As an up-and-down (and up again) first half of the year draws to a close, many portfolios have managed to squeeze out moderate gains so far in 2012. Looking around at the various exchange-traded products reveals some interesting results after what can only be described as an exciting six month stretch. While many ETFs have performed as one might expect, given the macroeconomic environment, there are a number of surprises as well. Below, we profile a handful of ETFs and ETNs with YTD performance figures at the mid point (almost) of 2012 that are not quite what we might have expected [for more ETF insights, sign up for the free ETFdb newsletter]: Daily Inverse VIX Short Term ETN (XIV): Up 58% Who would have guessed that betting against volatility would have been one of the most successful strategies during the first half of 2012? In a year that has been [...] Click here to read the original article on ETFdb.com. Related Posts: 101 ETF Lessons Every Financial Advisor Should Learn 12 Rapid Fire ETF Ideas For 2012 Six Noteworthy ETF Innovations August ETF Stats: Keeping The Winning Streak Alive (Just Barely) Using ETFs To Build A Complete Bond Portfolio