Rules-Based ETF Trading Strategies

Comparing The Models

There's always a bull market somewhere. Whether you're into bonds, want a little international exposure, or focused squarely on the U.S. equity market, the asset class rotation strategies below will help you find it.
About Diversification
While all the models include adaptive hedging mechanisms to help protect during market downturns, I strongly recommend employing multiple strategies (mine or yours) within your overall investment portfolio - for diversification and improved risk management.

In fact, I feel so strongly about this diversification angle that I offer a significant discount for multiple strategies. See my "Package Savings Plan" at the bottom of the page.
About the Data
All performance figures and metrics are based on 2008 to 2022 with the exception of The White Knuckle and The Zen Knuckle, which are calculated from 2011 to 2022 . Tables updated monthly.

The data for Bond Bulls and Global Trader reflect recent modifications to the strategies. Subscribers can view the performance history prior to and after such modifications on the Members Pages. 

-- Click photos for an in-depth look at the strategy.
-- Click tables to enlarge.

In The Spotlight...

Zen Knuckle Strategy Trades - One Month Behind
NOTE: Asset allocations are one month behind. Subscribe for current month.

The Zen Knuckle

(Leverage, with Volatility Hedge)
BEAT the S&P 500
28.5% CAGR over 11+ years
Volatility: 16.3%
Max DD: -15.0%
Modeled on the original White Knuckle, The Zen makes a change to the mix of funds in the 'Risk-Parity' portion of that strategy, swapping out the leveraged bond fund for a volatility ETF.

The result? Average annual returns approaching 30% - at half the risk. In short, a calmer, gentler ride. 
The Zen has proven itself in a rising interest rate environment, with the stabilizing influence of the volatility ETF ever at the ready in the event of sudden equity downdrafts. 

Still, when Treasuries provide an adequate hedge to equities, the White Knuckle should deliver more alpha. 

​But for investors seeking high returns and safety, The Zen is hard to beat. 

See full description>
Bond Bull Strategy Trades - One Month Behind
NOTE: Asset allocations are one month behind. Subscribe for current month.

Bond Bulls

​(Rotating Bonds w/Hedge)
BEAT the S&P 500
10.1% CAGR over 14+ years
Volatility: 7.1%
Max DD: -7.8%
The Bond Bulls Strategy splits its portfolio into 80/20. The 80% invests in 1-2 bond ETFs. The 20% is a hedge and consists of a single fund from the likes of currencies, mortgage-backed securities, and utilities. Rebalancing is monthly.
​This is my "safest" strategy, the one with the lowest volatility and the least max drawdown of the 4 offered. While returns are more modest, it still beat the S&P 500 over a 14-year backtest.

For those who wish to beat the street and sleep well at night regardless of market conditions, this makes an excellent core strategy. See full description>
Global Trader Strategy Trades - One Month Behind
NOTE: Asset allocations are one month behind. Subscribe for current month.

Global Trader

(International Plus Domestic)
BEAT the S&P 500
18.5% CAGR over 14+ years
Volatility: 15.3%
Max DD: -15.8%
Global Trader rotates between broad-based international and domestic ETFs, as well as global sector funds like healthcare, utilities, energy, and more. 

In global downturns, equities are replaced with currency or bond funds. 
The strategy holds up to 3 assets at a time and rebalances monthly. 

​Tapping both international broad-market and sector funds, Global Trader provides the broadest geographic diversification of the models.

For the investor who wants to add international exposure - but only when outperforming the domestic U.S. market. See full description>
American Muscle Strategy Trades - One Month Behind
NOTE: Asset allocations are one month behind. Subscribe for current month.

American Muscle

(U.S. Equities, U.S. Bonds)
BEAT the S&P 500
18.9% CAGR over 14+ years
Volatility: 14.3%
Max DD: -22.6%
The American Muscle Strategy is split 40/60. The 40% invests in QQQ and TLT according to a risk-parity calculation. The 60% toggles between select equity assets and bond funds -- depending on market sentiment.
With a GDP of over $19 trillion dollars, the U.S. economy is the arguably the envy of the world. The American Muscle taps the best of that economic engine each month.

Subscribers have access to a variation of the strategy, one without a stock component (further lowering risk metrics). Either way, this is a top-producing model with a reasonable risk/reward ratio. See full description>
White Knuckle Strategy Trades - One Month Behind
NOTE: Asset allocations are one month behind. Subscribe for current month.

The White Knuckle

(Leverage, with Treasury Hedge)
BEAT the S&P 500
35.0% CAGR over 11+ years
Volatility: 21.6%
Max DD: -34.7%
The White Knuckle Strategy is my most aggressive ETF model, trading 3x leveraged ETFs - including a leveraged bond fund. I've mitigated some of that aggression by utilizing risk-parity.

A currency hedge inserted at strategic times further calms the waters.
That said, with a volatility of more than 21%, it can be a wild ride. For that reason, I don't advocate the strategy taking up more than 5-15% of your portfolio.

However, it does combine well with more conservative models to form a balanced portfolio. See full description>

​Side note: Cut the risk in half with the new Zen Knuckle, included. 

Put Two Or More Strategies To Work

Our Package Savings Plan gives you all four strategies...
for half the price.

Package Savings Plan for...

  • First-time, individual investors are fully protected by Trendline Profit's unconditional guarantee: cancel at any time within the trial, and you won't pay a dime.

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    SAVE OVER 50%  Includes all 4 strategies listed above: Bond Bulls, Global Trader, American Muscle, and White Knuckle (includes Zen Knuckle). That works out to less than $3.75 per strategy.
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    Use any of our four models, alone or in combination, to advise and manage your customer accounts. Two pricing plans depending on assets under management.

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