Managed Futures was unable to find many return drivers in the month of October thanks to the inconsistent and choppy markets in multiple market sectors, bringing the average of the four major managed futures indices down -0.96% in the month of October, down -0.27% YTD {Disclaimer: Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results).
There’s no doubt you’ve heard about the monster rebound in stocks recovering from the downturn volatility experienced earlier this year. But from a larger picture, the multiple month lens looks more like a W-shaped reversal, then a “recovery.” Meanwhile, the energy markets look as though they’re stuck in a staircase up and down range. The same can be said for bonds and commodities as well. Put that all together and the industry is slightly down on the month.
(Disclaimer: Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results)
(Barclayhedge CTA Index Reporting 61% of returns)
With two months to go in 2015, we’re hopeful about three factors that could create a perfect storm for Managed Futures. 1. Managed futures has a history of performing well the second half of the year. 2. Yellen hinted at a “live possibility” at rising interest rates, which traditional trend followers tend to find many return drivers from the bond markets. 3. The U.S. Dollar is trending back to its 2015 highs seen in March and April, and a trending dollar typically does very well for systematic programs.
