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With persistent inflation and the aggressive interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve, the stock market in 2022 experienced its most volatile year since 2009.

The S&P 500 has been on a shaky decline since January 2022, and despite a few short-lived rebounds, it was down 19.4% at the end of 2022. Intraday volatility the percentage change in share price from market open to market close averaged 1.84% in 2022, compared to its 40-year average of 1.3%.

Since volatility is often negatively correlated with equities when equity prices decline, volatility increases using a volatility index to hedge portfolios with profitable trades based on volatility assumptions is becoming an increasingly popular way for investors to make lemonade out of lemons and turn market swings into profitable trades. To make this kind of volatility trading strategy accessible to more investors, MIAX, a technology-driven leader that builds and operates regulated exchanges, is developing a portfolio of trading products based on the SPIKES Volatility Index (SPIKE).

What the SPIKES Index does differently and why that matters

MIAX collaborated with T3 Index to create products based on the SPIKES Index. The SPIKES Index is intended to provide an improved measure of equity market volatility and act as an alternative to the Chicago Board Options Exchanges Volatility Index (VIX). The SPIKES Volatility Index tracks SPY options to measure the expected 30-day volatility in the SPDR S&P 500 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), the most actively traded ETF in the world.

By tracking SPY options rather than the SPX options, with the latter used by VIX, and by pulling pricing data from all 16 U.S. options exchanges rather than just the Chicago Board Options Exchange (Cboe), SPIKES seeks more accurate, real-time pricing data to use as a basis for its volatility measure. Its proprietary price-dragging technique for capturing live options prices also aims to offer more precise and stable index movements by using the pricing data from actual trades rather than approximating prices based on the midpoint of the bid-ask spread of the options.

These methodology features and the fact that it updates every 100 milliseconds rather than every 15 seconds are among the key reasons MIAX built its ecosystem of volatility trading products around the SPIKES Index.

SPIKES Options and Futures

While investors cannot invest directly in the SPIKES Index, MIAX offers a portfolio of products based on the index that traders can use to trade their volatility assumptions. The SPIKES options and futures offered by MIAX, turn volatility into a tradeable asset class.

Trading in penny increments since October 1, 2022, SPIKES Options and Futures are designed to be more cost-efficient by offering the potential for reduced trading costs, tighter bid/ask spreads and improved execution prices.
Investors feeling anxious about current market conditions can use SPIKES Options (SPIKE) for downside protection by buying call options that could increase in value in the event of a market decline. In futures trading, investors can hedge their positions with SPIKES Futures (SPK): when taking a long position in S&P futures, they can buy long SPIKES Futures to hedge against potential losses since the volatility index is negatively correlated with the market.

Investors, however, are not limited to hedging strategies. SPIKES Futures can also be used to trade term structure. Term structure refers to the relationship between implied volatility and time to expiration in futures contracts. If futures prices are trending up, an upward-sloping term structure suggests that volatility is currently lower than its anticipated to be in the future. If futures prices are trending down, a downward-sloping term structure suggests volatility is currently higher than its anticipated to be in the future.

For traders, then, a basic term structure strategy is to buy futures during downward slopes (when expected future volatility is lower) and sell (or short) them during upward slopes (when expected future volatility is higher).

SPIKES Volatility ETFs

The latest addition to the SPIKES ecosystem, Convexity Shares 1x SPIKES Futures ETF (SPKX) and Convexity Shares Daily 1.5x SPIKES Futures ETF (SPKY), launched on August 16, 2022.

Intended as an alternative way for traders to hedge or capitalize on volatility, the SPKX and SPKY seek to match the performance of the SPIKE Front 2 Futures Index, which tracks the returns from a daily rolling long position in the SPIKES Futures contracts traded on the Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGEX).

This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. The information contained in this document is the proprietary information of Miami International Holdings, Inc. (MIH), however its accuracy and completeness is not expressly nor implicitly guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information in this document is provided for information purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for financial or legal advice. The information herein is presented as is and without representations or warranties of any kind. MIH shall not be liable for loss or damage, direct, indirect or consequential, arising from any use of this information. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling an option, a person must receive a copy of Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Copies are available from your broker, by calling 1-888-OPTIONS or from The Options Clearing Corporation at www.theocc.com. No statement within this document should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell a security or futures contract or to provide investment advice.

