If you’ve been reading our blog for a number of years you’re 1) probably a finance geek, and you’re 2) probably tired of us discussing the following themes:
- Value investing: buy cheap stocks (see our research category on value investing)
- Momentum investing: buy stocks with strong relative strength (see our research category on momentum investing)
- Trend-following: invest with trends (see our research category on trend following)
We get it. Discussing permutations on the same three themes can get boring, but one thing is clear from years of reading/writing/discussing research: value, momentum, and trend are arguably the undisputed factor kings. Few phenomenon has the empirical breadth and depth to match these subjects.
We have developed our own algorithms to capture these three exposures and we explain our research via books and our index methodology via detailed blogs. Are the Indexes we create the infallible holy grail of investing? Definitely not: there are many great ideas out there and we don’t stake a claim on being perfect. Moreover, our Indexes are designed for a unique segment of investors that are long-term oriented, willing to invest the time to understand our processes, and have the courage to sometimes be vastly different than the crowd. In short, we aren’t for everyone.
Our Value Momentum Trend Indexes simply represent a transparent and systematic approach to combine focused value, momentum, and trend exposures into one unified process. We hope this piece helps investors better understand our Value Momentum Trend Indexes. Please leave questions related to these Indexes in the comments so we can address them in a public forum.
Note: For those who want to dive right into the specifics of the Indexes, information is available below:
- Factsheet
- Education Materials
- Monthly Returns
An Introduction to the Value Momentum Trend Indexes
The mission of the Value Momentum Trend Indexes is the following:
- We seek to capture global value and momentum equity exposures while simultaneously minimizing the chance of extreme losses.
There are two versions of the Value Momentum Trend Indexes:
- Value Momentum Trend Index (VMOT_INDEX): unlevered equity exposure with a dynamic market exposure ranging from 0% to 100%.
- Alpha Architect Long/Short Index (AA L/S_INDEX): levered equity exposure with a dynamic market exposure ranging from 0% to 100%.
Here is an approximate breakdown of the model exposures:
- VMOT Index
Indexes are unmanaged, do not reflect management or trading fees, and one cannot invest directly in an index. Exposures are for illustrative purposes only and not to scale.
- AA L/S Index(1)
Indexes are unmanaged, do not reflect management or trading fees, and one cannot invest directly in an index. Exposures are for illustrative purposes only and not to scale.
The Indexes seek to deliver a diversified portfolio exposure, while simultaneously solving some of the known issues associated with many of the strategies available in the alternatives space. The chart below outlines some of the costs and benefits of the Indexes:
| Goal | VMOT & AA L/S Index | Traditional Alternatives |
| Liquidity and Transparency | High | Low |
| Multi-Factor Exposure | High | Depends |
| Potential for Differentiated Return | High | High |
Performance figures contained herein are hypothetical, unaudited and prepared by Alpha Architect, LLC; hypothetical results are intended for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results, which may vary. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses, which would reduce returns. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Concentration increases the index exposure to individual stock volatility.
Understanding the Value Momentum Trend Index Processes
The index process can be broken into three distinct aspects, which we explore in-depth so readers have a clear understanding of the approach. Here are the three elements:
- Global value and momentum equity
- Trend-following model
- Putting it all together
Here is a visual depiction of the process:
Charts presented are for illustrative purposes only. Our Trend-Following Models may not work in all situations and could fail to achieve their objectives.
Element #1: Global Value and Momentum Equity
Charts presented are for illustrative purposes only. Our Trend-Following Models may not work in all situations and could fail to achieve their objectives.
Generic Value and Momentum Summary Statistics
Historically, there have been strong return premiums associated with value and momentum equity investments. Systematic value strategies simply buy cheap stocks based on a price to fundamental ratio (e.g., P/E). Systematic momentum strategies buy stocks that have performed the best relative to other stocks (e.g., relative strength measured over 12 months). For example, in the chart below we show the invested growth of a classic cheap stock portfolio using data from Ken French’s website. We map the growth of a $100 invested in the top decile of cheap book-to-market firms (annually rebalanced) and the S&P 500 Total Return Index.(2)
Performance figures contained herein are hypothetical, unaudited and prepared by Alpha Architect, LLC; hypothetical results are intended for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results, which may vary. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses, which would reduce returns. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Source: Ken French Data and Bloomberg.
