Source: Venn by Two Sigma. 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 - October 2020.

 

Market Themes & Factor Performance Summary

  • Despite a strong first half of the month, global Equity markets sold off in the back half due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases globally, leading to stricter lockdown measures namely in Europe.1
  • 7-10 year global sovereign bonds exhibited mixed performance in October. For example, the U.S. and U.K. saw slight increases in their yields, while yields on German bunds dropped on European virus concerns. This mixed performance resulted in a virtually flat return for the Interest Rates factor, while it hurt the duration-neutral Fixed Income Carry factor, which was positioned long U.S. bonds and short German bunds over the month.
  • The residualized Commodities factor posted 82nd percentile performance. Falling energy prices were outweighed by positive performance in other commodity sectors, such as grains and industrial metals.
  • The residualized Emerging Markets factor was up over 2%. Emerging market equities, supported in part by strong economic data out of China2, posted positive absolute returns and even stronger relative returns compared to their developed market counterparts. 
  • In terms of the macro style factors:
    • In addition to the notes on the Fixed Income Carry factor above, the Equity Short Volatility factor struggled in October. The factor’s underlying index, the CBOE PutWrite Index, delivered nearly -3% returns as the VIX rose from 26.37 to 37.86.3 The residualized factor was only down ~1% though, as some of its negative returns could be explained by falling Equity markets.
  • In terms of the equity style factors:
    • The Small Cap factor was the best performer in October, with small cap stocks outperforming their larger counterparts, especially in the U.S. For example, the Russell 1000 Index (U.S. large cap stocks) was down -2.5% in October versus +2.0% returns for the Russell 2000 Index (U.S. small cap stocks).
    • Crowding also posted strong returns, with stocks that are heavily shorted by the investment community underperforming those stocks that aren’t as heavily shorted.
    • Quality was an underperforming equity style factor in October. Four of the factor’s five components were negative, with Profitability detracting the most. Investment Quality managed to eke out a 0.75% gain for the month.

Interested in your portfolio's exposures to these factors?

 
REFERENCES

1https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-14/macron-to-impose-curfew-for-major-french-cities-to-stem-covid

2https://www.ft.com/content/22108ddd-3280-4013-bcd8-1adc9e6ae13d

3https://markets.cboe.com/tradeable_products/vix/

 

References to the Two Sigma Factor Lens and other Venn methodologies are qualified in their entirety by the applicable documentation on Venn.

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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