Last Updated on 23 July, 2024 by Trading System

Are you tired of traditional investment approaches that rely on fundamental analysis and market timing? Look no further than the dual momentum trading strategy. This popular approach uses not one, but two types of momentum indicators to identify securities with strong performance over the past 6 to 12 months. By investing in these assets, investors aim to capture short-term gains while avoiding long-term losses through sector rotation across different sectors.

The beauty of the dual momentum trading strategy is its versatility in trading securities. It can be applied to a variety of assets, including stocks, bonds, and index funds, providing numerous benefits to investors. The origin of dual momentum trading can be traced back to Gary Antonacci’s book “Dual Momentum Investing: An Innovative Strategy for Higher Returns with Lower Risk,” which emphasizes sector rotation as a key aspect of the strategy. Since then, it has gained popularity among both professional and individual investors alike.

Related reading: Dual Momentum by Gary Antonacci

So why not look into it? With its straightforward approach and proven track record, the dual momentum trading strategy may just be the investment solution you’ve been searching for. If you’re interested in ETFs and want to trade smarter, give it a try.

Benefits of Dual Momentum Trading Strategy in Achieving Higher Returns

Investors are continually seeking investment strategies that offer higher returns while minimizing risks. One such strategy is the dual momentum trading strategy, which involves trading securities and ETFs based on their recent performance to capitalize on market interest. This strategy has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to outperform traditional buy-and-hold strategies.

Offers Higher Returns Than Traditional Buy-and-Hold Strategies

The dual momentum trading strategy involves a combination of two types of momentum: absolute momentum and relative momentum. Absolute momentum refers to the performance of securities over a specific period, while relative momentum compares the performance of different ETFs against each other and a benchmark. By combining these two types of momentum, investors can identify assets with strong positive trends and avoid those with weak or negative trends. This concept has proven to be effective for many traders.

This approach allows investors to capitalize on market trends and generate higher returns than traditional buy-and-hold strategies. According to research studies, the dual momentum trading strategy has consistently outperformed other popular investment strategies like value investing and trend following. By using this strategy, investors can achieve impressive short term results in securities and ETF trading.

Allows Investors to Take Advantage of Market Trends and Avoid Losses During Market Downturns

One significant benefit of the dual momentum trading strategy is its ability to help investors take advantage of short-term market trends while avoiding losses during market downturns. This concept involves switching between different asset classes, such as ETFs, based on their relative strength, allowing investors to stay invested in assets with positive trends and potentially earn excess return while avoiding those with negative ones.

During periods of downward momentum or negative market trends, the dual momentum strategy can help investors minimize losses by shifting investments into defensive asset classes such as bonds, cash equivalents, and ETFs. This approach allows investors to achieve higher returns over time while minimizing their exposure to risk.

Easy to Implement and Can Be Used in a Variety of Asset Classes

Another benefit of the dual momentum trading strategy is its ease of implementation and flexibility across various asset classes. This approach does not require a deep understanding of complex financial models or technical analysis. Instead, investors can use simple moving averages or other technical indicators to identify assets with positive trends and buy them to generate excess return. Moreover, this strategy can be applied to index investing and ones can easily switch between different asset classes based on their momentum signals.

Furthermore, the dual momentum trading strategy can be applied to different asset classes like stocks, bonds, commodities, and currencies. This flexibility allows investors to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of market opportunities across various sectors. By using excess return as a key indicator, investors can identify which index to buy and hold for a particular month.

Proven to Outperform Other Popular Investment Strategies

Finally, the dual momentum trading strategy has been proven to outperform other popular investment strategies over time, particularly in relation to index performance. According to research studies conducted by Gary Antonacci and others, this approach has consistently generated higher returns than traditional buy-and-hold strategies over long-term periods, even when compared to index investing.

Moreover, the dual momentum trading strategy has demonstrated its effectiveness in various market conditions and economic cycles. By following a disciplined approach that combines absolute and relative momentum signals, investors can achieve higher returns while minimizing risks. This strategy can be applied to various indexes, making it easier for investors to buy into a diversified portfolio.

