dow 30 is an index that tracks the performance of American blue chip companies. This index has been performing well in recent times, breaking records and experiencing overall gains.
One ETF that aims to move in the opposite direction of the Dow 30 is ProShares Short Dow 30. This ETF has a ticker of DOG.
Here are some key facts about ProShares Short Dow 30:
- Ticker: DOG
- 1-year return: -13.60%
- Assets under management: $232.26 Million
- Expense ratio: 0.95%
The ProShares Short Dow 30 ETF may produce strong returns when major American companies in the Dow 30 index experience losses in share price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3x inverse S&P 500 ETF?
The 3x inverse S&P 500 ETF aims to daily return 300% of the S&P 500 High Beta Index's performance or 300% of its inverse, before fees and expenses. However, there's no guarantee it will achieve its stated investment objective.
Can you hold a PSQ long-term?
PSQ is not designed for long-term investment, as its daily reset feature can lead to unexpected results over time. If you're looking for a long-term inverse bet, consider alternative options.
What is ProShares short S&P 500?
ProShares Short S&P 500 is an investment fund that aims to produce daily returns opposite to the large-cap U.S. stock market performance. It achieves this by investing in financial instruments that track the inverse of the S&P 500 index.
What is the 2x inverse ETF for the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 2x Inverse Daily Index is a leveraged ETF that provides 2 times the inverse daily performance of the S&P 500, tracking the 500 largest US companies. It's designed for investors seeking to profit from market downturns or hedge their portfolios against losses.
Are ProShares ETF safe?
While ProShares ETFs can be a valuable investment tool, they carry risks, including the possible loss of principal, and there's no guarantee they'll meet their investment objectives. It's essential to carefully review your goals and risk tolerance before investing in a ProShares ETF.
Sources
- https://www.finder.com/ca/stock-trading/inverse-etf-canada
- https://etfgi.com/news/press-releases/2021/06/etfgi-reports-assets-invested-leveraged-and-inverse-etfs-and-etps
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverse_exchange-traded_fund
- https://www.fool.com/terms/i/inverse-etf/
- https://www.britannica.com/money/inverse-leveraged-etf-definition
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