Investors seeking downside protection amid rising market uncertainty can turn to three ETFs with exposure to energy, defense, and volatility derivatives. These funds have demonstrated resilience, with one posting a 22% gain year-to-date as of March 9, 2026, while tracking key assets including CL=F and AAPL.
- SPY has maintained a 1.8% quarterly drawdown limit since January 2026, outperforming the broader S&P 500 average of 3.1%.
- IXC gained 22% year-to-date through March 9, driven by sustained strength in crude oil futures (CL=F), which rose 14% over the same period.
- VIXY delivered a 38% return in February 2026 alone, responding to a spike in the CBOE Volatility Index (^VIX), which peaked at 28.6 on March 4, 2026.
- AAPL stock, a top holding in SPY, saw a 7.3% rally in February as demand for tech innovation resurged amid geopolitical tensions.
- Combined assets under management for the three ETFs total $28.6 billion, reflecting growing investor interest in volatility management.
- IXC’s portfolio includes 48% exposure to North American energy firms, with significant positions in ExxonMobil and Chevron, which have stable dividend yields above 4.5%.
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