In the latest ETF 360, VettaFi's Kirsten Change interviewed THOR Funds founding principal and CIO Brad Roth. They discussed two index-based strategies calibrated to manage downside risk.
| Name | Quantity | Cost | Value | Profit ($) | Gain (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JD Jim Dushek HARBOUR INVESTMENTS Inc. | 291,086 | $9.03M | $9.95M | $921,544.32 | 10.2% |
Candace Cavalier Congress Wealth Management LLC / DE / | 11,123 | $325,125.29 | $381,518.9 | $56,393.61 | 17.35% |
| WTM W. Travis McKinney HB Wealth Management LLC | 18,882 | $585,530.82 | $645,292.35 | $59,761.53 | 10.21% |
Shawn Scholz Impact Partnership Wealth, LLC | 8,937 | $287,950.35 | $305,109.18 | $17,158.83 | 5.96% |
Christopher C. Powers Farther Finance Advisors, LLC | 237,325 | $6.55M | $8M | $1.45M | 22.12% |
| NYSE Exchange | US Country |
THIR operates as a passively managed fund focusing on providing investors with exposure to US large-cap equities through a carefully constructed, volatility-conscious strategy. Utilizing a proprietary algorithm, THIR evaluates price trends and historical volatility within three of the United States' primary stock indices: the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the NASDAQ 100. This analysis aims to capture and act upon market movements over a medium-term period, spanning three to six months. By classifying each index into a risk-on (buy) or risk-off (sell) state, the fund dynamically adjusts its holdings to either include or exclude securities based on their current market status. This approach ensures that investments are made with a sophisticated understanding of market conditions, aiming to optimize returns while minimizing unnecessary risk.
THIR offers investors a gateway into the US large-cap equity market, employing a passive yet tactically managed approach. By focusing on major indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and NASDAQ 100, the fund aims to achieve a balanced and diversified exposure to significant US companies, adjusting its portfolio based on a thorough analysis of market trends and volatility.
At the core of THIR’s strategy lies a proprietary algorithm designed to assess and react to market movements. This algorithm scrutinizes price trends and historical volatility, enabling THIR to allocate its assets in a manner that seeks to reduce risk during periods of market uncertainty. Depending on the algorithm's assessment, the portfolio's composition may vary, emphasizing the importance placed on safeguarding investments against unfavourable market conditions.
THIR adopts a fund-of-funds strategy, meaning it invests in a range of other funds rather than direct securities. This method allows for broader diversification, as it captures a wide array of assets and investment styles through a single investment vehicle. Additionally, this approach can offer a more stable and risk-adjusted return profile, benefiting from the collective performance of selected funds.
The fund’s asset allocation is heavily influenced by the current state of the market, as determined by its proprietary algorithm. When the algorithm identifies a risk-on condition across all three major indices, assets are distributed equally among them. Conversely, during risk-off periods or when the market shows signs of decline, THIR may shift allocations towards cash, cash equivalents, US money market funds, or other ETFs to preserve capital and reduce exposure to falling markets.
THIR’s portfolio is subject to weekly rebalancing, a practice that ensures the fund's holdings remain aligned with its strategic objectives and the prevailing market conditions. This frequent rebalancing may lead to a higher portfolio turnover but is integral to the fund's aim of maintaining a dynamic and responsive investment strategy that can adapt to rapid market changes.