In a previous paper, Making Sense of Defensive Equity Indexes, we provided an overview of the defensive equity benchmark options from the major index providers. We noted that these indexes can vary substantially, even during market crashes, and in many ways more closely resemble active strategies than their cap-weighted counterparts. At that time, we used MSCI’s Minimum Volatility indexes as our strawman for improving upon “passive” defensive or low volatility equity with a truly active approach. Here, we’ll examine the pros and cons of how they’re put together, as well as their backtested results.
Construction Methodology
MSCI’s Minimum Volatility indexes begin with a cap-weighted parent index (e.g., the MSCI USA or MSCI World) that serves as the eligible investment universe. From there, they quantitatively optimize for the lowest absolute volatility, using a covariance matrix based on Barra Equity Models and subject to a number of constraints for risk and investability reasons (see MSCI Minimum Volatility Index: Optimization Constraints below for a comprehensive list). The index is re-optimized with new constituents and weights just twice a year. In between reconstitutions, MSCI maintains the covariance matrix with monthly updates, using the latest version at the time of the semi-annual optimizations.
The Results
The results of this construction methodology are benchmark portfolios that differ substantially in composition from their comparable parent index (see below). Some key distinctions are relevant for active managers using the Minimum Volatility Indexes as their investment benchmarks. For starters, the much smaller universe of stocks represents a narrower opportunity set. (Even if an active manager is willing to invest outside of the benchmark universe, the risks of style drift and higher-than-acceptable tracking error necessarily limit the proportion of the portfolio invested in this way.) Beyond that, the characteristics currently associated with more defensive stocks are apparent in lower P/E, higher dividend yield, and a less growth-oriented stance. Finally, the differences in market cap are substantial, with a clear preference for the smaller end of the capitalization spectrum within the parent index.
Accompanying these differing characteristics are returns that are competitive with cap-weighted indexes over the long term (in simulation), and are even more attractive when you consider their lower beta and lower volatility that results in notably higher Sharpe ratios (see below). Despite strong risk-adjusted performance on an absolute basis, such divergence from the broad market comes with periods of underperformance, while the tracking error often approaches double digits over short periods.
Implementation Challenges
While defensive equity strategies come in many shapes and sizes, let’s consider these minimum volatility indexes as a useful proxy for the category from the perspective of active risk. The deviation in performance compared with their respective cap-weighted indexes can create an issue for plan expectations. Devising the appropriate way to measure the effectiveness of these strategies over less than a full market cycle can be vexing, especially in long, stable up-market periods while awaiting the next severe drawdown or volatility event. Their asymmetric performance contours should be expected to be inherently more dynamic than the typical active manager whose primary objective is to beat the market year in and year out. Consequently, a defensive equity strategy working precisely as designed may still underperform the cap-weighted index for longer periods than plan sponsors would like to have to explain.
Many investors are able to integrate this behavior into their equity portfolios without issue; they’re comfortable with the high tracking error relative to a cap-weighted index and are content to employ other risk and efficiency metrics for short-term analysis (e.g., standard deviation, beta, Sharpe ratio, downside capture, etc.), retaining a long-term comparison relative to the cap-weighted index. For plans that aren’t easily able to accommodate this approach, however, an alternative exists: change the benchmark. Substitute a defensive equity index, such as MSCI’s minimum volatility offerings, for the usual cap-weighted benchmark, or at least consider this as a secondary benchmark. The benefits for the investment decision-makers here are twofold. First, the new benchmark provides a clear reference for measuring and attributing a manager’s performance for their board. Second, it allows the inclusion of a defensive component within their equity portfolio with all of the potential advantages that entails, while allowing the possibility of added returns from a skilled manager.
Explore an Active Approach
We’ve detailed the benefits – and limitations – of minimum volatility indexes. But we believe you can do better. The right active strategy can build upon these indexes for added return, within a tracking error range you can be comfortable with. Learn more in our latest paper, “How a New Benchmark Adds to Defensive Equity Strategy Evaluation.”
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