![SI155: How to Create the Perfect Backtest ft. Richard Brennan - podcast episode cover](https://artwork.captivate.fm/28267898-7eef-4b7b-ae6c-83aedc9e1483/apEkEIEvqEz_UQUcPEzAKDX4.png)
Episode description
This week, Richard Brennan joins us to discuss whether there are any similarities between Trend Following and other investment approaches, the benefits of ‘forward-testing’ a system, the art of ‘hunting outliers’, what the optimum level of leverage could be, how much total portfolio ‘risk-to-stop’ to aim for, some thoughts on margin requirements, and which other strategy complements Trend Following the best. We also took a deep dive into backtesting, touching on topics such as: how much we can safely derive from a backtest, why a backtest with a smooth equity curve should raise alarm bells, a good checklist to use when creating a backtest, and whether some level of curve-fitting may actually be required for a good backtest.
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50 YEARS OF TREND FOLLOWING BOOK AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO FOR ACCREDITED INVESTORS - CLICK HERE
In this episode, we discuss:
- Which strategies would complement portfolio with 80% already allocated to Trend Following
- Why 'forward-testing' a system can be quite important before going live
- The art of finding and latching onto outlier performers
- Leverage, margin, & total portfolio risk-to-stop
- What information to look for in a backtest
- How to avoid 'curve-fitting' (and could some curve-fitting be beneficial?)
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Episode TimeStamps:
00:00 – Intro
03:25 – A massive thank you to listeners of the show for leaving your 5-star reviews on iTunes
03:47 – Macro recap from Niels
05:57 – Weekly review of performance
10:59 – Trend Followers as hunters of...