Focal Point Management Profile Picture Investment Advisor

Focal Point

Founder,Financial Services,Focal Point Management

  • Education University of Michigan
  • Qualifications MBA
  • Investment Experience 11 years

Volatility and Tactical Opportunity

Focal Point takes an adaptive, quantitatively based, tactically driven approach to investing in volatility based index ETFs, taking advantage of periods when volatility spikes by purchasing long ETF positions, as well as benefitting from down periods when volatility is suppressed by acquiring short volatility ETF positions.
A quantitative, tactical approach: Focal Point uses long volatility ETFs when technical and statistical indicators signal higher volatility and short volatility ETFs when indicators signal lower volatility ahead. The goal is to capture volatility’s expected movement toward mean reversion via a tactical long/short volatility model. The model has higher risk than the broader market due to the concentrated position.
Focal Point uses statistical studies and quantitative analysis in this signal-based, tactical-rotational strategy. Mean reversion and statistically derived algorithms are key drivers of our tactical model.
Focal Point has a very concentrated approach: The portfolio will have one position which is in an ETF which is long or short volatility at any given point in time.
Each day the model provides a quantitatively derived signal for tactical positioning (long or short) in volatility based ETFs.
None.

Risk rating

5
51.4%

Best 30 days

-23.9%

Worst 30 days

Performance

  • -2.5%
    30 day
  • -
    365 days
  • 27.4%
    Since Inception
    November 16, 2011
Monthly vs S&P500
Sparkbar Graph, Volatility and Tactical Opportunity Investment Model Performance versus S&P500
19.8%

Since Inception

  • $10,000 subscription min
  • margin account required
  • 2.3% fee

Replicability

100.0%
  • Replicable

Top 5 Holdings View all

97.9%
2.1%
  • XIV
  • Cash

Model commentary

  1. This model should benefit from calmer market waters ahead

    7 May 2012

    The model remains positioned to benefit from reduced market volatility ahead.

  2. Stock market volatility will make a comeback in … 11 April 2012
  3. Positioning to benefit from lower volatility 14 February 2012
  4. Playing direct volatility 12 January 2012
  5. Staying long the Nasdaq, looking for institut… 20 May 2011

show more


Performance detail

  • Manager
  • Dow Jones Global
  • S&P 500

Performance

Inception November 16, 2011
as of May 15, 2012 Manager Dow Jones Global S&P 500 Average Subscriber
Past 30 days -2.5% -4.8% -2.9% -
Past 90 days 26.6% -5.7% -0.9% -
Since Inception 27.4% 2.4% 7.6% -
2012 (YTD) 45.8% 3.0% 5.8% -

Risk Metrics

Since Inception
as of May 15, 2012 Manager Dow Jones Global S&P 500
Best 30 days 51.4% 8.7% 9.2%
Worst 30 days -23.9% -4.8% -2.9%
Volatility 69.6% 15.4% 15.2%
Sharpe Ratio 0.79 0.30 0.99
Sortino Ratio 0.99 0.50 1.66
Maximum Drawdown -29.4% -8.8% -6.3%
Value-at-risk (95%, 1 week) -16.1% -3.6% -3.5%
vs. Dow Jones Global vs. S&P 500
Information Ratio 0.72 0.57
Alpha 71.7% 66.4%
Beta 0.43 0.49
R-Squared 0.01 0.01

Latest transactions view all

Average trades per month 13.4
Executed Symbol Security Replicable Type Price
05/01/12 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Buy $12.31
05/01/12 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Sell $12.43
04/30/12 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Buy $11.95
04/27/12 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Sell $12.30
04/25/12 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Sell $11.65
04/20/12 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Buy $11.20
04/20/12 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Sell $11.31
02/09/12 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Buy $8.95
  • $10,000 subscription min
  • margin account required
  • 2.3% fee

Important Information

Important Information

1. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

2. Performance of the model manager's account is calculated by Covestor on a daily time-weighted basis, including cash, dividends and earnings distributions, and broker commissions. Manager returns include trades that fail Covestor's trading rules, do not reflect any Covestor suitability or risk score restrictions and are exclusive of Covestor fees. More

3. Average subscription returns ("Avg Sub" or "Avg Client") are calculated by Covestor and are composed of the average, daily, time weighted returns of all active subscriptions to the underlying model. These daily average returns are then linked together for the timeframe requested. In addition, these returns include cash, dividends and earnings distributions, brokerage commissions, Covestor advisory fees, and reflect individual client suitability and risk score restrictions. More

4. All graph data is as of the end of day for the referenced period, unless otherwise specified. The subscription minimum is the minimum subscription required to follow a particular model. The minimum amount is determined by Covestor, based on the characteristics of the underlying model. It should not be considered as specific investment advice for your investment situation.

5. Benchmark returns have been calculated by Covestor using a time-weighted calculation of daily index valuations and do not include cash, dividends and earnings distributions, or transaction costs. More

6. Leverage indicates the level of margin utilized and is calculated by dividing gross exposure by portfolio net liquidation value.

7. All Model Manager information including personal data, profiles, strategies, monthly investment reports, and historical results outside of Covestor has been provided by the Model Manager. Covestor makes no representation or warranty of its accuracy, completeness or relevance and it does not represent the opinions of Covestor. Transaction history is available upon request. Model classifications (Approach, Asset Class) are provided by Covestor, and are intended to serve as a general guide.

8. Top Replicable Holdings: These securities are currently held in the model manager's brokerage account. Those marked as "Replicable Holdings" currently pass Covestor's trading rules, subject to individual client constraints. Eligibility for replication may change over time. Actual client subscription holdings may vary.

9. Latest Transactions: These transactions were executed in the model manager's brokerage account. Those marked as "Replicable" () passed Covestor's trading rules and were eligible for replication at the time of execution, subject to individual client constraints. Eligibility for replication may change over time. Actual client subscription trade activity may vary.

10. S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index compiled by Standard & Poor´s Corp. Index returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs or expenses. Individuals cannot invest directly in an Index. S&P 500 index data: S&P 500 Copyright © 2012.

11. Dow Jones index data: CME Group Index Services, LLC 2012

Background provided by the manager
Focal Point Form ADV II