
Data costs are huge, and there’s nothing anybody can do about it…
We’ve talked at length about the move to algorithmic trading, the quant revolution and the billions of dollars that investors have been pouring into the space. But all isn’t rainbows and lollipops in the quant world these days. While the growth and general spend on quants is still growing, the data costs associated with these […]

Asset Class Scoreboard: October 2019
Last year at this time we were labeling the asset class scoreboard Red October due to dismal returns by nearly every class. So, what should we label it now? Pos-i-tober…..? Mehh, we’ll keep working on the name while Managed Futures needs to get to work on creating some positive returns. Hopefully we finish out the […]

SEMI-ANNUAL MANAGED FUTURES RANKINGS (UPDATED OCTOBER 2019)
Semi-Annual Managed Futures Outlook in 60 seconds: Our outlook ranks the top funds across 8 different categories, because no two investors are alike in what they are seeking out of an alternative investment. See the top manager from each category below and download the full whitepaper to see additional top performing programs. More than […]

What is seen more often – All-time Highs or Drawdowns?
CNBC and the financial press LOVE all time highs. What else would you put on the front page on a day that all is well in the world and the US stock market is at all time highs. The story writes itself when the market arbitrarily prints a few points above some prior arbitrary print. […]

A Big List of Alternative Investment Folks on Twitter
We all love listicles, amiright? Well this particular listicle is our favorite because it gives an in-depth look at the Fintwit world and who is talking Alts on Twitterverse, segmented for easy reading (& tagged for easy following) . We obviously have to put ourselves at the top of the list! @rcmAlts – RCM Alternatives @rcmx_algos – […]

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.