Owning an inverse leveraged exposure stock like an inverse ETF is not recommended if you already own the target stock. Here's why:
- Risk of Compounding Losses: Inverse ETFs are designed to provide inverse exposure to the target index or stock. This means that if the target stock (e.g., Tesla, TSLA) increases in value, the inverse ETF will decrease in value. If you already own the target stock, adding an inverse leveraged exposure could lead to compounding of losses if the market or stock price moves against your position1.
- Leverage and Volatility: Inverse ETFs often use leverage to amplify their returns, which means they are more volatile and carry higher risk than the underlying stock. This additional risk is not suitable for most investors, especially if they are not prepared for the potential of significant and sudden losses23.
- Long-Term Investment Objective: Inverse ETFs are not designed for long-term investment, as their daily returns can differ significantly from their stated performance objectives over longer periods2. If you are looking for long-term investment opportunities, it's better to focus on the direct investment in the target stock.
- Professional Investors: Inverse ETFs are intended for sophisticated investors who understand and are willing to accept substantial losses in short periods of time4. If you are not comfortable with this level of risk or if you are investing for the long term, it's advisable to avoid inverse leveraged exposure stocks.
In conclusion, owning an inverse leveraged exposure stock like an inverse ETF is not a suitable strategy if you already own the target stock, especially if you are a retail investor or investing for the long term. It's important to align your investment strategy with your risk tolerance and investment goals.