Momentum Investment Strategies with Portfolio Optimization : A Study on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm Large Cap

Abstract: This report covers a study testing the possibility of adding portfolio optimization by mean-variance analysis as a tool to extend the concept of momentum strategies in contrast to naive allocation formed by Jegadeesh & Titman (1993). Further these active investment strategies are compared with a passive benchmark as well as a randomly selected portfolio over the entire study-period. The study showed that the naive allocation model outperformed the mean-variance model both economically as well as statistically. No indication where obtained for a lagged return effect when letting a mean-variance model choose weights for a quarterly holding period and the resulting investment recommendation is to follow a naive investment strategy within a momentum framework.