In our previous blog on multi-factor merits, we discussed the diversification benefits of combining equity factors. We highlighted how multi-factor indices may generate more stable excess returns, while avoiding the risks inherent in timing factors. But to achieve this, can market participants just throw lots of factors into a pot and hope for the best? Read more […]
Single factor “smart beta” indicized strategies that were once exclusive to the realm of active management. Multifactor indexing is beginning to garner much interest as the newest chapter of index innovation. It’s a natural conjecture that if single factors are successful, combining more than one factor should prove even more beneficial. While any combination of Read more […]
It is undeniable that an individual investor would need considerable skill (or luck) to navigate optimally between the various single-factor equity strategies. If the goal is to outperform the benchmark, then simply choosing between a quality, value, momentum, or low volatility strategy may present the biggest risk. While they all have been shown to hold Read more […]
The S&P GIVI (Global Intrinsic Value Index) Japan posted an impressive five-year live track record. It is one of the few multi-factor indices in the market, and it was launched five years ago. Since its launch in March 2012, the S&P GIVI Japan has outperformed its benchmark, the S&P Japan BMI, by 1.17% per year, Read more […]
The goal of the S&P U.S. High Yield Low Volatility Corporate Bond Index is to construct a high-yield bond portfolio with low credit risk and low return volatility by applying a low volatility factor. Does the index methodology truly deliver the effect of reducing volatility? The back-tested results of the 17-year period ending Feb. 28, Read more […]
Which of the figures below belong together? It’s obvious, even if analogies aren’t your strong suit, that A is like C and B is like D. A and C are not like B and D. The economic relevance of this simple visual exercise is this: At its March 2017 meeting, the Federal Open Market Read more […]
One of the objectives of low volatility strategies is to provide higher risk-adjusted returns than their respective benchmarks over the long run, primarily by reducing drawdowns during market downturns. In the U.S. market, both the S&P 500® Low Volatility Index and the S&P 500 Minimum Volatility Index have shown outperformance over the S&P 500, not Read more […]
We recently hosted Tim Edwards, Senior Director, Index Investment Strategy at S&P Dow Jones Indices, for an in-depth discussion about factor-based investing and the role it can play in a diversified portfolio. Chris: What is factor investing? What are the factors? Tim: To be a factor, two things in particular need to be true. The Read more […]
Participants in the Indian equity market in 2016 may have been disappointed with the muted performance by broad equity market indices (the S&P BSE SENSEX was up 3.47% for the year), while other asset classes such as bonds showed strong performance (the S&P BSE Bond Index was up 13.2%). Where could market participants have found Read more […]
In our latest S&P 500® Factor Indices Dashboard, Tim Edwards wrote, “Value’s return to form came after a decade of meagre pickings. In fact, value recorded in its best annual relative performance since 2000.” Small wonder then that the S&P 500 Enhanced Value Index and S&P 500 Pure Value were popular topics of financial advisor Read more […]
