[424B2] Inverse VIX Short-Term Futures ETNs due March 22, 2045 Prospectus Supplement
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
JPMorgan Chase Financial filed a 424B2 prospectus supplement for Auto-Callable Contingent Interest Notes linked to the MerQube US Large-Cap Vol Advantage Index, due 28 June 2030 and expected to trade under ticker VYLD. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and will be issued in $1,000 denominations, pricing on or about 25 June 2025 and settling 30 June 2025.
The structure pays a contingent coupon of at least 12% per annum (1% monthly) only if the Index closes on each monthly review date at or above a 64% interest barrier. Missed coupons accrue and may be paid when the barrier is later met. Notes are automatically called quarterly once the Index closes at or above its initial level, returning par plus any accrued coupons. If not called, principal is protected at maturity only when the final index level is at or above a 50% trigger value; otherwise, repayment is reduced in line with the Index’s decline, exposing investors to potential loss of up to 100% of capital.
The underlying Index deducts 6.0% per annum daily, creating persistent performance drag. The preliminary estimated value is $927.30 per $1,000 note, versus a $1,000 issue price, reflecting embedded dealer commissions of up to $8.50 per note and structuring costs. Payments are subject to the unsecured credit of JPMorgan Chase Financial (issuer) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (guarantor). The SEC has neither approved nor disapproved the securities.
Positive
- High contingent coupon: At least 12% per annum, with monthly payments when conditions are met.
- Quarterly auto-call feature allows early return of principal plus accrued interest if the Index recovers to initial level.
- Coupon catch-up mechanism pays previously missed interest once the barrier is regained, enhancing potential yield.
Negative
- 6% per-annum daily deduction on the Index creates continuous performance drag and increases barrier breach risk.
- Trigger value at 50% exposes investors to losses of more than half of principal if the Index falls sharply.
- Credit risk: Notes are unsecured obligations of JPMorgan Chase Financial and JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Estimated fair value of $927.30 implies a 7.3% issue premium plus up to $8.50 per-note selling commission.
Insights
TL;DR: 12% coupon but high drag and principal risk temper appeal.
Yield versus risk: A 12% contingent rate is attractive in today’s market, yet coupons cease whenever the Index falls below 64% and may never resume. Downside profile: Once the Index breaches the 50% trigger, losses accelerate one-for-one, making the note equity-like on the downside despite a fixed-income headline. Performance drag: The Index’s 6% daily fee effectively lowers breakeven by roughly 30 index points over five years, increasing the likelihood of missed coupons and loss of principal. Early call dynamics: Because quarterly calls occur at the initial level, investors could be redeemed early, capping upside at a handful of coupon payments. Overall, the filing indicates a product suited for tactical, volatility-savvy investors rather than buy-and-hold income seekers.
TL;DR: Complex terms, issuer conflicts and credit risk elevate caution.
Disclosure highlights: The Index was co-designed by a JPMorgan affiliate that also holds a board seat at the sponsor, underscoring potential conflicts of interest that the supplement discloses but cannot eliminate. Valuation gap: The bank’s own estimated value of $927.30 versus the $1,000 offer price reveals an immediate 7.3% economic cost to investors, well above plain-vanilla debt spreads. Regulatory posture: While standard for structured notes, the absence of FDIC insurance and subordination to senior depositor claims means investors rely entirely on JPMorgan’s credit. Any downgrade or systemic stress could impair both coupon continuity and principal recovery. Given the layered risks and complexity, the disclosure leans negative for unsophisticated retail buyers.