ETF Edge on how volatility and conflict in the Middle East are reshaping ETF strategies

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 13, 2026 at 21:50  |  19:59  |  CNBC
Speakers
Christian Magoon — CEO of Amplify ETFs
Jamie Harrison — Former Chair, Democratic National Committee

Summary

The discussion focuses on how Middle East volatility and geopolitical risks are influencing ETF investment strategies. Experts highlight specific ETF opportunities in hedged equity, energy, and cyber security, while warning about risks in ETFs holding private credit or complex derivatives. They also emphasize the growing trend towards active management in ETFs.

  • Analysis of market resilience amid Middle East conflict and oil price impacts.
  • Recommendations for hedged equity ETFs like IDO for volatility protection.
  • Bullish view on energy and natural resources ETF NIV due to high returns.
  • Cyber security sector seen as a buying opportunity after AI-related dip.
  • Long-term bullish stance on crypto despite short-term headwinds.
  • Warnings about ETFs with private credit or equity-linked notes due to liquidity risks.
  • Advocacy for protected equity strategies like buffer ETFs ahead of election year volatility.
  • Growth of active management in ETFs highlighted as a key trend.
Trade Ideas
Christian Magoon CEO of Amplify ETFs 2:17
Favor energy and materials over technology.
Due to the conflict in Iran and rising oil prices, energy and basic materials sectors have seized market leadership from technology, indicating a sector rotation favoring commodities over tech.
XLE XLB MED
Christian Magoon CEO of Amplify ETFs 2:17
Favor energy and materials over technology.
Due to the conflict in Iran and rising oil prices, energy and basic materials sectors have seized market leadership from technology, indicating a sector rotation favoring commodities over tech.
XLK MED
Christian Magoon CEO of Amplify ETFs 7:04
Hedged equity ETFs offer income and protection.
Hedged equity strategies like the IDO ETF, which combines international dividend-paying equities with covered call writing, provide volatility protection and target income, allowing investors to stay invested during market turmoil.
IDO MED
Christian Magoon CEO of Amplify ETFs 7:55
Buy cyber security dip for AI growth.
Cyber security has pulled back due to AI-related concerns, but this dip is a buying opportunity as cyber security remains crucial in an AI-driven world with potential for M&A activity.
CIBR MED
Christian Magoon CEO of Amplify ETFs 8:23
Crypto is long-term bullish despite headwinds.
Crypto assets are rangebound due to liquidity and legislative headwinds, but long-term bullishness suggests accumulating on weakness for future gains.
BTC MED
Jamie Harrison Former Chair, Democratic National Committee 11:47
Avoid ETFs with complex derivatives or opacity.
ETFs with complex derivatives or lack of transparency could face issues in volatile markets, so investors should be cautious and conduct due diligence.
SPY MED
Christian Magoon CEO of Amplify ETFs 15:13
Avoid ETFs with private credit or notes.
ETFs that hold private credit or equity-linked notes face liquidity mismatches and credit risks during market stress, making them risky and worth avoiding.
ETFs with equity-linked notes PRIV HIGH
Christian Magoon CEO of Amplify ETFs 16:56
Use protected equity ETFs for election years.
Historical drawdowns in midterm election years suggest investors should use protected equity strategies like buffer or hedged equity ETFs to mitigate volatility and capture subsequent rebounds.
BUFF QYLD MED
Jamie Harrison Former Chair, Democratic National Committee 18:42
Active ETF management will continue growing.
Active management in ETFs is growing due to benefits like transparency and tradability, with continued focus expected as active strategies evolve in the ETF wrapper.
ACTV MED
Up Next
4:59
Odds of Nvidia buying Dell are low, says Deepwater's Gene Munster
CNBC · Apr 13
6:06
ETF Stress Tests: How funds are showing resilience in the face of uncertainty
CNBC · Apr 13
4:54
Be prepared for further oil disruptions if Trump can't close a deal soon, says RBC's Helima Croft
CNBC · Apr 13
9:57
S&P Erases Losses Since Iran War Began | Closing Bell
Bloomberg Markets · Apr 13
7:41
US Won't Leave Without Iran's Highly Enriched Uranium, Bass Says
Bloomberg Markets · Apr 13

This CNBC video, published April 13, 2026, features Christian Magoon, Jamie Harrison discussing XLE, XLB, XLK, IDO, CIBR, BTC, SPY, ETFs with equity-linked notes, PRIV, BUFF, QYLD, ACTV. 9 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Christian Magoon, Jamie Harrison  · Tickers: XLE, XLB, XLK, IDO, CIBR, BTC, SPY, ETFs with equity-linked notes, PRIV, BUFF, QYLD, ACTV