Backtesting pre 2009 for triple leveraged funds…is it modeled?

[brucealder]

I couldn’t find this in the Forum (apologies if I missed it), but since the triple-leveraged funds didn’t exist pre 2009, any backtesting starting in 2005 includes a mix of both modeled (2005 to ~2009) and actual (~2009 to current) returns. Is that right?

[Frank1 Grossmann]

Yes, we extend the history of these relatively new ETFs by simulating them using the underlying GLD,TLT and SPY or even by using identical mutual funds which exist since the 1980’s. As you can not simply apply a 3x factor due to higher fees and rebalancing losses the factor is calculated so that we have the best chart match. Normally the factor is slightly below 3 for example 2.84x. These extended simulated price ranges are saved as cor files in QuantTrader.

[brucealder]

Thanks Frank, really appreciate the clarification…makes perfect sense.

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