Low-volatility funds still carry risks

Superior returns, yet with lower volatility—that’s a great selling point for ETF managers looking to attract skittish investors to low-volatility funds. The use of computer modelling to pinpoint those stocks only adds to the appeal.
However, there are real risks in looking for a “black box”… Read More

Cutting risk can cut emerging market gains

Some ETFs promote a “scientific” strategy designed to cut their risk without cutting their gains.
Computer modelling is such an approach sound. In our view, though, it’s likely to detract from long-term returns. That’s what happens with many funds that use a so-called “black box” to… Read More

Volatility – A measure of ETF risk

ETFs come in all shapes and sizes and numerous factors can influence their investment risk. One measure—standard deviation—aims to capture the volatility of an ETF’s price fluctuations. That metric is used to indirectly identify the volatility of the stocks that the fund holds.
Standard deviation for… Read More

Small companies have appeal but also risk

Smaller companies can generate higher returns than their larger counterparts, but they are often riskier and less liquid, and may underperform for long periods.

Small stocks are also more volatile in times of unsettled or falling markets.

Still, if you focus on the best-quality small companies— or… Read More