Understanding the Dual Momentum Formula

If you’re interested in trading, you’ve probably heard of momentum investing. But have you ever heard of dual momentum? This is a relatively new concept that combines absolute and relative momentum to identify strong performing assets. With this strategy, investors can track the index rate and buy assets that show promising momentum.

What is Dual Momentum?

Dual momentum is an investment strategy that aims to identify assets with positive momentum while avoiding those with negative momentum. The basic idea behind dual momentum is that strong-performing assets tend to continue their upward trend while weak-performing assets tend to continue their downward trend, resulting in higher returns for investors.

How Dual Momentum Works

The dual momentum approach is a useful strategy for investors who want to invest their money wisely. It uses a formula to calculate a momentum score for each asset, taking into account both absolute and relative performance over a specified period. Absolute performance refers to an asset’s return over a given time frame, while relative performance compares an asset’s return to that of other assets in its category. In addition, the dual momentum approach also considers the bill rate, which is the interest rate on short-term government bonds. By incorporating the bill rate into its calculations, this approach can help investors make more informed investment decisions based on current market conditions.

The formula for calculating the momentum score takes into account the return on investment and bill rate.

Momentum Score = (Absolute Momentum * Weight) + (Relative Momentum * (1 – Weight)) for investors looking to invest and maximize their return rate.

Where:

• Absolute Momentum = Current Price / N-period Past Price

• Relative Momentum = Asset Return / Category Return

• Weight = A number between 0 and 1 that determines the rate of return given to absolute vs. relative momentum for investors to invest.

Once the scores are calculated using the dual momentum approach, they can be used to make investment decisions based on the dual momentum strategy. Assets with high scores and positive momentum return are considered strong performers and should be bought or held onto, while those with low scores and negative momentum should be sold or avoided.

Accelerating Dual Momentum

One variation of the dual momentum approach is called accelerating dual momentum. This method takes into account both upward and downward trends in an asset’s price as well as its return when making investment decisions.

In traditional dual momentum, only positive trends are considered when evaluating an asset’s performance for investment purposes. However, in accelerating dual momentum, negative trends are also taken into account to minimize losses and maximize return during periods of market volatility.

Identifying Dual Momentum Signals

To identify dual momentum signals, investors need to track the return and momentum scores for a range of assets over time. This can be done manually or using specialized software that automatically calculates and tracks momentum scores and returns.

When evaluating assets, it’s important to consider both absolute and relative performance using the dual momentum approach. Assets with a strong momentum score may not necessarily be good investments if they are underperforming compared to other assets in their category. Therefore, implementing a dual momentum strategy can help investors identify assets that have upward momentum while avoiding those with downward momentum.

In addition to tracking momentum scores, investors should also pay attention to other factors such as market trends, economic indicators, and news events that could impact an asset’s performance.

Implementing Dual Momentum Trading Strategy

Dual momentum trading strategy is a popular investment method that involves investing in assets with strong recent performance. It aims to capture market trends and avoid significant losses during market downturns.

Understanding Dual Momentum Strategy

Before implementing the dual momentum trading strategy, it’s essential to understand what it means. Dual momentum investing involves comparing the current price of an asset to its historical average. If the current price is higher than the average, it signals that the asset has upward momentum and is likely to continue performing well in the future.

The dual momentum strategy is a popular way to invest that takes advantage of two types of momentum: absolute and relative. Absolute momentum compares an asset’s current price to its historical average, while relative momentum compares an asset’s performance against another asset or benchmark.

Asset Classes for Dual Momentum Investing

Dual momentum investing can be implemented using a variety of asset classes, including stocks and bonds. Here are some examples:

• Equities: If you invest in individual stocks, you can use stock indices such as S&P 500 or NASDAQ as your benchmark for comparing performance. Additionally, consider using a momentum score to track upward trends and avoid stocks with downward momentum.

