The Essentials of Factor Investing

The Essentials of Factor Investing

Educational module for investment professionals

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Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is an important part of any advisor’s career, particularly as times change so rapidly. The speed with which factor investing strategies, in particular smart beta products, have imposed themselves in the investment landscape, has left many at a disadvantage when explaining factor investing to clients and prospects.

The following module aims to bridge that gap. We invite financial professionals engaging with this course to digest the information, and then take an optional test at the end. We aim to present the module using clear language, charts, videos and a short case study to enhance the learning experience. Each of the eight chapters should takes up to 15 minutes to thoroughly digest, with a summary and the optional test aimed at reinforcing the knowledge.

A score of at least 12 out of 15 correct answers (80%) for the test will count up to two hours towards your professional CPD requirements. The educational module is already accredited by local and global institutes, including EFPA, CII, CISI, FPA and FPSB, with more to follow.

CFA Institute allows its members the ability to self-determine and self-report professional learning credits earned from external sources. CFA Institute members are encouraged to self-document such credits in their online PL tracker.

Good luck!



Ready for the test?

Now that you’ve learned the basics of factor investing, it’s time to test your knowledge. Below are 15 multiple-choice questions on the 8 chapters you have completed. Click on the box that you think contains the correct answer. If you answer 12 or more questions correctly, you will be awarded 2 hours of CPD.

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In all cases where historical performance is presented, please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and should not be relied upon as the basis for making an investment decision. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Neither Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. nor any of its affiliates guarantees the performance or the future returns of any investments. If the currency in which the past performance is displayed differs from the currency of the country in which you reside, then you should be aware that due to exchange rate fluctuations the performance shown may increase or decrease if converted into your local currency. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. (“Robeco”) expressly prohibits any redistribution of the Information without the prior written consent of Robeco. The Information is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use is contrary to law, rule or regulation. Certain information contained in the Information includes calculations or figures that have been prepared internally and have not been audited or verified by a third party. Use of different methods for preparing, calculating or presenting information may lead to different results. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. is authorised as a manager of UCITS and AIFs by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets and subject to limited regulation in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.