Beyond Smart Beta is the investor's complete guide to index investing, with deep analysis, expert clarification and smart strategies for active portfolio management. From the general to the obscure, this book digs into every aspect of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) including ETCs and ETNs to break down the jargon and provide accessible guidance on utilising the indices as part of a more productive investment strategy. Succinct explanations of terms and concepts help you better grasp ETP anatomy, mechanics and practices, while examples, charts and graphs provide quick visual reference for total understanding. The expert author team examines the risks and benefits associated with various indexing approaches, sharing critical review of next-generation methods to help you make well-informed investment decisions.
ETFs provide a solid foundation within mature and well-researched markets, allowing investors to focus on areas where active management has the potential to reap higher returns. This book shows you how to take full advantage of the growth of this market to strengthen your portfolio for the long term.
Assess the current landscape and the anatomy of ETFs/ETPs
Understand ETP handling, costs, trading, and investment
Evaluate the pros and cons of next-generation indexing approaches
Avoid risk while incorporating indices into an active portfolio management strategy
Index concepts have evolved from basic, passive investments through Smart Beta, and are evolving into a third generation of products that will quickly become an important element of investor portfolios. Key benefits have propelled ETFs to surpass hedge funds in global capital, and the growth shows no sign of slowing. Beyond Smart Beta provides a primer for investors seeking to understand ' and take advantage of ' these lucrative new products.
CHAPTER 1 The Beauty of Simplicity - The Rise of Passive Investments 1
Outperformance - A Tough Challenge 1
Institutional Investors: A Small Change in Allocations, A Big Step for Passive Investments 2
Not All 'Big Guys' Love ETFs 3
CHAPTER 2 The History of Indexing and Exchange-Traded Products 6
Frequent Pricing Thanks to Copper and Feather 6
Journalist Trio Pictures the Market 7
Indexation Across the Globe 7
Customized Indexing aka Smart Beta 8
Exchange-Traded Funds - A Unique All-rounder 15
Exchange-Traded Commodities - Heavy Metal Even for Lightweight Investors 46
Exchange-Traded Notes - The Underdog 53
CHAPTER 3 Index Evolution 57
Benchmark Indices 58
Smart Beta Indices (Second Generation of Indexing) 85
Next Generation Indices (Third Generation of Indexing) 104
CHAPTER 4 The Good, Bad and Ugly - A Critical Review of Todays Indexing Approaches 127
Synthetic vs. Physical Replication 128
Second Generation Indexing Critique - The Bad Ones 129
Commodity/Energy/Oil ETP Products 133
Volatility ETPs 135
CHAPTER 5 Advantages Unlimited - Portfolio Application Strategies for Superior Index Investing 139
Never Underestimate the Importance of Investment Costs 139
Smart Beta Deconstruction 144
Conclusion 152
Mind the Behavioral Gap - Earning More by Avoiding Investing Errors 152
The Next Generation of Asset Allocation - Risk Factor Allocation Approach in Portfolio Construction 155
The Ultimate Question: Passive or Active? 163
CHAPTER 6 Unchaining Innovation - The Future of Active Investing in Passive Products 166
Alternative Investing 166
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-Based Investments 180
Conclusion 190
Customized Indexing 192
Glossary 200
References 210
