What are smart beta strategies designed to achieve?

Smart beta strategies are designed to achieve returns based on specific factors like value, momentum, quality, and volatility. Unlike traditional index investing, which often merely tracks market capitalization weights, smart beta approaches utilize various factors to seek out stocks that may outperform the market on a risk-adjusted basis. For example, a smart beta strategy may focus on undervalued stocks or those exhibiting strong momentum, aiming to optimize returns while potentially reducing risk.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary goal of smart beta strategies. Higher returns through fixed income investments pertains to bonds rather than equity-focused smart beta strategies. Increased stability without market fluctuations suggests a level of risk reduction that smart beta strategies do not guarantee. Moreover, guaranteed performance regardless of market conditions is unrealistic in the context of investment strategies, as all investments are subject to market risk. Overall, smart beta strategies provide a nuanced way to gain exposure to specific investment factors that have demonstrated the potential for excess returns over time.