Stocks that have significantly increased in value in the recent past (absolute strength winners) continue to gain, and stocks that have significantly decreased in value (absolute strength losers) continue to lose in the near future. Absolute strength momentum does not expose investors to severe crashes during crisis periods, and its profits are remarkably consistent over time. We uncover similar results when we vary the sorting period for cumulative returns between 3 and 12 months.

To test for crowding effects of Absolute Momentum strategies employed by CTAs, the author explored and found significant returns for Absolute Momentum strategies during "turn of the month" days. The hypothesis is that during such days, CTAs would have to trade up their positions to put their new inflows to work in markets, temporarily pushing prices in their favour.