ProShares UltraPro S&P500 Price & Performance (UPRO)

The ProShares UltraPro Short S&P 500 (SPXU) experienced a 3.1% drop in its share price last Friday, with trading volume falling 66% below its average session levels. Institutional investors have been actively adjusting their stakes, with some firms increasing holdings significantly in the fourth quarter of 2024. The ETF aims for triple inverse daily performance of the S&P 500.12

Bearish sentiment among individual investors has surged to its highest point in over two years, nearing levels last seen during the Great Recession. This rise in pessimism follows recent market volatility and weaknesses in tech and momentum trades. The American Association of Individual Investors has highlighted this trend in its latest survey.3

Shares of ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) rose 5.1% on Tuesday, trading as high as $37.91. The ETF recently increased its dividend payout, reflecting a positive shift in its shareholder returns. Institutional investors have also shown renewed interest, with several firms increasing their positions in the fourth quarter of 2024.45