Prediction Market Portfolio Strategies

Build a diversified prediction market portfolio. Learn correlation analysis, event hedging, and optimal position allocation strategies.

Building a Prediction Market Portfolio

Treating prediction markets as a portfolio rather than individual bets improves risk-adjusted returns. This guide covers diversification, correlation, and allocation strategies for prediction market traders.

Portfolio Construction Principles

  • Maximize expected value - Focus on markets where you have an edge
  • Minimize correlated risk - Don't bet the same thesis multiple ways
  • Balance time horizons - Mix short and long-term positions
  • Maintain liquidity - Keep some capital available for new opportunities

Diversification Strategies

By Event Type

Spread across politics, sports, crypto, entertainment, weather, etc.

By Resolution Date

Mix near-term trades (days) with long-term positions (months).

By Platform

Reduce platform risk by using multiple exchanges.

By Strategy

Combine directional bets, arbitrage, and LP positions.

Understanding Correlation

Correlated positions reduce diversification benefits. Watch out for:

  • Multiple political markets that move with the same candidate's fortunes
  • Crypto markets that depend on the same regulatory decisions
  • Sports markets affected by the same team's performance
  • Economic markets that respond to the same macro factors

Example: If you bet on Candidate A winning the presidency AND their party winning the Senate, you're making correlated bets. One loss often means both lose.

Allocation Models

Conservative (Low Risk)

  • 60% high-probability positions (70%+ implied odds)
  • 20% moderate positions
  • 10% high-risk/high-reward
  • 10% cash reserve

Balanced

  • 40% high-probability positions
  • 40% moderate positions
  • 15% high-risk/high-reward
  • 5% cash reserve

Aggressive

  • 20% high-probability positions
  • 40% moderate positions
  • 35% high-risk/high-reward
  • 5% cash reserve

Rebalancing

  • Regular review - Check portfolio allocation weekly or monthly
  • Trim winners - Take profits on positions that have moved significantly
  • Cut losers - Exit positions where your thesis has changed
  • Reinvest proceeds - Put resolved capital into new opportunities

Tracking Performance

Measure your portfolio's performance with these metrics:

  • Total return - Overall P&L
  • Win rate - Percentage of profitable positions
  • Average win/loss - Expected value per trade
  • Sharpe ratio - Risk-adjusted returns
  • Max drawdown - Largest peak-to-trough decline

Use portfolio dashboards to track your positions and performance.

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