Systematic value has done well over time, but as we’ve discussed in the past, the short-term relative performance pain if often extremely difficult to digest.
Momentum, like value, has also done well over time:(3)
Performance figures contained herein are hypothetical, unaudited and prepared by Alpha Architect, LLC; hypothetical results are intended for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results, which may vary. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses, which would reduce returns. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Source: Ken French Data and Bloomberg.
Just like value, momentum “works,” but these processes require that an investor endure horrific bouts of relative underperformance.
Bottom line: systematic value and momentum investing have worked, but they are long-term commitments.
We Deploy Differentiated Value and Momentum
As was previously highlighted, systematic value and momentum strategies have historically shown promise. We spent many years identifying ways in which we could improve these strategies and have developed our own approaches to exploit value and momentum premiums. We describe these processes in great detail (value here, momentum here), but the basics are outlined below:
Quantitative Value Index: We seek to buy the cheapest highest quality value stocks
- Identify Investable Universe: We typically generate 900 names in this step of the process.
- Forensic Accounting Screens: We usually eliminate 100 names, bringing the total to 800 stocks.
- Valuation Screens: Here we screen on the cheapest 10% of the universe, or 80 stocks.
- Quality Screens: We calculate a composite quality score and eliminate the bottom half, leaving 40 stocks.
- Invest with Conviction: We invest in our basket of 40 stocks that are the cheapest, highest quality value stocks.
Portfolio construction characteristics:
- ~40 stocks
- Equal-weight
- Quarterly rebalanced (international is semi-annually rebalanced)
- 25% sector/industry constraint
- No financials
- Pre-trade liquidity requirements
Quantitative Momentum Index: We seek to buy stocks with the highest quality momentum
- Identify Universe: We typically generate ~ 1,000 names in this step of the process.
- Core Momentum Screen: Select the top decile of firms on their past momentum, or 100 stocks.
- Momentum Quality Screen: Select high-momentum firms with smoothest momentum, 50 stocks or 50%.
- Seasonality Screen: Rebalance the portfolio near the beginning of quarter-end months.
- Invest with Conviction: We invest in our basket of 50 stocks with the highest quality momentum.
Portfolio construction characteristics:
- ~50 stocks
- Equal-weight construction
- Quarterly rebalanced
- 25% sector/industry constraint
- Pre-trade liquidity requirements
We leverage our heavily researched quantitative value and momentum index methodologies to capture focused value and momentum premiums that we believe have the potential to generate excess returns in the future.
How We Determine our Quantitative Value and Momentum Exposures?
We have 2 Quantitative Value Indexes: US and International. We also have 2 Quantitative Momentum Indexes: US and International. Each index contains 40-50 stocks, so when combined into a global value and momentum portfolio there are generally 180-200 stocks in the overall portfolio. But how do we allocate across the 4 Indexes? The easiest solution is to equal-weight across all four. This is a fine approach, but we decided to go with a volatility-weighted approach because we want to equalize our risk exposure (as opposed to dollar exposure) across the 4 Indexes.(4) Our process for volatility weighting is often deemed “simple risk parity.”(5) The downside of volatility-weighting the positions is an added layer of complexity, but our approach is 1) simple, and 2) annually rebalanced to minimize the noise/frictional costs of complex allocation strategies. In general, our strategy can expect to see a small dollar-weighted tilt towards value. For example, the value exposure might be 55% and the momentum exposure might be 45%, whereas an equal-weight approach would sit at 50/50. The historical monthly risk parity weights from 1995 to 2016 across the four equity indexes are displayed in the chart below and highlight that the value exposures tend to receive a higher allocation relative to the momentum exposures (which are generally more volatile).
Performance figures contained herein are hypothetical, unaudited and prepared by Alpha Architect, LLC; hypothetical results are intended for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results, which may vary. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses, which would reduce returns. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index.
Element #2: Trend-Following Model
Charts presented are for illustrative purposes only. Our Trend-Following Models may not work in all situations and could fail to achieve their objectives.
The Problem with Large Tail Risks
Timing the market is very difficult. Everyone wants to get high returns with no risk, but this is impossible to achieve. However, while achieving zero risk with equity-like positive returns is a pipe dream, there is some evidence that extreme risk (e.g., massive drawdowns) can be avoided via trend-following methodologies. Why might the avoidance of large tail risks be desirable?