• Fixed Income: Consider bond ETFs such as iShares Core U.S Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) or iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (LQD) for a dual momentum strategy. These ETFs may provide stability and potentially counteract downward momentum in the market with a dual momentum approach.

• Commodities: Invest in commodity ETFs using the dual momentum strategy and concept with options like Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC) or Aberdeen Standard Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR).

Steps for Implementing Dual Momentum Trading Strategy

Here are the steps involved in implementing dual momentum trading strategy:

1. Select Assets: Choose a set of assets from different classes based on their recent performance compared to their historical averages, using the dual momentum strategy.

2. Determine Signal Periods: Decide on signal periods for each asset class based on how often you want to rebalance your portfolio using the dual momentum strategy. For example, you may choose monthly or quarterly rebalancing periods.

3. Calculate Dual Momentum Signals: Calculate the dual momentum signals for each asset class by comparing their current price to their historical average. You can use technical indicators such as moving averages or relative strength index (RSI) for this purpose.

4. Allocate Portfolio: Allocate your portfolio based on the dual momentum signals for each asset class. Invest more in assets with stronger momentum and less in assets with weaker momentum.

5. Rebalance Regularly: Regularly rebalance your portfolio based on the signal periods you have chosen. This ensures that your portfolio remains aligned with the dual momentum trading strategy.

Advantages of Dual Momentum Trading Strategy

The dual momentum trading strategy has several advantages:

• It is easy to implement and requires minimal time commitment, making it a great fit for those interested in the dual momentum strategy.

• It helps investors avoid significant losses during market downturns.

• It utilizes the dual momentum strategy to capture market trends and allows investors to benefit from them.

• It reduces transaction costs by limiting trades to specific signal periods, making it a useful approach in the dual momentum strategy.

About Gary Antonacci – The Man behind the Dual Momentum Strategies

Who is Gary Antonacci?

Gary Antonacci is a renowned investment expert and author of the book “Dual Momentum Investing: An Innovative Strategy for Higher Returns with Lower Risk.” He has over four decades of experience in investment management, including hedge fund management. He is widely recognized as the creator of the Dual Momentum strategy.

What is Dual Momentum Strategy?

The Dual Momentum strategy combines both relative momentum and absolute momentum to identify profitable investments. It aims to generate high returns while minimizing risks by investing in assets that have shown strong upward trends in price and selling those that have shown weak trends or experienced losses.

Antonacci’s Background

Antonacci started his career as an engineer but later switched to finance, earning an MBA from Harvard Business School. He worked for several firms before starting his own hedge fund, which he managed successfully for many years.

Antonacci’s expertise in finance led him to develop the Dual Momentum strategy, which has since gained widespread popularity among investors. His book on this subject, “Dual Momentum Investing,” provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing this innovative approach.

Accomplishments and Recognition

Antonacci’s contributions to finance have been widely recognized. Bloomberg Markets magazine named him one of the “Ones to Watch” in their annual ranking. He has also been featured in major financial publications such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and Investor’s Business Daily.

In addition to writing books and articles on investing strategies, Antonacci is a regular speaker at investment conferences around the world. He shares his insights and experiences with other investors who are interested in learning more about how they can use Dual Momentum strategies to achieve their financial goals.

Understanding the Concept of Relative and Absolute Momentum

Momentum is a crucial concept in trading, referring to the tendency of assets to continue moving in their current direction. Traders use momentum indicators to identify trends, measure the strength of those trends, and determine when they might be about to reverse. Two types of momentum that traders often use are relative momentum and absolute momentum.

Relative Momentum

Relative momentum measures an asset’s performance compared to its peers over a certain period. For example, if you were looking at the performance of two stocks in the same sector over the past year, relative momentum would tell you which one had outperformed the other. This type of analysis can help traders identify which assets are likely to continue performing well based on their recent track record.

Absolute Momentum

Absolute momentum looks at an asset’s performance over a certain period regardless of its peers. This approach focuses on whether an asset has been trending up or down over a given time frame and ignores how it compares to other assets. For example, if you were looking at a single stock’s performance over the past year, absolute momentum would tell you whether it had been consistently rising or falling during that time.

