Trend regime, momentum, risk — and what a rule-based system does about it. Computed daily by the IVEST research system. As of 2026-07-09.
1-year price (gold) vs 200-day moving average (dashed). Last close 125.07
These rules describe how systematic trend-following strategies typically operate — a framework, not a recommendation for any individual.
| Horizon | Return | Universe percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | +5.4% | 69 |
| 3M | +2.3% | 45 |
| 6M | +16.6% | 73 |
| 12M | +58.8% | 87 |
Cross-sectional percentile ranks MRK against ~200 liquid US names — a stock can be "up" and still lag the tape. Persistent top-quartile momentum across horizons is the profile trend systems allocate to.
Trend regime uses the 200-day moving average — the same gate the IVEST core applies before holding leveraged exposure. Composite score = 40·(trend) + 40·(momentum percentile) + 20·(1 − volatility percentile): fully transparent. Beta/correlation vs SPY over the last 12 months. Every number regenerates daily from raw prices — no analyst opinion in the loop.
Yes — MRK trades +17.1% above its 200-day moving average, the classic systematic uptrend definition.
No page can answer that for you — but a trend system's checklist is public: regime ✅ above the 200-day line; momentum percentile 45/100; extension ⚠ stretched (+17.1% — pullback entries preferred); predefined exit at 106.77. If any of those words are unfamiliar, position sizing — not stock picking — is the first thing to learn (Kelly calculator).
106.77 as of 2026-07-09 (close 125.07, +17.1%). The 50-day sits at 117.41 — the 50/200 relationship is currently a golden cross.
Annualized volatility 32%, worst single day in the last year -4.4%, worst peak-to-trough -11%. Beta to SPY: 0.19. Size positions so that this drawdown profile is survivable — see the playbook above.