Scale In : Scale OutScale In : Scale Out strategy is an adaptation and extension of dollar-cost-averaging.
As the name implies it not only scales in - allocates a given percentage of available capital to buy at each bar - it also scales out - sells a given percentage of holdings at each bar when a target profit level is reached.
The strategy can potentially mitigate risks associated with market timing.
Although dollar-cost-averaging is often recommended as a strategy for building a position, the management of taking and retaining profits is not often addressed. This strategy demonstrates the potential benefits of managing both the building and (full or partial) liquidation of an investment.
We do not provide any mechanism for managing stop losses. We assume a scale in/out strategy will typically be applied to investing in assets with a high conviction thesis based on criteria external to the strategy. If the strategy does not perform, then the thesis may need to be re-evaluated, and the position liquidated. Even in this case, scaling out should still be considered.
