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What Is T-Distribution in Trading? What Is T-Distribution in Trading? In the financial markets, understanding T-distribution in probability is a valuable skill. This statistical concept, crucial for small sample sizes, offers insights into market trends and risks. By grasping T-distribution, traders gain a powerful tool for evaluating strategies, risks, and portfolios. Let's delve into what T-distribution is and how it's effectively used in the realm of trading. Understanding T-Distribution The T-distribution in probability distribution plays a crucial role in trading, especially in situations where sample sizes are small. William Sealy Gosset first introduced it under the pseudonym "Student". This distribution resembles the normal distribution with its bell-shaped curve but has thicker tails, meaning it predicts more outcomes in the extreme ends than a normal distribution would. A key element of T-distribution is the concept of 'degrees of freedom', which essentially refers to the number of values in a calculation that are free to vary. It's usually the sample size minus one. The degrees of freedom affect the shape of the T-distribution; with fewer degrees of freedom, the distribution has heavier tails. As the degrees of freedom increase, the distribution starts to resemble the normal distribution more closely. This is particularly significant in trading when dealing with small data sets, where the T-distribution provides a more accurate estimation of probability and risk than the normal distribution. T-Distribution vs Normal Distribution T-distribution and normal distribution are foundational in statistical analysis, yet they serve different purposes. While both exhibit a bell-shaped curve, the T-distribution has thicker tails, implying a higher probability of extreme values. This makes it more suitable for small sample sizes or when the standard deviation is unknown. In contrast, the normal distribution, with its thinner tails, is ideal for larger sample sets where the standard deviation is known. Traders often use T-distribution for more accurate analysis in small-scale or uncertain data scenarios, while normal distribution is preferred for larger, more stable datasets, where extreme outcomes are less likely. Application in Trading In trading, T-distribution is a valuable tool for analysing financial data. It is primarily used in constructing confidence intervals and conducting hypothesis testing, which are essential for making informed trading decisions. For instance, a trader might use T-distribution to test the effectiveness of a new trading strategy. Suppose a trader has developed a strategy using the technical analysis tools and wants to understand its potential effectiveness compared to the general market performance. They would collect a sample of returns from this strategy over a period, say, 30 days. Given the small sample size, using T-distribution is appropriate here. The trader would then calculate the mean return of this sample and use T-distribution to create a confidence interval. This interval would provide a range within which the true mean return of the strategy is likely to lie, with a certain level of confidence. If this confidence interval shows a higher mean return than the market average, the trader might conclude that the strategy is potentially effective. However, it's important to note that this is an estimation and not a guarantee of future performance. How to Plug Probability and Normal Distribution in Your T-Calculation To use a T-calculator for integrating probability and normal distribution, follow these steps: - Input Degrees of Freedom: For T-distribution, calculate the degrees of freedom (sample size minus one). - Convert Z-Score to T-Value: If using normal distribution data, convert the Z-score (standard deviation units from the mean in a normal distribution) to a T-value using the formula: T = Z * (sqrt(n)), where 'n' is the sample size. - Enter T-Value: Input this T-value into the calculator. - Calculate Probability: The calculator will then output the probability, providing a statistical basis for trading decisions based on the T-distribution. Limitations and Considerations of T-Distribution While T-distribution is a powerful tool in trading analysis, it's important to recognise its limitations and considerations: - Sample Size Sensitivity: T-distribution is most effective with small sample sizes. As the sample size increases, it converges to a normal distribution, reducing its distinct utility. - Assumption of Normality: T-distribution assumes that the underlying data is approximately normally distributed. This may not hold true for all financial data sets, especially those with significant skewness or kurtosis. - Degrees of Freedom Complications: Misestimating degrees of freedom can lead to inaccurate results. It's crucial to calculate this correctly based on the sample data. - Outlier Sensitivity: T-distribution can be overly sensitive to outliers in the data, which can skew results. Advanced Applications of T-Distribution in Trading T-distribution extends beyond basic trading applications, playing a role in advanced financial analyses: - Risk Modelling: Utilised in constructing sophisticated risk models, helping traders assess the probability of extreme losses. - Algorithmic Trading: Integral in developing complex algorithms. - Portfolio Optimisation: Assists in optimising portfolios by estimating returns and risks of various assets. - Market Research: Used in advanced market research methodologies to analyse small sample behavioural studies. The Bottom Line The T-distribution is a powerful tool, offering nuanced insights in scenarios involving small sample sizes or uncertain standard deviations. Its ability to accommodate real-world data's quirks makes it invaluable for various trading applications, from strategy testing to risk assessment. However, understanding its limitations and proper application is crucial for accurate analysis. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
