Author: Dimitri Huwyler
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Building a bridge between Systematic and Qualitative Investment
A notable development in the investment landscape is the increasing adoption of a systematic or pure rule-based approach to investment, such as smart beta or factor-based strategies. Systematic investment, also known as quantitative investment, attempts to seek profitable trading rules or algorithms if applied consistently to financial markets. Conversely, discretionary investment management or a qualitative investment approach relies solely on the ability of individual portfolio managers to make profitable trading decisions. The two concepts do not need to be entirely at odds. Discretionary portfolio managers can greatly benefit from integrating elements of a systematic investment approach into their workflow.