The chart below explains why:
Charts presented are for illustrative purposes only. Our Trend-Following Models may not work in all situations and could fail to achieve their objectives.
The chart on the left highlights the problem with permanent loss of capital events. A 50% loss of capital needs 11 years of compounding at 7% to beak even. Some investors won’t be around in 11 years, let alone have the ability to sit tight for a decade just to break even. Clearly, huge losses need to be avoided. But as we mentioned, there is no such thing as getting returns and avoiding all risk. But “risk,” if it is defined as volatility, may not be a huge issue. The chart on the right makes this a bit more clear. In this scenario the investor eats a 15% loss. Definitely not fun, but not devastating. The portfolio only needs 3 years to dig out of its hole and get back to breakeven. 3 years of sitting on your hands is painful — no doubt — but a lot better than 11 years.
So what’s the lesson?
Well, we must assume that in order to get any returns we have to take on volatility — this is reality. But the intensity of the volatility matters. The ideal system would not eliminate volatility — this is impossible — but one thing is required for a good system and that is tail risk management…try and avoid the 50% losses!
One way of achieving risk management is via diversification. Diversification is a no-brainer for all investors — we obviously need to be diversified. But as 2008 highlighted for many investors, diversification won’t necessarily eliminate tail risk. Can anything solve this problem? We’ve looked at just about everything one can imagine, from the most complex ideas to the simplest ideas. Based on our collective take on the independent external research and extensive internal research, trend-following seems to be the most promising way to minimize extreme tail-risks on a portfolio, while simultaneously not hurting long-term expected returns. Trend-following won’t eliminate volatility — it may increase volatility — but if tail risks are your concern, this class of models seem reasonable.(6)
Details for Our Trend-Following Model
Our Trend-Following Model is further described in our downside protection piece, but here are the high level details:
Our Trend-Following Models may not work in all situations and could fail to achieve their objectives.
The mechanics of the rules are outlined below:
- Absolute Performance Rule: Time Series Momentum Rule (TMOM)
- Excess return = total return over past 12 months less return of T-Bills
- If Excess return >0, go long risky assets. Otherwise, go long alternative assets (T-Bills)
- Concept made popular by Gary Antonacci
- Trending Performance Rule: Simple Moving Average Rule (MA)
- Moving Average (12) = average of 12 monthly prices
- If Current Price – Moving Average (12) > 0, go long risky assets. Otherwise, go long alternative assets (T-Bills).
- Concept made popular by Meb Faber
- Our Trend-Following System: Combination of TMOM and MA (ROBUST Downside Protection)
- 50% TMOM, 50% MA
Below we show a chart of the 10 largest US drawdowns over a 200+ year period in domestic equity. We examine the 10 worst buy-and-hold drawdowns periods and show the corresponding performance of the equity drawdown when our Trend-Following Model in place.(7)
Performance figures contained herein are hypothetical, unaudited and prepared by Alpha Architect, LLC; hypothetical results are intended for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results, which may vary. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses, which would reduce returns. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Note: B&H is 100% US Equity Total Return Index. Source: Global Financial Data, Alpha Architect. Our Trend-Following Models may not work in all situations and could fail to achieve their objectives.
The trend system was effective at cutting down the pain (although not eliminating) for some of the massive drawdowns of the domestic market over the last 200+ years. The system doesn’t eliminate risk, but these systems do seem to show effectiveness is minimizing the chance of riding an intense pain train.
Element #3: Putting it All Together
We know how our global value and momentum equity book operates: we focus on our sleeves of value (Domestic and International Quantitative Value Indexes) and momentum (Domestic and International Quantitative Momentum Indexes) and allocate to these focused exposures in such a way that we equalize the risk across the 4 portfolios.
We also know how the Trend-Following Model works: Look at the 2 trend-following rules, collect their signals, and assign a 50% weight to each.
But how do we combine this into an integrated system?
There are two variations on the Value Momentum Trend Index methodology: the VMOT Index version and the AA L/S Index version.(8)
VMOT Index
Here is an illustration to highlight the mechanics of how we put the system together:(9)
Charts presented are for illustrative purposes only. Our Trend-Following Models may not work in all situations and could fail to achieve their objectives.
