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

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

Invesco S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETF

Invesco's VXX offers a more short-term focus on VIX futures, allowing it to attract traders looking to capitalize on short-term volatility spikes, while iPath VXZ focuses on mid-term futures. This distinction means their target investor demographics may differ; VXX tends to appeal more to speculative traders who rely on quick, tactical trades based on short-term movements in market volatility, thereby giving VXX a strong advantage in that segment of the market.

ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF

ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF (VIXM) directly competes with iPath VXZ by providing investors with exposure to the S&P 500 VIX Mid-Term Futures Index. Like VXZ, VIXM seeks to track the performance of an index that measures market expectations of future volatility based on VIX futures contracts. Both products target investors looking to hedge against volatility in the stock market; however, VIXM might have an edge in liquidity and lower management fees, appealing to cost-conscious investors.

SkyBridge VIX ETF

SkyBridge VIX ETF (VIXY) offers a direct alternative to iPath VXZ by providing investors with VIX exposure through a different methodology that targets various VIX futures contracts. This differentiates VIXY from VXZ, as VIXY offers a more diversified approach by allocating among various expiration dates, potentially reducing risk exposure from any single contract expiry. While both funds serve to hedge against volatility, VIXY's diversified strategy may appeal to more risk-averse investors, giving it a competent standing in the space.

VelocityShares Daily 2x VIX Short-Term ETN

TVIX provides leveraged exposure to short-term VIX futures, appealing to more aggressive traders looking for amplified returns in highly volatile conditions. This high-risk, high-reward approach differentiates it from VXZ, which is designed for those looking for a more moderate, unleveraged approach to mid-term volatility. TVIX's ability to offer 2x daily returns on VIX futures can attract significant attention, giving it a competitive edge in the short-term trading sphere, although it exposes investors to greater risks.