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Factor Uniqueness In The S&P 500 Universe: Can Proprietary Factors Exist?

Author

Listed:
  • SERGIO M. FOCARDI

    (College of Business, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York, USA)

  • FRANK J. FABOZZI

    (EDHEC Business School, New York, USA)

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze factor uniqueness in the S&P 500 universe. The current theory of approximate factor models applies to infinite markets. In the limit of infinite markets, factors are unique and can be represented with principal components. If this theory would apply to realistic markets such as the S&P 500 universe, the quest for proprietary factors would be futile. We find that this is not the case: in finite markets of the size of the S&P 500 universe different factor models can indeed coexist. We compare three dynamic factor models: a factor model based on principal component analysis, a classical factor model based on industry, and a factor model based on cluster analysis. Dynamic behavior is represented by fitting vector autoregressive models to factors and using them to make forecasts. We analyze the uniqueness of factors using Procrustes analysis and correlation analysis. Forecasting performance of the factor models is analyzed by forming active portfolio strategies based on the forecasts for each model using sample data from the S&P 500 index in the 21-year period 1989–2010. We find that one or two factors which we can identify with global factors are common to all models, while the other factors for the factor models we analyzed are truly different. Models exhibit significant differences in performance with principal component analysis-based factor models appearing to behave better than the sector-based factor models.

Suggested Citation

  • Sergio M. Focardi & Frank J. Fabozzi, 2013. "Factor Uniqueness In The S&P 500 Universe: Can Proprietary Factors Exist?," International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Finance (IJTAF), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 16(04), pages 1-20.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijtafx:v:16:y:2013:i:04:n:s0219024913500209
    DOI: 10.1142/S0219024913500209
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frank Fabozzi & Sergio Focardi & Caroline Jonas, 2008. "On the challenges in quantitative equity management," Quantitative Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(7), pages 649-665.
    2. Foort HAMELINK, & Hélène HARASTY & Pierre HILLION, 2001. "Country, Sector or Style: What Matters Most When Constructing Global Equity Portfolios? An Empirical Investigation from 1990-2001," FAME Research Paper Series rp35, International Center for Financial Asset Management and Engineering.
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