NASDAQ:TSLAEducation
by FXOpen
1
How to Apply Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) to Trading?How to Apply Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) to Trading? Harry Markowitz’s Modern Portfolio Theory revolutionised investing by providing a structured way to balance potential risk and returns. By focusing on diversification and understanding how assets interact, MPT helps traders and investors build efficient portfolios tailored to their goals. This article explores “What is MPT,” the core principles of MPT, its practical applications, and its limitations, offering insights into why it remains a foundational concept in modern finance. What Is Modern Portfolio Theory? Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) is a financial framework designed to help investors build a portfolio that balances potential risk and returns in the most efficient way possible. Introduced by economist Harry Markowitz in 1952, MPT is grounded in the idea that diversification—spreading investments across different assets—can reduce overall risk without necessarily sacrificing returns. At its core, MPT focuses on how assets within a portfolio interact with each other, not just their individual performance. Each asset has two key attributes: expected return, which represents the potential gains based on historical performance, and risk, often measured as the volatility of those returns. The theory emphasises that it’s not enough to look at assets in isolation. Instead, their relationships—measured by correlation—are critical. For instance, combining assets that move in opposite directions during market shifts can stabilise overall portfolio performance. A central concept of Markowitz’s model is the efficient frontier. This is a graphical representation of portfolios that deliver the highest possible return for a given level of risk. Portfolios below the efficient frontier are considered suboptimal, as they expose investors to unnecessary risk without sufficient returns. MPT also categorises risk into two types: systematic risk, which affects the entire market (like economic recessions), and unsystematic risk, which is specific to an individual company or sector. Diversification can only address unsystematic risk, making asset selection a key part of portfolio construction. To illustrate, imagine a portfolio that mixes equities, bonds, and commodities. Equities may offer high potential returns but come with volatility. Bonds and commodities, often less correlated with stocks, can act as stabilisers, potentially reducing overall risk while maintaining growth potential. The Core Principles of MPT Markowitz’s Portfolio Theory is built on a few foundational principles that guide how investors can construct portfolios to balance potential risk and returns. 1. Diversification Reduces Risk Diversification is the cornerstone of MPT. By spreading investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographic regions, traders can reduce unsystematic risk. For example, holding shares in both a tech company and an energy firm limits the impact of a downturn in either industry. The idea is simple: assets that behave differently in various market conditions create a portfolio that’s less volatile overall. 2. The Risk-Return Trade-Off Investors face a constant balancing act between potential risk and returns. Higher potential returns often come with higher risk, while so-called safer investments tend to deliver lower potential returns. MPT quantifies this relationship, allowing investors to choose a risk level they’re comfortable with while maximising their potential returns. For instance, a trader with a low risk tolerance might lean towards a portfolio with bonds and dividend-paying stocks, whereas someone with a higher tolerance may include more volatile emerging market equities. 3. Correlation Matters One of MPT’s key insights is that not all assets move in the same direction at the same time. The correlation between assets is crucial. Low or negative correlation—where one asset tends to rise as the other falls—helps stabilise portfolios. For example, government bonds often perform well when stock markets drop, making them a popular addition to equity-heavy portfolios. How the MPT Works in Practice Modern Portfolio Theory takes theoretical concepts and applies them to real-world investment decisions, helping traders and investors design portfolios that align with their goals and risk tolerance. Here’s how it works step by step. The Efficient Frontier in Action The efficient frontier is a visual representation of optimal portfolios. Imagine plotting potential portfolios on a graph, with risk on the x-axis and expected return on the y-axis. Portfolios on the efficient frontier offer the highest possible return for each level of risk. For example, if two portfolios have the