The Index always has 100% of the capital deployed into the global value and momentum equity portfolio and our trend-system manages the overall level of market exposure. Let’s understand how the Trend-Following System is applied:
There are essentially three states of the world:
- No hedge (“Long”)
- Partial hedge (“Hedged”)
- Full hedge (“Market Neutral”)
No Hedge:
If no rules are triggered we operate as a long-only exposure that is 100% long global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks.
Partial Hedge:
If one rule is triggered, but the other is not, we are partially hedged and operate similar to a long/short hedge fund. We are 100% long global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks and 50% short the passive index. In effect, we are 50% exposed to the general market and running the global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks versus passive spread bet for 50% of the portfolio.
Full Hedge:
If both rules are triggered, we go to a fully hedged stance and essentially operate as a market neutral hedge fund that is 100% long global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks and 100% short a passive index (e.g., S&P 500 and/or EAFE). In other words, we have no market exposure (on a dollar basis) and we are spread betting between the global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks and the underlying passive indexes.
AA L/S Index
The AA L/S version of our Value Momentum Trend process is similar to the VMOT Index, but with a twist. Here is an illustration to highlight the mechanics of how AA L/S functions at a high-level:
Charts presented are for illustrative purposes only. Our Trend-Following Models may not work in all situations and could fail to achieve their objectives.
Unlike the VMOT Index, the AA L/S Index always has 150% of the capital deployed into the global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum portfolio and has a 50% short position in global passive equity. This is achieved via leverage, which increases the risk and volatility of the index program. A simple way to think about AA L/S versus the VMOT Index is that AA L/S is essentially the VMOT Index, but with a 50% allocation to a market neutral “hedge fund” bet between global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks and global passive equity. Similar to the VMOT Index, we leverage our trend-system to manage the overall level of market exposure.
Here’s how the AA L/S trend-following overlay works:
- 150% long, 50% short. No hedge (“Long”)
- 150% long, 100% short. Partial hedge (“Hedged”)
- 150% long, 150% short. Full hedge (“Market Neutral”)
No Hedge:
If no rules are triggered we operate as a long-only exposure that is 150% long global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks and 50% short passive global equity. The net market exposure is 100%, but there is an additional 50% bet between the global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks and passive global stocks.
Partial Hedge:
If one rule is triggered, but the other is not, we are partially hedged and operate similar to a long/short hedge fund. We are 150% long global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks and 100% short the passive index. In effect, we are 50% exposed to the general market and running a leveraged bet between global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks and the global passive portfolio for 100% of the portfolio.
Full Hedge:
If both rules are triggered, we go to a fully hedged stance and essentially operate as a market neutral hedge fund that is 150% long global value and momentum and 150% short a passive index (e.g., S&P 500 and/or EAFE). In other words, we have no market exposure (on a dollar basis) and we have a leveraged spread bet between the global Quantitative Value and Quantitative Momentum stocks and the underlying passive indexes.
Understanding the Mechanics of the Hedge
The Trend-Following Model outlined above is a simplified explanation of how the process is applied in the Indexes. In practice, there is a small wrinkle that deserves further explanation: we hedge domestic exposures and the international exposures, separately. And while the two markets are correlated, there are periods when the Index can be fully hedged on the domestic exposure, but long-only on the international exposure (and vice versa). Mechanically, the hedge signals are calculated as follows:
- Domestic Equity Hedge: Each month end, calculate the TMOM and MA rule (described above) on the S&P 500 Total Return Index.
- This signal applies to the domestic exposure within the Index.
- International Equity Hedge: Each month end, calculate the TMOM and MA rule (described above) on the MSCI EAFE Total Return Index.
- This signal applies to the international exposure within the Index.
A hypothetical example might be illustrative of how the Index hedging would work.
- It is at the close on March 31, 2018 and we are determining the hedge exposures for the Indexes that will be in effect April 1, 2018
- 55% in domestic equity (25% Quantitative Momentum, 30% Quantitative value)
- 45% in international equity (20% International Quantitative Momentum and 25% International Quantitative Value)
- 12-month cumulative total return on treasury bills are 2%, S&P 500 Total Return Index is 5%, and MSCI EAFE Total Return Index is -1%.
- S&P 500 TR Index is above the 12-month moving average, MSCI EAFE Total Return Index is above the 12-month moving average
Let’s first look at the domestic equity trend-following rules:
- Domestic TMOM: The S&P 500 TR Index has earned 5% relative to the treasury bill return of 2%. No rule trigger.
