One of the most frequently asked questions concerning the mathematics of StyleADVISOR is how exactly we calculate the style attribution coefficients which are displayed in the style map view, the asset allocation view, and the style table. The short answer to this question is very easy: We perform the returns-based style analysis that was invented by Stanford professor and Nobel laureate William F. Sharpe. In this article, I will explain the mathematics of Sharpe's algorithm. As it turns out, a fairly complete and mathematically rigorous description of the algorithm can be given without using a lot of mathematical formalism.

We recently completed an analysis of a large defined contribution program. The plan sponsor wanted to use StyleADVISOR to make changes in the structure. The results may be helpful to you whether you are a plan sponsor, consultant or money manager.

One of the most frequently asked questions concerning the mathematics of StyleADVISOR is how exactly we calculate the style attribution coefficients which are displayed in the style map view, the asset allocation view, and the style table. The short answer to this question is very easy: We perform the returns-based style analysis that was invented by Stanford professor and Nobel laureate William F. Sharpe. In this article, I will explain the mathematics of Sharpe's algorithm. As it turns out, a fairly complete and mathematically rigorous description of the algorithm can be given without using a lot of mathematical formalism.

The goal of this project is to illustrate a technique that can be used by StyleADVISOR/AllocationADVISOR users for going through a large database of managers to create superior performing portfolios. This process starts by putting all managers onto a level playing field and finishes by allocating among the finalists to create the “most efficient” portfolios from those determined to be “most skillful.” By using the power of the computer the user is able to quickly search through a database of thousands of managers and discover many that would otherwise have been overlooked using more traditional due diligence research techniques.

As many people know, StyleADVISOR is not only a style analysis program; it is also a performance analysis program. This includes the ability for the user to easily create their own custom “peer groups” or “universes” of any size for performance comparisons. This document covers this process step-by-step and also some of the most commonly asked questions about this topic. After reading this, you will be on your way to becoming the “Master of the Universes.”

StyleADVISOR is used at a number of universities (Stanford, Wharton, London Business School, Northwestern, etc.). This nineteen page report is a tutorial on style analysis written by Professor Ravi Jagannathan from the Kellogg Graduate School of Business, Northwestern University. This is an excellent primer on style analysis.

Originally presented at our 2001 User's Conference this article looks at how daily data can show shifts in mutual fund holdings over a short time period. On July 13, 2001 the Wall Street Journal reported that a handful of mutual funds had recently increased their exposure to energy stocks. For each fund they gave the percentage of energy exposure on a specific date. We thought that this would be a good test for daily style analysis.

Also presented at our 2001 User's Conference this article looks at how daily data can be used for style and sector monitoring of any manager where daily returns are available.

Also presented at our 2001 User's Conference this article looks at the differences in detecting style shifts using daily versus monthly data using a few different Fidelity funds and the Prudential sector indexes as indices.

Because of our superior methodology, investment professionals are using Zephyr Universes for peer group analysis. This newsletter discusses the Zephyr Universes in detail, including our new domestic fixed income universes, our methodology for the domestic equity universes, how to create your own universes and much more. Also, a further exploration into Monte Carlo simulation, Dr. Becker's Math Corner, information about online training and much more.

You create a PowerPoint presentation easily and directly from StyleADVISOR. This capability is one of many features we are adding to StyleADVISOR to help you work more efficiently. Check out just how easy it can be.

Included in this newsletter are the enhancements made to the latest version of StyleADVISOR including an explanation of the all new custom axis graph and we take a look at the new macro recording tool for changing parameters such as symbols throughout a workbook. Also included is an analysis of detecting a manager's sector changes using daily data and the all new Zephyr WebANALYTICS.

This newsletter features an analysis of using daily data in StyleADVISOR, specifically analyzing style drift and sector analysis.