ClassicTrendIndex.com
Introducing ClassicTrendIndex.com
Why the Classic Approach?
Our philosophy is simple: the classic approach remains the best. By staying true to the unfiltered, disciplined method of trend-following, we deliver a pure, time-tested strategy that prioritizes opportunity over moderation, pushing boundaries to capture market outliers. Where other indices have become ‘fat and lazy,’ ClassicTrendIndex.com is lean, targeted, and ready to perform.
Curating an Index
In the years since the Turtle experiment, trend-following has evolved, often losing sight of its origins. Many indices, like SG Trend and BTOP50, have strayed, focusing more on stability than capturing raw market trends. ClassicTrendIndex.com redefines the landscape, opting for a ‘no vol control’ approach that maximizes the lifting power of trends in true Turtle fashion.
Meet the Managers
Meet the skilled managers behind ClassicTrendIndex.com. Each brings unique expertise, dedication, and a shared commitment to upholding the tradition of trend-following.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes is your monthly scorecard for the world’s leading trend-following benchmarks — a head-to-head comparison of how each Index performs in real time. From the resilient classic trend purists to diversified managed futures giants, we track the highs, the drawdowns, and the quiet wins that define this strategy class across shifting market regimes.
Whether you’re an allocator, trend follower, or simply market-curious, this report cuts through the noise and tells you who’s winning, who’s enduring, and why.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: April 2026
April 2026 was the strongest trend-following month of the year, with every benchmark finishing positive. Classic Trend led at +6.7%, roughly twice the next-best result, ahead of TTU TF (+3.5%), IASG TF (+3.4%), Systematic Momentum (+3.3%), SG Trend (+2.98%), SG CTA (+2.6%), and BTOP50 (+2.0%). The dispersion is the story, and it is the convexity of Classic Trend’s design running in the opposite direction to March.
The TTU Barometer traced the sequence 66, 55, 48, 55, 50, 55, a five-week round trip back to the Neutral/Strong threshold. A tariff-driven commodity spike opened the month, a ceasefire and Hormuz reopening drove the mid-month whipsaw, and a final fortnight in which the Strait re-closed delivered the bulk of the gains as all six energy contracts moved higher in unison.
Over the long run, Classic Trend stands at +146.3% since 2020, a CAGR of 15.3%, leading every major risk-adjusted measure (MAR 0.97, Sharpe 0.89, Sortino 1.40). BTOP50 retains its role as stability anchor with the lowest drawdown at 9.7%. Classic Trend provides the compounding engine. BTOP50 provides the stabilising core.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: March 2026
March 2026 ended trend following’s two-month streak, with every benchmark finishing negative. SG CTA was the most defensive at -0.8%, followed by BTOP50 (-1.4%), SG Trend and Systematic Momentum (both -1.6%), TTU TF (-2.3%), and IASG TF (-2.6%). Classic Trend gave back 8.6%, reflecting the larger embedded metals exposure carried in after February’s explosive close.
The month was defined by a sustained three-week repricing of precious metals rather than a single-session reversal. Silver gave back across each of the first three weeks, culminating in a 14.4% mid-March crash, while gold fell 9.6% in the same week. Energy moved the other way, with WTI approaching $100 and Brent clearing $109, offsetting metals losses for portfolios with diversified petroleum exposure. The TTU Barometer absorbed the pain and accelerated to 66% by month-end, signalling a localised repricing rather than a broader breakdown.
Over the long run, Classic Trend stands at +130.8% since 2020, a CAGR of 14.3%, leading every major risk-adjusted measure (MAR 0.91, Sharpe 0.83, Sortino 1.39), with a cumulative lead over the next-best benchmark exceeding 66 points. BTOP50 retains its role as stability anchor. The same message holds: Classic Trend provides the compounding engine. BTOP50 provides the stabilising core.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: February 2026
February 2026 delivered another strong month for trend followers, with all seven indexes posting gains for the second consecutive month. Classic Trend led at +5.3%, followed by TTU (+4.6%), IASG (+4.0%), and SG Trend (+3.9%). BTOP50 (+3.5%), Systematic Momentum (+3.6%), and SG CTA (+3.4%) also advanced solidly.
The month tested patience early, with an energy reversal pushing the TTU Barometer down to 43% by mid-month. The recovery was emphatic. Metals exploded in the final week, silver surging 12.4% and gold extending to fresh all-time highs above $5,296, lifting the barometer back to 61% and driving strong month-end returns.
