ETF Leverage VerificationDo leveraged ETFs really return what they promise?
Do they return the exact 2x or 3x? Or a slightly different multiple?
How much do they deviate from the promised leverage multiples?
Do these deviations impact investors in a positive or negative manner?
These are the questions that I want to answer with this indicator.
The ETF Leverage Verification indicator challenges the conventional understanding of leveraged ETFs by measuring how they actually perform versus their theoretical targets.
Instead of assuming leveraged ETFs perfectly track their target multiple, this indicator quantifies the real-world behavior by comparing the expected returns versus the actual results on every trading day.
Key Features
Measures actual versus expected performance of leveraged ETFs
Tracks deviation patterns across thousands of trading days
Identifies asymmetric behavior in up versus down markets
Quantifies beneficial "cushioning effect" during market declines
Provides statistical summary of performance patterns
Works with any leverage factor (2x, 3x, -1x, etc.)
Compatible with all leveraged ETFs (equity, bond, commodity, volatility)
How to Use the Indicator
Enter the Expected Leverage Factor (default: 2.0)
Select the Base Asset (underlying index, e.g., SPX)
Select the Leveraged Asset (leveraged ETF, e.g., SSO)
Understanding the Results
Green markers: Days when the ETF outperformed its expected multiple
Red markers: Days when the ETF underperformed its expected multiple
Data Table:
Positive Deviations: Count of days with better-than-expected performance
Negative Deviations: Count of days with worse-than-expected performance
Avg Deviation: Average magnitude of deviation from expected returns
Frequency Skew: Difference between beneficial deviations in down vs. up markets
Impact: Overall assessment of pattern benefit to investors
Summary Label:
Percentage of positive deviations in up and down markets
Total sample size for statistical significance
Key Patterns to Look For
Positive Deviation in Negative Days:
This occurs when a leveraged ETF falls less than expected during market declines. For example, if SPX falls 1% and a 2x ETF falls only 1.8% (instead of the expected 2%), this creates a +0.2% deviation. This pattern is beneficial as it provides downside protection.
Negative Deviation in Positive Days:
This happens when a leveraged ETF rises less than expected during market advances. For example, if SPX rises 1% and a 2x ETF rises only 1.9% (instead of the expected 2%), this creates a -0.1% deviation. This pattern reduces upside performance.
Frequency Skew:
The most critical metric that measures how much more frequently beneficial deviations occur in down markets compared to up markets. A higher positive skew indicates a stronger asymmetric pattern that helps long-term performance.
Mathematical Background
The indicator computes the deviation between expected and actual performance:
Deviation = Actual Return - Expected Return
Where:
Expected Return = Base Asset Return × Leverage Factor
The deviation is then categorized into four possible outcomes:
Positive deviation on positive market days
Negative deviation on positive market days
Positive deviation on negative market days
Negative deviation on negative market days
In short, more positive deviations are good for investors.
Please feel free to criticize. I'm happy to improve the indicator.
