Results
Automated trading backtest
This trading strategy underwent extensive backtesting from the inception of SPY (S&P 500 Index ETF) until today (1993-2023).
Below are the results of the backtest using an automated approach, where entry and exit orders are executed immediately upon a call to action issued by the algorithm at 15:59 EST (one minute before the close of the US Regular trading session).
- Start Date 29.11.1993
- End Date 29.12.2023
- Symbol Name SPY
- Initial Capital $100 000,00
- No Commission
- Trading Period 30 Yrs, 2 Mths, 17 Dys
- Time in the Market 12 Yrs, 2 Mths, 5 Dys
- Percent in the Market 40,31%
- Longest flat period 2 Mths, 20 Dys
Strategy Performance Summary
- $100K initial deposit has grown to over $5,7 million
- At the same time Buy & Hold approach made just $926K
- Around 72% win rate on both long and short trades
- Realized drawdown was just around 16%
- Extended backtest of more than 30 years showed resilience
Performance Ratios
Equity Curve
- Equity curve is smooth, frequently reaching new equity highs
- Close-to-close drawdowns of only 16% are very manageable
Trades Analysis
- 839 trades executed over a period of 30+ years
- Overall high win percentage of 72%
- Infrequent short trades with a precise 86% win rate
Annual Period Analysis
Since the strategy began in late November 1993, that year can be considered a scratch year. Since then, the strategy has had three losing years: 1994, 2001, and 2018. However, these losses have been moderate compared to the profitable years.
- Only 3 losing years with manageable, moderate losses
- Average of 29 trades per year
- Average of 72% profitable trades per year
- Average annual profit is 15% (vs 9.63% of the S&P 500 Index)
- Best year: 2020 with 36.41% gain
- Worst year: 2001 with -5.50% loss
S&P 500 Index – Historical Annual Data
The table below compares the performance of the S&P 500 Index during the same years. The S&P 500 Index experienced 8 losing years during this period, with losses that were significantly larger than those of the Strategy.
- S&P 500 Index had 8 losing years since 1993
- Average annual gain of S&P 500 Index is 9.63%
- Best year: 1995 with 34.11% gain
- Worst year: 2008 with -38.49% loss
SP 500 Index Combo Strategy vs S&P 500 Index – comparison diagram
- This chart, derived from the previous two tables, illustrates a comparison between the cumulative performance of the SP500 Index Combo Strategy and the S&P 500 Index. The chart shows that the strategy has made over 58 times the original deposit, significantly outperforming the Buy & Hold approach of S&P 500 Index over the same period.
Conclusion
The backtest using an automated approach demonstrated the outstanding performance of the strategy. It consistently outperformed the benchmark S&P 500 Index by a significant margin, while effectively controlling risk and equity drawdowns. The strategy’s robustness and resilience make it well-suited to navigate volatile market swings.
You can view live performance statistics or trade it live on Collective2