A barbell: 25% actively toggles between 3x tech bets and hedges using trend and a 0–100 “heat” score (RSI); 75% stays in bonds and staples. In uptrends it rides tech; in stress it buys dips or shifts to volatility, shorts, or bonds.

Mix: 25% “turbo” sleeve; 75% safer ballast (IEI bonds + XLP staples). Trend first: if the S&P 500 is above its 200‑day average, it favors 3x tech/Nasdaq (TQQQ/TECL). If the market looks “too hot” by a 0–100 heat score (RSI) or short-term averages, it hedges with volatility funds (UVXY/VIXY) or long bonds (TMF). If not in an uptrend, it buys sharp dips (oversold heat score) in TECL/SOXL/UPRO. If no dip, it defends: cut leverage, sometimes short Nasdaq (PSQ/SQQQ), or switch to bonds (TLT).

Competitive upside with better risk control: out-of-sample return ~20.1% vs SPY ~22%, yet drawdown ~18.0% (vs 18.8%), beta ~0.73 and Calmar ~1.12, Sharpe ~1.19. Trend hedges + ballast target steadier, more durable growth than the S&P 500.