Over the long run, Classic Trend now stands at +152.6% since 2020, leading every major risk-adjusted measure (MAR 1.03, Sharpe 0.98). BTOP50 retains its role as stability anchor with the lowest drawdown and highest winning month ratio. The same message holds: Classic Trend provides the compounding engine. BTOP50 provides the stabilising core.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: January 2026
January 2026 was a powerful start to the year for trend followers, with all seven indexes posting gains. Classic Trend and BTOP50 shared the lead at +5.0%, followed by SG Trend and SG CTA at +4.7% each. TTU (+4.5%), IASG (+4.3%), and Systematic Momentum (+3.9%) also advanced strongly. Monthly dispersion was the tightest on record, with just 1.1 percentage points separating top from bottom.
Trailing quarterly performance was robust across the board, with IASG leading at +8.7% and Classic Trend close behind at +8.5%. SG Trend (+8.2%) and TTU (+7.5%) also posted strong rolling three-month returns, while BTOP50, Systematic Momentum, and SG CTA each delivered above 6.0%.
Over the long run, the structure remains firmly established. Classic Trend extends its lead with +140.0% since 2020 and continues to deliver the strongest risk-adjusted profile (MAR 0.98, Sharpe 0.93). BTOP50 remains the stability anchor with the lowest drawdown and highest winning month ratio — while proving in January that stability need not sacrifice upside. January reinforced a familiar message: Classic provides the compounding engine. BTOP50 provides the stabilising core.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: December 2025
December 2025 was a strong finish to the year for trend followers, with all seven indexes positive or flat. Classic Trend led at +3.7%, followed by IASG (+2.5%) and SG Trend (+1.9%). SG CTA (+1.2%), BTOP50 (+1.0%), and Systematic Momentum (+0.6%) also advanced. TTU was flat for the month, consolidating after earlier quarterly gains.
Quarterly performance was constructive across the board, with IASG leading Q4 at +5.5% and Classic Trend close behind at +5.1%. For the full year, IASG finishes 2025 as the standout at +6.7%, followed by Classic Trend (+3.7%) and BTOP50 (+2.8%). SG Trend (+2.4%) also ended in positive territory, while SG CTA, TTU, and Systematic Momentum finished marginally negative.
Over the long run, the structure remains unchanged. Classic Trend extends its lead with +128.5% since 2020 and continues to deliver the strongest risk-adjusted profile. BTOP50 remains the stability anchor with the lowest drawdown and highest winning month ratio. December reinforced a familiar message: Classic provides the compounding engine. BTOP50 provides the stabilising core.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: November 2025
November 2025 was a quieter but constructive month for trend followers, with six of seven indexes positive. SG Trend led at +1.4%, followed by IASG (+1.2%) and TTU (+0.9%). Systematic Momentum (+0.6%), SG CTA (+0.3%), and BTOP50 (+0.2%) also advanced. Classic Trend was the only decliner at −0.4%, reflecting consolidation after strong quarterly gains.
Quarterly performance remained solid, further compressing YTD dispersion. IASG continues to lead YTD at +4.3%, with BTOP50 (+1.4%) and SG Trend (+0.5%) following. Classic Trend remains slightly positive for the year.
Over the long run, the structure is unchanged. Classic Trend still dominates with +120.4% since 2020 and the strongest risk-adjusted profile, while BTOP50 remains the stability anchor with the lowest drawdown. November reinforced a familiar message. Classic provides the compounding engine. BTOP50 provides the stabilising core.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: October 2025
October 2025 delivered another steady month for trend followers, with all seven indexes finishing in positive territory. Classic Trend led at +1.6 percent, followed closely by TTU at +1.5 percent and IASG at +1.5 percent. SG Trend and Systematic Momentum added +1.4 percent, while SG CTA and BTOP50 both gained +1.2 percent. Strong quarterly results continued to narrow year to date dispersion, with IASG now leading the pack at +2.4 percent and BTOP50 holding a solid +1.6 percent. Classic Trend remains positive for the year at +0.3 percent. Over the long run the familiar pattern persists. Classic Trend stands far ahead with +120.9 percent since 2020 and the strongest risk adjusted profile, while BTOP50 anchors the universe with the lowest drawdown and the most consistent monthly wins. October reinforced the same message seen throughout the cycle. Classic provides the compounding engine. BTOP50 provides the stabilising core. When trends reassert themselves, disciplined structure continues to win.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: September 2025
September 2025 marked one of the strongest collective months of the year, as momentum returned across major asset classes. All seven indexes finished higher, led by the TTU Trend Following Index at +5.9%, closely followed by SG Trend at +5.7%, Classic Trend at +4.9%, and IASG and Systematic Momentum both at +4.3%. BTOP50 rose +3.5%, while SG CTA gained +3.9%. The rebound trimmed year-to-date losses, with BTOP50 now the only index in positive territory at +0.4%. Over the longer arc, Classic Trend remains dominant at +117% since 2020, still edging toward its high watermark with unmatched compounding and recovery speed. The month reinforced a familiar divide: Classic as the compounding engine, BTOP50 as the resilient anchor. When momentum returns, structure and discipline once again prove decisive.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: August 2025
