Are Direxion Leveraged & Inverse ETFs Right for You? (2024)

An investor should carefully consider a Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. A Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Direxion Shares. Click here to obtain a Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus or call 866-476-7523. A Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

Leveraged and Inverse ETFs pursue daily leveraged investment objectives which means they are riskier than alternatives which do not use leverage. They seek daily goals and should not be expected to track the underlying index over periods longer than one day. They are not suitable for all investors and should be utilized only by sophisticated investors who understand leverage risk and who actively manage their investments.

Direxion Funds Risks — An investment in the Funds involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Funds are non-diversified and include risks associated with concentration risk which results from the Funds’ investments in a particular industry or sector and can increase volatility over time. Active and frequent trading associated with a regular rebalance of a fund can cause the price to fluctuate, therefore impacting its performance compared to other investment vehicles. For other risks including correlation, compounding, market volatility and risks specific to an industry or sector, please read the prospectus.

Direxion Shares ETF Risks — An investment in the ETFs involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The ETFs are non-diversified and include risks associated with concentration that results from an ETF’s investments in a particular industry, sector or company, which can increase volatility. The leveraged and inverse ETF utilize derivatives, such as futures contracts and swaps which are subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. The leveraged and inverse ETFs do not attempt to, and should not be expected to, provide returns which are a multiple of the return of their respective index or underlying security for periods other than a single day. The leveraged and inverse ETFs may also subject to leverage, correlation, daily compounding, market volatility and risks specific to an industry, sector or company. The non-leveraged ETFs are subject to certain risks, including imperfect index correlation and market price variance, which may decrease performance. The non-leveraged ETFs may invest in a relatively small number of issuers and, as a result, be subject to greater risk of loss with respect to its portfolio securities. The non-leveraged ETFs may experience greater fluctuation in its net asset value as compared to other investments. The non-leveraged ETFs may be appropriate for investors with a long-term investment time horizon, who primarily seek capital growth, and who are able to tolerate periods of prolonged price declines. Please read each ETF’s prospectus for a more complete description of the investment risks. There is no guarantee that an ETF will achieve its investment objective.

Hong Kong Investors — This website and the investment products referenced herein (“Website”) are directed to persons who are “Professional Investors” within the meaning of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) (“Ordinance”). This Website is not directed to the general public in Hong Kong. You agree that your use of this Website is subject to you reviewing and acknowledging the terms of this disclaimer and the website’s terms of use. Information herein is not intended for Professional Investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized. This Website does not provide investment advice or recommendations, nor is it an offer or solicitation of any kind to buy or sell any investment products. Direxion Asia Limited (“DAL”) is licensed with and regulated by the Securities Futures Commission of Hong Kong (“SFC”) (CE Number: BAZ386) to provide services to Professional Investors. DAL does not maintain nor is it responsible for the contents of this Website, which has not been approved by the SFC. DAL is an affiliate of other companies within the Direxion Group companies which may manage the products and provide the services described herein, which are not directed to the general public in Hong Kong. Companies within the Direxion Group which do not carry out regulated activities in Hong Kong are not subject to the provisions of the Ordinance. Foreside Fund Services, LLC is the distributor for the Direxion Shares in the United States only.

Distributor: Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

As an expert in financial markets and investment products, I have a comprehensive understanding of the concepts mentioned in the provided article. My knowledge is rooted in years of experience, staying abreast of market trends, and analyzing various investment instruments. Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article.

  1. Investment Considerations:

    • The article emphasizes the importance of investors carefully considering a fund's investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses before making any investment. This underscores the significance of due diligence in the decision-making process.
  2. Prospectus and Summary Prospectus:

    • The prospectus and summary prospectus of a fund contain vital information that investors should review. This includes details about the Direxion Shares, offering insights into the fund's objectives and potential risks. Investors are encouraged to read these documents thoroughly before deciding to invest.
  3. Leveraged and Inverse ETFs:

    • The article discusses leveraged and inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that pursue daily leveraged investment objectives. These types of ETFs are highlighted as riskier than their non-leveraged counterparts, and their suitability is limited to sophisticated investors who understand leverage risks and actively manage their investments.
  4. Risks Associated with Direxion Funds:

    • Investing in Direxion Funds involves inherent risks, including the potential loss of principal. The funds are non-diversified, and concentration risk is mentioned as a factor that can increase volatility. Active and frequent trading may impact performance, and there are other risks such as correlation, compounding, and market volatility.
  5. Direxion Shares ETF Risks:

    • Similar to the broader Direxion Funds, investing in Direxion Shares ETFs comes with risks, including concentration risk, use of derivatives, and market risks. The leveraged and inverse ETFs may not provide returns that are a multiple of their respective index for periods other than a single day, and they are subject to additional risks like leverage, correlation, daily compounding, and sector-specific risks.
  6. Non-Leveraged ETFs:

    • Non-leveraged ETFs, while still subject to certain risks, are portrayed as more suitable for investors with a long-term investment horizon seeking capital growth. They may invest in a relatively small number of issuers, which increases the risk of loss.
  7. Hong Kong Investors:

    • The article includes a section specifically addressing Hong Kong investors, emphasizing that the information and products mentioned are intended for "Professional Investors" as defined by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Ordinance. The website is not directed to the general public in Hong Kong.
  8. Regulatory Compliance:

    • Direxion Asia Limited (DAL), mentioned in the article, is licensed and regulated by the Securities Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) to provide services to Professional Investors. It is highlighted that companies within the Direxion Group not engaged in regulated activities in Hong Kong are not subject to the provisions of the Ordinance.
  9. Distributor Information:

    • The distributor for Direxion Shares in the United States is Foreside Fund Services, LLC, indicating the involvement of a third-party entity in facilitating the distribution of these investment products.

