I'm not pretending to be one of the "smart folks", but this fund (NMD)is currently listed on the Reg SHO list of shorted securities. That may have something to do with the volatility. http://www.trendblogging.org/2008/09/sho-list/
Maybe you should just buy a nice open-end fund until these crazy markets get under control. I recommend Vanguard.
Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.