For instance, in a note, Paul C. Brigandi, Managing Director and Head of Trading at Direxion, pointed out three popular contrarian bets that have cropped up this year, including the Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bear 3X Shares (NYSEArca: DUST), Direxion Daily Energy Bull 3X Shares (NYSEArca: ERX) and Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull Shares (NYSEArca: LABU).
DUST shares outstanding have substantially increased during the rally in gold, which suggests that some are calling the surge in bullion and miners overdone. DUST has attracted $420 million in net inflows so far this year, according to ETF.com.
ERX shares outstanding have substantially increased during the crude oil sell-off as traders tried to catch a falling knife and timed a market bottom. ERX added $75.3 million in net inflows year-to-date.
LABU shares outstanding have also substantially increased over the course of the correction in the biotechnology sector. Biotechs have yet to rebound along with the broader market. LABU saw $132.6 million in inflows so far this year.
“While these are no definitive moves, it could be contrarian trades,” Andy O’Rourke, Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer at Direxion, told ETF Trends on a call. “They reflect definite bets. People are constantly looking at the market; they are not set-and-forget type trades.”