FintechTV recently welcomed Ron Santella, CEO and founder of Equable Shares, a Naples, Florida based firm specializing in hedge strategies, to discuss the launch of the company’s flagship ETF, HEDG. The appearance coincided with a major professional milestone for Santella, who rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, a ceremonial moment symbolizing the culmination of years of work in the financial markets.
Santella described the occasion as especially meaningful, noting that he was following in the footsteps of his twin brothers, who had previously taken part in the NYSE bell ringing tradition. The moment represented both a personal achievement and a professional validation. Equable Shares, now in its eighth year of operation, has been gaining traction within the investment community, particularly following its transition from a mutual fund structure to an exchange traded fund. The move reflects a broader industry trend favoring ETFs over traditional investment vehicles.
Equable Shares focuses on delivering customized hedging strategies designed for individual investors. Drawing on extensive market experience, the firm aims to balance risk management with long term returns. The HEDG ETF is structured to provide exposure to the S&P 500 while prioritizing risk reduction and volatility control. Santella compared the strategy to homeowners insurance, explaining that just as individuals protect their homes from unforeseen events, investors should consider protecting their portfolios from market disruptions.
The decision to convert from a mutual fund to an ETF was driven by shifting investor preferences. ETFs now hold more than $14 trillion in assets globally, underscoring their growing dominance in the investment landscape. The transition aligns Equable Shares with market demand and reinforces its client focused approach. Investors increasingly seek low volatility solutions, and HEDG is positioned to appeal to those who want S&P 500 exposure without the full impact of market swings.
HEDG primarily targets large cap stocks within the S&P 500 and is designed as a beta oriented investment product. Santella explained that the fund employs a systematic hedging strategy that is recalibrated every 90 days, allowing it to adjust to changing market conditions. This approach may become increasingly relevant as market participants anticipate a shift toward more defensive investment strategies following an extended period of strong equity performance.
The broader market environment has contributed to growing interest in the HEDG ETF. As investors prepare for potential volatility after years of gains, demand for lower risk investment options has intensified. Santella noted rising interest in the fund, reflecting both market caution and a desire for portfolio protection without fully exiting equities.
Looking ahead, Equable Shares plans to build on its early momentum. Since launching on October 13, the ETF has already recorded approximately 20% growth, highlighting its appeal in a complex and uncertain investment climate. Santella also indicated plans to introduce an additional ETF in 2026 that would apply similar hedging strategies to a different index, signaling the firm’s continued commitment to innovation.
In conclusion, Ron Santella’s appearance at the New York Stock Exchange represents more than a ceremonial moment. It reflects Equable Shares’ strategic positioning within the evolving ETF market. With a focus on risk management, client driven solutions, and product innovation, the firm is positioning itself as a meaningful contributor to modern investment strategies. As finance and technology continue to converge, Equable Shares stands poised to play a growing role in shaping portfolio protection strategies aligned with long term market realities and sustainable investing principles.