So what is “smart beta”? A mere revolt against traditional indices? No, Sir, it's a true revolution – the factor investing revolution. The questioning of allegiance to traditional indices, which until now were used broadly despite some serious drawbacks, has only just begun, but the stakes are already high and this could bring structural and long-lasting changes to the way investors make strategic allocations.

Performance drivers and risk factors are unstable parameters, at least in the short to mid-term. As a result, delivering returns over a relatively long horizon whilst avoiding transitory market shocks is no easy task for portfolio managers. While asset allocation is the main performance driver over long periods, it is also the hardest to achieve.

This paper provides an introduction to the STOXX Minimum Variance Indices and aims to achieve three things : i) an overview of minimum variance investing ii) the methodology for the construction and maintenance of the STOXX Minimum Variance Indices, highlighting the unique approach for the index series iii) how investors can make use of the minimum variance concept...

Using its expertise in systematic asset management, in 2013, Ossiam has set up an ETF offering a long only exposure to a risk weighted enhanced commodity index, based on S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index constituents, excluding grains.

Risk factor investing is growing in popularity, but there's a risk of getting lost in the factor “zoo”. In this Expert Opinion Thierry Roncalli, Head of Quantitative Research at Lyxor Asset Management, explains the concept of risk factors and distinguishes between facts and commonly held fictions regarding factor investing.