Episode description

Our guest on the podcast today is Rob Arnott. Arnott is partner and chairman of the board of Research Affiliates, a firm he established in 2002, following stints at First Quadrant and Salomon Brothers. He also runs several prominent mutual funds, including PIMCO All Asset. In addition to these duties, Arnott is an accomplished thought leader, having published more than 100 articles in professional journals. Among other plaudits for his work, he has received seven Graham and Dodd Scrolls, awarded by the CFA Institute to the top financial analyst journal articles of the year. An innovator, Arnott popularized the concept of fundamental indexation, which some refer to as smart beta. 

Background Information

• Rob Arnott bio 
• Research Affiliates website 
• Research Affiliates smart-beta interactive tool
• Research Affiliates asset-allocation interactive tool
• Financial Analysts Journal website 
• PIMCO All Asset PAAIX  
• "Fundamental Indexation," by Robert D. Arnott, Jason Hsu, and Philip Moore (2005, Financial Analysts Journal)

Related Links

Research Affiliates Forecasts

• Value strategy 
• High-dividend strategy
• Emerging-markets equity
• Low-volatility strategy

Research Affiliates Research

• "Are Valuations Now Irrelevant?" by Rob Arnott (2019 Research Affiliates Advisor Symposium) 
• "If Factor Returns are Predictable, Why Is There an Investor Return Gap?" by Jason Hsu (November 2015, Research Affiliates)
• "Buy High and Sell Low With Index Funds!" by Rob Arnott, Vitali Kalesnik, and Lillian Wu (June 2018, Research Affiliates)
• "Too Big to Succeed," by Rob Arnott (June 2010, Research Affiliates)
• "The Incredible Shrinking Factor Return," by Rob Arnott, Vitali Kalesnik, and Lillian Wu (April 2017, Research Affiliates) 
• "How Can 'Smart Beta' Go Terribly Wrong?" by Rob Arnott, Noah Beck, Vitali Kalesnik, and John West (February 2016, Research Affiliates)
• "To Win With 'Smart Beta' Ask if the Price Is Right," by Rob Arnott, Noah Beck, and Vitali Kalesnik (June 2016, Research Affiliates)
• "Rob Arnott: 'I Want the Quant Community to Get Its Act Together," by Alex Steger (Feb. 28, 2019, Citywire) 
• "What Risk Matters? A Call for Papers!" by Rob Arnott (September/October 2003, Financial Analysts Journal) 
• "Who Is on the Other Side of the Trade?" by Jason Hsu (December 2013, Research Affiliates)

Other Research Referenced

• "Capital Asset Prices: A Theory of Market Equilibrium Under Conditions of Risk," by William F. Sharpe (September 1964, The Journal of Finance)
• "Mind the Gap 2019," by Russel Kinnel (Aug. 15, 2019, Morningstar)
• "Alpha and the Paradox of Skill," by Michael J. Mauboussin and Dan Callahan (July 15, 2013, Credit Suisse) 

About the Podcast: The Long View is a podcast from Morningstar. Each week, hosts Christine Benz and Jeff Ptak conduct an in-depth discussion with a thought leader from the world of investing or personal finance. The podcast is produced by George Castady and Scott Halver.

About the Hosts: Christine Benz and Jeff Ptak have been analysts and commentators on investments and the investment industry for many years. Christine is Morningstar's director of personal finance and senior columnist for Morningstar.com. Jeff is head of global manager research for Morningstar Research Services, overseeing Morningstar's team of 120 manager research analysts in the U.S. and overseas.

To Share Feedback or a Guest Idea: Write us at TheLongView@morningstar.com

(Disclaimer: This recording is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Opinions expressed are as of the date of recording. Such opinions are subject to change. The views and opinions of guests on this program are not necessarily those of Morningstar, Inc. and its affiliates. Morningstar and its affiliates are not affiliated with this guest or his or her business affiliates unless otherwise stated. Morningstar does not guarantee the accuracy, or the completeness of the data presented herein. Jeff Ptak is an employee of Morningstar Research Services LLC. Morningstar Research Services is a subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. and is registered with and governed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Morningstar Research Services shall not be responsible for any trading decisions, damages or other losses resulting from or related to the information, data analysis or opinions or their use. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. All investments are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Individuals should seriously consider if an investment is suitable for them by referencing their own financial position, investment objectives and risk profile before making any investment decisions.)