-1x Short VIX Futures ETF

SVIX

Market cap $164M

The -1x Short VIX Futures ETF offers inverse exposure to short-term implied equity volatility, indirectly targeting the volatility premium through shorting VIX futures. SVIX has historically outperformed during stable market environments, but is highly susceptible to sharp drawdowns due to volatility clustering and market shocks. Recent market dynamics show a widening volatility premium, but heightened volatility clustering and the curve's instability make SVIX less suitable for passive portfolios.

SVIX delivered over +35% total return since April 2025, driven by a decline in volatility and the VIX futures curve shifting to contango, as predicted. The VIX is at 16, with front-month futures at 18.6 in a contango curve, but low tech stock volatility and a near-bottom VIX range suggest market complacency. SVIX is not a buy-and-hold ETF, with a -33% YTD loss in 2025, best used for short-term trades due to its sensitivity to volatility spikes.

-1x Short VIX Futures ETF's inverse volatility strategy seemed like a sure winner due to persistent contango in VIX futures, but real-world performance has disappointed. The fund's theoretical edge—profiting from the steep contango—has been undermined by rare but severe volatility spikes and unfavorable roll dynamics during market selloffs. SVIX is highly risky: a volatility spike can wipe out all gains, and the asymmetric risk profile means losses can be swift and total.

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-1x Short VIX Futures ETF has been negatively impacted by a rare VIX spike, driven by tariff wars, similar to past crises like the GFC and Covid. The ETF's short volatility position suffered, the fund being short the first two months of VIX futures. For SVIX to recover, the VIX futures curve needs to shift lower, which requires a significant reduction in market volatility.

Trump's tariff policies have moved volatility higher, making -1x Short VIX Futures ETF, an inverse VIX ETF, a strategic short-term buy as volatility is expected to normalize. SVIX gains value when VIX futures decline; recent market turmoil is due to tariff uncertainties, not fundamental economic issues. The economy remains stable; high VIX levels are not recession-driven, suggesting a potential decrease in volatility as market clarity improves.

The SVIX ETF is currently rated a hold due to an unfavorable market environment for shorting volatility, as the VIX curve is too flat. The Federal Reserve is hamstrung by high inflation and may not be as supportive of asset prices. Most importantly, President Trump's erratic policies are injecting volatility and risk into the financial markets.

SVIX is an ETF that inversely tracks VIX futures; it gains value when VIX drops and loses value when VIX spikes. -1x Short VIX Futures ETF should be actively traded, not held long term, due to its significant volatility and potential for large drawdowns, as seen in August 2024. Current VIX levels are low, suggesting potential for increased volatility; thus, SVIX is a 'Sell' now and a 'Buy' when VIX exceeds 20.

Top Performing Levered/Inverse ETFs Last Week These were last week's top performing leveraged and inverse ETFs. Note that because of leverage, these kinds of funds can move quickly.

Election-induced volatility may be peaking, making the SVIX ETF a buy as volatility is expected to decline post-election, benefiting from a return to contango. The SVIX ETF is designed to avoid past pitfalls, such as the XIV's Volmageddon, by rebalancing during market hours and holding OTM call options. Comparing SVIX and UVXY, SVIX offers capped losses, but shorting UVXY can be profitable with proper trade sizing despite higher risks.