Examining The Performance of A Value Investing Heuristic: Evidence From The S&P/Tsx 60 From 2001-2011

Abstract

Heuristics are useful practical tools for cutting through the complex confluence of uncertainty, limited information and bounded rationality. We develop a simple heuristic for making value investing decisions based on profitability, financial stability, susceptibility to bankruptcy, and margin of safety. As an empirical test, we apply this heuristic to the S&P/TSX 60 group of companies of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Analysis of the data shows that the portfolio that is picked from the S&P/TSX 60 by the heuristic has desirable characteristics required of value portfolios. Thus the heuristic can be viewed as a reliable set of value investing decision criteria.