This paper presents two simple algorithms to calculate the portfolio weights for a risk parity strategy, where asset class covariance information is appropriately taken into consideration to achieve “true” equal risk contribution. Previous implementations of risk parity either (1) used a naïve 1/vol solution, which ignores asset class correlations, or (2) computed “true” risk parity
Edward Qian, CIO of PanAgora Asset Management, coined the term “risk parity”, but he says there are misconceptions about how the approach uses leverage which, if used incorrectly, undermines its essence – risk diversification.
There is room for more innovation in funds management, says chief executive of PanAgora Asset Management, Eric Sorensen, who believes being different is critical to success.
The benefits of risk parity portfolios are largely an illusion and contain hidden risks such as confusing volatility with risk and including asset classes that have significant negative skew, which combined with leverage could be painful for investors, according to director of asset allocation at GMO, Ben Inker.
 “Understanding a program’s results involves attributing relative performance to active management, identifying any tactical asset allocation decisions and assessing mechanical factors such as leverage costs. “For most investors implementation of a leveraged strategy would likely require the retention of a beta overlay manager to execute and maintain the desired leveraged systematic exposures or an
A risk parity approach to asset allocation is flavour of the month, in spite, and because, of the leverage it requires. Amanda White explores the topic.
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