The Momentum factor is one of the most studied – and simultaneously perhaps the most misunderstood – elements in finance. Here we discuss the Momentum factor, how one might access it with so-called “momentum ETFs,” and whether or not investors can expect a premium.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are referral links. At no additional cost to you, if you choose to make a purchase or sign up for a service after clicking through those links, I may receive a small commission. This allows me to continue producing high-quality content on this site and pays for the occasional cup of coffee. I have first-hand experience with every product or service I recommend, and I recommend them because I genuinely believe they are useful, not because of the commission I may get. Read more here.
Contents
What Is the Momentum Factor?
A few years after the Fama French 3 Factor Model emerged, Mark Carhart introduced the addition of a factor called Momentum, written as MoM for monthly momentum.
The simple idea is that stocks that have been going up recently tend to keep going up for a short time, and stocks that have been going down recently tend to keep going down for a short period. A stock is considered to have positive momentum if its prior 12-month average of returns is positive.
Unfortunately, there are a few problems with the Momentum factor for long-term, buy-and-hold index investors.
First, chasing the Momentum factor invariably involves short-term market timing, either by the retail investor or, in the case of a momentum fund, the fund manager. Index investors by definition avoid – or should avoid – market timing, particularly over the short term, i.e. less than 12 months. This necessary short-term trading increases turnover from short-term buying and selling, adding greater tax liability and transaction costs, meaning it loses some points on the aforementioned “investable” criterion.
Secondly, the Momentum factor is constantly inversely correlated with the Value factor, as a Value stock by definition has just left a positive momentum phase. Thus, those investors betting on Value are inherently betting against Momentum, and vice versa. There is more robust evidence for the Value factor; I personally choose to tilt Value.
Lastly, recall the “intuitive” criterion that factors must have a logical explanation. There’s no logical explanation for the Momentum factor. Momentum appears to be behavioral in nature due to herding based on news like earnings announcements, unlike the purely risk-based factors like Size and Value.
Separate from the factor premium (cross-sectional momentum), day traders use an individual stock’s momentum per se as a technical indicator (time series momentum) in a momentum-based trading strategy.
Momentum Funds – Do They Capture the Premium?
Identifying factors is one thing. Implementing them in a real world portfolio is another challenge altogether. In a nutshell, the Momentum factor is hard to capture and profit from in the real world after fees and the aforementioned trading costs and high turnover necessary to chase the factor.
The Momentum premium decays quickly. Dimensional found that “10–12 months after classification as high momentum, the excess return of upward momentum stocks was no longer positive on average.” They also looked at U.S. funds claiming to target Momentum and concluded that “the vast majority were unable to convert favorable premium performance into higher-than-market returns, after fees and expenses.”
Basically, the Momentum factor premium can be simulated just fine in the lab, but can’t be captured – at least so far – in a live fund in a cost-efficient way that delivers excess return to the investor.
Funds that attempt to capture Momentum include MTUM, PDP, QMOM, and IMOM. The performance of some of these funds can largely be attributed not to their capturing the Momentum factor, but simply to their exposure to market beta and large cap growth stocks, which have had a stellar run over the last decade. We can see this in the fact that the returns of these funds are not correlated with the actual Momentum factor. Moreover, long-short strategies that would provide the truest loading on Momentum are not available in the retail space.
So should we simply ignore Momentum? Probably not. Both Dimensional and Avantis consider Momentum at the time of their trades to make sure they're not betting against the factor. I'm satisfied with my exposure to it through that process.
Interested in more Lazy Portfolios? See the full list here.
Disclaimer: While I love diving into investing-related data and playing around with backtests, this is not financial advice, investing advice, or tax advice. The information on this website is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Investment products discussed (ETFs, mutual funds, etc.) are for illustrative purposes only. It is not a research report. It is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or otherwise transact in any of the products mentioned. I always attempt to ensure the accuracy of information presented but that accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Do your own due diligence. I mention M1 Finance a lot around here. M1 does not provide investment advice, and this is not an offer or solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell any security, and you are encouraged to consult your personal investment, legal, and tax advisors. Hypothetical examples used, such as historical backtests, do not reflect any specific investments, are for illustrative purposes only, and should not be considered an offer to buy or sell any products. All investing involves risk, including the risk of losing the money you invest. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Opinions are my own and do not represent those of other parties mentioned. Read my lengthier disclaimer here.
Are you nearing or in retirement? Use my link here to get a free holistic financial plan and to take advantage of 25% exclusive savings on financial planning and wealth management services from fiduciary advisors at Retirable to manage your savings, spend smarter, and navigate key decisions.
Since MTUM’s inception in May 2013, it’s beaten the S&P 500 (SWPPX) on Portfolio Visualizer 17.21% to 15.20% on an annualized return basis. If you include expenses and fees, it seems pretty much like a breakeven to me. No need to add another fund into the portfolio if not necessary, I guess?