What’s Happened Thus Far in 2016
Twenty-sixteen is proving to be quite a cyclical year. What started as a free fall for stocks, world stocks, bonds, and commodities in the first two months ended with a quick recovery the months following. At one point the current leaders on the scoreboard were down -7.74% (World Stocks) -7.25% (Commodities) -5.11% (Stocks) and -4.80% […]
Are Alternative Investments Worth It?
We’ve been waiting… and waiting… and waiting… for the markets. to. finally. move. With the election over, we’re now seeing it unravel. The U.S. Dollar Index is at levels not seen since 2003, Copper has roared up 20% in a week, and Gold is getting crushed. And that short list doesn’t include the biggest “market” […]
Just Like that – An Explosion of Financials Volatility
A couple of weeks ago, Managed Futures managers were begging for volatility. There was none to be found in the financial markets, but it’s a totally different story post-election. Whether you want to look at the surging U.S. Dollar index or the free falling Euro currency market, there’s movement to be seen. For example, the […]
Weekend Reads: $33 Billion in a Week
Wow, U.S. stock ETFs have taken in $33b since election a week ago, which accounts for a third of their YTD $100b total. $SPY leading way.. pic.twitter.com/1lQauTOizo — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) November 16, 2016 Alternative Strategies In ETFs Vs Mutual Funds – (ETF.com) The World’s Safest Bonds Are Actually Wild Risks – (Wall Street Journal) […]
Remarkable Risk Control
There’s no denying Managed Futures performance has struggled in the recent bout of no volatility with the SG CTA Index down -1.64% thru October and the SG CTA Mutual Fund Index down an even worse -6.45% {Disclaimer: Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results}. But anyone who’s been around the block a couple of […]
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.
