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Fundamental indexation: An active value strategy in disguise

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  • David Blitz
  • Laurens Swinkels

Abstract

In this paper, we critically examine the novel concept of fundamental indexation. We argue that fundamental indexation is by definition nothing more than an elegant value strategy, because the weights of stocks in a fundamental index and a market-capitalisation-weighted index only differ as a result of differences in valuation ratios. Moreover, fundamental indices more resemble active investment strategies than classic passive indices because (i) they appear to be at odds with market equilibrium, (ii) they do not represent a buy-and-hold strategy, and (iii) they require several subjective choices. Last but not least, because fundamental indices are primarily designed for simplicity and appeal, they are unlikely to be the most efficient way of benefiting from the value premium. Compared to more sophisticated, multi-factor quantitative strategies, fundamental indexation is likely to be an even more inferior proposition.

Suggested Citation

  • David Blitz & Laurens Swinkels, 2008. "Fundamental indexation: An active value strategy in disguise," Journal of Asset Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(4), pages 264-269, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:assmgt:v:9:y:2008:i:4:d:10.1057_jam.2008.23
    DOI: 10.1057/jam.2008.23
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    2. Feng, Wenjun & Zhang, Zhengjun, 2023. "Risk-weighted cryptocurrency indices," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    3. Guido Abate & Tommaso Bonafini & Pierpaolo Ferrari, 2021. "Fundamentals-weighting vs. Capitalization-weighting: An Empirical Comparison," Journal of Finance and Investment Analysis, SCIENPRESS Ltd, vol. 10(2), pages 1-3.
    4. Michael Dempsey, 2015. "Stock Markets, Investments and Corporate Behavior:A Conceptual Framework of Understanding," World Scientific Books, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., number p1007, January.
    5. M. Volkov & М. Волков, 2018. "Анализ фундаментальной индексации как эффективный подход к активному инвестированию // Analysis of Fundamental Indexation as an Efficient Approach to Active Investing," Review of Business and Economics Studies // Review of Business and Economics Studies, Финансовый Университет // Financial University, vol. 6(4), pages 41-51.
    6. Balatti, Mirco & Brooks, Chris & Kappou, Konstantina, 2017. "Fundamental indexation revisited: New evidence on alpha," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 1-15.
    7. Nipun Agarwal, 2014. "How to obtain high returns with lower volatility in emerging markets?," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 2(1), pages 1-16, December.
    8. Lajbcygier, Paul & Sojka, Jeremy, 2015. "The viability of alternative indexation when including all costs," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 109-141.
    9. Marielle de Jong & Lauren Stagnol, 2016. "A fundamental bond index including solvency criteria," Journal of Asset Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 17(4), pages 280-294, July.
    10. Raul Leote de Carvalho & Xiao Lu & Pierre Moulin, 2014. "An integrated risk-budgeting approach for multi-strategy equity portfolios," Journal of Asset Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 15(1), pages 24-47, February.
    11. Alles Rodrigues, Alexandre & Casalin, Fabrizio, 2022. "Factor investing in Brazil: Diversifying across factor tilts and allocation strategies," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    12. Santosh Kumar & Ranjit Tiwari, 2021. "Does the fundamental indexation portfolio perform better? An Indian investigation," Accounting Research Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 35(2), pages 121-144, June.
    13. Lauren Stagnol, 2015. "Designing a corporate bond index on solvency criteria," EconomiX Working Papers 2015-39, University of Paris Nanterre, EconomiX.
    14. Raphael Moses Roquete & Ricardo P. C. Leal & Carlos Heitor Campani, 2018. "Corporate governance and fundamental indexation in Brazil," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 38(3), pages 1494-1504.
    15. Vanja Piljak & Laurens Swinkels, 2017. "Fundamental indexation for developed, emerging, and frontier government bond markets," Journal of Asset Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 18(5), pages 405-420, September.
    16. Chen, Doris & Dempsey, Michael & Lajbcygier, Paul, 2015. "Is Fundamental Indexation able to time the market? Evidence from the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Russell 1000," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 162-177.

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