My online brokerage adds an additional 65% to the current 35% margin maintenance requirements for the 3x ETFs and an additional 40% to 2x ETFs. Technically you can do your own leveraging by using your margin account to buy 3 times the amount of XLF as FAS. One thing I like about the 3x and 2x ETFs is; I don't like to hold them overnight and definitely not over the weekend. I'm afraid if I leverage a regular ETF I won't be as cautious. As far as I'm concerned the 3x and 2x ETFs are great daytrading vehicles. But, I can live without them.
Interest in Leveraged ETFs Waning? [View article]