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Labor Day Sales from Anker SOLIX, Jackery, and Rad Power Bikes, score massive $683 savings on Luckeep X1 Lite e-bike at $466, more

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August 22, 2025

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Labor Day Sales from Anker SOLIX, Jackery, and Rad Power Bikes, score massive 3 savings on Luckeep X1 Lite e-bike at 6, more

Closing out this week’s Green Deals is several holiday sales from some of our favorite brands, lead by Anker’s SOLIX Labor Day Sale that is taking up to 61% off power stations and solar bundles starting from $120. We also have further Labor Day Sales from Jackery (up to 50% off with bonus 5% and 7% savings) and Rad Power Bikes, a massive $683 price drop on Luckeep’s X1 Lite Folding All-Terrain e-bike at $466, and much more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Lectric Labor Day Sale with the $500 price cut on the ONE e-bike to a new low, Anker’s eufy SoloCam S220 deals, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Review: The ST3 Pro e-scooter brings serious suspension alongside smart controls and more as Navee’s latest flagship

As a long-time rider of Segway electric scooters, my expectations are quite high for new brands looking to climb their way up to the standard that the household-name has set in stone at this point. Only within the last few months did Navee come onto my radar, with the brand offering me the chance to test out its latest flagship model, the ST3 Pro Electric Scooter, which has been quite the surprise, to say the least. At first, it seemed like it was full of gimmicks that were destined to fail, but after riding around for several weeks now, I can happily say that Segway may just have found a new challenger. Head below to get my hands-on impressions of this high-end e-scooter that still retains accessible pricing for the stunning list of features.

To get our full hands-on impression of this new flagship e-scooter, be sure to check out our review here.

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Anker SOLIX power stations

Save up to 61% on Anker SOLIX power stations and solar bundles during its Labor Day Sale – deals start from $120

Anker has launched its Labor Day Sale running through August 30 and taking up to 61% off the brand’s lineup of power stations, solar bundles, accessories, and more. Coinciding with the new pre-launch promotion on the upcoming C1000 Gen 2 station, we spotted Anker dropping its first-gen C1000 Portable Power Station bundled with a 200W solar panel and protective waterproof bag back to $729 shipped for the second time. This bundle normally fetches $1,598 in full, which we saw discounts take as low as $799 until last month’s Prime Day Sale when it hit this low price for the first time. At Amazon, you’ll only find the station and solar panel pairing for $700 shipped, so you’re getting the waterproof bag (valued at $100) for $30 more. This is a 54% markdown that cuts $869 off the tag for a second chance at the best price we have tracked. Head below to browse this sale’s full lineup.

The Anker SOLIX C1000 power station is one of the brand’s best compact backup power companions for camping trips, right alongside the smaller C800 Plus, C300 series, and C200. While not as big as its home backup models, it still brings a solid 1,056Wh LiFePO4 battery (expandable up to 2,112Wh) along for your off-grid adventures with 11 output ports that provide up to 1,800W of steady power that can surge as high as 2,400W. It can refill its own battery to 80% in 43 minutes through a standard AC outlet, with it taking 58 minutes to reach full. There’s also the 600W max solar input that can recharge it in 1.8 hours, so with the included 200W panel, you’re looking at things taking a little longer, around five or so hours. And your solar setup gets the added protection of the waterproof bag that fits the station and keeps it safer from the elements.

Anker’s other SOLIX C1000 Labor Day Sale deals:

Anker’s SOLIX C800 Labor Day Sale deals:

Anker’s SOLIX C300/C200 Labor Day Sale deals:

Anker’s SOLIX F2000 Labor Day Sale deals:

To check out Anker’s full SOLIX Labor Day Sale lineup, including the larger power stations and solar generator bundles, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

woman riding Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus e-bike through farm

Rad Power’s Labor Day Sale takes up to $600 off three legacy e-bikes starting from $999 + 25% accessory discounts

Rad Power has launched its Labor Day Sale promotions through September 3 with up to $600 taken off a selection of e-bikes alongside up to 25% discounts on accessories (applied in cart). Alongside the ongoing $999 low on the RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike that now sports a “last chance” mention, Rad has added one of my favorite models to the deals lineup, the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru Fat-Tire e-bike at $1,299 shipped. We last saw this model come off its $1,599 price tag back in June for the brand’s Father’s Day sale with a $200 discount, with today’s deal being the first we’ve seen its $1,299 pricing show up in 2025, which has mostly kept costs at $1,399 or higher, except the brief fall to the $1,199 low at the top of the year. Aside from that low price in January, you’re otherwise looking at the best deal of this year, saving you $300 off the going rate. Head below for more on this and the other models seeing discounts.

