Nick Baltas

Nick Baltas, managing director at Goldman Sachs, discusses using systematic strategies to solve asset owner problems, his research on cross-asset skewness and implementing a skewness strategy. He also shares insights on building multi-strategy portfolios and meeting client needs.

In this engaging discussion, Nick Baltas, an expert in systematic investing, sheds light on the often-overlooked benefits of trend following amidst today’s chaotic economic climate. He delves into the impact of AI on investment strategies and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, highlighting the market dynamics influenced by large Bitcoin holders. Baltas also emphasizes the challenges of liquidity in trading and the potential pitfalls of fixed-weight portfolios, advocating for innovative risk management approaches to navigate modern financial markets.

Nick Baltas, a systematic investor, dives deep into the intersection of technology and trading challenges. He discusses the overwhelming influence of AI on data and signals, revealing how market reversals are complicating strategy design. The conversation highlights the struggle of adapting volatility targets while maintaining conviction amidst uncertainty. Baltas reflects on the performance of trend-following strategies during volatile markets and the constraints institutional investors face, urging a rethinking of traditional investment practices in an evolving landscape.

In this discussion, Nick Baltas, an expert in trend following and systematic investing, delves into the intricacies of CTA performance. He challenges the conventional wisdom around trend beta and highlights how changes in trend signal speed are redefining market dynamics. The duo explores the deeper structural divides in investing and questions whether chasing performance is less important than protecting against adverse paths. This engaging conversation emphasizes design over style and the subtle decisions that lead to enduring investment outcomes.

Nick Baltas, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, discusses alpha, beta, smart beta, and factors. He highlights the importance of good backtests, momentum strategies, and the potential of AI in systematic trading. The podcast also covers investment advice for young professionals and influential books on finance and management.

Nick Baltas, an expert in systematic investing, shares insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of asset allocation. He discusses the implications of rising interest rates and inflation on traditional portfolios, questioning their long-term viability. The conversation dives into the merits of trend-following strategies amid market volatility and emphasizes the importance of risk management and understanding correlation during downturns. Ultimately, Baltas invites listeners to rethink their investment strategies, advocating for a more adaptive approach to asset allocation.

Expert in trading signal direction and portfolio construction, Nick Baltas talks about trend following, risk allocation, and equity momentum. He explains why trend followers might be considered the 'unwanted guests at the party' and the importance of allocating risk to where opportunity lies. The discussion delves into signal direction versus signal strength in portfolio construction and the power of trend following as a risk allocation tool.

Nick Baltas discusses CTAs' negative crisis beta and hidden market timing skills with Alan Dunne. They explore trend-following programs, volatility levels, constructing carry strategies, and the impact of equity exposure in crisis situations. The podcast delves into market timing, downside protection, and optimizing portfolio design with trend following and carry strategies.

Nick Baltas, an investment strategy expert, discusses the shifting tides of investment strategy and the evolving dynamic between equities and bonds. They explore the historical correlation between these asset classes and the impact of inflation on asset allocation. They also touch on topics such as trend following strategies, hedge fund behavior, and the concept of network momentum across different asset classes.

Guest: Nick Baltas, expert in volatility scaling and accelerators in trend following systems. The podcast dives into the use of volatility scaling and accelerators in trend following systems. They discuss research papers on trend following CTAs, timing trend following performance, settling with 'good enough' performance, and the future of the 60/40 portfolio.