The median and percentile columns measure the performance of each factor in the Two Sigma Factor Lens relative to the entire history of the factor in USD, using monthly data for the period March 1995 - February 2020.

 

Market Summary

  • The coronavirus outbreak contributed to meaningful market turbulence in February. The large question going into the month was whether China would be able to contain the spread of the virus or if it would begin to spread globally. In late February, clusters of the coronavirus emerged in South Korea, Iran, and Italy, and soon to many other countries, including the U.S., leading to fears of a global pandemic.1
  • In the U.S., the Democratic primaries showed Bernie Sanders with a strong start out of the gate in February (Joe Biden has since emerged as the leading candidate following Super Tuesday on March 3rd).2
  • OPEC and other oil producers discussed whether to cut supplies in response to lower oil demand resulting from the coronavirus outbreak, but they did not reach a formal decision.3

Impact on the Factors in the Two Sigma Factor Lens

  • The fear of a pandemic resulting from the global spread of the coronavirus impacted markets, specifically towards the end of the month:
    • Equity markets around the world suffered.
    • Emerging Markets outperformed developed as the number of coronavirus cases in China peaked early in the month. The CSI 300 Index, a “blue chip” stock market index in China, bottomed on February 3rd and rallied for the rest of the month, ending February -2.4% (in USD terms).4
    • The VIX spiked, especially as equity markets plunged during the final week of February, resulting in a poor return for the Equity Short Volatility factor even after residualizing to Equity.5
    • A decline in inflation breakevens put pressure on the Local Inflation factor.6
    • Three of the five equity style factors posted greater than 1% losses:
      • Low Risk suffered 9% in just the last week of the month. As seen in other severe market sell offs, low beta stocks can underperform what their betas might suggest due to beta compression.7 The 5 day performance ending on February 28th was the factor’s 7th-worst rolling 5 day period over its full history (dating back to March 1, 1995) and represented a greater than 5 standard deviation event.8
      • All Value components were down in February (Dividend Yield led the pack), as cyclical names continued to sell off.9
      • Quality also ended the month negative, with mixed performance from its five underlying components. Losses from Earnings Variability, Investment Quality, and Earnings Quality more than offset the gains from Leverage and Profitability.10

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REFERENCES

1Source: NPR article “Where Coronavirus Is Now Causing Concern: Iran, Italy, South Korea” on February 24, 2020.

2Source: The Wall Street Journal article “Bernie Sanders Wins New Hampshire Primary” on February 12, 2020.

3Source: The Wall Street Journal article “OPEC, Allies Weigh Deeper Oil Production Cuts to Counter Coronavirus’s Impact” on February 4, 2020.

4Source: Venn by Two Sigma.

5Source: Trading Economics.

6Source: FRED 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate.

7Sources: Venn, Acadian’s viewpoint “Quick Take: Beta Compression During Crises” in March 2020, and Frazzini’s and Pedersen’s paper “Betting Against Beta” on May 10, 2013.

8Source: Venn by Two Sigma.

9Source: Venn by Two Sigma.

10Source: Venn by Two Sigma.

 

This article is not an endorsement by Two Sigma Investor Solutions, LP or any of its affiliates (collectively, “Two Sigma”) of the topics discussed. The views expressed above reflect those of the authors and are not necessarily the views of Two Sigma. This article (i) is only for informational and educational purposes, (ii) is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon, for investment, accounting, legal or tax advice, and (iii) is not a recommendation as to any portfolio, allocation, strategy or investment. This article is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or other instruments. This article is current as of the date of issuance (or any earlier date as referenced herein) and is subject to change without notice. The analytics or other services available on Venn change frequently and the content of this article should be expected to become outdated and less accurate over time. Any statements regarding planned or future development efforts for our existing or new products or services are not intended to be a promise or guarantee of future availability of products, services, or features.  Such statements merely reflect our current plans.  They are not intended to indicate when or how particular features will be offered or at what price.  These planned or future development efforts may change without notice. Two Sigma has no obligation to update the article nor does Two Sigma make any express or implied warranties or representations as to its completeness or accuracy. This material uses some trademarks owned by entities other than Two Sigma purely for identification and comment as fair nominative use. That use does not imply any association with or endorsement of the other company by Two Sigma, or vice versa. See the end of the document for other important disclaimers and disclosures. Click here for other important disclaimers and disclosures.

This article may include discussion of investing in virtual currencies. You should be aware that virtual currencies can have unique characteristics from other securities, securities transactions and financial transactions. Virtual currencies prices may be volatile, they may be difficult to price and their liquidity may be dispersed. Virtual currencies may be subject to certain cybersecurity and technology risks. Various intermediaries in the virtual currency markets may be unregulated, and the general regulatory landscape for virtual currencies is uncertain. The identity of virtual currency market participants may be opaque, which may increase the risk of market manipulation and fraud. Fees involved in trading virtual currencies may vary.

 

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