You’ve gotten it from everywhere else- the hot shot managers, institutional titans and talking heads on CNBC have all weighed in on where they think 2012 will take investors. Now, it’s our turn in what has become our most read newsletter – the annual Attain Capital look back/peer forward – the 2012 Managed Futures Outlook and 2011 Review. We may be a few weeks late to the party, but the wait was worth it, as the added time meant more data and more interesting conclusions overall.

If 2008 was the managed futures party year, 2009 was the “hangover”, where the big drop in volatility following the historic 2008 volatility caused managed futures losses, and 2010 the “rebound” year, where managed futures avoided putting in back to back losing years. 2011 can best be described as “a whole lot of nothing.” There were ups, there were downs, and managed futures programs tried to capitalize on both side of these moves. But in the end, none of the moves extended far enough for managed futures to profit substantially from, leaving gains here, losses there, and so on. In short, a whole lot of nothing.

What trading atmosphere generated these results? Can we expect more of the same in 2012, or will the tides turn? To find out our take on what is in store for Managed Futures in the new year, click through.

To read more Managed Futures research pieces, visit Attain’s Managed Futures Newsletter archive and our Managed Futures Blog.

DISCLAIMER

Forex trading, commodity trading, managed futures, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors.

The entries on this blog are intended to further subscribers understanding, education, and – at times- enjoyment of the world of alternative investments through managed futures, trading systems, and managed forex.  Unless distinctly noted otherwise, the data and graphs included herein are intended to be mere examples and exhibits of the topic discussed, are for educational and illustrative purposes only, and do not represent trading in actual accounts.

The mention of asset class performance is based on the noted source index (i.e. Newedge CTA Index, S&P 500 Index, etc.) , and investors should take care to understand that any index performance is for the constituents of that index only, and does not represent the entire universe of possible investments within that asset class. And further, that there can be limitations and biases to indices:  such as survivorship and self reporting biases, and instant history.

Managed Futures Disclaimer:

Past Performance is Not Necessarily Indicative of Future Results. The regulations of the CFTC require that prospective clients of a managed futures program (CTA) receive a disclosure document when they are solicited to enter into an agreement whereby the CTA will direct or guide the client’s commodity interest trading and that certain risk factors be highlighted. The disclosure document contains a complete description of the principal risk factors and each fee to be charged to your account by the CTA.

Copyright © 2011 Attain Capital Management, licensed Managed Futures, Trading System & Commodity Brokers. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 at 10:30 am and is filed under Commodities, Hedge fund strategies, Managed Futures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.