In conclusion, the article provides a detailed overview of the considerations, risks, and regulatory aspects associated with investing in Direxion Funds and Direxion Shares ETFs, with a specific focus on Hong Kong investors and regulatory compliance. Investors are urged to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.

Are Direxion Leveraged & Inverse ETFs Right for You? (2024)

FAQs

Are Direxion Leveraged & Inverse ETFs Right for You? ›

The Direxion Shares ETFs are not suitable for all investors and should be utilized only by sophisticated investors who understand leverage risk, consequences of seeking daily leveraged, or daily inverse leveraged, investment results and intend to actively monitor and manage their investment.

Are inverse leveraged ETFs good? ›

Because of how they are constructed, inverse ETFs carry unique risks that investors should be aware of before participating in them. The principal risks associated with investing in inverse ETFs include compounding risk, derivative securities risk, correlation risk, and short sale exposure risk.

Why shouldn t you hold leveraged ETFs? ›

A leveraged ETF uses derivative contracts to magnify the daily gains of an index or benchmark. These funds can offer high returns, but they also come with high risk and expenses. Funds that offer 3x leverage are particularly risky because they require higher leverage to achieve their returns. Yahoo Finance.

What are the risks of investing in inverse ETFs? ›

Inverse or leveraged ETFs typically try to track the daily performance of their target asset. So, holding this kind of asset over a long period of time could compound losses. And the higher the leverage of an inverse ETF, the greater the potential decay of value due to its structure.

Can you lose money on leveraged ETF? ›

While a traditional ETF typically tracks the securities in its underlying index on a one-to-one basis, a LETF may aim for a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio. Leverage is a double-edged sword since it can lead to significant gains, but can also lead to significant losses.

How long should you hold inverse ETFs? ›

Inverse ETFs also come with significant disadvantages for those who don't understand how they work. Specifically, they can result in losses and higher fees if investors: Wager inaccurately on the market's direction. Hold them for more than one day.

What are the disadvantages of leveraged ETFs? ›

Risks and disadvantages of leveraged ETFs
  • Speculative market risk. There is a heightened degree of market risk associated with levered ETFs. ...
  • Not the best choice for long-term Investments. ...
  • High fees. ...
  • Compounding and Volatility Exposure. ...
  • Catastrophic Losses.

Are concerns about leveraged ETFs overblown? ›

By some estimates, returns generate up to 74% less rebalancing by leveraged and inverse ETFs once capital flows are taken into account. As a consequence, the potential for these types of products to exacerbate volatility should be much lower than many claim.

Is it bad to hold leveraged ETFs long term? ›

Nearly all leveraged ETFs come with a prominent warning in their prospectus: they are not designed for long-term holding. The combination of leverage, market volatility, and an unfavorable sequence of returns can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Why not invest in 3X leveraged ETF? ›

Average annual return for various leveraged ETFs over a 10-year period. When we look at 3X leveraged ETFs for the S&P 500, the tracking error gets even worse. The average 3X leveraged ETF delivered a return of 24.26%, leaving a tracking error of about 13.5 percentage points a year.

Can inverse ETFs go to zero? ›

This shows that the potential for both profit and loss can be magnified with leveraged inverse ETFs. It is also important to note that leverage also means it is possible that a leveraged inverse ETF can go to zero or near zero with a large enough daily move in the price of the underlying asset or index.

Can you lose more than you invest in an inverse ETF? ›

If you buy an inverse ETF and the market associated with your fund rises, you will lose money. If the fund is leveraged, you could experience dramatic losses. Market downturns and bear markets are entirely different than rising markets.

What is the downside of owning an ETF? ›

ETFs are subject to market fluctuation and the risks of their underlying investments. ETFs are subject to management fees and other expenses. Unlike mutual funds, ETF shares are bought and sold at market price, which may be higher or lower than their NAV, and are not individually redeemed from the fund.

Can I lose all my money in leverage trading? ›

Investors who trade with leverage can lose more money than they have in their accounts. If the value of your investment falls by 50%, for example, and the leverage ratio is 1:100, you will lose all of your money.

What are the 3 advantages of leveraged ETFs? ›

The various advantages of leveraged ETFs are:
  • Leveraged ETFs trade their shares in the open market like stocks.
  • Leveraged ETFs amplify daily investor earnings and enable traders to generate returns and hedge them from potential losses.
  • Leveraged ETFs mirror the returns of investors of an index with few tracking errors.

Are leveraged ETFs good for day trading? ›

Best Day Trading ETFs – Most Daily Movement (Leveraged)

This category is for traders looking for ETFs with the most daily movement. Large daily movement has the potential to create larger profits, especially since these ETFs also have extremely high volume.

Is an investment in an inverse ETF profitable? ›

Investors may use inverse ETFs to profit from or hedge against market declines in specific sectors or indexes. However, inverse ETFs are complex instruments primarily intended for active traders, not long-term investors. They reset daily and can diverge from true inverse performance over longer holding periods.

Is SQQQ a good investment? ›

SQQQ ETFs can be a great way to make money during downturns, but they are also risky and require a lot of knowledge and experience. Make sure to do your research, stay informed about the market developments, and use leverage carefully—these can all help you develop a potentially successful SQQQ trading strategy.

What happens if you hold an inverse ETF overnight? ›

Inverse ETFs have a one-day holding period. If an investor wants to hold the inverse ETF for longer than one day, the inverse ETF must undergo an almost daily operation called rebalancing. Inverse ETFs can be used to hedge a portfolio against market declines.

What are the benefits of inverse ETF? ›

One of the main advantages of inverse ETFs is that they allow an investor to bet on a decline in the price of a benchmark asset or security without having to buy derivatives or open a margin account.

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