- Domestic MA: The S&P 500 TR Index is above the 12-month moving average. No rule trigger.
—> Domestic equity exposure is in a “no hedge” status and we are 100% long for that component of the Index (55% of the portfolio is fully exposed based on the example)
Let’s first look at the international equity trend-following rules:
- International TMOM: The MSCI EAFE TR Index has earned -1% relative to the treasury bill return of 2%. Rule triggered.
- International MA: The MSCI EAFE TR Index is above the 12-month moving average. No rule trigger.
—> International equity exposure is in a “partial hedge” status and we are 50% long for the international components of the Index (45% long the underlying, but short 22.5% via MSCI EAFE TR Index).
In summary, the hypothetical portfolio will look as follows:
VMOT Index version
- 55% domestic equity; 25% Quantitative Momentum; 30% Quantitative Value
- No domestic exposure hedging
- 45% international equity; 20% International Quantitative Momentum; 25% International Quantitative Value
- 22.5% short position in MSCI EAFE TR Index tracking vehicle (ETF or future)
- Summary: 100% global value and momentum equity exposure; 22.5% short international passive equity
AA L/S Index version
- 82.5% domestic equity (1.5*55%); 37.5% Quantitative Momentum (1.5*25%); 45% Quantitative Value (1.5*30%)
- Permanent 27.5% (55%/2) short position in passive domestic equity
- No additional domestic exposure hedging
- 67.5% international equity (1.5*45%); 30% International Quantitative Momentum (1.5*20%); 37.5% International Quantitative Value (1.5*25%)
- Permanent 22.5% (45%/2) short position in passive international equity
- An additional 22.5% short position in MSCI EAFE TR Index tracking vehicle (.5*45%)
- 45% (22.5%+22.5%) short passive international hedge (in total)
- Summary: 150% global value and momentum equity exposure; 27.5% short domestic passive equity; 45% short international passive equity
Historically, here is the Index exposure between Domestic and International from 1995 to 2016 (AA L/S is approximately 1.5x the percentages in the chart below):(10)
Performance figures contained herein are hypothetical, unaudited and prepared by Alpha Architect, LLC; hypothetical results are intended for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results, which may vary. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses, which would reduce returns. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index.
Here is a breakdown of domestic buy-and-hold versus domestic trend-followed exposures over time:
Performance figures contained herein are hypothetical, unaudited and prepared by Alpha Architect, LLC; hypothetical results are intended for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results, which may vary. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses, which would reduce returns. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index.
Here is a breakdown of international buy-and-hold versus international trend-followed exposures over time:
Performance figures contained herein are hypothetical, unaudited and prepared by Alpha Architect, LLC; hypothetical results are intended for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results, which may vary. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses, which would reduce returns. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index.
The Alternative Nature of Our Value Momentum Trend Indexes
Our Value Momentum Trend Indexes try to capture the three factors that we believe are the most effective: Value, Momentum, and Trend. Because of the focused exposures on these factors, these indices will not follow broad passive equity exposures that closely. To this point, here are the correlations between the Indexes and the passive domestic and international benchmarks from 1995 to 2016:
| Correlation Matrix | VMOT_INDEX_NET | AALS_INDEX_NET | SP500 | EAFE |
| VMOT_INDEX_NET | 100.00% | 98.54% | 50.90% | 59.94% |
| AALS_INDEX_NET | 98.54% | 100.00% | 42.80% | 53.83% |
| SP500 | 50.90% | 42.80% | 100.00% | 82.61% |
| EAFE | 59.94% | 53.83% | 82.61% | 100.00% |
Performance figures contained herein are hypothetical, unaudited and prepared by Alpha Architect, LLC; hypothetical results are intended for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results, which may vary. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses, which would reduce returns. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index.
In general, the indexes are roughly 50% correlated with long-only passive exposures.(11)
We can see the alternative nature of our Indexes when analyzing the 12-month relative returns to a passive global portfolio (as measured via the MSCI ACWI Total Return Index). The chart below maps out the rolling 12-month total returns of our 2 Value Momentum Trend Indexes (VMOT and AA L/S Indexes, which are net of estimated transaction costs) relative to the MSCI ACWI index (a global passive equity benchmark).(12)
Performance figures contained herein are hypothetical, unaudited and prepared by Alpha Architect, LLC; hypothetical results are intended for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results, which may vary. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs, or expenses, which would reduce returns. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index.
