5 Worst Performing ETFs of 2025 So Far

Leveraged ETFs that have shorted some of the year's winningest sectors have lost more than 80% of their value. Strategy (MSTR), formerly MicroStrategy, has seen its bubble burst in 2025.

The Motley Fool • Dec 10, 2025

MSTX: Even If Strategy Doubles Tomorrow, You Will Still Be Down Over -50% YTD

The Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF targets 2x daily returns of Strategy, not cumulative 2x returns over longer periods. MSTX is down over -85% YTD, dramatically underperforming MSTR's -40% decline due to the compounding effects of daily leverage in volatile markets. Even if MSTR doubled overnight, MSTX holders would still face a >50% YTD loss, underscoring the risks of leveraged ETFs in non-trending markets.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 3, 2025

Strategy's leveraged ETFs hit hard by crypto slump

Leveraged exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) linked to bitcoin hoarder Strategy are among the biggest casualties of this year's crypto slump, as falling bitcoin price battered shares of the largest corporate holder of the token.

Reuters • Dec 2, 2025

Strategy ETFs crash 80% amid Bitcoin turmoil; MSTR gains 6% in surprising divergence

While Bitcoin's December descent triggered an 80% collapse in Strategy Inc.'s (previously known as Microstrategy) leveraged ETFs, erasing $1.5 billion in retail savings from MSTX and MSTU. Yet MSTR stock surged 6.05% on Tuesday, highlighting a stark divergence fueled by the unforgiving math of leverage and compounding decay.

Invezz • Dec 2, 2025

MSTX: Good Way To Boost Gains On Strategy, But Beware Of The Risks

The Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF offers 2x daily exposure to MicroStrategy, amplifying both gains and risks tied to bitcoin volatility. MSTR demonstrates prudent financial management by pausing bitcoin purchases at highs, innovating with preferred shares, and rewarding shareholders with dividends. MSTX's leveraged structure magnifies losses during volatile periods, making it unsuitable for long-term holding and best for short-term tactical trades.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 16, 2025

MSTX: An Aggressive Strategy & Bitcoin Bet

The Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF offers leveraged exposure to Strategy, targeting 200% of MSTR's daily return. MSTX appeals to investors bullish on cryptocurrency adoption and seeking amplified returns from Bitcoin's and Strategy's price movements through leverage. Strategy is one of the largest owners of cryptocurrencies, with digital asset holdings exceeding $64.0B in the second-quarter.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 14, 2025

Top Performing Leveraged/Inverse ETFs: 10/05/2025

Top Performing Leveraged/Inverse ETFs Last Week These were last week's top performing leveraged and inverse ETFs. Note that because of leverage, these kinds of funds can move quickly.

ETF Trends • Oct 7, 2025

Top Performing Leveraged/Inverse ETFs: 07/13/2025

Top Performing Leveraged/Inverse ETFs Last Week These were last week's top performing leveraged and inverse ETFs. Note that because of leverage, these kinds of funds can move quickly.

ETF Trends • Jul 15, 2025

Best Leveraged ETFs of Last Week

Wall Street delivered mixed-to-downbeat performance last week thanks to Powell's warning of stagflation, rise of auto stocks on policy hopes, NVIDIA's $5.5B hit on export curb and upbeat retail sales.

Zacks Investment Research • Apr 22, 2025

Derivative-Based ETFs at the Heart of the Historic Market Run

Derivative-based ETFs are the biggest beneficiaries of the historic stock market rally.

Zacks Investment Research • Apr 10, 2025