same level of risk but one offers higher returns, MPT identifies it as the better choice. Investors aim to build portfolios that lie on or near this frontier. Portfolio Optimisation The goal of Markowitz’s portfolio optimisation is to combine assets in a way that balances potential risk and returns. This involves analysing the expected returns, standard deviations (volatility), and correlations of potential investments. For instance, a mix of stocks, government bonds, and commodities might be optimised to maximise possible returns while minimising overall portfolio volatility. Technology, like portfolio management software, often assists in running complex Modern Portfolio Theory formulas, like expected portfolio returns, portfolio variance, and risk-adjusted returns. Risk-Adjusted Metrics Investors also evaluate portfolios using metrics like the Sharpe ratio, which measures returns relative to risk. A higher Sharpe ratio typically indicates a more efficient portfolio. For example, a portfolio with diverse holdings might deliver similar returns to one concentrated in equities but with less volatility. Adaptability to Changing Markets While the theory relies on historical data, Markowitz’s Portfolio Theory is adaptable. Investors frequently rebalance their portfolios, adjusting asset allocations as markets shift. For example, if equities outperform and dominate the portfolio, a trader may sell some and reinvest in bonds to maintain the desired risk level. Limitations and Criticisms of MPT Modern Portfolio Theory has reshaped how we think about investing, but it’s not without its flaws. While it offers a structured framework for balancing possible risk and returns, its assumptions and practical limitations can present challenges. Assumption of Rational Behaviour MPT assumes that investors always act rationally, basing decisions on logic and complete information. In reality, emotions, biases, and unpredictable behaviour play significant roles in markets. For example, during a financial crisis, fear can lead to widespread selling, regardless of an asset’s theoretical value. Ignoring Tail Risks The model underestimates the impact of extreme, rare events, known as tail risks. These events, including economic collapses or geopolitical crises, can significantly disrupt even well-diversified portfolios. Dependence on Historical Data The theory relies on historical data to estimate risk, returns, and correlations. However, past performance doesn’t always reflect future outcomes. During major market disruptions, correlations between assets—normally stable—can spike, reducing the effectiveness of diversification. For instance, in the 2008 financial crisis, many traditionally uncorrelated assets fell simultaneously. Simplified Risk Measures MPT equates risk with volatility, which doesn’t always capture the full picture. Sharp price swings don’t necessarily mean an asset is risky, and relatively stable prices don’t guarantee reliability. This narrow definition can lead to overlooking other important factors, like liquidity or credit risk. How Investors and Traders Use MPT Today Modern Portfolio Theory remains a cornerstone of investment strategy, and its principles are widely applied in portfolio construction, asset allocation, and diversification. Portfolio Construction and Asset Allocation Central to Modern Portfolio Theory is asset allocation: determining the optimal mix of assets based on an investor’s risk tolerance and goals. A classic example is the 60/40 portfolio, which allocates 60% to equities for growth and 40% to bonds for so-called stability. This balance aims to provide steady possible returns with reduced volatility over time. Another well-known approach is Ray Dalio’s All-Weather Portfolio, designed to perform across various economic conditions. It includes: - 30% stocks - 40% long-term bonds - 15% intermediate bonds - 7.5% gold - 7.5% commodities This portfolio reflects MPT's emphasis on diversification and risk management, spreading investments across asset classes that respond differently to market shifts. Alternative Investments and Diversification MPT has evolved to include alternative investments like real estate, private equity, crypto*, hedge funds, and even carbon credits. These assets often have lower correlations with traditional markets, enhancing diversification. For example, real estate might perform well during inflationary periods, offsetting potential declines in equities. Investors also consider geographic diversification, combining domestic and international assets to balance regional risks. Implications for Traders While MPT is often associated with long-term investing, its principles can inform trading strategies. For instance, traders might diversify their positions across uncorrelated markets, such as equities and commodities, to reduce overall portfolio volatility. Dynamic position sizing—adjusting exposure based on market conditions—also aligns with MPT’s risk-return framework. The Bottom Line The Modern Portfolio Theory offers valuable insights into balancing possible risk and returns, helping traders and investors create diversified, resilient portfolios. While it has its limitations, MPT’s principles remain widely used in portfolio construction and trading strategies. FAQ What Is the Modern Portfolio Theory? The Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) is a framework that helps investors construct portfolios to balance possible risk and