Volos Indexes for Hedging Equity Tail Risk
Introducing options-strategy indexes for tail hedging, designed to serve as a potential overlay for efficient equity downside protection.
Robust, Defined-Risk Hedging
This strategy was constructed using both SPX and VIX options in order to target returns in both down-trend markets with stable volatility (such as Q4, 2018) and tail events with elevated volatility (such as March, 2020).
Primary Index Rules
Consists of two hedge positions:
SPX Put Spreads
25 & 15 delta
75% of Hedge Notional
VIX 1x2 Call Ratio Spreads
50 & 35 delta
25% of Hedge Notional
Positions are entered with two months to maturity and rolled after one month. Hedge notional is equal to 30% of NAV.
Targeting High Convexity & Low Cost of Carry
SPX Long Put Spreads and VIX Short Ratio Call spreads provide (1) positive convexity, (2) defined risk, and (3) asymmetric short beta exposure.
Access
Clients can directly access data & documentation on this strategy through the Volos Index Platform, which provides unprecedented analysis and transparency on options-based Indexes.
About Volos
Volos provides financial Indexes and technology for institutional investors.
We specialize in indexes for options and derivatives strategies, providing transparency to this traditionally opaque asset class.
For additional information on Index licensing and services, please contact licensing@volossoftware.com.
