Real-Time Simulations: Update & Possible Implications

Here are latest results of my ongoing real-time simulations that show how my model and simple trading rules have been "performing".

First graph shows VIX front month trading system where I compare FVE vs VIX (in blue) for signals and FVE vs VIX futures (in pink).  As you can see since June 22nd, while the pink line has continued a steady ascent, blue-line has been coming down.

Second Graph shows updates to the Relative Value Trading rules where I compare VIX futures to a modified FVE.  Once again, since middle of June, the short-term direction of the simulated equity graph has not been good.

Finally, the third graph shows profit results (from hypothetical $20k account) of VIX 2nd/3rd month futures spread trading strategy YTD (in pink) and VXX/VXZ pairs trading strategy (in blue).  Since VIX futures spread trading strategy follows signals from FVE vs VIX futures, it's performance has not noticeably deteriorated, but VXX/VXZ strategy follows FVE vs VIX signals, thus the performance has followed it down recently.

VIX has been falling much lower than most anyone has been expecting.  What is of concern to me is not the VIX levels but rather that the trend of VIX since June 22nd has been leading the trend of realized volatility.  Remember the efficacy of my FVE model as a trading tool depends on the the key assumption holding true--that realized volatility has been leading implied volatility since 2009.

What is happening to VIX?  Based on my quantitative way of looking at VIX, it's movements have changed in character since June 22nd.  Is this just a temporary phenomenon or does it reflect a change in the longer-term structure of the markets?

Honestly, it is too early to make any conclusion, but I am aware of the possibility for structural changes taking place in the markets--as it often does every 4-5 years.  When markets undergo structural changes, trading rules that worked on the markets under old structure lose their effectiveness in the new market structure.  New trading rules would then have to be developed.

As for investors that look at VIX for making their investment decisions, should the current VIX level in the 13 range serves as an indication of things to come, we can expect a continuation of the current bull market and perhaps a shift in the volatility equilibrium more comparable to the blue and cyan lines in the fifth graph, rather than the black and grey lines (which represent long-run median VIX levels).

Once again, it is too early to make that conclusion, but we should not ignore the possibility...