Volatility-linked ETFs moved higher during most of the week as stock traders were hedging before Bernanke’s Friday speech. However, volatility products moved lower Friday along with the VIX as stocks rallied. [Volatility, Short ETFs Lower After Jackson Hole Speech]
The top three unleveraged ETFs this week were iPath Cocoa (NYSEArca: NIB), ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures (NYSEArca: VIXY) and iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures (NYSEArca: VXX). They were on track for gains of more than 2% for the week, in afternoon dealings Friday.
The bottom three unleveraged ETFs were iPath US Treasury 10-Year Bear (NYSEArca: DTYS), Market Vectors Coal (NYSEArca: KOL) and ETFS Physical Palladium (NYSEArca: PALL) with losses of more than 4%. [ETF Chart of the Day: Coal] [Platinum ETFs Gather Inflows on Mine Shutdown]
In next week’s economic data, look for reports on ISM manufacturing, construction spending, motor vehicle sales, productivity and labor costs. However, the main event will be the August nonfarm payrolls report, which crosses on Friday.
Markets will be closed on Monday for Labor Day.