returns. It emphasises diversification, using statistical analysis to combine assets with varying risk and return profiles to reduce volatility and optimise potential income. What Are the Two Key Ideas of Modern Portfolio Theory? MPT focuses on two main concepts: diversification and the risk-return trade-off. Diversification spreads investments across assets to potentially reduce risk, while the risk-return trade-off seeks to maximise possible returns for a given level of risk. What Are the Most Important Factors in Modern Portfolio Theory? Key factors include expected returns, risk (measured by volatility), and correlation between assets. These elements determine how assets interact within a portfolio, enabling investors to build an efficient mix that aligns with their risk tolerance and goals. What Are the Disadvantages of Modern Portfolio Theory? MPT assumes rational behaviour and relies on historical data, which does not predict future market behaviour. It also underestimates extreme events and simplifies risk by equating it solely with volatility. *Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
FXOPEN:XAUUSDEducation
by FXOpen
1
$BABA | Allocation & Watchlist | Market Exec & Buy Stops |Technical Confluences: - Price action has been consolidating between a Wedge pattern - Price action is at a Demand Zone of all-time lows - Price is starting to slowly break above the 200MA - A break above the resistance trendline (been a good support/resistance TL) would be a significant move. Fundamental Confluences: - Considerably cheap valuations - Still one of the largest e-commerce players, don't see it dropping it off anytime soon - China's economy has been weakening and we are seeing efforts by the China government to help boost back the domestic economy. Potential for revenue boost. ________________________________ Putting in my first tranche of NYSE:BABA allocation for my Long-Term portfolio. Gonna be holding this share for years and will continue adding position with Buy Stop orders. Remember, DYOR. ________________________________ Boosts 🚀, Follows ✌️, Shares 🙌 & Comments ✍️ are much appreciated! If you have any ideas or charts, do share them in the 'Comments' section below and we can discuss our perspectives to improve or strengthen our strategies. If you want something analyzed, do drop me a DM. :D ________________________________ Disclaimer: The above suggestion is an personal opinion in general and does not constitute as investment advice. Any decisions taken based on the above suggestion is purely your own risks. DYOR.
NYSE:BABALong
by weekendanalyst
5
$SPY | Watchlist D1 | Buy Limit |Technical Confluences: - Recent Elliott wave count shows that we are now in a Wave 4 retracement - Price action seemed to have topped out at the 50% Fibo Extension for now (Ending Wave 3) - Price action may test the Supply Zone again before retracing downwards towards the Horizontal Trendline and the 38% or 50% Retracement Fibo Fundamental Confluences: - US economic outlook is weak currently and valuations needs to normalize before we make a new high - Businesses are suffering from high interest rate environment and for the FED to cut, growth needs to show definite weakness, which we are starting to see. - A FED cut will not instantly improve business prospects again as interest rate changes takes time to seep into the economy - Investors will also be wary about the upcoming elections as government policies may affect business activities ________________________________ Watching the Demand Zones as levels to begin some of my portfolio allocation into AMEX:SPY Will place my Buy Limit orders for the it. Remember, DYOR. ________________________________ Boosts 🚀, Follows ✌️, Shares 🙌 & Comments ✍️ are much appreciated! If you have any ideas or charts, do share them in the 'Comments' section below and we can discuss our perspectives to improve or strengthen our strategies. If you want something analyzed, do drop me a DM. :D ________________________________ Disclaimer: The above suggestion is an personal opinion in general and does not constitute as investment advice. Any decisions taken based on the above suggestion is purely your own risks. DYOR.
AMEX:SPY
by weekendanalyst
4
$CELH | Buy Potential D1 | Market Exec | Technical Confluences: - Elliot wave may have completed Wave 4 and begin the Wave 5 move - Price action is close to the 78% Fibo levels and a Demand zone (Yellow Zone) area. - Stochastics are at Oversold levels on both Weekly & Daily timeframes (TF) Fundamental Confluences: - Earnings was positive with both domestic & international revenue increasing, EPS beat, EBITDA also up - Slowly gaining market share in the Energy drinks segment ________________________________ I see these levels as good for me to being some allocation of my Portfolio into $CELH. Blue Zones & Fibo Extension levels (in Blue) will be the starting point of some my TP levels. Remember, DYOR. ________________________________ Boosts 🚀, Follows ✌️, Shares 🙌 & Comments ✍️ are much appreciated! If you have any ideas or charts, do share them in the 'Comments' section below and we can discuss our perspectives to improve or strengthen our strategies. If you want something analyzed, do drop me a DM. :D ________________________________ Disclaimer: The above suggestion is an personal opinion in general and does not constitute as investment advice. Any decisions taken based on the above suggestion is purely your own risks. DYOR.
