All sixteen smart factor indices post positive performance over cap-weighted
Among the highlights of the August 2015 monthly performance report for the ERI Scientific Beta indices:
- This month, the best performing index in the Developed World universe among smart factor indices is the SciBeta Developed Mid Cap Diversified Multi-Strategy index, with a relative return of 1.86% compared to the broad cap-weighted index, while the SciBeta Developed Large Cap Diversified Multi-Strategy index posts the lowest relative return (0.40%). All sixteen smart factor indices post positive relative returns compared to the broad-cap weighted index this month. Year-to-date, the best-performing smart factor index in the Developed World universe is the SciBeta Developed Low Dividend Yield Diversified Multi-Strategy index, with a return of 4.45%, while the worst-performing index is the SciBeta Developed High Dividend Yield Diversified Multi-Strategy (-0.84%). Performance for smart factor indices exposed to risk factors known to be well rewarded over long periods remains strong, with annual performance in excess of broad cap-weighted indices ranging from 0.96% to 3.15% since inception for the Developed universe.
- Scientific Beta Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy (MBMS) indices associate an effective choice of weighting scheme, in terms of diversification, with an allocation to well-rewarded smart factors, to prevent indices from being too concentrated in one factor and to reduce their specific risks. This month, the SciBeta Developed Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy EW index and the SciBeta Developed Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy ERC index post relative returns of 1.42% and 1.38% respectively, compared to cap-weighted indices. Year-to-date, the relative returns of the SciBeta Developed Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy indices are positive (2.23% and 2.03%, respectively).
- Looking at Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy indices for various regions, we note that this month the best performing indices are the SciBeta Developed Asia Pacific ex Japan Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy indices, with a relative return of 2.45% for the EW scheme and 2.46% for the ERC scheme compared to the broad cap-weighted index, while the worst performing indices are the SciBeta United States Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy indices, with a relative return of 1.23% for the EW scheme and 1.22% for the ERC scheme compared to the broad cap-weighted index.
- Year-to-date, the best-performing Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy indices are the SciBeta United Kingdom Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy indices, with a relative return of 6.00% for the EW scheme and 5.52% for the ERC scheme compared to the broad cap-weighted index, while the worst performing indices are the SciBeta United States Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy indices, with a relative return of 1.62% for the EW scheme and 1.43% for the ERC scheme compared to the broad cap-weighted index.
- Over the long term, all Scientific Beta Multi-Beta Multi-Strategy indices post positive excess return compared to broad cap-weighted indices. Using long-term US track records since January 1, 1975 (40 years), the EW and ERC benchmarks post respective relative returns compared to cap-weighted indices of 3.95% and 3.76%.
As part of its policy of transferring know-how to the industry, EDHEC-Risk Institute has set up ERI Scientific Beta. ERI Scientific Beta is an original initiative which aims to favour the adoption of the latest advances in smart beta design and implementation by the whole investment industry. Its academic origin provides the foundation for its strategy: offer, in the best economic conditions possible, the smart beta solutions that are most proven scientifically with full transparency of both the methods and the associated risks.
ERI Scientific Beta, 1 George Street, #07-02, Singapore 049145. For further information, please contact: Carolyn Essid, Tel.: +33 493 187 824, E-mail: carolyn.essid@scientificbeta.com, Web: www.scientificbeta.com.
