In recent years, there has been a significant evolution in passive investing with a massive proliferation of benchmark alternatives and construction modifications. While this has provided investors with the ability to obtain and measure virtually any type of beta exposure, it can also make benchmark selection a daunting task.

In an effort to educate investors and help them better understand the differences between indices and the nuances of index management, we have created The Beta Book, A Comprehensive Overview of Equity Benchmarks. The Beta Book is a compilation of nearly 20 articles, all authored by members of the State Street Global Advisors (SSgA) Global Equity Beta Solutions team, that examine a broad range of topics within global indices and provide a comprehensive directory of popular benchmarks. As one of the world’s premier index managers, with more than three decades of experience, SSgA is uniquely positioned to offer these compelling analyses.

This content kit includes a list of selected articles within The Beta Book. To download the entire book, please see the link under Additional Resources. We hope you find The Beta Book valuable, thought provoking and supportive as you evaluate benchmark alternatives and passive investing strategies.

Traditional Beta


  • Passive strategies seek to provide inexpensive and risk-managed access to investment opportunities all over the world. Examine the advantages of passive investing and its emergence as the most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve broad, diversified equity exposure.

    article : 6 pages
  • Asset owners and consultants are now considering global equity as a single strategic asset class and marking it as a starting point for asset allocation. Evaluate four broad global benchmarks investors can use to “own the world.”

    article : 7 pages
  • Examine the construction and maintenance of the Russell 2000, S&P SmallCap 600 and the MSCI US Small Cap Indices, as well as their performance and the similarities and differences between their characteristics.

    article : 7 pages
  • Despite impressive returns and increases in accessibility, capital and volumes over the past decade, there are still apparent reasons as to why the emerging markets as an asset class is still considered to be “emerging.” Explore the progression of investing in emerging markets, including the differences between emerging and developed markets, and examine the challenges and headwinds that index portfolio managers face in this unique asset class.

    article : 6 pages

Advanced Beta


Additional Resources


  • The Beta Book is a compilation of nearly 20 articles, all authored by members of the SSgA Global Equity Beta Solutions team, that examine a broad range of topics within global indices and provide a comprehensive directory of popular benchmarks.

    article : 109 pages
  • This directory provides an outline of popular equity and alternative equity indices, including index family mapping and definitions.

    article : 12 pages