what is uvix stock — UVIX ETF
UVIX (2x Long VIX Futures ETF)
what is uvix stock? This guide explains what UVIX is: an exchange‑traded fund offered by Volatility Shares that seeks twice (2x) the daily performance of a VIX futures–based index. The fund provides leveraged, short‑term exposure to implied volatility via VIX futures positions rather than direct exposure to the VIX spot index. This article covers UVIX’s objective, structure, mechanics, risks, tax implications, trading characteristics, and where to find up‑to‑date official information.
Overview
In short, UVIX is designed to deliver approximately 2x the daily percentage change of a long VIX futures portfolio (the LONGVOL index) before fees and expenses. Typical investors use UVIX for short‑term directional trading on spikes in implied volatility or as a tactical hedge against sudden market stress. Because UVIX is leveraged and resets daily, it is generally unsuitable for buy‑and‑hold portfolios. Prospective investors should read the prospectus carefully and consult financial and tax advisors.
Note: this page repeatedly addresses the question what is uvix stock to help readers locate concise answers and detailed explanations relevant to both novices and active traders.
Key Facts
- Ticker: UVIX
- Issuer: Volatility Shares / VS Trust
- Inception date: March 28, 2022
- Index tracked: Long VIX Futures Index (LONGVOL)
- Typical listing venues: U.S. equity exchanges (quotes commonly available on major market data platforms; trading access depends on broker)
- ISIN: Provided in fund disclosures (consult the prospectus)
- Expense ratio: See the fund prospectus for the current figure — expense ratios may vary or be updated by the issuer
As of 2026-01-16, according to Volatility Shares’ public filings, UVIX’s objective and inception details remain as stated above. For up‑to‑date expense ratio, ISIN and daily NAV, consult the issuer’s prospectus and fund documents.
History and Launch
UVIX was launched on March 28, 2022, reintroducing 2x leveraged long VIX‑futures exposure in U.S. ETF markets after prior market cycles had shaped how leveraged volatility products are structured and regulated. The launch followed increased investor interest in instruments that provide amplified exposure to implied volatility for hedging and active trading. Since inception, UVIX has been subject to market attention for its large intraday moves during periods of volatility and for the broader debate around leveraged volatility funds’ suitability for retail investors.
As of 2026-01-16, according to issuer materials and public filings, there have been no publicized structural reconstructions that fundamentally changed UVIX’s 2x daily objective; investors should monitor filings for any future changes.
Investment Objective and Index Tracked
UVIX seeks 2x the daily percentage performance of the LONGVOL (Long VIX Futures) index before fees and expenses. The LONGVOL index is constructed from a portfolio of near‑term VIX futures (typically a blend of first‑ and second‑month VIX futures), rolled to maintain approximately a one‑month weighted maturity.
The LONGVOL index uses intraday time‑weighted average price (TWAP) mechanics for certain intraday execution and rebalancing components. Because UVIX targets 2x the index’s daily return, its performance is path dependent — returns over multi‑day periods can differ substantially from simply doubling the VIX spot percentage move.
Fund Structure and Replication
UVIX gains exposure primarily through VIX futures positions and operates with a commodity‑pool wrapper for futures access. The fund’s replication is futures‑based; some documents note that elements of implementation can appear synthetic from a cash‑flow perspective (for example, financing and swaps used to manage leverage), but the core exposure is achieved via VIX futures contracts.
Legal and operational implications include commodity‑pool regulation and operational differences from traditional equity ETFs. The fund structure can affect tax reporting and other back‑office items; consult the prospectus for legal structure details and tax reporting expectations.
Mechanics: Leverage, Daily Reset, and Rolling
Understanding what is uvix stock requires an understanding of three core mechanics: leverage factor, daily reset, and futures rolling.
Daily Reset and 2x Leverage
UVIX targets 2x the daily percentage change of its underlying index. That means each trading day the fund rebalances to restore the 2x exposure. Daily resetting maintains the 2x objective on a day‑over‑day basis but causes multi‑day returns to be path dependent. Over volatile sideways markets, repeated rebalancing can cause volatility drag and erosion of value relative to simply doubling the underlying’s change.
