Verifying return-based style analysis using composition-based factor returns

There are strong arguments for both the composition-based and returns-based approach to style analysis. Several studies have used these techniques for the purpose of identifying unit trusts that are misclassified in terms of their category. By expanding on a well-established technique, this study investigates whether substituting composition-based style factor returns in a returns-based style analysis framework is able to support the findings of the returns-based style analysis. While both techniques of style analysis are capable of identifying misclassified funds they only give partially consistent results. The technique prevents a fund from being reclassified in terms of a returns-based style analysis if such a reclassification is not supported by a composition-based style analysis.