NASDAQ:CELHLong
by weekendanalyst
How to Build Your Portfolio Like a Professional InstitutionInvesting at the institutional level involves a sophisticated blend of strategies, risk management, and performance measurement to achieve optimal returns. One of the cornerstones of creating an institutional-grade portfolio is the use of optimization methods, with particular focus on ratios such as the Sharpe Ratio, Sortino Ratio, and Omega Ratio. In this guide, we'll delve into what these ratios are, how they differ, and when to use each to construct a robust institutional-grade portfolio. Understanding the Ratios Sharpe Ratio Definition : The Sharpe Ratio, developed by Nobel laureate William F. Sharpe, measures the performance of an investment compared to a risk-free asset, after adjusting for its risk. It is calculated by subtracting the risk-free rate from the return of the portfolio and dividing by the standard deviation of the portfolio's excess returns. Usefulness : This ratio helps investors understand how much excess return they are receiving for the extra volatility that they endure for holding a riskier asset. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates a more attractive risk-adjusted return. Sortino Ratio Definition : Similar to the Sharpe Ratio, the Sortino Ratio also measures the risk-adjusted return of an investment portfolio. However, it differs by only considering downside volatility (negative returns) rather than the total volatility of returns. Usefulness : This focus on downside risk makes the Sortino Ratio particularly useful for investors who are more concerned about potential losses than the overall volatility. A higher Sortino Ratio indicates that the portfolio is efficiently earning more on its downside risk. Omega Ratio Definition : The Omega Ratio is a more comprehensive measure that divides the returns above a certain threshold (typically the risk-free rate) by the returns below that threshold. It considers all the moments of the distribution of returns, not just the first two moments (mean and variance) like the Sharpe and Sortino ratios. Usefulness : This ratio is especially valuable for portfolios that do not follow a normal distribution of returns, providing a more holistic view of performance across different risk levels. A higher Omega Ratio indicates better performance per unit of risk. How They Differ The primary difference among these ratios lies in how they measure risk and returns: Sharpe Ratio considers the total volatility (standard deviation) of portfolio returns, treating all volatility as equal. Sortino Ratio improves on this by focusing only on downside risk, which is more relevant for investors concerned about losses. Omega Ratio goes further by considering the entire distribution of returns, offering insights into the performance across all levels of risk. Situational Use Sharpe Ratio : Ideal for general comparisons of portfolio performance where the investor is concerned with both upside and downside volatility. It's particularly useful when comparing portfolios or investments with similar risk profiles. This ratio is commonly used by most large financial institutions due to the large sums of money they manage and ensuring portfolio stability is prioritized over larger profits. Sortino Ratio : Best used when the investor's primary concern is with the downside risk rather than total volatility. This ratio is suitable for portfolios where strategies are aimed at minimizing losses rather than capturing every potential upside. This ratio is used by investors who are able to stomach more volatility in their portfolio in return for a higher probability of gains while effectively reducing equity downside. Omega Ratio : Most beneficial for analyzing portfolios with non-normal distributions of returns, such as those including options, leveraged investments, or hedge funds. It provides a nuanced view of performance across different levels of risk, making it suitable for sophisticated investment strategies that aim to manage risk in a more granular manner. Due to the nature of this ratio, only investors who have a larger risk appetite and require aggressive growth should use this ratio as the omega ratio will not necessarily be affected by high portfolio drawdowns as long as the runups are significantly higher. This means a portfolio could experience a 60% drawdown, followed by a 1000% runup, and the Omega Ratio calculation would return a high value as the probability of gains still outweigh the probability of losses. Conclusion Constructing an institutional-grade portfolio requires a nuanced understanding of both the opportunities and risks present in the investment landscape. By leveraging the Sharpe, Sortino, and Omega ratios, investors can better assess the risk-adjusted performance of their portfolios, tailoring their investment strategies to meet specific risk and return objectives. Whether you're managing a conservative fund focused on minimizing losses or a dynamic portfolio seeking to capitalize on market inefficiencies, these ratios provide critical insights that can help optimize your investment approach for superior risk-adjusted returns.
