Dion's ETF Winners and Losers: VXX, FBT

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Welcome to Don Dion's "ETF Winners and Losers." Be sure to stop by throughout the week to find out which ETFs are gaining or losing.

Winners

iPath S&P 500 VIX Short Term Futures ETN (VXX) 9.2%

As major U.S. stock market indices waver, the fear index is finding some strength. Over the past two days, the VIX has managed to recoup losses and power back to March highs. It will be interesting to see if VXX can head higher in the days ahead. The fund continues to trade around all-time lows.

First Trust NYSE Arca Biotech Index Fund (FBT) 1.4%

Amylin Pharmaceuticals (AMLN) is surging during mid-week trading following news that the company had rejected a $3.5 billion bid from Bristol-Myers (BMY). FBT lists AMLN as its fourth-largest holding, accounting for more than 6% of its total portfolio.

This jump has helped FBT return to its highest level since mid-February. The strength has not spread to all biotechnology ETFs. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund (IBB) is taking a hit as the end of trading approaches.

Guggenheim Shipping ETF (SEA) 1.1%

Shipping stocks have seen a nice run recently, pushing SEA to four consecutive days of gains. The fund remains off its 2012 highs, but in the event that strength persists, this level may soon be tested.

Despite this upward action, I urge conservative investors to watch from the sidelines. We have seen in the past how volatile this corner of the transportation sector can be. In the event of an upheaval, it will likely take a sharp shot across the bow.

Losers

Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) -4.2%

Gold miners are locking in another day of losses as markets waver and the yellow metal heads south. The past two days of losses have pushed GDXJ to its lowest level this year.

Gold producers aren't the only precious metal miners taking a hit, though. The Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) is also sliding.

Guggenheim Solar ETF (TAN) -3.7%

The past two days of losses have pushed TAN to its lowest levels since the start of the year. The rollercoaster ride this fund has witnessed in 2012 has been gut-wrenching. However, given the inherent volatility of the solar energy industry and the top-heaviness of the fund's index, it is not entirely surprising.

All prices as of 2:10 PM DST

Written by Don Dion in Williamstown, Mass.

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At the time of publication, Dion Money Management had no positions in equities mentioned.