Not all trend-following strategies are the same. This is well known, but there is a naming convention problem for this style. A trend-follower in name is not always the same as being a trend-follower. Truth in advertising - those who call themselves trend-followers many not solely use trend strategies. There is no standard to say how much percentage of risk capital needs to be associated with trends to be called a trend-follower.
Trend-followers can trade futures, but do not have to use these instruments. There can be non-futures trend-followers. Most trend-followers are CTAs, but all CTAs are not trend-followers. Most trend-followers are involved in managed futures, but all managed futures managers are not trend-follower.
The largest CTAs are trend-followers. The oldest CTAs are trend-followers. The largest and oldest managed futures managers are generally trend-followers. Many interchangeably use the words trend-followers, managed futures, and CTAs. Some say trend-followers are part of the momentum style which creates another area of confusion.
I don't think there is another alternative investment style that has this naming convention problem. Poor classification and definitions lead to confusion and misperception. There are still many differences in trend-followers between the markets used, the timing horizon for trend identification and the style of risk-taking and trend measurement. This style does not need further complexity through mixing non-trend investment decisions.
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