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Symphonies
Controlling for Volatility
Today’s Change
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A symphony is an automated trading strategy — Learn more about symphonies here

About

A defensive U.S. stock strategy that shifts among low‑volatility (USMV), high‑dividend (VYM), and quality (QUAL) funds, giving more weight to the one with the smoothest recent price moves. Seeks a steadier ride in downturns; may trail in hot rallies.
NutHow it works
Every quarter, it reviews the last ~60 trading days of ups and downs for three U.S. stock funds: USMV (steadier, lower-variability stocks), VYM (high‑dividend payers), and QUAL (financially strong companies). It gives more money to the calmest fund and less to the jumpiest. The result is a stock‑only mix that usually leans defensive (staples, healthcare, utilities), aiming to soften losses in rough markets, but it can lag in fast, tech‑led rallies.
CheckmarkValue prop
Defensive, rules-based U.S. equity strategy: near-S&P risk-adjusted returns with smoother downside (17.3% max drawdown vs 22.1%). Beta ~0.73; Sharpe ~0.88. Backed by 1,645 days of out-of-sample testing.
1M
3M
6M
YTD
1Y
3Y
Max
www.composer.trade
Performance
Compared to selected benchmarks
AlphaBetaR2R
SPY
00.830.920.96
Performance Metrics
Cumulative ReturnAnnualized ReturnTrailing 1M ReturnTrailing 3M ReturnSharpe Ratio
SPY
463.21%14.44%3.95%4.88%0.88
Controlling for Volatility
336.35%12.18%3.55%5.89%0.85
Initial Investment
$10,000.00
Final Value
$43,635.38
Regulatory Fees
$1.95
Total Slippage
$7.81
Invest in this strategy
OOS Start Date
Feb 13, 2022
Trading Setting
Quarterly
Type
Stocks
Category
Defensive, factor, low volatility, dividend, quality, us large cap, equity, risk-weighted
Tickers in this symphonyThis symphony trades 3 assets in total
Ticker
Type
QUAL
iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF
Stocks
USMV
iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF
Stocks
VYM
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Stocks

FAQ

A Composer symphony is an automated trading strategy that executes trades based on parameters of your choice. Some symphonies are similar to holding one ETF in normal conditions and rotating to a different ETF when market conditions shift, for example a 5% drop in the S&P 500, while others use complex rules with dozens of triggers. However, complex doesn’t always mean better. A simple, well-structured symphony can be just as effective as an intricate one. Learn more about how symphonies work here.

"Controlling for Volatility" is currently performing the same as yesterday today. Performance updates in real time during market hours.

"Controlling for Volatility" is currently allocated toVYM, QUALandUSMV. Holdings automatically adjust as market conditions change based on the strategy's rules.

Year-to-date, "Controlling for Volatility" has returned 11.61%. You can adjust the performance chart above to view returns across different time horizons.

The maximum drawdown for "Controlling for Volatility" is 17.34%. The maximum drawdown measures the largest peak-to-trough decline. It's an important metric to evaluate risk and the strategy's behavior during market stress.

To invest in "Controlling for Volatility", simply click the Invest button on this page. You'll need to open an account with Composer if you don't have one yet, then you can start investing. Composer will automatically execute the trades for you based on the strategy's rules. Composer also supports trading individual stocks, ETFs, and options.
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Securities products and brokerage services are offered by Composer Securities LLC, a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and member of FINRA / SIPC. Composer Securities LLC and Composer Technologies Inc. are separate but affiliated companies. Accounts are carried and securities execution, clearance and settlement services are provided by Alpaca Securities LLC, and Apex Clearing Corporation, SEC-registered broker-dealers and members of FINRA / SIPC. Alpaca Securities is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AlpacaDB, Inc. Apex Clearing Corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apex Fintech Solutions Inc. Check the background of Composer Securities LLC, Alpaca Securities LLC, and Apex Clearing Corporation on FINRA BrokerCheck . This is not an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities or open a brokerage account in any jurisdiction where Composer Securities is not registered. Securities products offered by Composer Securities are not FDIC insured

With any investment, your capital is at risk. The value of your portfolio with Composer can go down as well as up. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. By using this website, you accept our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Payment Agreement.

Please see Composer Securities' Customer Relationship Summary.

Keep in mind, investing involves risk. Examples are for illustrative purposes and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Online trading has inherent risk due to system response, execution price, speed, liquidity, market data and access times that may vary due to market conditions, system performance, market volatility, size and type of order and other factors. An investor should understand these and additional risks before trading.

Options trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Prior to buying or selling an option with Composer Securities LLC, please read the "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options," also known as the Options Disclosure Document (ODD). You can access the ODD by clicking here. Options transactions are often complex and can expose investors to potentially rapid and substantial losses. In some cases, you may lose your entire investment in a relatively short period. Furthermore, certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed your original investment amount.

Please read important legal disclosures.

Composer Securities does not provide tax advice. This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with a qualified tax professional before making any investment decisions.

The cash sweep program is made available in coordination with Apex Clearing Corporation through Composer Securities. Please read the Important Disclosures for more information.

Composer Securities is a member of SIPC, which protects securities customers of its members up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for claims for cash). Explanatory brochure available upon request or at www.sipc.org. SIPC does not protect against market losses.

Securities products are: Not FDIC insured · Not bank guaranteed · May lose value

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