Start with the target group
The factor direction determines which group represents the intended signal:- Positive: the highest factor-value group is the target group.
- Negative: the lowest factor-value group is the target group.
Review the key metrics
No single metric proves that a factor is useful. Check the sign, consistency, sample period, and economic explanation together.
Read the charts and tables
- Group cumulative return shows how each group behaved over time.
- Group return table compares annualized return, excess return, drawdown, volatility, turnover, Sharpe, and information ratio.
- Latest data lists the latest symbols and factor values in the selected direction.
- IC and Rank_IC sequence shows whether predictive strength persists through time.
- IC and Rank_IC distribution shows the spread and outliers of the observations.
- IC and Rank_IC decay shows how the relationship changes across forward horizons.
- IC and Rank_IC autocorrelation shows whether the signal is persistent or rapidly mean-reverting.
- 3D group return and excess return help you compare the shape of the group spread across time.

