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IntermediateQuantitative Investing

Factor Investing: Rules-Based Stock Selection

Factor investing uses data-driven rules to select stocks with proven characteristics β€” value, momentum, quality, low volatility. It's the bridge between active stock picking and passive indexing.

TL;DR

Factor investing uses data-driven rules to select stocks with proven characteristics β€” value, momentum, quality, low volatility. It's the bridge between active stock picking and passive indexing.

What Are Factors?

Factors are measurable characteristics that explain differences in stock returns over time. Academic research (Fama-French, Carhart) identified that portfolios of cheap (value), small, and momentum stocks historically beat the market after adjusting for standard risk.

Key Terms:

Fama-French modelfactor premiumsystematic investing