Investing in the financial market is not easy, and any seasoned investor will tell you that it requires much research and a deep understanding of finance. However, Popular Investor Alexandre Illouz (@Alexillouz) takes research and theory to the next level with his academic approach to online markets. We asked him a few questions regarding his investment style and personal life.
75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Tell us a little about yourself. What do you do for a living? For fun? Family?
I work as a financial analyst in corporate finance. During my free time, I like to hang out with my friends, play the guitar (I started playing 20 years ago), and listen to rock music. I am also a big fan of boxing and rugby. Also, when I have time, I like to go to the gym.
Where do you do your research on the instruments in which you invest?
I read articles from the ETF Trends website which I find really helpful for discovering new ETFs and following up with tendencies in the ETF investment universe. I also like ETF.com for studying characteristics of ETFs, making comparisons and checking weekly ETFs inflows. For financial and economic news, I use Investing.com, Barrons and Seeking Alpha. Finally, I read academic research papers to study investment strategies and make the link between theory and practice.
What is your experience with financial investments?
I have a BSc in Financial Engineering and a Masters in Applied Economics. I have also passed the exams for the levels 1 and 2 of the CFA program. I created my own investment strategies by reading academic papers, doing online research about investing and developing quantitative models.
Do you have any specific profit goals for each year? How do you achieve/plan to achieve them?
I dont have specific profit targets in absolute terms. The goal of my investment strategy is to beat the S&P 500 Index. It aims to provide higher returns with controlled risk over a long-term horizon of three-five years. To achieve this goal, the strategy is invested following momentum through different asset classes, while being hedged to reduce volatility and drawdowns during uncertain times.
How has TBanque changed the way you trade?
I like how the TBanque platform makes it easier to manage my portfolio and track the performance of my investments. I also like how TBanque allows you to trade, get access to financial news, analyses and investment strategies from other investors in one place. The social aspect of TBanque is amazing.
What is your trading strategy and have you changed it at all recently to adapt to the volatile markets?
My investment strategy is to only invest in ETFs and is based on momentum. It is an active strategy that rotates between leading ETFs from several baskets following key quantitative signals. The momentum strategy is also hedged with negatively correlated ETFs and diversified between different asset classes, sectors or different regions of the world. To adapt to the volatile markets, I have increased the hedging of my portfolio when the momentum strategy was mainly invested in equities. Overall, I make sure that my portfolio is well diversified between different asset classes. That helps to reduce risk. When market and economic conditions are adequate, the portfolio can also be more aggressive.
What are the benefits of being a Popular Investor?
It is really challenging and pushes me to work hard in order to develop strategies and try to manage my portfolio with transparency and professionalism. I really appreciate the side income that is provided and see it as a reward for my work.
Do you have anything to say to your copiers?
First, I would like to say thank you to all my copiers for the support and encouragement I have received. On the investment side, I recommend having a diversified portfolio with different investment strategies that fit your financial goals. I would also like to say to my copiers that I am open to suggestions regarding communication, so if there is any additional information that they think I can provide, they can contact me at any time.
75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
The above is educational material and should not be considered investment advice.
