Together with Andrew Beer and Tom Wrobel, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of managed futures and CTAs, highlighting the critical need for a narrative shift to better communicate their value to investors. Andrew and Tom discuss the challenges faced by allocators in understanding the unique benefits of trend-following strategies, especially amidst a backdrop of changing market dynamics. They explore the implications of BlackRock's recent move to launch an actively managed manager ETF, which could significantly impact how managed futures are perceived and allocated within investment portfolios. The conversation also touches on the potential for new ESG-compliant products that could attract investors reluctant to engage with traditional commodity exposure. With insights into the current market environment and the importance of adaptability, this episode provides valuable perspectives for anyone interested in systematic investing and the future of CTAs.

-----

50 YEARS OF TREND FOLLOWING BOOK AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO FOR ACCREDITED INVESTORS - CLICK HERE

-----

Follow Niels on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube or via the TTU website.

IT’s TRUE ? – most CIO’s read 50+ books each year – get your FREE copy of the Ultimate Guide to the Best Investment Books ever written here.

And you can get a free copy of my latest book “Ten Reasons to Add Trend Following to Your Portfolio” here.

Learn more about the Trend Barometer here.

Send your questions to info@toptradersunplugged.com

And please share this episode with a like-minded friend and leave an honest Rating & Review on iTunes or Spotify so more people can discover the podcast.

Follow Andrew on Twitter.

Follow Tom on LinkedIn.

Episode TimeStamps:

01:20 - Our expectations going into 2025

07:00 - What to do when bonds are collapsing

10:21 - Industry performance update

11:49 - A deep dive into indices

17:36 - The mechanisms behind creating an index

23:13 - What returns can you expect from a CTA replication index?

27:21 - What are the average fees in today's indices?

30:31 - The benefits of replication

34:04 - The drivers of replication strategies

40:50 - How CTA replicators handle inflection points

43:11 - What happens to an index if its underlying model changes

50:21 - Do trend followers in general make big changes to their models?

52:30 - How the AUM landscape has evolved

57:06 - Can you replicate a pod shop?

01:03:02 - Why many allocators are missing out on trend following

01:11:57 - What is going on with Blackrock?

01:15:29 - Big news from Andrew

01:21:05 - The challenges of complying with ESG metrics

01:23:58 - It's all about the narrative

01:26:48 - What is up for next week?

----

PLUS: Whenever you're ready... here are 3 ways I can help you in your investment Journey:

1. eBooks that cover key topics that you need to know about

In my eBooks, I put together some key discoveries and things I have learnt during the more than 3 decades I have worked in the Trend Following industry, which I hope you will find useful. Click Here

2. Daily Trend Barometer and Market Score

One of the things I’m really proud of, is the fact that I have managed to published the Trend Barometer and Market Score each day for more than a decade...as these tools are really good at describing the environment for trend following managers as well as giving insights into the general positioning of a trend following strategy! Click Here

3. Other Resources that can help you

And if you are hungry for more useful resources from the trend following world...check out some precious resources that I have found over the years to be really valuable. Click Here

Disclaimer

"Trump's First Month, Epstein Files, Showbiz Stories" ft. Mel K, Roseanne Barr, Liz Crokin 2/25/25