The controversial financial product known as XIV is shouldering a lot of the blame for the recent flash crash that saw the Dow slump more than 6% in a span of six minutes. Dave Mazza, Head of ETF Investment Strategy at OppenheimerFunds, was with us to break down the theory that volatility-based products fueled the market meltdown.
The XIV is meant to produce the opposite returns of the volatility index, which spiked 118% Monday. Mazza explained that 2017 was a great year for stocks with record-low volatility. Due to this low volatility, many investors were feasting on these financial products, looking to benefit from volatility going lower. When the exact opposite happened, those investors dealt with the consequences.
"A lot of people like to point the finger at computerized trading for sharp movements in stocks," said Mazza. He said it's only one piece of the story. Mazza highlighted that fundamentals are important to watch and there are many variables that influence stock movement.
Adidas said it might have to write off the remaining 300 million euros ($320 million) worth of Yeezy shoes left unsold after it cut ties with rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.
Ivanka Trump began testifying Wednesday in the civil fraud trial that is publicly probing the Trump family business, making an appearance she tried to prevent.
Walmart announced it's looking to create a calm morning shopping experience by turning TV walls to static non-moving images, silencing radios, and dimming store lights.
Biotech company Biogen lowered its full-year profit forecast, citing higher costs related to its purchase of drug maker Reata Pharmaceuticals as well as the launch of its Alzheimer's drug.