NASDAQ:TSLAEducation
by AlgoAlpha
2
ETH vs BTC? It depends: See why!The TPI (Trend Probability Indicator) tells you if the trend of an asset-class or commodity is bearish or bullish. It has values that range from -1 to +1, where -1 is bearish, and +1 is bullish. Values between -0.2 - 0.2 are neutral, and we expect market to be ranging and mean reverting at that TPI score. The TPI works on all timeframes above the 4H timeframe. I use it to manage a modern portfolio where I use longs and shorts. Here is how I try to mitigate my risk, and maximize my profits by for example reading when ETH will out/underperform BTC.
by IkkeOmar
How Much Gold Does Your Portfolio Need?Economists make forecasts to make weathermen look good. Trying to forecast trends in complex systems is never easy. As with weather, financial markets are influenced by a myriad of factors which can make prediction akin to gambling. Time in the market beats timing the market so a far safer bet is building a diversified and informed portfolio. As mentioned in our previous paper , gold is a crucial addition to any well-diversified portfolio. Gold offers investors the benefits of resilience during crises, diversification, and low volatility while also being a good hedge against inflation. With crisis ever-present, from pandemics and geo-political conflict to financial instability and recession, uncertainty is on everyone’s lips, including central banks which bought a record 1,135 tonnes of gold last year. Central Banks have shown no signs of slowdown going into 2023, buying 74t in Jan and 52t in Feb, the strongest start to central bank buying since 2010. It is clear why, with rising global inflation due to 2 years of unprecedented QE. A decade of cheap money has its costs which are coming back to bite both consumers and central banks. This is now being played with collapsing banks and crumbling businesses. Though governments may term these exceptions, they’re the inevitable consequence of hiking rates too fast. And even though inflation has now started to cool, it is proving stubborn and the risk of recession looms. In crisis, institutions and individuals rush to gold. It’s no wonder then that gold prices spiked in March nearing an All-Time-High above USD 2,000/oz. Gold continues to trade above the key 2000 level even in April. Even now crises show no sign of slowing. Recession talks have become commonplace and phantoms of 2008 haunt with bank collapses. The world is increasingly moving towards reshoring and friendshoring, and de-dollarization is talked about more and more. It is almost inevitable that gold will break its all-time-high soon. But, buying gold is the easy part, in fact, our previous paper covered 6 Ways to Invest in Gold. Managing gold as part of a larger portfolio is more nuanced. Allocating the right amount, finding the right entry, and knowing when to cash out are all critical. This paper aims to address two questions – 1. What are the key drivers of gold prices in this decade 2. How should investors use gold in balancing portfolios to navigate turbulent times? What Propels Gold After Its All Time High? SVB and Credit Suisse pushed it to its brink. In fact, spot prices in India, Australia, and the UK sailed even above their All-Time-High. But what propels gold now? Financial Instability Was Credit Suisse the End? “The current crisis is not yet over, and even when it is behind us, there will be repercussions from it for years to come.” - Jamie Dimon Unfortunately, Credit Suisse was likely just a symptom of the larger problem. 2-years of near-free money has inevitably led others to make risky bets which catch up to them during periods of QT. Additionally, Credit Suisse and SVB’s collapse were both set off by an unprecedentedly aggressive rate hiking cycle. Fed is stuck between a rock and a hard place as they try to control runaway inflation with aggressive rate hikes. Higher rates for longer increase the risks of financial instability. Stubborn Inflation and Recession Risks Stubborn inflation? Wasn’t inflation on its way down after almost a year? Yes and No. Although yearly inflation has definitely cooled in most countries from their peak last year, inflation continues to tick up month-by-month above the targets that central banks have set for themselves. It is not expected to reach below their targets even before 2025 in many countries. This is because although energy and commodity prices have cooled with demand waning, core inflation continues to remain stubbornly high. Additionally, food and energy prices are still volatile. On the back of this, recession risks remain high. Recently released FOMC meeting minutes showed that officials expect a recession in the second half of the year. A recession in many countries now seems inevitable. Gold shines during recession and high-inflation environments. High Interest Rates Wasn’t the Fed done hiking? Currently, CME’s FedWatch tool shows a ~72% chance of another 25bps hike next month despite the surprisingly low US CPI print. Does another 