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Time series momentum and macroeconomic risk

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  • Hutchinson, Mark C.
  • O'Brien, John

Abstract

The time series momentum strategy, previously known as trend following, has been shown to deliver consistent profitability over a long time horizon in futures markets. Funds pursuing this strategy are now a component of many institutional portfolios, due to the expectation of positive returns in equity bear markets. However, the return drivers of the strategy and its performance in other economic conditions are less well understood. We find evidence that the returns to the strategy are connected to the business cycle. Returns are positive in both recessions and expansions, but profitability is higher in expansions. Decomposing asset prices into factor related and idiosyncratic components, we associate a significant portion of returns with exposure to time varying economic factors, consistent with rational asset pricing theories having a role in explaining the profitability of the strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Hutchinson, Mark C. & O'Brien, John, 2020. "Time series momentum and macroeconomic risk," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:69:y:2020:i:c:s1057521920301137
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2020.101469
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hutchinson, Mark C. & Kyziropoulos, Panagiotis E. & O’Brien, John & O’Reilly, Philip & Sharma, Tripti, 2022. "Technical trading rule profitability in currencies: It’s all about momentum," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    2. Wouassom, Alain & Muradoğlu, Yaz Gülnur & Tsitsianis, Nicholas, 2022. "Global momentum: The optimal trading approach," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 36(C).
    3. Simarjeet Singh & Nidhi Walia & Sivagandhi Saravanan & Preeti Jain & Avtar Singh & Jinesh jain, 2021. "Mapping the scientific research on alternative momentum investing: a bibliometric analysis," Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 38(4), pages 619-636, April.
    4. Ming, Lei & Song, Wuqi & Dong, Minyi, 2023. "Revisiting time series momentum in China's commodity futures market: Evidence on sources of momentum profits," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Time series momentum; Macroeconomic risk; CTA;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G19 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Other

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