In a new working paper,2 the same authors show that the same-month momentum effect is offset by a reversal effect in subsequent months, e.g. stocks that had the highest returns in past Januaries tend to underperform over the next February to December period. Although this reversal effect may be a bit less strong before costs, it has the benefit of involving considerably less turnover.
In our own research we have been able to replicate these results, making the strategy a potential candidate for inclusion in our models. Like with all calendar-based strategies the economic rationale is a bit of a concern. Likely suspects such as earnings announcements or dividend payments, which tend to occur in the same month every year, do not appear to be the source.
From the field
Our researchers publish many whitepapers based on their own empirical studies; they also follow quantitative research done by others.