SI410: The Next Evolution of Trend Following ft. Nick Baltas

Niels Kaastrup-Larsen and Nick Baltas explore how artificial intelligence, thematic investing and narrative momentum are beginning to reshape systematic investing. Alongside a review of recent CTA performance, they discuss new research on expanding trend following universes, defensive portfolio construction and portable alpha before taking a deep dive into the growing role of AI and thematic risk models. The conversation examines whether future investment signals may come from more than price alone and how systematic investors can combine traditional trend following with new sources of information without losing the discipline that has defined the strategy for decades.
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Episode TimeStamps:
00:00 - AI, memories and the changing pace of innovation
06:32 - How investment firms are integrating artificial intelligence
13:01 - CTA performance and the trend following environment
20:34 - Expanding the market universe for trend followers
28:17 - Building the perfect hedge with trend following
34:25 - Portable alpha and leveraging trend strategies
37:44 - Introducing thematic investing and missing factors
44:59 - How narratives create momentum in financial markets
50:43 - Measuring thematic strength versus price momentum
58:41 - Can thematic investing be backtested?
01:04:14 - Are narratives really different from traditional sectors?
01:07:06 - Final thoughts on AI, research and the future of systematic investing
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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 (toptradersunplugged.com/resources/ebooks)
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 (toptradersunplugged.com/resources/market-trends)
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 (toptradersunplugged.com/resources)
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