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REDDIT

I want out of this market. What is the best way to hedge a substantial S&P ETF position to defer capital gains?

C
Mar 11, 2025 · 02:46

I know you're not supposed to time the market, but I want out. Pretty much all my money is in S&P ETFs, VOO, SPY, etc.

The issue is I have very substantial capital gains, and just selling would have an extremely large tax consequence. I am more than willing to take a short term capital gains hit on the hedge when I close it, to defer taking these long term gains.

What would be the best way to as close to perfectly hedge this position as possible, for the least cost if it involves margin? Note I do have a portfolio margin account, but I don't think different ETFs offset in the margin calculations.

One extremely specific caveat. I am not allowed to trade S&P futures or options on futures.