There are many periods where the Indexes outperform the long-only global passive index and there are also many periods where the Indexes underperform the generic global index. So while our Value Momentum Trend Indexes may be misperceived as “equity” because they are sometimes long-only, we want to emphasize that these exposures can act very differently than long-only equity. Investors following these Indexes should keep this in mind when attempting to benchmark these systems against long-only benchmarks (arguably, a 50% treasury bill + 50% global passive equity benchmark is most appropriate).
Conclusions Regarding the Value Momentum Trend Index Process
We’ve spent a lot of time developing systematic processes that seek to capture the value premium (i.e., Quantitative Value Indexes), the momentum premium (i.e., Quantitative Momentum Indexes), and seek to prevent large drawdowns via our systematic trend-following process. Each of our processes can be used in specialized cases and to solve specialized problems. However, our Value Momentum Trend Indexes seek to package our best ideas into one approach. For some investors, this may be a more appropriate approach, as opposed to utilizing the individual value, momentum, and trend components. We leave this up to the investor and/or their advisors to determine.
In the end, the Value Momentum Trend Index processes seek to deliver focused exposure in what we believe are the three most robust factors in investing: value, momentum, and trend.
Buy ’em cheap; buy ’em strong; and hold ’em long…but only when the trend if your friend
— Wesley R. Gray and Jack R. Vogel, co-CIOs Alpha Architect
Information on our Quantitative Value Indexes is available here.
Here are some specific research/educational materials:
- Factsheet
- Education Materials
- Monthly Returns
Note: This site provides no information on our value investing ETFs or our momentum investing ETFs. Please refer to this site.
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Please remember that past performance is not an indicator of future results. Please read our full disclaimer. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Alpha Architect, its affiliates or its employees. This material has been provided to you solely for information and educational purposes and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer or any advice or recommendation to purchase any securities or other financial instruments and may not be construed as such. The factual information set forth herein has been obtained or derived from sources believed by the author and Alpha Architect to be reliable but it is not necessarily all-inclusive and is not guaranteed as to its accuracy and is not to be regarded as a representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the information’s accuracy or completeness, nor should the attached information serve as the basis of any investment decision. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission from Alpha Architect.
Definitions of common statistics used in our analysis are available here (towards the bottom)
References
| 1. | ? | For a $100 investment, the strategy uses leverage to purchase $150 worth of value and momentum securities, while holding a constant $50 broad-market short position in the portfolio. So $100 is value and momentum beta and $50 is value and momentum alpha, as there is a bet that Value and Momentum securities will outperform the broad market. A more detailed explanation is below in the text. |
| 2. | ? |
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| 3. | ? |
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| 4. | ? | This is especially important because our Quantitative Momentum Indexes are substantially more volatile than our Quantitative Value Indexes |
| 5. | ? | see risk parity for dummies |
| 6. | ? | Here is a post where we examined domestic equity returns from 1/1/1801 until 9/30/15 using our trend system. |
| 7. | ? | Details on this study are found here. |
| 8. | ? | Note that T = # of trend following rule triggers. Rule #1: Time-series trend; Rule #2: Moving Average trend |
| 9. | ? | Note that we apply the trend rules to the U.S. allocation and International allocation separately, as described below in the text. |
| 10. | ? | These are the weights (U.S. or International) to the long book of the risk-parity weighted portfolio |
| 11. | ? | In more detailed analysis we examine the beta of our Indexes against a variety of factor models (CAPM, FF 3-factor, Carhart 4-Factor, FF 5-factor, and AQR 6-factor) and confirm that the beta is typically around .5. |
| 12. | ? | Simulated Historical Performance: 1/1/1995 to 12/31/2016
All returns are total returns and include the reinvestment of distributions (e.g., dividends). Interest earned is assumed to be 90-day T-Bill minus 0.5%; Interest paid is assumed to be 90-day T-Bill plus 0.5%. ROBUST Trend-Following rules are calculated based on underlying passive asset class benchmark (i.e., QVAL INDEX is based on SP500 TR Index). 50% 12-month time series momentum rule and 50% 12-month simple moving average rule. Legend
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Article by Wesley R. Gray, Ph.D. – Alpha Architect
