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Below is a list of different research articles pertaining to style analysis and asset allocation with details about what they comprise. To view these articles simply click on the link for the desired article and in the dialog that pops up either open or save to disk. The format of the documents are PDF files which open with Adobe Acrobat. For other interesting research please visit our Newsletters page.

Article Date Size
The Mathematics of Returns-Based Style Analysis (Part 2) 03/25/2003 0.1 Mb
  • One of the most frequently asked questions concerning the mathematics of StyleADVISOR is how exactly we calculate the style attribution coefficients which are displayed in the style map view, the asset allocation view, and the style table. The short answer to this question is very easy: We perform the returns-based style analysis that was invented by Stanford professor and Nobel laureate William F. Sharpe. In this article, I will explain the mathematics of Sharpe's algorithm. As it turns out, a fairly complete and mathematically rigorous description of the algorithm can be given without using a lot of mathematical formalism.
Optimizing Portfolio Allocations Using Excess Returns 08/08/2002 0.1 Mb
  • We recently completed an analysis of a large defined contribution program. The plan sponsor wanted to use StyleADVISOR to make changes in the structure. The results may be helpful to you whether you are a plan sponsor, consultant or money manager.
The Mathematics of Returns-Based Style Analysis (Part 1) 08/08/2002 0.1 Mb
  • One of the most frequently asked questions concerning the mathematics of StyleADVISOR is how exactly we calculate the style attribution coefficients which are displayed in the style map view, the asset allocation view, and the style table. The short answer to this question is very easy: We perform the returns-based style analysis that was invented by Stanford professor and Nobel laureate William F. Sharpe. In this article, I will explain the mathematics of Sharpe's algorithm. As it turns out, a fairly complete and mathematically rigorous description of the algorithm can be given without using a lot of mathematical formalism.
In Search of the Ultimate Equity Portfolio 03/27/2002 0.2 Mb
  • The goal of this project is to illustrate a technique that can be used by StyleADVISOR/AllocationADVISOR users for going through a large database of managers to create superior performing portfolios. This process starts by putting all managers onto a level playing field and finishes by allocating among the finalists to create the “most efficient” portfolios from those determined to be “most skillful.” By using the power of the computer the user is able to quickly search through a database of thousands of managers and discover many that would otherwise have been overlooked using more traditional due diligence research techniques.
Master of the Universes 01/30/2002 0.1 Mb
  • As many people know, StyleADVISOR is not only a style analysis program; it is also a performance analysis program. This includes the ability for the user to easily create their own custom “peer groups” or “universes” of any size for performance comparisons. This document covers this process step-by-step and also some of the most commonly asked questions about this topic. After reading this, you will be on your way to becoming the “Master of the Universes.”
Style Analysis Tutorial 12/12/2001 1.2 Mb
  • StyleADVISOR is used at a number of universities (Stanford, Wharton, London Business School, Northwestern, etc.). This nineteen page report is a tutorial on style analysis written by Professor Ravi Jagannathan from the Kellogg Graduate School of Business, Northwestern University. This is an excellent primer on style analysis.
Daily Energy Sector Analysis 10/02/2001 1.3 Mb
  • Originally presented at our 2001 User's Conference this article looks at how daily data can show shifts in mutual fund holdings over a short time period. On July 13, 2001 the Wall Street Journal reported that a handful of mutual funds had recently increased their exposure to energy stocks. For each fund they gave the percentage of energy exposure on a specific date. We thought that this would be a good test for daily style analysis.
Daily Style Monitoring 10/02/2001 0.3 Mb
  • Also presented at our 2001 User's Conference this article looks at how daily data can be used for style and sector monitoring of any manager where daily returns are available.
Daily Vs. Monthly Analysis 10/02/2001 2.4 Mb
  • Also presented at our 2001 User's Conference this article looks at the differences in detecting style shifts using daily versus monthly data using a few different Fidelity funds and the Prudential sector indexes as indices.
The Dangers of Misusing Returns Based Style Analysis 01/03/2001 0.2 Mb
  • Gerald W. Buetow and Hal Ratner in their recent article, "The Dangers in Using Returns Based Style Analysis in Asset Allocation," have amply demonstrated the dangers of blaming a poorly understood and poorly used tool. We will analyze the six funds that Buetow and Ratner did, show where they went wrong in their analyses, and demonstrate that returns based style analysis, when done properly, provides accurate results. First we will list B&R's conclusions, then show why, with proper analysis, their conclusions are wrong.
 
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