How it's built.
A single strategy can generate alpha, but it won't protect you in a crash. This page shows how three separate components work together — strong returns, shallow drawdowns. The concept is transparent. The implementation is proprietary.
Alpha Engine
31.8%
annual · −49.5% DD
Decorrelation
10.5%
annual · 0.02 corr
Smart Hedge
7.9%
annual · −0.44 corr
Combined Strategy
22.2%
annual · −12.3% DD
All Components — One Chart (log scale)
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Alpha Engine
Decorrelation
Smart Hedge
Combined Result
S&P 500
The Three Components
α
Alpha Engine
Quantitative stock selection in the small-cap universe. This is where the returns come from. Picks undervalued companies using a multi-factor model. High returns, but fully exposed to market crashes on its own.
31.8%
Annual Return
−49.5%
Max Drawdown
1.39
Sharpe
0.75
Corr SPY
◇
Decorrelation Layer
Systematically picks assets with low correlation to equities. Goes beyond sector diversification — actually smooths the equity curve in all market conditions.
10.5%
Annual Return
−19.6%
Max Drawdown
0.92
Sharpe
0.02
Corr SPY
⛊
Smart Hedge
Goes into protective positions when the Risk Meter signals danger. Sits in cash when things are calm. Negative correlation to equities — it makes money when markets fall.
7.9%
Annual Return
−58.8%
Max Drawdown
0.48
Sharpe
−0.44
Corr SPY
The Combination Effect
Max Drawdown
How deep each component falls vs the combined strategy
Alpha Engine
−49.5%
S&P 500
−55.2%
Smart Hedge
−19.6%
Decorrelation
−58.8%
Combined
−12.3%
What Each Component Does
Every component has a specific job in the portfolio
| Component | Primary Role | Key Property |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Engine | Generate excess returns | +31.8% annual |
| Decorrelation | Reduce portfolio correlation | 0.02 corr to SPY |
| Smart Hedge | Protect during crashes | −0.44 corr to SPY |
| Combined | All of the above | 22.2% · −12.3% DD · 1.94 Sharpe |
The key insight
The Alpha Engine alone returns 31.8% per year, but with a −49.5% max drawdown. Most people would bail after losing half their portfolio. By adding two components that behave differently during crises (one with near-zero correlation, one with negative correlation), the combined strategy keeps 71% of the raw alpha while cutting the drawdown by 75%. That gets you to 22.2% annual returns you can actually hold through a crash.