Dual Momentum Trading Strategy

The dual momentum trading strategy combines both relative and absolute momentum to identify assets with positive momentum and avoid those with negative absolute momentum. The idea behind this strategy is that combining these two approaches can provide more reliable signals than using either one alone.

To implement this strategy, traders first calculate both relative and absolute momentum for each asset they’re considering trading. They then look for assets that have positive relative and absolute momentums – in other words, those that have been outperforming their peers while also showing consistent upward trends.

Traders may also use moving averages or other trend-following indicators as part of this strategy to confirm when an asset has entered into an uptrend or downtrend.

One potential benefit of using dual momentum is that it can help traders avoid false signals. For example, an asset might have strong relative momentum but a negative absolute momentum if its peers have all been performing poorly. By combining these two measures, traders can get a more accurate picture of an asset’s overall momentum.

How to Identify Assets with Strong Relative and Absolute Momentum

Dual momentum trading strategy is an investment approach that involves investing in assets with the highest relative and absolute momentum. This strategy aims to identify assets that are likely to continue performing well based on their past performance. Here’s how you can identify assets with strong relative and absolute momentum:

Look for assets with strong relative momentum compared to their peers

Relative momentum refers to the performance of an asset compared to its peers or benchmark. In dual momentum trading, investors look for assets that have outperformed their peers over a specified period. This indicates that the asset has stronger price trends than its competitors, making it more likely to continue performing well.

To identify assets with strong relative momentum, investors can use tools such as moving averages, which track an asset’s price trends over time. For example, if an asset’s price is consistently above its 50-day moving average, it suggests that the asset has positive momentum.

Investors can also use technical indicators such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) to identify stocks or other securities that are showing signs of strength compared to their peers.

Identify assets with strong absolute momentum using historical data

Absolute momentum refers to the performance of an asset over a specific period regardless of its peer group or benchmark. It measures whether an asset has positive or negative returns over a given period.

To identify assets with strong absolute momentum, investors can look at historical data and compare an asset’s current price level against its previous price levels over several periods. If there is a consistent upward trend in prices, then it indicates positive absolute momentum.

For example, if you’re considering investing in stocks, you may want to look at the S&P 500 index’s historical data and compare it against individual stocks’ historical data. If a stock shows consistent upward trends in prices despite market volatility, then it indicates strong absolute momentum.

Consider asset classes and individual assets for a diversified portfolio

Investors should consider investing in different asset classes to diversify their portfolios. Asset classes such as stocks, bonds, commodities, and real estate have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different market conditions.

Within each asset class, there are individual assets that investors can choose from based on their investment goals and risk tolerance. For example, within the stock market, investors can choose between large-cap or small-cap stocks or growth or value stocks.

By diversifying across different asset classes and individual assets, investors can reduce their overall portfolio risk while still taking advantage of dual momentum trading strategies.

Use asset allocation to balance risk and return among different assets

Asset allocation involves dividing your investment portfolio across different asset classes based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. The goal is to create a balanced portfolio that maximizes returns while minimizing risks.

When using dual momentum trading strategy, investors should use asset allocation to balance the risks associated with investing in high-momentum assets. By allocating investments across multiple high-momentum assets in different sectors or industries, investors can reduce the impact of any single underperforming asset on their overall portfolio performance.

Examples of Successful Dual Momentum Trading Strategies

Dual momentum trading strategy is a popular investment approach that utilizes both absolute and relative momentum to identify profitable investments. The strategy involves selecting assets with high relative strength and positive absolute momentum.

The 60/40 Portfolio

The 60/40 portfolio is a popular example of the dual momentum trading strategy. This portfolio comprises 60% stocks and 40% bonds, making it an excellent choice for investors looking for a balanced investment approach. The portfolio’s equity portion invests in the top-performing asset class among US large-cap stocks, US small-cap stocks, international developed market stocks, emerging market stocks, and real estate investment trusts (REITs).

