Investors seeking alpha – returns in excess of those offered by benchmark indices – face challenges in identifying consistent performers among active fund managers. Their higher cost is another issue. Smart-beta funds, which share some features of both active and passive funds, partly address these issues.
Recent additions to the growing list of smart-beta funds include Edelweiss Nifty Alpha Low Volatility 30 Index Fund, Mirae Asset Nifty MidSmallcap400 Momentum Quality 100 ETF and Mirae Asset Nifty MidSmallcap400 Momentum Quality 100 ETF Fund of Fund.
What is a smart-beta fund?
Passive equity funds track the performance of indices such as the Nifty 50 and Nifty Bank, which are constructed on the basis of market capitalisation. Smart-beta schemes track equity indices constructed on the basis of a factor: value, quality, momentum, alpha, volatility or growth. The index manufacturers pick stocks that score high on one or more of these factors to build these indices.
“Factor funds look for factors or drivers that can offer consistent returns. Since these funds are based on indices created on the basis of a specific factor or a combination of factors, their performance may not be similar to that of a market capitalisation-based index fund that tracks the broader indices,” says Vishal Dhawan, founder and chief executive officer (CEO), Plan Ahead Wealth Advisors.
Eliminate fund manager risk
The index construction methodology using quantitative rules is clearly defined here. Their cost is lower than that of active funds. They also offer the potential to beat market cap-based indices.
“In a smart-beta offering, factors are the building blocks. There is no element of human bias. It is completely rule-based. They are passively managed and replicate the performance of a specific index. They tend to have lower expense ratios. They provide solutions in a transparent and cost-effective manner with the potential for enhanced returns,” says Chintan Haria, principal investment strategy, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC).
Good for diversification
Smart-beta funds can effectively diversify your portfolio. For example, in the current phase, fund managers may not give a large allocation to high-quality stocks due to the fear of underperformance. Many low-quality stocks may enter the portfolio to benefit from rising prices. A systematic investment plan (SIP) in a smart-beta fund tracking the Nifty100 Quality 30 index can provide effective diversification.
“If an actively managed portfolio is heavily tilted towards a certain style of investing, the investor can consider investing in a smart-beta fund of a different style to act as a counterbalance and negate style-oriented risks,” says Haria.
Performance can be uneven
Any factor does not perform across all time periods. “Since different factors do well in different market conditions, investors need to be mindful of the factor they choose,” says Dhawan. He adds that these indices are constructed based on historical data, but the market could behave differently in the future.
Multi-factor funds for steadier performance
While these are index funds, they are not simple products (like market cap index-based funds). Investors need to understand the methodology of how their indices have been constructed. They should also examine their performance across market cycles.
Single-factor funds can underperform in certain market environments. “While smart-beta factors carry the risk of underperforming the market during specific periods, this risk can be mitigated by incorporating two or more factors simultaneously,” says Niranjan Avasthi, senior vice president (SVP) and head–product, marketing & digital business, Edelweiss Mutual Fund (MF).
Investors should choose a fund that matches their risk profile. “Aggressive investors could explore momentum-based factor funds, as long as they are comfortable with the potential higher downside when the market corrects. Moderate risk takers may prefer a fund based on the low-volatility index or quality index,” says Dhawan.
Restrict exposure
Restrict exposure to these schemes to 20 per cent of the portfolio. “Start with a smaller allocation of around 5-10 per cent and gradually increase exposure to smart-beta strategies as you gain confidence,” says Avasthi.
Use the SIP route to invest in these schemes and invest with a long-term view to tackle underperformance risk.
First Published: May 09 2024 | 7:23 PM IST