Reducing Sequence Risk Using Trend Following and the CAPE Ratio

34 Pages Posted: 16 Apr 2016 Last revised: 10 May 2017

See all articles by Andrew Clare

Andrew Clare

City, University of London - Bayes Business School

James Seaton

City University London - The Business School

Peter N. Smith

University of York - Department of Economics and Related Studies; Australian National University (ANU) - Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis (CAMA)

Steve Thomas

City University London - The Business School

Date Written: May 9, 2017

Abstract

The risk of experiencing bad investment outcomes at the wrong time, or sequence risk, is a poorly understood, but crucial aspect of the risk faced by investors, in particular those in the decumulation phase of their savings journey, typically over the period of retirement financed by a defined contributions pension scheme. Using US equity return data from 1872-2014 we show how this risk can be significantly reduced by applying trend-following investment strategies. We also demonstrate that knowledge of a valuation ratio such as the CAPE ratio at the beginning of a decumulation period is useful for enhancing sustainable investment income.

Keywords: Sequence Risk, Perfect Withdrawal Rate, Decumulation, Trend Following, CAPE

JEL Classification: G10, G11, G22

Suggested Citation

Clare, Andrew D. and Seaton, James and Smith, Peter N. and Thomas, Stephen H., Reducing Sequence Risk Using Trend Following and the CAPE Ratio (May 9, 2017). Financial Analysts Journal, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2764933 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2764933

Andrew D. Clare

City, University of London - Bayes Business School ( email )

106, Bunhill Row
London, EC1Y 8TZ
United Kingdom

James Seaton

City University London - The Business School ( email )

106 Bunhill Row
London, EC1Y 8TZ
United Kingdom

Peter N. Smith

University of York - Department of Economics and Related Studies ( email )

Heslington
York 010 5DD
United Kingdom
+44 1904 433 765 (Phone)
+44 1904 433 759 (Fax)

Australian National University (ANU) - Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis (CAMA) ( email )

ANU College of Business and Economics
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200
Australia

Stephen H. Thomas (Contact Author)

City University London - The Business School ( email )

106 Bunhill Row
London, EC1Y 8TZ
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 7040 5271 (Phone)
+44 (0) 20 7040 8881 (Fax)

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