Focal Point Management Profile Picture Investment Adviser

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 ETNs, taking advantage of periods when volatility spikes by purchasing long ETN positions, as well as benefitting from down periods when volatility is suppressed by acquiring short volatility ETN positions.
A quantitative, tactical approach: Focal Point uses long volatility ETNs when technical and statistical indicators signal higher volatility and short volatility ETNs 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 ETN which is long or short volatility at any given point in time.  ETNs are unsecured debt obligations whose value is based on the creditworthiness of the company.
Each day the model provides a quantitatively derived signal for tactical positioning (long or short) in volatility based ETNs.
None.

Risk score

5
51.4%

Best 30 days

-31.5%

Worst 30 days

Performance

  • -6.2%
    30 day
  • -4.2%
    90 day
  • 21.8%
    365 day
Monthly vs S&P500
focal point - volatility and tactical opportunity
13.7% 12 months
  • $50,000 subscription min
  • Margin account required
  • 2% fee

Replicability

100.0%
  • Replicable

Model commentary

  1. This model is ready for increased market volatility ahead

    20 November 2012

    This model is designed to cope with swings in volatility.

  2. This model is poised to profit from calmer market waters ahead 3 October 2012
  3. Our model is ready for the lower market volatility ahead 23 September 2012
  4. Riding the market volatility waves takes the right strategy 2 August 2012
  5. We're hedged for the more tranquil markets ahead 13 July 2012

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Performance detail

  • Manager
  • S&P 500

Performance

Inception November 16, 2011
as of June 17, 2013 Manager S&P 500 Average Subscriber
Past 30 days -6.2% -1.7% -
Past 90 days -4.2% 5.9% -
Past 365 days 21.8% 22.1% -
Since Inception (Annualized) 40.5% 19.4% -
2013 (YTD) 15.7% 14.9% -
2012 69.6% 13.4% -

Risk Metrics

Last 365 days
as of June 17, 2013 Manager S&P 500
Best 30 days 44.2% 8.2%
Worst 30 days -31.5% -7.0%
Volatility 66.6% 12.4%
Sharpe Ratio 0.32 1.77
Sortino Ratio 0.42 2.65
Maximum Drawdown -37.1% -7.7%
Value-at-risk (95%, 1 week) -15.4% -2.9%
vs. S&P 500
Information Ratio -0.00
Alpha -9.5%
Beta 2.48
R-Squared 0.21
  • $50,000 subscription min
  • Margin account required
  • 2% fee

Latest transactions view all

Average trades per month 21.5
Executed Symbol Security Replicable Type Price
06/07/13 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Sell $22.48
05/02/13 UVXY PROSHARES ULTRA VIX ST FUTUR Yes Sell $6.34
05/02/13 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Buy $22.65
05/01/13 UVXY PROSHARES ULTRA VIX ST FUTUR Yes Buy $6.80
05/01/13 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Sell $21.82
04/24/13 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Buy $22.97
04/24/13 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Sell $23.07
04/23/13 XIV VELOCITYSHARES INV VIX SH-TM Yes Buy $22.73


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. The performance charts are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be used as the basis for making an investment decision. Variables such as corporate actions or foreign exchange may affect daily performance displays. We rely on mathematical formulas, computer programs, and pricing information from third-party vendors to provide these returns. Neither Covestor nor any of its data or content providers shall be liable for any errors in this information or any actions taken by you in reliance upon this information.

6. 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

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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/Dow Jones Indices LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies Copyright © 2013.