Vanguard cautiously explores neural networks for alt data analysis
John Ameriks, head of Vanguard’s Quantitative Equity Group, explains the rationale behind dataset selection and how the group has been using machine learning.

John Ameriks has seen significant movement and change in the data landscape since joining the asset manager in 2003, and he’s done his best to ensure Vanguard’s Quantitative Equity Group has moved and changed with it.
QEG has 30 members, including portfolio managers, analysts, and QEG’s quantitative development and innovation team, which is in charge of sitting in between the portfolio managers and analysts and integrating new technologies into the trading process. QEG’s alpha side looks at
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