If you want to learn more about this model or the other models seeing discounts, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

Man standing next to Luckeep X1 Lite folding e-bike atop mountain

Affordable get up to 60 miles of commuting support on Luckeep’s X1 Lite folding all-terrain e-bike at a $466

AliExpress is offering a great deal for commuters shopping for e-bikes on a budget, with the Luckeep X1 Lite Folding Electric Bike currently available for $465.77 shipped, after using the code USAFF100 at checkout for an additional $100 off, which beats out Amazon by $84 and the brand’s direct website pricing by $283. This model normally fetches $1,149 at full price from the brand, and is now seeing a giant $683 price drop for one of the lowest prices we have ever tracked and delivering a much more affordable means to commute to your daily appointments.

If you want to learn more about this budget-friendly model, be sure to check out our original coverage of this massive discount here.

Jackery power stations sit atop box with flag in background for Labor Day sale

Jackery’s Labor Day Sale offers up to 50% off on power stations and more with bonus 5% and 7% savings starting from $89

Jackery has launched its Labor Day Sale through August 28 with up to 50% discounts on its lineup of power stations, as well as bonus 5% and 7% savings on orders over $1,300. Among the offers this holiday season, we spotted Jackery’s legacy Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station bundled with an expansion battery and two 100W solar panels for $1,519.05 shipped, after using the code EMAIL5 at checkout for an extra 5% off your cart’s total. This bundle would normally cost you $2,099 in full, with discounts having usually being on the station and solar panels for $1,299. The addition of the extra battery would cost you $459 right now, meaning you’d normally be spending $1,758 for this same setup. You’re looking at a combined 28% markdown here that cuts $580 off the tag for the best price we can find. Head below to get the full lineup of deals we’re seeing during this sale.

If you want to learn more about this solar bundle, or browse the full extent of Jackery’s Labor Day lineup, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

woman cutting branch with greenworks 60V 16-inch cordless chainsaw

Clear storm debris with Greenworks’ 60V 16-inch cordless chainsaw kit at $190 annual low

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 60V 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw with a 2.5Ah battery at $189.99 shipped, which beats out the brand’s direct website pricing by $50. While it normally carries a $300 MSRP, we’ve been seeing it recently keep down at $240 at Amazon, with discounts having only gone as low as $200 this year. You’re looking at the best price of the year so far on this model, which has shed $50 off the going rate ($110 off the MSRP) and lands as the second-lowest overall price we have tracked – $40 above the low we last saw during Christmas sales.

If you want to learn more about this chainsaw’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

woman handing man drink from goal zero alta 50 portable electric cooler

Save 30% on Goal Zero’s Alta 50 single-zone and Alta 80 dual-zone electric coolers starting from $560

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Goal Zero is offering its Alta 50 Portable Electric Fridge and Freezer for $559.89 shipped, with its larger Alta 80 variant also seeing an equally significant discount (more on that below the fold). This smaller unit normally goes for $800 at full price, which we’ve mostly seen discounts this year drop between $640 and $560, though there was one fall to $559, not to mention the falls to $550 and the $522 low back in 2024. You’re looking at the second-best price of 2025, though, with the 30% markdown here cutting $240 off the going rate, landing it at the fourth-lowest price overall that sits $38 above the one-time all-time low from Black Friday.

If you want to learn more about this cooler or its larger variant, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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US retirement plans could fuel Bitcoin rally to $200K despite downturn: Finance Redefined

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August 22, 2025

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US retirement plans could fuel Bitcoin rally to 0K despite downturn: Finance Redefined

US retirement plans could fuel Bitcoin rally to 0K despite downturn: Finance Redefined

Crypto inclusion in 401(k) plans may be more significant for Bitcoin than the 2024 launch of US spot Bitcoin ETFs, according to Bitwise’s European head of research.

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Coinbase predicts trillion-dollar stablecoin era by 2028

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3 hours ago

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August 22, 2025

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Coinbase predicts trillion-dollar stablecoin era by 2028

Coinbase predicts trillion-dollar stablecoin era by 2028

The forecast, which was published on Thursday, came amid renewed interest in stablecoins from several governments around the world.

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