August 2025 saw a broad recovery for trend followers, with all seven indexes finishing in positive territory. Classic Trend Index led strongly with +4.4%, extending its long arc dominance to +110% since 2020. IASG (+2.8%) and SG Trend (+2.7%) followed, while TTU (+2.3%) and Systematic Momentum (+2.1%) also gained. SG CTA (+1.2%) and BTOP50 (+1.3%) posted smaller advances, though BTOP50 again distinguished itself with the shallowest drawdown and highest win rate. The key story remains structural: Classic compounds through fast drawdown recovery and long-run persistence, while BTOP50 continues to anchor with resilience. August underscored that when trends reappear, the designs built for compounding and stability show their edge.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: July 2025
July 2025 delivered a mixed picture for trend followers. Four of the seven indexes scraped into positive territory, though gains were only marginal. The Classic Trend Index edged ahead with +0.3%, reinforcing its dominance over the long arc with more than +100% cumulative return since 2020. SG CTA and IASG each added +0.2%, while SG Trend held flat. On the defensive side, Barclay BTOP50 slipped −0.8% but maintained its reputation for resilience with the lowest drawdown and highest win rate. Broader blends like TTU and Systematic Momentum remained under pressure. July underscored that in choppy conditions, marginal monthly differences matter less than structural discipline and long-term persistence.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: June 2025
June 2025 marked a broad-based rebound across the trend-following landscape. All seven indexes posted gains, offering relief after a bruising Q2. The Classic Trend Index led with a +1.9% return, extending its commanding lead in long-term performance metrics. Barclay BTOP50 continued to shine as the most resilient benchmark, matching strong returns with the lowest drawdown and highest win rate. While it’s too early to call a regime shift, June proved that even a modest directional pulse can revive systems grounded in disciplined process.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: May 2025
May 2025 brought a mix of continued pressure and early signs of resilience. Six of the seven trend-following indexes ended the month in the red, though losses were shallower than April’s rout. The Classic Trend Index stood alone with a modest +0.1% gain, reaffirming its dominance as the long-term performance leader. Barclay BTOP50 once again showcased its defensive strength, falling just -1.4% and maintaining the lowest drawdown profile in the group. Trend signals remained scarce, but process-driven discipline kept the strongest models afloat.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: April 2025
April 2025 deepened the drawdown, as all seven trend-following indexes finished the month in negative territory. The Classic Trend Index took the sharpest hit at -7.0%, but still stands tall as the long-term performance leader. Barclay BTOP50 again proved the most defensive, limiting its monthly loss to -3.3%, while whipsaws and lack of directional conviction continued to challenge systematic strategies across the board.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: March 2025
March 2025 kept the pressure on, extending the retreat across the trend-following landscape. Six out of seven indexes finished the month in the red, with only the Barclay BTOP50 posting a gain. The Classic Trend Index, while still the long-term standout, slipped -2.5% as choppy conditions and fleeting trends continued to frustrate systematic models.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: February 2025
February 2025 dealt a tough blow across the battlefield, with every trend-following index retreating for the month. The Classic Trend Index, usually a dominant force, saw its largest setback in recent memory, falling -3.8%. Market chop and a lack of sustained trends weighed heavily on systematic models.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: January 2025
January 2025 saw a strong start across trend-following indexes, with performance dispersion highlighting the adaptability of different strategies. The Classic Trend Index continued its dominance, posting another solid gain and reinforcing its position as the benchmark for systematic trend following. Its steadfast approach to capturing outliers and managing risk effectively allowed it to maintain its edge in an evolving market landscape.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: December 2024
December delivered mixed results across trend-following indexes, reflecting diverse market environments. The Classic Trend Index continued to shine, closing the year as the standout performer for 2024. Its traditional trend-following principles, focused on robust risk management and outlier capture, propelled it to outperform its peers significantly.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: November 2024
November saw a dramatic turnaround for trend-following strategies, rebounding strongly after October’s challenging environment. This resurgence was fuelled by pronounced trends in soft commodities, US Equities and Bitcoin, the latter gaining momentum after Trump’s public announcement of support. These favourable conditions provided a fertile backdrop for strong gains across all the indexes reviewed.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: October 2024
October was a challenging month for trend-following strategies across the board, with most benchmarks facing headwinds in navigating volatile market conditions. Despite the turbulence, the Classic Trend Index demonstrated its resilience, retaining its leading position across key performance metrics. This consistency highlights the strength of its systematic approach, which remains rooted in traditional trend-following principles.
Battle of the Trend Following Indexes: September 2024
September saw a continuation of the dominance of the Classic Trend Following Index across most performance metrics.
