Volatility ETFs Seem Perfect for the Current Moment; Have They Performed?

Volatility, volatility, volatility – markets have seen plenty of turmoil this year, and not just because of fears about AI. Attacks on Venezuela, the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, and even more potential conflicts have all created major volatility.

ETF Trends • May 1, 2026

Stay Positioned in Volatility ETFs Amid Short-Term Risks

Volatility lingers beneath the surface amid elusive peace talks and conflict fallout. Volatility ETFs can help hedge downside risks.

Zacks Investment Research • May 1, 2026

Best-Performing ETF Areas of March

March winners were clear -- Shipping, Energy, Commodities & Volatility ETFs surged as war risks, supply shocks, and market swings drove big gains.

Zacks Investment Research • Apr 8, 2026

Middle East Conflict Risk Isn't Over: Volatility ETFs in Focus

Volatility may linger despite ceasefire hopes. Volatility ETFs could help investors hedge against potential downside risks.

Zacks Investment Research • Apr 8, 2026

Alternative ETFs: Expanding Access

While the ETF industry is sometimes scrutinized for packaging niche investments into a retail wrapper, ETFs have historically been one of the key ways to democratize access to legitimate “hard-to-reach” investment strategies. The ETF wrapper has made many of these exposures more convenient to buy and easier to incorporate into portfolios.

ETF Trends • Apr 2, 2026

Middle East Conflict Sparks Market Swings: Volatility ETFs in Focus

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has kept markets under pressure since its onset, with the S&P 500 falling about 4.19% over the past month and 0.41% over the past five days. Volatility has been a constant theme so far this year, with the broad market index down roughly 4.68% year to date.

Zacks Investment Research • Mar 25, 2026

Middle East Risks Keep Markets Uneasy: ETFs to Consider

Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions lift volatility and oil risks, pushing investors toward hedges like volatility, gold and consumer staples ETFs.

Zacks Investment Research • Mar 11, 2026

Volatility ETFs Back in Focus Amid Middle East Unrest

Rising Middle East tensions have reignited market volatility, making volatility ETFs hard to ignore.

Zacks Investment Research • Mar 3, 2026

Why Volatility ETFs Deserve Attention as a Short-Term Play

AI jitters, rising debt and a spike in volatility are shaking markets. Here's why volatility ETFs may deserve a closer look as a short-term hedge.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 13, 2026

With Markets on Edge, Defensive ETFs Deserve a Second Look

Rising geopolitical risks, Fed uncertainty and credit card policy debates make defensive ETFs worth a look.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 14, 2026