iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX)

Competitors to iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX)

Invesco S&P 500 High Beta ETF 

Invesco S&P 500 High Beta ETF (SPHB) competes indirectly with VXX by targeting investors seeking high volatility stocks rather than focusing on volatility itself. While SPHB does not provide precise exposure to VIX futures, it serves similar risk-tolerant investors looking to capitalize on market swings. Investors may choose SPHB when they expect bullish movements in high beta stocks, contrasting with VXX's focus on hedging against market volatility. Since SPHB is based on a portfolio of stocks with high beta relative to the market, it may be seen as a more straightforward equity play compared to the complex volatility products like VXX.

iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Mid-Term Futures ETN 

iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Mid-Term Futures ETN (VXZ) competes with VXX in that both track VIX futures but focus on different maturities. While VXX focuses on the near-term (short-term) VIX futures, VXZ holds mid-term VIX futures, typically providing a different risk profile and potential for performance based on market conditions. Investors may choose between these two based on their outlook for inflation and volatility trends—VXZ might attract those expecting prolonged volatility, whereas VXX would appeal to those looking for immediate hedging. The unique focus of VXZ gives it a competitive advantage in diverse volatility investment strategies.

ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF 

ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (VIXY) directly competes with the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX) by providing a similar exposure to short-term VIX futures. Both products aim to give investors access to the volatility of the S&P 500 Index; however, they differ in their structures, with VXX being an ETN and VIXY being an ETF. This structural difference can affect tax implications and investor preferences. VIXY often attracts investors looking for a traditional ETF format, potentially giving it an edge in liquidity and ease of access for retail investors.

VelocityShares Daily 2x VIX Short-Term ETN

VelocityShares Daily 2x VIX Short-Term ETN (TVIX) provides leveraged exposure to VIX futures, making it a direct competitor to VXX but with a more aggressive approach. TVIX aims to deliver twice the performance of the daily change in the VIX short-term futures index, catering to more risk-tolerant investors looking for amplified volatility exposure. The inherent risk in a leveraged product could deter conservative investors, but for those seeking to capitalize strongly on short-term volatility spikes, TVIX might present a compelling opportunity compared to the VXX's non-leveraged product. This leveraged characteristic offers a competitive advantage for traders looking for high-risk, high-reward situations.