Q & A Database

The GIPS Standards Q&A database contains questions and answers (Q&As) on various searchable topics that provide additional interpretation on an issue. Q&As are considered to be authoritative guidance and must be followed in order to claim compliance with the GIPS standards.

Content from prior Q&As was included in the GIPS Standards Handbook as much as possible and many Q&As were archived. Change the Status drop-down filter to "Archived" to see the archived Q&As.

The GIPS Standards Helpdesk is available for individual questions and typically responds to inquiries within 3 business days.

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Effective

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Archived

Effective: 1 November, 2012 - 31 December, 2019

Categories: Benchmarks

Source: GIPS Handbook, 3rd Edition

Can a price-only index be used as the composite benchmark?

The GIPS standards require that the total return for the benchmark be presented. This means that a price-only index would not satisfy the requirements of the GIPS standards. Firms must not use a price-only benchmark even if no appropriate total return benchmark is available for a specific strategy. In such cases, if no appropriate total return benchmark is available for a specific strategy, firms must not show a benchmark and must disclose why no benchmark is presented.