Hargreaves Lansdown investors are buying Nvidia stock via an ETP and it’s risky

Nvidia stock has a lot of potential. But investing in it via a leveraged exchange-traded product could be very risky, says Edward Sheldon.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Young Asian woman with head in hands at her desk

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

It’s no secret that UK investors have been buying Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) stock recently. What’s interesting, however, is that Hargreaves Lansdown data shows that a lot of investors have been investing via a product called the Leverage Shares PLC 3X Nvidia ETP or ‘3NVD’.

So, what’s this product all about? And is it a good way to buy shares in the chip company for my portfolio?

Leveraged exposure to Nvidia

The Leverage Shares PLC 3X Nvidia ETP is a London Stock Exchange-listed exchange-traded product (ETP) that provides exposure to Nvidia stock. However, it doesn’t provide standard exposure to the growth stock.

Instead, it provides three times the exposure to it. In other words, if Nvidia stock was to rise by 1% in a day, this ETP should in theory rise by about 3%.

High risk, high return

Now, the thing to understand about leverage is that it can magnify both gains and losses. So using it can be very risky.

If Nvidia shares were to fall by 5% in a day, this ETP would fall by about 15%. That’s a big loss.

The potential for nasty losses was illustrated earlier this month when Nvidia experienced some volatility. When the company’s share price fell by almost 10% on 3 September, the price of this ETP fell from $50.21 to $35.81. That represents a loss of approximately 29% – ouch!

It’s worth noting that to break even after a loss of 29% one would need to generate a gain of about 41%.

My thoughts

Given the high-risk nature of this product, I won’t be touching it any time soon. For me, it’s far too risky.

That said, I remain very bullish on Nvidia itself. Many people believe this stock is in an AI bubble today. I disagree.

In my view, this is a company with substantial growth potential thanks to its leading position in the AI chip market. And I believe the shares are reasonably valued at present.

For the year ending 31 January 2026 (the next financial year), analysts expect Nvidia to generate earnings per share of $4.02 (I actually think earnings may be way higher than this). That puts the stock on a forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of under 30.

Given that revenue and earnings are projected to grow by over 40% next year, that multiple looks very fair to me.

We are at the beginning of a new industrial revolution.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang

I’ll be buying more shares soon

Of course, there are plenty of risks here.

Right now, much of the growth is coming from spending by the other ‘Magnificent 7’ companies. This year, for example, around 45% of Microsoft’s capital expenditure is going to Nvidia.

If these companies were to pull back on their AI spending, Nvidia’s growth could slow and the shares could fall.

Another risk is new AI chips from competitors. At present, many of the Mag 7 companies are working on their own chips.

Given that AI is realistically still in its infancy, however, I see a long growth runway ahead for Nvidia. And while it’s a large holding for me already, I plan to buy a few more shares in the company for my portfolio soon.


Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Edward Sheldon has positions in London Stock Exchange Group Plc, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Hargreaves Lansdown, Microsoft and Nvidia. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

One English pound placed on a graph to represent an economic down turn
Investing Articles

3 FTSE 100 best-sellers I won’t touch with a bargepole

These FTSE 100 shares have been selling like hotcakes in 2025. But our writer Royston Wild plans to keep avoiding…

Read more »

A senior group of friends enjoying rowing on the River Derwent
Investing Articles

2 FTSE shares that could beat the S&P 500 over the next 12 months

US stocks could underperform in 2026, while some FTSE shares look primed to surge. Here are two that could be…

Read more »

Mature black woman at home texting on her cell phone while sitting on the couch
Investing Articles

These are some of the cheapest UK stocks in November

Cheap UK stocks arguably have less room to fall and more potential to rise. Dr James Fox details some of…

Read more »

Rear view image depicting two men hiking together with the stunning backdrop of Seven Sisters cliffs in the south of England.
Investing Articles

2 FTSE 250 stocks that experts are calling ‘Strong Buys’

These FTSE 250 stocks are being overlooked by most investors, but expert analysts are paying attention to these exciting discounted…

Read more »

Array of piggy banks in saturated colours on high colour contrast background
Investing Articles

The FTSE 100 nears 10,000, but this little-known stock is down 71% – could it be a hidden gem?

The FTSE 100 is roaring ahead, yet one stock has lagged – this writer explains why he’s becoming increasingly bullish…

Read more »

Bus waiting in front of the London Stock Exchange on a sunny day.
Investing Articles

Could this be the next FTSE 100 stock to be taken over?

There's a rumour circulating that a takeover approach could soon be made for this struggling FTSE 100 stock. James Beard…

Read more »

Midnight is celebrated along the River Thames in London with a spectacular and colourful firework display.
Investing Articles

Prediction: these FTSE 250 growth stocks are set to explode

Looking for the best stocks to buy this November? Here are two proven growth heroes from the FTSE 250 to…

Read more »

Red briefcase with the words Budget HM Treasury embossed in gold
Investing Articles

History suggests the FTSE 100 will do this after the UK Autumn Budget

Whatever happens in the fast-approaching Autumn Budget, this FTSE 100 stock could be set to outperform and deliver solid gains…

Read more »