RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Needles, Haystacks, and Hidden Factors JF The Journal of Portfolio Management FD Institutional Investor Journals SP 25 OP 32 DO 10.3905/jpm.2006.611800 VO 32 IS 2 A1 Guy Miller YR 2006 UL https://pm-research.com/content/32/2/25.abstract AB Statistical factor modeling is often described as a way to identify commonality among returns in a financial market. Statistical models examine returns over many time periods, and from them identify relationships between and among the different assets, unlike fundamental factor models, which from the outset group assets that are likely to experience similar returns. Yet the statistical approach is better at finding some types of factors than others. Statistical factors generally work best with high-frequency return data, and even then may not pick up distinctions that apply to a relatively small subset of assets (such as distinctions associated with industry membership); they are most useful when they supplement fundamental factors. We see this in a case study that adds statistical factors to an MSCI Barra fundamental factor risk model.TOPICS: Analysis of individual factors/risk premia, statistical methods, risk management