Holding momentum on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

With an observational research design, using only publicly available stock price data, this paper aims to demonstrate that momentum extends beyond the medium term (3 to 12 months) when generating momentum profiles using a preset term-structure. The optimal holding period is a function of the formation period – the longer the formation period, the shorter the holding period and vice versa. Convention has it that once a stock begins to gain momentum it usually maintains it for 15 months before faltering, reversing some gains after 18 months. A full momentum cycle (formation plus hold) should complete within 24 months, peaking at 18 months. A dataset of 370 stocks, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) between 2007 and 2024, was used to generate momentum profiles from daily historical prices. Profiling shifts the focus onto the holding period to classify momentum cycles on the eventual outcome. Cycles are classified as mini, regular, ultra, super and hyper, depending on duration. Clusters of momentum appear when generating profiles for individual stocks, allowing one to identify optimal entry and exit points into active momentum cycles. Results show that major cycles comprise many minor cycles. Medium-term momentum or regular cycles, therefore, may consist of several mini cycles. The main finding of this paper is that there is potential to remain in active cycles for several years, thereby holding momentum. A custom momentum index, updated weekly with variable members, may give some indication of the state of momentum in a market at a particular point in time as an increase in index levels tend to correspond with an increase in active momentum cycles or momentum activity.