25bps matter? What’s more important is that 25bps is the peak rate and most central banks are calling this summit a pause and not a pivot. As such, rates will likely remain high for the remainder of 2023. Gold tends to perform well during high interest rate and risk-off environments. Escalating Tensions, Friendshoring, and De-Dollarization Last but definitely not least are central banks and their gold-buying binge. Though some of this can be explained by the ultra-high inflation. It is undeniably also driven by rising political tensions. The conflict in Ukraine continues to rage and the US extend its trade war against China with the CHIPS act. This is driving many of the largest economies to reshore and friendshore key supply chains. This also means relying less on the USD which can be weaponized by the US. De-dollarization has been underway for the last 23 years as the share of USD holdings in foreign exchange reserves has declined from 71.5% to 58.3% over the past 23 years. Current conditions make it more likely that the trend will accelerate. Gold inevitably benefits from all of this as it is one of the only assets that no other central bank can print or freeze. All of these factors will likely drive gold in the coming decade. But instead of setting a price target, investors can be prudent and methodical by properly allocating it as part of a larger portfolio. Using Gold in a Portfolio From 2000 until now, the following portfolios would deliver: Since 2000, gold has been the best performing asset out of the 3 main components of a basic portfolio – Large Cap stocks (SPY), Treasury Bonds (10Y), and Gold. Gold price has risen 609% compared to SPY at +193%. Investing in 10-year maturity treasury bonds would have netted investors 110% during these 23 years. As such, larger portfolio allocation towards gold would have yielded investors far more during this period. However, this comes at the downside of higher volatility. Gold has had an average 12-month rolling volatility of 15.8% over the last 23 years, slightly higher than SPY’s 14%. Still, not all volatility is bad, especially if the returns outweigh the risk. Volatility to the upside can be beneficial to investors. In order to measure the returns from the portfolio after accounting for higher volatility-associated risk, investors can measure the risk-adjusted returns using the Sharpe Ratio and Sortino Ratio. Sharpe Ratio measures the amount of excess return generated by taking on additional volatility-related risk. The higher the Sharpe Ratio, the better the portfolio is performing relative to its risk. The figure below contains the Sharpe Ratio for each of the portfolios across the last 23 years. Since each year had a different risk-free rate due to changing monetary policy, the Sharpe ratios vary for every year and there are periods during which gold-heavy portfolios have highest Sharpe ratios and others where it has the lowest. This highlights gold's sensitivity to changes in monetary policy. Sortino Ratio also measures risk-adjusted returns like the Sharpe Ratio however it only considers the risk of downside volatility. In other words, it measures return for every unit of downside risk. The figure below contains the Sortino Ratio for each of the portfolios. A key difference between the Sharpe and Sortino Ratios can be seen in the readings for 2009. Sharpe Ratio for a gold-heavy portfolio is the lowest in 2009 due to high volatility in gold prices. However, since this was volatility to the upside, the Sortino Ratio for a gold-heavy portfolio in 2009 is the highest. In 2023, a Gold heavy portfolio has performed the best and has the highest Sharpe and Sortino Ratio due to gold's relative overperformance amid the banking crisis. DISCLAIMER This case study is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services. Trading or investment ideas cited here are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management or trading under the market scenarios being discussed. Please read the FULL DISCLAIMER the link to which is provided in our profile description.
COMEX:GC1!Education
by mintdotfinance
4
WhoTrades Marketplace: Intriguing Portfolios To Watch AheadIn our last article, we looked at some of the best performing portfolios on the WhoTrades Marketplace. This time, we are looking at portfolios that were flat to down this past year and making an assessment of their future prospects going into 2018. Winning in the markets is difficult to do and just about everyone is going to lose money at some point. Even though US equities are up approximately 20% in 2017, those who have had more exposure in unpopular sectors (e.g., telecom, energy, retail), over-concentrated in certain securities, or followed a “value” strategy more broadly likely haven’t done as well. But there are still things that can be learned from portfolios that have underperformed, just as those that have performed better than or in line with the market. So let’s go through a few: Full article can be found on WhoTrades .
SP:SPX
by zbuckley