SPDN: An Inexpensive Way To Profit When The S&P 500 Falls

Summary
SPDN is not the largest or oldest way to short the S&P 500, but it’s a solid choice.
This ETF uses a variety of financial instruments to target a return opposite that of the S&P 500 Index.
SPDN’s 0.49% Expense Ratio is nearly half that of the larger, longer-tenured -1x Inverse S&P 500 ETF.
Details aside, the potential continuation of the equity bear market makes single-inverse ETFs an investment segment investor should be familiar with.
We rate SPDN a Strong Buy because we believe the risks of a continued bear market greatly outweigh the possibility of a quick return to a bull market.
Put a gear stick into R position, (Reverse).
Birdlkportfolio

By Rob Isbitts

Summary
The S&P 500 is in a bear market, and we don’t see a quick-fix. Many investors assume the only way to navigate a potentially long-term bear market is to hide in cash, day-trade or “just hang in there” while the bear takes their retirement nest egg.

The Direxion Daily S&P 500® Bear 1X ETF (NYSEARCA:SPDN) is one of a class of single-inverse ETFs that allow investors to profit from down moves in the stock market.

SPDN is an unleveraged, liquid, low-cost way to either try to hedge an equity portfolio, profit from a decline in the S&P 500, or both. We rate it a Strong Buy, given our concern about the intermediate-term outlook for the global equity market.

Strategy
SPDN keeps it simple. If the S&P 500 goes up by X%, it should go down by X%. The opposite is also expected.

Proprietary ETF Grades
Offense/Defense: Defense

Segment: Inverse Equity

Sub-Segment: Inverse S&P 500

Correlation (vs. S&P 500): Very High (inverse)

Expected Volatility (vs. S&P 500): Similar (but opposite)

Holding Analysis
SPDN does not rely on shorting individual stocks in the S&P 500. Instead, the managers typically use a combination of futures, swaps and other derivative instruments to create a portfolio that consistently aims to deliver the opposite of what the S&P 500 does.

Strengths
SPDN is a fairly “no-frills” way to do what many investors probably wished they could do during the first 9 months of 2022 and in past bear markets: find something that goes up when the “market” goes down. After all, bonds are not the answer they used to be, commodities like gold have, shall we say, lost their luster. And moving to cash creates the issue of making two correct timing decisions, when to get in and when to get out. SPDN and its single-inverse ETF brethren offer a liquid tool to use in a variety of ways, depending on what a particular investor wants to achieve.

Weaknesses
The weakness of any inverse ETF is that it does the opposite of what the market does, when the market goes up. So, even in bear markets when the broader market trend is down, sharp bear market rallies (or any rallies for that matter) in the S&P 500 will cause SPDN to drop as much as the market goes up.

Opportunities
While inverse ETFs have a reputation in some circles as nothing more than day-trading vehicles, our own experience with them is, pardon the pun, exactly the opposite! We encourage investors to try to better-understand single inverse ETFs like SPDN. While traders tend to gravitate to leveraged inverse ETFs (which actually are day-trading tools), we believe that in an extended bear market, SPDN and its ilk could be a game-saver for many portfolios.

Threats
SPDN and most other single inverse ETFs are vulnerable to a sustained rise in the price of the index it aims to deliver the inverse of. But that threat of loss in a rising market means that when an investor considers SPDN, they should also have a game plan for how and when they will deploy this unique portfolio weapon.

Proprietary Technical Ratings
Short-Term Rating (next 3 months): Strong Buy

Long-Term Rating (next 12 months): Buy

Conclusions
ETF Quality Opinion
SPDN does what it aims to do, and has done so for over 6 years now. For a while, it was largely-ignored, given the existence of a similar ETF that has been around much longer. But the more tenured SPDN has become, the more attractive it looks as an alternative.

ETF Investment Opinion

SPDN is rated Strong Buy because the S&P 500 continues to look as vulnerable to further decline. And, while the market bottomed in mid-June, rallied, then waffled since that time, our proprietary macro market indicators all point to much greater risk of a major decline from this level than a fast return to bull market glory. Thus, SPDN is at best a way to exploit and attack the bear, and at worst a hedge on an otherwise equity-laden portfolio.

