What problem does it solve?
Performance attribution explains the sources of a portfolio’s returns, turning raw performance into actionable insight on allocation, selection, factor exposure, and timing relative to a benchmark.
Core Features & Use Cases
- Brinson allocation/selection attribution: Quantifies how sector (or group) weight differences and within-group stock picking drive excess return, including interaction effects.
- Factor alpha/beta decomposition: Separates market exposure and factor tilts using single- or multi-factor regressions (e.g., Fama-French style factors with interpretable proxies).
- Market-timing evaluation & benchmark comparison: Tests timing skill with models like Treynor-Mazuy and Henriksson-Merton and summarizes results with risk-adjusted metrics and rolling stability.
Example
If a strategy shows strong monthly returns versus a benchmark, use this skill to determine whether the outperformance came mainly from sector allocation, stock selection, factor tilts (alpha vs beta), or genuine timing improvements.
Quick Start
Ask for a performance attribution report for your strategy and its benchmark that breaks excess return into Brinson effects, estimates factor betas/alpha, evaluates timing using Treynor-Mazuy and Henriksson-Merton, and summarizes results with Sharpe and information ratio.