Futures Roll Process
The fund holds near‑term VIX futures (first and second month) and rolls those positions regularly to keep the portfolio’s weighted maturity around one month. When the futures curve is in contango (later‑month futures priced higher than near‑month), rolling from cheaper near‑month to more expensive next‑month futures produces a roll cost that reduces returns for long futures holders. Conversely, when the curve is in backwardation, the roll can be beneficial. The roll schedule and mechanics are detailed in the issuer’s index methodology and prospectus.
Risks and Performance Drivers
The primary performance drivers for UVIX are changes in implied volatility (as expressed by near‑term VIX futures prices), the shape of the VIX futures term structure (contango/backwardation), and the effects of daily leverage reset. Key risks include:
- Leverage amplification: 2x daily leverage magnifies gains and losses versus the index.
- Contango roll cost: A persistent upward‑sloping VIX futures curve can erode returns for a long‑futures strategy.
- Volatility drag & negative compounding: Daily rebalancing can cause decay in sideways, choppy markets.
- Path dependence: Multi‑day returns depend on the sequence of daily moves; UVIX may diverge markedly over periods longer than one day.
- Liquidity & spreads: Intraday swings and wider bid/ask spreads can increase trading costs.
- Operational & counterparty: Futures margining, financing, or swap counterparties may introduce risks detailed in fund documents.
Repeated reminder: UVIX targets 2x daily returns, not multi‑day or long‑term returns. Prospective investors should read the prospectus and understand these risks before trading.
Contango and Backwardation
Contango is when longer‑dated futures trade at higher prices than near‑dated futures, producing a negative roll yield for long‑futures investors who continuously roll into higher‑priced contracts. Backwardation is the opposite: near‑dated futures are priced higher than longer‑dated futures, which can create a positive roll yield for long positions. The prevalence of contango in VIX futures historically has been a major headwind for long VIX‑futures funds during calm markets.
Volatility Drag and Leverage Compounding
Because UVIX resets leverage each day, volatility drag (also called volatility decay) can cause erosion when daily returns are volatile but directionally flat. For example, alternating +10% and −9.1% daily returns do not net to zero after compounding with leverage — the compounding effect reduces end‑value. Conversely, strong trending moves aligned with the fund’s exposure can magnify gains due to the 2x leverage.
Fees, Tax Considerations, and Reporting
Expense ratio and other operating fees are disclosed in the prospectus. As of 2026-01-16, investors should consult the latest prospectus for the exact expense ratio and fee schedule; these figures can change and are the authoritative source.
Tax treatment: because UVIX uses futures and operates in a commodity‑pool wrapper, there may be specific tax implications. Some commodity‑pool structures issue K‑1 tax forms to investors; some leveraged volatility funds reference blended 60/40 tax treatment for futures positions under U.S. tax rules. Tax treatment varies by fund structure and investor jurisdiction. Investors should consult a tax advisor and review the fund’s tax documents.
Trading Characteristics and Liquidity
UVIX trades like an equity during market hours and can exhibit high intraday volume and sharp price swings. Liquidity considerations include bid/ask spreads, market depth, and the fund’s NAV versus market price. Active traders should factor in spreads and potential slippage when placing market orders. Some brokers offer options on volatility funds — availability varies by broker and jurisdiction.
Given product complexity and leverage, some brokers may impose trading restrictions or suitability checks. For traders seeking to access UVIX or other volatility products, the Bitget exchange provides market access and educational resources suitable for active traders; when using self‑custody, consider Bitget Wallet for secure management.
Use Cases and Suitability
Typical uses for UVIX include:
- Short‑term directional bets on rising implied volatility ahead of anticipated market stress.
- Tactical tail‑risk hedging for events like earnings seasons, macro announcements, or geopolitical shocks.
- Active trading strategies that explicitly manage daily rebalancing, stops, and position sizing.
UVIX is not intended as a long‑term, buy‑and‑hold instrument for most investors. It is better suited for traders who understand daily resetting leverage and who monitor positions actively.
Performance History and Notable Price Moves
Since launch, UVIX has displayed very large price swings: sharp spikes during market stress and steep declines as implied volatility normalized. Multi‑month or multi‑year returns can diverge significantly from 2x the VIX spot because of roll costs, contango, and leverage compounding. Historical extremes reflect the product’s intended role as a short‑term tactical instrument rather than a core allocation.
