The upgraded portfolio management software features advanced workflow tools designed to help portfolio managers improve their investment processes and goals.

One of the critical advancements in this version is historical strategy simulation. Analytics and portfolio managers can now use Barra Portfolio Manager to test various investment strategies simultaneously and monitor statistics even while optimizations are being actively processed. This provides users with immediate insight into a strategy's risk and return profile, allowing for real-time adjustments.

"These enhancements are the latest in our continued efforts to provide a comprehensive platform that allows clients to design, develop and implement investment strategies," said Peter Zangari, Managing Director and Head of Equity Portfolio Management Analytics at MSCI. "Using Barra Portfolio Manager, clients can now customize their portfolios to adapt to a change in their investment outlook or a shift in market trends."

Bill Yost, Managing Partner and Director of Portfolio Management and Trading at Quotient Investors, said, "Barra Portfolio Manager risk models and optimization tools give us the ability to build highly customized portfolios that help us innovate, make more informed investment decisions and compete successfully in our industry. It helps us better understand both strengths and weaknesses in our investment process and communicate with clients more effectively. Understanding why we outperform or underperform is critical information for our clients and for us."

"Our clients tell us about the challenges they are facing every day, and their feedback is the driving force behind these enhancements," said Mr. Zangari. "Our long and extensive relationship with our clients has been refined over many years and provides us with a large wealth of client feedback. Our client support teams and consultants have an in-depth understanding of client needs, and we continue to incorporate those needs into the products we bring to market."