Page 36 - NovDefComp
P. 36

Scorecard System Methodology™

                                         Asset Allocation Strategies




                                  Asset allocation strategies are investment strategies that invest in a broad array of asset classes that may include U.S. equity, international equity,
                                  emerging markets, real estate, fixed income, high yield bonds and cash (to name a few asset classes). These strategies are typically structured in
                                  either a risk-based format (the strategies are managed to a level of risk, e.g., conservative or aggressive) or, in an age-based format (these strategies
                                  are managed to a retirement date or life expectancy date, typically growing more conservative as that date is approached). For this type of investment
                                  strategy, the Scorecard System is focused on how well these managers can add value, with asset allocation being the primary driver of investment
                                  returns and the resulting Score. Multisector Bond (MSB) asset class follows the same evaluation criteria with some slightly different tolerance levels
                                  where noted. These managers are also evaluated on both their asset allocation and security selection.

                                                                                                                                                                                                 Maximum
                                     Weightings                                                           Asset Allocation Strategies
                                                                                                                                                                                                   Points

                                                       Risk Level: The fund’s standard deviation is measured against the category it is being analyzed in. The fund passes if it
                                                       falls within the range for that category.                                                                                                      1


                                   Style Factors       Style Diversity: Fund passes if it reflects appropriate style diversity (returns-based) among the four major asset classes
                                   30%                 (Cash, Fixed Income, U.S. & International Equity) for the given category. MSB funds pass if reflect some level of diversity                    1
                                                       among fixed income asset classes (Cash, U.S. Fixed Income, Non-U.S. Fixed Income and High Yield/Emerging Markets).


                                                       R-Squared: Measures the percentage of a fund’s returns that are explained by the benchmark. Fund passes with an R-                             1
                                                       squared greater than 90 percent. This statistic measures whether the benchmark used in the analysis is appropriate.


                                                       Risk/Return: Fund passes if its risk is less than the benchmark or its return is greater than the benchmark. Favorable
                                                       risk/return characteristics are desired.                                                                                                       1

                                   Risk/Return         Up/Down Capture Analysis: Measures the behavior of a fund in up and down markets. Fund passes with an up capture
                                   Factors             greater than its down capture. This analysis measures the relative value by the manager in up and down markets.                                1
                                   30%

                                                       Information Ratio: Measures a fund’s relative risk and return. Fund passes if ratio is greater than 0. This statistic measures                 1
                                                       the value added above the benchmark, adjusted for risk.

                                                                                                                                             th
                                                       Returns Peer Group Ranking: Fund passes if its median rank is above the 50  percentile.                                                        1
                                   Peer Group
                                   Rankings            Sharpe Ratio Peer Group Ranking: Fund passes if its median rank is above the 50  percentile. This ranking ranks risk-
                                                                                                                                                  th
                                   20%                                                                                                                                                                1
                                                       adjusted excess return.

                                   Qualitative         Two points may be awarded based on qualitative characteristics of the fund. Primary considerations are given to manager
                                   Factors             tenure, fund expenses and strength of statistics, however, other significant factors may be considered. It is important to take                2
                                   20%                 into account nonquantitative factors, which may impact future performance.

                                                                                                                                                                                        Total         10






                                                                                                                          10
   31   32   33   34   35   36   37   38   39   40   41