As the AEI rose throughout Q3, we gradually and carefully dipped our toes back into the risk-asset waters, slowly adding equity exposure. Our path to reaching our current beta target was deliberate and methodical given the extreme uncertainties around the trajectory of the virus and policy response. As the economy continued to strengthen throughout Q3, we continued to add equity exposure as appropriate. ADA currently has its highest beta target since early 2019.
Looking Forward
We believe Astor strategies are well positioned to capitalize on what we see as strong fundamentals in the U.S. Many of the questions around second-order effects from the lockdown period domestically have been answered at least in part, with the U.S. consumer and businesses having weathered the worst of the downturn better than initially expected. At the same time, however, the portfolio currently maintains a beta target below its maximum, reflecting continued uncertainty around the near-term trajectory of the U.S. economy as unemployment remains elevated well above its pre-pandemic low and the virus continues to spread.
DISCLOSURES
The Astor Economic Index® is a proprietary index created by Astor Investment Management LLC. It represents an aggregation of various economic data points: including output and employment indicators. The Astor Economic Index® is designed to track the varying levels of growth within the U.S. economy by analyzing current trends against historical data. The Astor Economic Index® is not an investable product. When investing, there are multiple factors to consider. The Astor Economic Index® should not be used as the sole determining factor for your investment decisions. The Index is based on retroactive data points and may be subject to hindsight bias. There is no guarantee the Index will produce the same results in the future. The Astor Economic Index® is a tool created and used by Astor. All conclusions are those of Astor and are subject to change.
Astor Investment Management LLC is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. All information contained herein is for informational purposes only. This is not a solicitation to offer investment advice or services in any state where to do so would be unlawful. Analysis and research are provided for informational purposes only, not for trading or investing purposes. All opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and subject to change. They are not intended as investment recommendations. These materials contain general information and have not been tailored for any specific recipient. There is no assurance that Astor’s investment programs will produce profitable returns or that any account will have similar results. You may lose money. Past results are no guarantee of future results. Factors impacting client returns include, but are not limited to, choice of custodian, individual investment objectives and risk tolerance, choice of investment program, account structure, timing of account inception, client- imposed restrictions, and fees. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and an investor’s equity, when liquidated, may be worth more or less than the original cost. An investment cannot be made directly into an index.
The Dynamic Allocations strategy is offered in various formats. The commentary is based on the allocations of a separate managed account composite that Astor manages directly. Clients invested in the strategies can have different results depending on the specific investment program and product type chosen. Astor’s strategies seek to achieve their objectives by investing in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”). Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the ETFs held within Astor’s strategies before investing. This information can be found in an ETF’s prospectus.
Please refer to Astor’s Form ADV Part 2A Brochure for additional information regarding fees, risks, and services.
AIM-10/13/20-OP179