Implementation Shortfall Framework

CFA Level III: Trading and Market Microstructure · 3:46

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
You built a perfect portfolio on paper, looking fine
Expected returns were dancing in a straight and perfect line
But when you went to trade it, something didn't feel quite right
The real world started showing you a very different sight

Your paper said ten percent, but you only made eight-two
Where did those returns go? Let me explain to you
Implementation shortfall is the gap you need to see
Between your paper dreams and your reality

[Chorus]
Market Impact, Timing Risk, Delay and Opportunity
Missed Trade Cost rounds out the four-part symphony
When paper meets the trading floor, these costs will always show
Implementation Shortfall - now you're in the know

[Verse 2]
Market Impact hits you when your order moves the price
Buy a stock, it jumps right up, that premium's not so nice
When you sell, it falls right down, you get less than you planned
Supply and demand responding to your heavy trading hand

The bigger that your order is, the bigger impact grows
Like dropping stones in quiet ponds, the ripple always shows
Temporary or permanent, these costs are always there
Implementation shortfall makes the hidden costs aware

[Chorus]
Market Impact, Timing Risk, Delay and Opportunity
Missed Trade Cost rounds out the four-part symphony
When paper meets the trading floor, these costs will always show
Implementation Shortfall - now you're in the know

[Verse 3]
Timing Risk and Delay Costs work hand in hand together
Markets move while you're deciding, fair or stormy weather
From decision to execution, prices drift away
Every minute that you wait might cost you more to pay

And when you miss that trade completely, Opportunity's the name
The cost of what you didn't do, it's part of the same game
Your benchmark keeps on moving while your cash just sits around
These four components show you where your alpha can be found

[Chorus]
Market Impact, Timing Risk, Delay and Opportunity
Missed Trade Cost rounds out the four-part symphony
When paper meets the trading floor, these costs will always show
Implementation Shortfall - now you're in the know

[Bridge]
Paper portfolio, so clean and bright
Real world trading, brings costs to light
Measure the difference, make it clear
Implementation costs appear

[Outro]
From paper dreams to trading floors
Four costs are waiting at the doors
Implementation shortfall shows
The gap between what's planned and what really goes

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