A three-group trend-following strategy using 4 multi-timeframe EMA crossovers to tilt 15% of capital per index into 3x leveraged ETFs (SPXL, TQQQ, UDOW) when upward momentum is detected, otherwise hold standard index ETFs (SPY, QQQ, DIA) with the rest in cash; overall exposure to equities is ~45% with cautious risk management.

The strategy splits capital into three groups (SPY, QQQ, DIA). Each group looks at its index with four trend checks using moving averages: 5 vs 20 days, 20 vs 60 days, 60 vs 120 days, and 120 vs 240 days. If any short-term average sits above the longer-term average, that group puts its 15% weight into the corresponding 3x leveraged ETF (SPXL for SPY, TQQQ for QQQ, UDOW for DIA). If none of the checks are true, that group stays in the regular ETF (SPY, QQQ, DIA). The three groups together use 45% of capital; the rest sits in cash. Rebalancing is minimal, with a small corridor to trigger adjustments. In short: if momentum exists on any horizon, tilt to leverage; if not, stay safer in the standard index ETF and cash.

Out-of-sample, this trend-following strategy delivers ~46% annualized return vs SPY's ~23%, with Calmar ~1.23. It seeks bigger upside by riding momentum and preserving risk via cash, but comes with higher drawdown and volatility than the S&P.