Ruh-Roh: Even Quants Can No Longer Explain Market Resilience

`` The macro factor models are losing their ability to ‘explain' the index moves.  Currently both models' R^2's are now at 43% and 57%, respectively, from highs near 90%.  Although the historical data set is not deep, you can see in the charts above (specifically featuring the long-term model) that the prior two instances where the R^2 dropped through the 65% "trigger" in the long-term 250d rolling model, we have seen a concurrent DOUBLING + in VIX through the trough and return through 65% "confidence" period, as the macro regime evolves and ultimately "firms."''