Deadlift: The ETF World’s Latest Headscratcher

From MAGA to MEME, the ETF industry is nothing if not a hive of idea generation. 

While disruptors and massive wealth creators have sprung from that creativity—think SPY, IBIT, JEPI, VOO and on and on—other pitches have been birthed by the industry’s wilder, speculative side. 

To mention a few: Subversive brought us the shuttered Subversive Metaverse ETF (PUNK), which chased the idea of real estate, gaming and other virtual things in the so-called metaverse which may or may not still exist. Roundhill closed the Roundhill Meme ETF (MEME) after investors lost interest. 

Tuttle, among the more creative shops, launched and later closed funds based on picks by CNBC’s Jim Cramer: Tuttle Long Cramer Tracker ETF (LJIM) and Tuttle Short Cramer Tracker ETF (SJIM). 

What Is the Deadlift ETF?

The latest idea floating around is DEAD, the Deadlift index created by Truflation, based on the idea “that CEOs who lift weights outperform those who don’t on the S&P 500,” according to its website. The index, which is not yet tracked by an ETF, “merges fitness, trends, finance, and corporate performance,” the website said. “DEAD ETF” is generating big social media interest. 

Deadlift is generating web traffic thanks to this tweet from @levelsio, who wrote that they created a Deadlift ETF that more than doubled the S&P 500’s returns over the past four years. It continues “Lifting weights = $$$,” and the handle’s profile includes a link to the “Indie Startup Handbook” that’s been marked down to $29.99 from $59.98. 

Might DEAD live up to its name and produce a flash-in-the-pan exchange-traded fund like so many others (don’t forget those SPAC ETFs like SPXZ)? Would it be an investing gym rat and pump up portfolios? 

Regardless, are investors’ or issuers’ best interests being served? Paul Baiocchi, Chief ETF Strategist at SS&C ALPS Advisors, said that while innovation in ETFs is accelerating and worth celebrating, some in the industry are developing products focused on short-term opportunities, not investors’ long-term needs. 

He said some funds reflect a disconnect between allocators and clients’ needs. “I’m not sure that’s healthy,” he said.