As of 2026-01-16, according to issuer summaries and market reports, UVIX has shown wide 52‑week ranges and short windows of extreme intraday volatility; traders should verify historical price charts on major market data platforms and in issuer reports.
Comparison with Related Products
For context in answering what is uvix stock, compare UVIX with other volatility‑linked funds and instruments. Key differences among such products typically include:
- Leverage factor: UVIX targets 2x daily; other products may target 1x, 2x, or 3x.
- Index methodology: Different funds track different VIX‑futures indices with varying roll rules and weighting.
- Structure: Some products are ETFs, others are ETNs or commodity pools; structure affects tax, counterparty and operational considerations.
- Expense ratios and financing costs: These vary and materially affect net returns over time.
When comparing funds, examine prospectuses and index methodologies side‑by‑side. Remember that two funds with similar names can have materially different behavior due to index construction and leverage.
Regulatory and Operational Notes
UVIX operates under applicable U.S. securities and commodities regulations. It is registered in accordance with issuer filings and is subject to exchange oversight and regulatory disclosures. Investors should watch for issuer filings (prospectus, periodic reports, and exchange notices) for any proposals to change fund structure, delist, or alter investment strategy.
How to Research and Where to Find Official Information
Primary sources for authoritative information include the fund prospectus, Volatility Shares’ official documentation ("How UVIX Works" and fund documents), and the LONGVOL index methodology from the index provider. For price, NAV, historical charts, and market statistics, consult major market‑data platforms and your broker's quote pages. For trading on a regulated trading venue and using exchange services, consider using Bitget for market access and educational resources.
As of 2026-01-16, according to Volatility Shares’ publicly filed documents, the prospectus remains the best source for detailed fund mechanics, fees, tax treatment, and risks. Always confirm live market data (price, volume, NAV) before trading.
References and Further Reading
Primary sources to consult (search by document name on market‑data services or the issuer site):
- Volatility Shares — UVIX prospectus and "How UVIX Works" documentation (issuer filings)
- Cboe — LONGVOL index methodology and explanatory documentation
- Exchange quote pages and official NAV disclosures (check your broker’s data feed)
- Major market data providers and charting services for historical price and volume (search by ticker UVIX)
As of 2026-01-16, according to issuer filings and public disclosures, these documents contain the most current and authoritative details.
See Also
- Cboe Volatility Index (VIX)
- VIX futures
- Leveraged ETFs and daily reset mechanics
- Volatility‑linked ETFs and ETNs (compare index methodology and structure)
- Market structure concepts: contango and backwardation
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
FAQ: Direct Answers to "what is uvix stock"
Q: What is UVIX stock in one sentence?
A: UVIX is an ETF by Volatility Shares that seeks to deliver 2x the daily return of a VIX‑futures‑based LONGVOL index, offering leveraged short‑term exposure to implied volatility.
Q: Is UVIX suitable for buy‑and‑hold?
A: No. UVIX targets 2x daily returns and is intended for short‑term trading or tactical hedging; long‑term holding can lead to significant decay due to compounding and roll costs.
Q: Where can I trade UVIX?
A: UVIX trades on U.S. exchanges through brokerage accounts. For exchange access and trading tools, consider using Bitget for execution, charts, and learning resources. Always confirm current listing and availability with your broker.
Q: How does UVIX differ from the VIX?
A: VIX is a spot index of implied volatility derived from S&P 500 options and is not directly investable. UVIX uses VIX futures to obtain exposure and applies 2x daily leverage against the LONGVOL index rather than the VIX spot number.
Important Disclaimers and Next Steps
This article aims to explain what is uvix stock and to provide neutral, factual information. It is not investment advice. Institutional details, fees, tax treatment, NAV, and market data are subject to change; always consult the fund prospectus, issuer filings, and a qualified financial or tax professional for personal guidance.
Want to explore trading volatility products? Learn more about market access and trading tools on Bitget, and review official fund documents before making decisions. For secure self‑custody, consider the Bitget Wallet to manage digital assets and access educational resources for advanced traders.
Reporting Note
As of 2026-01-16, according to Volatility Shares’ public prospectus and filings, the fund’s stated objectives, inception date, and operational mechanics are reflected above. For live price, market cap, and average daily trading volume, consult your broker or major market‑data services for the most recent figures.




















