Practical Considerations for Factor-Based Asset Allocation

Posted: 22 May 2019

See all articles by Xiaowei Kang

Xiaowei Kang

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Rotterdam School of Management (RSM)

Daniel Ung

CFA Institute; Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA); Global Association of Risk Professionals

Date Written: June 20, 2014

Abstract

Much has been written about the shortcomings of the traditional approach to asset allocation. Traditional asset allocation policies can typically be characterized by relatively static asset allocation and by diversification across asset class building blocks. As asset class returns are largely driven by common risk factors such as growth and inflation, traditional balanced portfolios can be poorly diversified, with a pro-cyclical growth bias that may lead to significant drawdowns and losses in the event of market turmoil. Against this backdrop, there has been an emerging shift, especially among institutional investors, toward more dynamic asset allocation, hinged on diversification across risk factors.

Exactly how risk factors should be included in the portfolio construction process is still a nascent area of research and is fiercely debated among practitioners. While there are numerous research papers that explore this topic, they tend to be theoretical, and it is for this reason that this paper has a stronger focus on the practical aspects of implementation. Rather than provide definitive answers here, we aim to share our reflections on this topic, following feedback from practitioners and discussions that took place in client roundtable events S&P Dow Jones Indices organized to promote dialogue with industry experts.

Keywords: alternative beta, smart beta, fixed income, equities, commodities, risk premia, factor-based investing

Suggested Citation

Kang, Xiaowei and Ung, Daniel and Ung, Daniel, Practical Considerations for Factor-Based Asset Allocation (June 20, 2014). https://doi.org/10.3905/jii.2015.5.4.033, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2457228 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2457228

Xiaowei Kang

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) ( email )

P.O. Box 1738
Room T08-21
3000 DR Rotterdam, 3000 DR
Netherlands

Daniel Ung (Contact Author)

CFA Institute ( email )

915 East High Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
United States

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA) ( email )

Global Association of Risk Professionals ( email )

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