On the other hand, the bond portion invests in intermediate-term Treasuries or corporate bonds with high credit ratings. The portfolio’s allocation to each asset class is determined based on their performance over the past twelve months.

This strategy has been successful in delivering consistent returns over time while reducing volatility. According to research by Gary Antonacci, author of “Dual Momentum Investing,” this approach has outperformed traditional buy-and-hold portfolios by a significant margin.

The Ivy Portfolio

Another example of a successful dual momentum trading strategy is the Ivy Portfolio. This portfolio was developed by Mebane Faber and Eric Richardson and published in their book “The Ivy Portfolio.” The Ivy Portfolio consists of five ETFs that represent different asset classes: domestic equities (VTI), international equities (VEU), fixed income (BND), commodities (DBC), and REITs (VNQ).

The primary objective of this portfolio is to provide diversification across multiple asset classes while utilizing relative strength to determine which assets should be included in the portfolio at any given time. The authors recommend using a simple moving average crossover method to determine when to buy or sell the ETFs.

The Ivy Portfolio has delivered impressive returns over the past decade, outperforming both the S&P 500 and a traditional 60/40 portfolio. The strategy’s success is attributed to its ability to identify assets with strong relative strength and positive momentum while providing diversification across multiple asset classes.

Types of Dual Momentum Trading Strategies

There are two types of dual momentum trading strategies: absolute momentum and relative momentum. Absolute momentum involves investing in assets that have positive absolute performance over a specific time frame. On the other hand, relative momentum involves investing in assets that have performed better than their peers over a specific period.

Absolute momentum aims to capture trends in individual securities or asset classes, while relative momentum aims to capture trends between different securities or asset classes. Both approaches can be used together to create a diversified portfolio that captures both individual security trends and broader market trends.

Other Considerations for Effective Implementation of Dual Momentum Trading Strategy

Dual momentum trading strategy is a popular investment strategy that has been proven to be effective in generating profits. However, it is important to understand that market conditions play a crucial role in the effectiveness of this strategy.

Market Conditions

Market conditions have a significant impact on the performance of dual momentum trading strategy. This strategy works best in trending markets where there is a clear and sustained upward or downward trend. In such markets, the investor can ride the trend and generate substantial profits.

However, when the market is choppy and volatile with no clear direction, dual momentum trading may not be effective. In such situations, it is advisable to switch to other strategies like value investing or dividend investing.

Regular Monitoring

It is important to regularly monitor and adjust the portfolio based on changing market conditions. The investor should keep track of various indicators like moving averages, relative strength index (RSI), and MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) to identify changes in market trends.

If there are signs of a change in trend, it may be necessary to rebalance the portfolio by selling some assets and buying others that are likely to perform better under new market conditions.

Risk Management

Like any investment strategy, dual momentum trading involves risks. It is important to manage these risks effectively by diversifying the portfolio across different asset classes like stocks, bonds, commodities, and real estate.

The investor should also set stop-loss orders to limit losses if an asset’s price falls below a certain level. They should avoid making emotional decisions based on short-term fluctuations in prices.

Transaction Costs

Transaction costs can eat into profits generated by dual momentum trading strategy. Therefore, it is important to choose low-cost brokerage firms that offer competitive pricing for trades.

Investors should also minimize the number of trades they make and avoid overtrading, which can lead to higher transaction costs.

Tax Implications

Dual momentum trading strategy can have tax implications, especially if the investor is trading frequently. Short-term gains are taxed at a higher rate than long-term gains.

Therefore, it is important to understand the tax implications of this strategy and consult a tax professional for advice on minimizing taxes.

Dual Momentum Trading Strategy as a Powerful Tool for Achieving Higher Returns

What is Dual Momentum Trading Strategy?

