As this model aims to capture trends and needs to avoid invoking the pattern day trader rule, it is difficult for the model to perform well in choppy markets as 2011 was.
I believe that it is prudent to get ahead of the retiring baby boomers by constructing portfolios with low volatility and relatively high dividends.
Historically, excessive greed sets the stage for losses, and excessive fear sets the stage for outsized gains. And the fear is here.
Primary 2011 lesson: A conservative company does not equal a safe investment, particularly in uncertain times.