Working With a Vehicle Finance Broker

Approaching the purchase of a new car can be both an exciting and a daunting experience. The thrill of considering a new vehicle in which to commute, run errands, and simply let loose on the road of life can bring a lot of positive images and ideas to mind, but the high costs of automobiles means that there are typically financing considerations to be made before a new car or truck can be driven off the lot. A number of options exist for the modern car buyer, whether the object of sale is a new or used vehicle, is associated with a special period or type, or has any number of esoteric attributes when it comes to seeking financing. Frequently, car buyers may choose to work with the sellers themselves or with dealerships to arrive at a workable financing solution, but this is not always the best choice. Consulting with a vehicle finance broker is an excellent way to ensure that the maximum value is obtained with a minimum of hassle and needless expense.Vehicle finance brokers are fairly unique among sources for financing as they work independently, and are not answering to the policies or procedures of parent companies or associations. This often translates to increased value and greater attention to taking care of each client’s individual needs; if you’re concerned about being treated like just another customer in a long line of financing seekers, working with a vehicle finance broker may be an excellent option. The personal service afforded by a vehicle finance broker is matched by such a broker’s ability to reach far beyond the boundaries of other financing sources. Brokers must obtain extensive training to meet local professional requirements, and arrange their deals through making new contacts and arrangements with lenders. This process demands an extraordinary level of skill in negotiation and the ability to identify or create a great deal, attributes which a vehicle finance broker can in turn bestow upon a client.Choosing a vehicle finance broker is a wise move when buying a new car, whether the expense is significant or will only require a short-term commitment. Vehicle finance brokers are extremely knowledgeable about their field, and can help clients understand the particulars of a given arrangement, from the terms of a loan to the specific way in which an arrangement will benefit a client’s tax profile. This personalized and distinctive service is one which can make the car purchasing experience much more pleasant, and can yield quick and efficient progress towards getting a new vehicle out of a lot -and into all the gears of your life. With a professional vehicle finance broker on your side, you can say goodbye to confusing repayment terms, anxiety over scams or bad deals, and generic, cold service. Experience the difference that a dedicated professional can make and consider using a car finance broker for your next car purchase.

Payday Loans – What is the True Cost?

When you need quick cash, what could be more convenient than taking out a same-day payday loan that is deposited directly into your bank account? On your next payday – a week or two later – the loan is automatically repaid because the creditor has your bank information. Sure, there is a fee, but there’s no credit check, no collateral, and no lengthy application process like there is for a personal loan. You just walk into the payday loan office or go online, fill out a few forms proving that you have a steady job and a checking account, and you get up to $2,000 the same day.It sounds easy, but it may not be such a good deal. Payday loans are defined as short-term loans with an interest rate above 36%. That sounds like a high rate, doesn’t it? After all, you see new car loans advertised for zero percent, and home mortgages for 6%. Personal loans from banks are generally between 10% and 15%. Even credit card cash advances can be cheaper. A $300 cash advance on the average credit card, repaid in one month, would incur a finance charge of $13.99 at an APR of 57%.To make it sound less expensive, payday loan providers don’t advertise their annual percentage rate (APR) the same way credit card and personal loan providers do. They state the interest in terms of a fee per $100 loaned. Here’s a typical example.How the Fee Translates to APR You walk into the payday loan office or apply online. You need to borrow $500 until your next payday, which is in seven days. The fee for your loan is $15 per $100 borrowed. You think, “That’s not so bad, it’s 15%, isn’t it”? You agree to the loan terms and you give the lender a check in the amount of $575, dated in seven days.When your loan is due to be repaid in seven days the creditor will cash the check or debit your checking account. If you have $575 in your account, then you are finished and the transaction is completed.You will have paid $75 for your loan. That translates into an annual percentage rate (APR) of 780%. It’s very high, but that’s because calculating the APR is complex and involves not only the loan amount and the fee, but the period of the loan-how long until you pay it back.The big danger is that many customers can’t pay back the loan on time. Think about it – a customer who does not have $500 in his or her bank account this week is unlikely to have $575 in their account next week. Many customers “roll over” their loans. They cannot pay on the due date, so the creditor charges the $75 fee and agrees to collect on the next payday.Are You the Average Payday Loan Customer?According to the Consumer Federation of America, from a single lender each year the average payday loan customer takes eight to thirteen payday loans or loan renewals. So if you are the average customer, let’s say you roll over or renew your $500 loan 10 times in one year. To borrow $500 for 10 weeks, you will pay a total of $750 in finance charges plus repay the amount borrowed. Your $500 payday loan will end up costing you $1,250.There are additional risks and fees. To get a payday loan you are required to give the creditor a personal check as repayment. If your check bounces, your bank will charge you a fee – often as high as $40. You can lose your bank account or have difficulty opening a new bank account if you develop a record of bouncing checks used to get payday loans.Before you take out a payday loan, carefully consider the real cost – and ask yourself if it’s worth it.