iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX)
Time for Defensive ETFs on Renewed Trump Tariff Threats?
Renewed Trump tariff threats hit markets hard on Oct. 10, 2025. Defensive plays like BTAL, HDGE, CTA, and KMLM outperformed S&P 500 last week as investors sought safety amid rising volatility.
VXX: We Are Too Low (Rating Upgrade)
Volatility is currently very cheap, making VXX attractive as a tactical long position rather than a buy-and-hold investment. Seasonality trends and unresolved tariff uncertainties could quickly increase market volatility, supporting a bullish stance on VXX now. VXX offers effective short-term portfolio hedging, especially when volatility is low and macro risks remain unresolved.
VXX: Macro Risks Abound, A 20 VIX May Be The New Normal (Rating Upgrade)
I upgrade VXX from sell to hold, reflecting a balance of macro risks and recent volatility trends. Trade war fears, inflation volatility, and rising oil prices are key factors keeping volatility elevated this summer. Technical analysis shows VXX support near $40 and resistance at $60, suggesting a range-bound outlook through summer.
Volatility ETF (VXX) Hits New 52-Week High
For investors seeking momentum, iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN VXX is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up 128.09%% from its 52-week low price of $39.98/share.
VXX: Good Tool To Hedge Growth Portfolio
VXX matches Nasdaq 100 volatility better than SQQQ, making it a superior hedge for tech growth exposures during volatile market conditions. VXN, the CBOE NASDAQ-100 Volatility Index, is a key measure of near-term tech sector volatility, and VXX closely follows its pattern. Growth scare may continue in 2025, at least for the 1st half. Hedge tech growth exposures are recommended to have certain sustainable hedge alternatives like VXX.
VXX: Time To Take Profits
iPath® Series B S&P 500® VIX Short-Term Futures™ ETN from Barclays is up 26% since mid-February but is not a buy-and-hold; it's for hedging and speculation. VXX's gains are driven by front-month VIX futures, which spike during market volatility but historically revert, leading to potential losses. Significant put buying signals an interim market bottom, suggesting VXX will likely lose its recent gains as volatility normalizes.
Make Volatility Great Again, Then Do Not Rely On Investing In VXX
VXX is not suitable for long-term holding due to high roll costs and poor performance; it's only viable for short-term hedging. Market complacency is high, but historical data suggests significant volatility spikes, making precise timing crucial for VXX investments. Current market conditions resemble past periods of high volatility, but diversified portfolios and gold are better hedges than VXX.
VXX: Sell Volatility Ahead Of The Election (Rating Downgrade)
The upcoming US election has caused a pause in the S&P 500's uptrend and elevated the VIX, reflecting market uncertainty. Historical patterns suggest implied volatility spikes pre-election but drops post-election, leading to my sell rating on VXX. VXX is a risky, high-cost ETN with significant contango, making it unsuitable for long-term holding.
VXX: Lighting Does Not Strike Twice
VXX is an exchange-traded note (ETN), not an ETF, meaning it's backed by Barclays and carries additional bankruptcy risk. The fund tracks short-term VIX futures, making it highly sensitive to volatility changes. VXX typically loses value over time due to the negative roll effect. The August 5, 2024 VIX spike was a rare event, unlikely to repeat soon.
Volatility ETF (VXX) Hit a New 52-Week High
For investors seeking momentum, iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN VXX is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up 173.7% from its 52-week low price of $39.98/share.
VXX: Time For A Hedge?
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have escalated, with Iran launching an attack on Israel in response to an attack on its embassy in Syria. Investors seeking ways to hedge their portfolios may consider the VXX ETN, as it holds long positions in near-month VIX futures. I advise reducing portfolio exposures or allocating a small percentage to hedges like the VXX in light of the heightened geopolitical risks.
Volatility ETFs Spike on Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict
Market volatility roared back last week on intensifying tensions in the Middle East. The fear gauge rose 16% on Apr 12, marking the highest level since late October, suggesting that market worries have started to set in.
Best ETFs of Last Week
After recording a tumultuous week, Wall Street celebrated a triumph on Friday as tech stocks led a rally.
VXX: January Is Historically When Volatility Gets Going
The end of the year typically sees rising stock prices and low volatility, but the CBOE Volatility Index may have an opportunity to shine soon. Correlations among sectors and equities are low, which can make it challenging for volatility to increase. VXX, a volatility-focused product, has weak momentum but may be worth considering for an early to mid-January entry point.
Best ETFs of Last Week
The Israel-Gaza war grabbed all attention last week.
Volatility ETFs Surge as Market Fear Returns
Market volatility roared back in recent weeks as soaring yields took a toll on everything from stocks, real estate to the bond market.
VXX: Now's Time For Volatility To Shine, But Low Correlations Say Otherwise
The VIX has remained low, with few instances of significant volatility spikes in 2023. I have a hold rating on the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETF due to offsetting factors. VXX has risks associated with its construction amid the current VIX futures forward curve shape, while seasonality is bullish for volatility.
VXX: An Inefficient Hedge
The iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN is an inefficient hedge against market volatility due to concerns involving tracking error, negative roll yield, and timing difficulties. Multi-year performance of VXX has been abysmal, resulting in two 1:4 reverse splits since April 2021. A position in VXX is unlikely to be of much value despite the presence of many potential drivers of volatility, including the conflicts involving Russia/Ukraine and China/Taiwan.
VXX: Bully Market Does Not Equal Bull Market
A new bull market requires a dovish Fed and positive growth prospects contrary to the hawkish Fed and negative growth prospects we've now. It's difficult/impossible for the S&P 500 to overcome the 4200 level when only a few horses are pulling the 500-issue wagon.
Bond ETF Flows Strong, Volatility ETFs Hit $3 Billion
In this week's asset class flows, equity ETFs added $10 billion in just one week overall, more than doubling up on bond ETFs at about $4 billion. That said, equity ETF inflows could largely be credited once again to the sheer size of the SPDR S&P 500 Trust ETF (SPY) which added more than $5.