Dual momentum trading strategy is an innovative approach to investing that can help investors achieve higher returns. This strategy takes advantage of positive momentum in both stocks and futures markets to generate excess returns. In simple terms, the dual momentum trading strategy involves buying stocks or futures that have performed well recently and selling those that have underperformed. This approach aims to capture the trend of the market, whether it’s bullish or bearish.

How Does Dual Momentum Trading Strategy Work?

The dual momentum trading strategy works by using rolling returns to identify trends. Rolling returns are calculated over a specific period, such as three months, six months, or one year. The idea behind this approach is that if an investment has been performing well over the past few months or years, it will likely continue to perform well in the future.

Once an investor identifies a trend using rolling returns, they trade with confidence and build a diversified portfolio by investing in different asset classes such as stocks and futures markets. The goal of this diversification is to reduce risk while maximizing potential gains.

Why Does Momentum Investing Work?

Momentum investing works because it takes advantage of human behavior. People tend to follow trends and invest in assets that have been doing well recently. This behavior creates momentum in the market, which can be exploited by investors who use a dual momentum trading strategy.

Another reason why momentum investing works is because it captures long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations in the market. By focusing on long-term trends, investors can avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

Advantages of Dual Momentum Trading Strategy

One advantage of dual momentum trading strategy is its simplicity. Unlike other investment strategies that require extensive research and analysis, this approach only requires investors to track rolling returns and make trades accordingly.

Another advantage of this strategy is its ability to generate excess returns. By taking advantage of positive momentum in both stocks and futures markets, investors can achieve higher returns than they would with a traditional buy-and-hold strategy.

Disadvantages of Dual Momentum Trading Strategy

One disadvantage of dual momentum trading strategy is that it requires frequent trading, which can lead to higher transaction costs. This approach may not work well during periods of market volatility or when the market is not trending strongly in either direction.

Conclusion: Dual Momentum Trading Strategy

Dual momentum trading strategy is a powerful tool for achieving higher returns in the stock market. By understanding the dual momentum formula and identifying assets with strong relative and absolute momentum, investors can implement this strategy successfully.

Gary Antonacci, the man behind the dual momentum strategies, has shown through examples of successful dual momentum trading strategies that this approach can lead to significant gains. However, effective implementation requires consideration of other factors such as risk management and portfolio diversification.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to achieve higher returns in the stock market, consider implementing a dual momentum trading strategy. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and conducting your own research, you can make informed decisions and potentially reap significant rewards.

Read more

• Momentum Strategy Signals
• What Are Common Momentum Indicators?
•  What Is Sector Momentum And Sector Rotation?
• Meb Faber’s Sector Rotation Strategy: What Is It?
• ETF Rotation Strategies (What Is It?)
• Systematic Momentum Strategies: What Is It?
• Momentum ETF-Strategy​

FAQs

What is dual momentum trading strategy?

Dual momentum trading strategy is an investment approach that involves identifying assets with strong relative and absolute momentum and investing in them accordingly.

How does dual momentum differ from traditional buy-and-hold strategies?

Unlike traditional buy-and-hold strategies that rely on long-term investments in a diversified portfolio of assets, dual momentum focuses on short-term investments in assets with strong relative and absolute momentum.

Is dual momentum suitable for all investors?

While anyone can implement a dual momentum trading strategy, it may not be suitable for all investors depending on their risk tolerance and investment goals.

Can I use dual momentum for other types of investments besides stocks?

Yes, the principles of dual momentum can be applied to other types of investments such as bonds or commodities.

How do I identify assets with strong relative and absolute momentum?

There are various tools available to help identify these assets such as technical analysis charts or screening software. Conducting thorough research and staying up-to-date on market trends is also important.

What are some potential risks associated with implementing a dual momentum trading strategy?

As with any investment strategy, there are potential risks such as market volatility and unforeseen events that can impact the performance of your investments. It’s important to have a solid risk management plan in place.

Can I use dual momentum trading strategy for long-term investments?

While dual momentum is primarily focused on short-term investments, it can also be used as part of a long-term investment strategy by periodically rebalancing your portfolio based on changes in relative and absolute momentum.