Managed Futures Mutual Funds Exposed
It’s been over a year since we last dedicated a newsletter to the so-called managed futures mutual fund/ETF, and we thought it was high time we revisited the subject. While their performance then and to date has continued to be lackluster and well below managed futures as an asset class, it doesn’t seem to have hurt the popularity of the idea, with several smaller players now joining the fray to the tune of 19 such funds now clamoring after investor’s managed futures money. We found ourselves scratching our heads. Just why is so much money pouring into these so-called managed futures mutual funds when they have done very little in the way of performance? Are the investors in so-called managed futures mutual funds really understanding what they are getting? Well, we’re going to do our part to make sure those investors do know what they are getting, with an in-depth look at these products, and, unfortunately for the product managers, our research into the full universe of these publically traded products unearthed even more levels of complexity than we saw previously.
Managed Futures Finish February Up 0.85%
Another month has drawn to a close, and managed futures look to have shaken off the January blues with slight gains in the extended version of February. Based on preliminary data from the Newedge CTA Index, we are estimating managed futures as an asset class finished February up 0.85%.
Say Hello to Sunrise Capital
It’s always nice to sit down and meet with CTAs face-to-face. It goes back to that qualitative element of due diligence in managed futures that Attain emphasizes. We’re not going to recommend a program that we can’t express faith in, and nothing can solidify (or decimate) faith in a program the way looking a manager in the eye does.
Such was the case in yesterday’s meeting with the folks from Sunrise Capital. A larger ($10 million minimum) program based in San Diego, Sunrise is no stranger to the managed futures space, with an extensive track record and attractive pedigree of staff. For us, though, the appeal is in the way they distinguish themselves from their peers. Their flagship program is, in some ways, a traditional trend following program that stems from manager Gary Davis’ and Rick Slaughter’s self-taught stylistics; in the case of Rick, since his college days. When it comes to industry reputation and reverence, they are in the Bill Eckhardt and Richard Dennis category, and were on the ground level as managed futures blossomed in the 1970’s. But that may be where the comparisons to industry stalwarts end, only because their risk management approach is so sophisticated and nuanced that it seems to put them in a category all their own.
Some Leap Year Fun
It’s not every year that has 366 days… it’s every fourth (except for years divisible by 100, excluding those divisible by 400). Even that system isn’t quite precise enough to keep our calendar on track, so we have leap seconds, too. (Watch out for that extra second on June 30th this year).
But do all of these calendar shenanigans have an effect on the market? One more tick of the second hand isn’t likely to change anything, but what about a whole extra 24 hours?
Show me the Money!
If you haven’t seen Jerry Maguire, you should, but if you haven’t, there’s one exchange you’ve probably at least heard colloquially referenced at some point- a rather famous scene where agent Jerry Maguire is being goaded by client Tidwell into yelling, “Show me the money!” Tidwell wants to see the dollar signs, and we don’t […]
Disclaimers
Managed futures, commodity trading, forex trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. You should not rely on any of the information as a substitute for the exercise of your own skill and judgment in making such a decision on the appropriateness of such investments.
The entries on this blog are intended to further subscribers understanding, education, and – at times – enjoyment of the world of alternative investments. Unless distinctly noted otherwise, the data and graphs included herein are intended to be mere examples and exhibits of the topic discussed, are for educational and illustrative purposes only, and do not represent trading in actual accounts. Opinions expressed are that of the author.
The mention of specific asset class performance (i.e. +3.2%, -4.6%) is based on the noted source index (i.e. Newedge CTA Index, S&P 500 Index, etc.), and investors should take care to understand that any index performance is for the constituents of that index only, and does not represent the entire universe of possible investments within that asset class. And further, that there can be limitations and biases to indices such as survivorship, self reporting, and instant history.
The performance data for various Commodity Trading Advisor (“CTA”) and Commodity Pools are compiled from various sources, including Barclay Hedge, RCM’s own estimates of performance based on account managed by advisors on its books, and reports directly from the advisors. These performance figures should not be relied on independent of the individual advisor’s disclosure document, which has important information regarding the method of calculation used, whether or not the performance includes proprietary results, and other important footnotes on the advisor’s track record.
The mention of general asset class performance (i.e. managed futures did well, stocks were down, bonds were up) is based on RCM’s direct experience in those asset classes, estimates of performance of dozens of CTAs followed by RCM, and averaging of various indices designed to track said asset classes.
The mention of market based performance (i.e. Corn was up 5% today) reflects all available information as of the time and date of the publication.
The owner of this blog, RCM Alternatives, may receive various forms of compensation from certain investment managers highlighted and/or mentioned within the blog, including but not limited to retaining: a portion of trade commissions, a portion of the fees charged to investors by the investment managers, a portion of the fees for operating a fund for the investment managers via affiliate Attain Portfolio Advisors, or via direct payment for marketing services.
Managed Futures Disclaimer:
Past Performance is Not Necessarily Indicative of Future Results. The regulations of the CFTC require that prospective clients of a managed futures program (CTA) receive a disclosure document when they are solicited to enter into an agreement whereby the CTA will direct or guide the client’s commodity interest trading and that certain risk factors be highlighted. The disclosure document contains a complete description of the principal risk factors and each fee to be charged to your account by the CTA.
See the full terms of use and risk disclaimer here.
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