2013-03: Risk Without Return

Abstract: 

Risk-only investment strategies have been growing in popularity as traditional in- vestment strategies have fallen short of return targets over the last decade. However, risk-based investors should be aware of four things. First, theoretical considerations and empirical studies show that apparently distinct risk-based investment strate- gies are manifestations of a single effect. Second, turnover and associated transaction costs can be a substantial drag on return. Third, capital diversification benefits may be reduced. Fourth, there is an apparent connection between performance and risk diversification. To analyze risk diversification benefits in a consistent way, we intro- duce the Risk Diversification index (RDI) which measures risk concentrations and complements the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHI) for capital concentrations.

Publication date: 
February 5, 2013
Publication type: 
2013. Working Papers