DUDE Index
SectorSurfer Momentum Index
Aggressive Growth focused in Bull markets — Defensively positioned in Bear markets
Bull Market Focus:
Aggressive Growth
Bull Market Allocation:
100% Equities
Bear Market Allocation:
Shifts automatically to defensive positions
Portfolio:
6 sector ETFs:
- 4 Economic Sector ETFs
- 2 Geopolitical Sector ETFs
Portfolio Goal:
The DUDE Index seeks to improve performance by first identifying whether market conditions are bull or bear. In bull markets, the Index evaluates more than 100 ETFs monthly using momentum strategies to select four momentum leading economic sector ETFs and two momentum leading geopolitical sector ETFs. When a bear market is indicated, the index selects four or more defensive ETFs.
Bull Market Composition*:
*Actual allocations may vary.
Economic Sectors-1: 20%
Economic Sectors-2: 20%
Economic Sectors-3: 15%
Economic Sectors-4: 15%
GeoPolitical Sectors-1: 15%
GeoPolitical Sectors-2: 15%
Category |
Sub-category |
Sub-Category Examples |
---|---|---|
Sectors |
Economic Sectors |
|
Global / Regions |
Geopolitical Region |
|
Bear Market Universe:
When bear market conditions are indicated, the Index switches to a defensive bear market strategy where it generally selects a portfolio of four or more unique ETFs from the Bear Universe, which includes ETFs in the following categories:
(1) Inflation-protected treasury; (2) US Treasury; (3) Aggregate Bond; (4) Short- and Long-term Bond; (5) Corporate Bond; (6) High-Yield Bond; (7) Gold; and (8) Broad-based U.S. equity market index (seeking better returns during a bear market rebound)
The categories are viewed as general guidelines and the scope of each category is interpreted broadly. Note that the bear market strategy may include ETFs that are considered high-risk or are subject to equity market volatility, such as junk bond funds, equity funds, and broad-based U.S. equity market funds. Although the Index generally selects four unique ETFs under its bear market strategy, if bear conditions are anticipated due to excess market volatility, a single U.S. Treasury ETF may be selected.
DUDE Index Performance
Performance prior to its 10/31/2020 inception employs a forward-walk out-of-sample form of backtesting.
This data represents information calculated by Solactive, AG. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Performance information should not be relied upon as investment advice, research, or a recommendation. Performance prior to its 9/1/2019 inception employs a forward-walk out-of-sample form of backtesting. Note that the following Index changes have been made:
(1) On 4/29/2022 the Index algorithm was adjusted to include the use of Treasury Inflation-Protected Security (TIPS) to the Bear Universe of the Indexes.
(2) On 4/28/2023 the Index algorithm was updated to add TrendGuard™ Dual Defense™ which introduces a backstop to compete against momentum leaders during bull market Index construction.
As noted above, the Index performance data prior to the inception date is back-tested data (i.e., calculations of how an Index might have performed over that time period had the Index existed) and for illustrative purposes only. Index returns are based on total returns of the underlying ETFs. This information is presented net of any fees. Back-tested results are adjusted to reflect the reinvestment of dividends and other income. Back-tested performance is developed with the benefit of hindsight and has inherent limitations. Specifically, back-tested results do not reflect actual trading. Index performance is hypothetical, based on trading at the market open of trade dates. It is assumed that an investor would have been able to purchase the securities recommended by the model and the markets were sufficiently liquid to permit all trading.
Certain assumptions have been made for modeling purposes only. Changes in these assumptions may have a material impact on the back-tested data presented. No representations and warranties are made as to the reasonableness of the assumptions. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only.
Index Composition
Advanced Momentum Algorithms
It’s all about reducing the noise.
Market noise tends to obscure momentum signals. Using advanced signal processing techniques and adaptive tuning of momentum filters, the Index seeks to:
- Detect momentum with greater clarity.
- Provide an improved selection of momentum leaders.
- Create cleaner signals that lead to the possibility of better decisions.
We believe momentum detection is a key part of fund selection for both bull and bear market holdings.
Market Risk Assessment
Don’t just dilute risk.
Seek to avoid it altogether. Using StormGuard™ and SwanGuard™ proprietary market risk assessment software, the Index:
- Assesses market risk using four key metrics: price-trend, market momentum, value sentiment, and market volatility.
- Switches to a bear market strategy when a bear market is indicated.
Merlyn.ai indexes are tracked by a family of ETFs available to investors.

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