SynopsisWelcome to TrendMap, your guide to the performance of different investment segments. In this edition, we present a 10-year performance tracker of various factor-based investment strategies. The annual returns are ranked for 6 key NSE Factor indices, with a broad-based index, Nifty 500, thrown in for comparison. This map shows that no single-factor strategy consistently outperforms, making a strong case for diversification. By Sameer Bhardwaj.The market environment in 2026 so far has been selective, with only a handful of strategies remaining in positive territory. Value has emerged as the best-performing factor, reflecting a clear investor preference for reasonably priced stocks amid broader market volatility. Alpha, Value dominate long-term factor returnsThe market environment in 2026 so far has been selective, with only a handful of strategies remaining in positive territory. Value has emerged as the best-performing factor, reflecting a clear investor preference for reasonably priced stocks amid broader market volatility. Alpha, too, has shown resilience, highlighting the continued effectiveness of stock-selection-driven strategies despite weakness in the wider market.The Equal Weight index has delivered marginal gains, indicating relatively balanced participation without an overreliance on heavyweight stocks. In contrast, the Nifty 500 index has come under pressure, underscoring the broader market’s struggle amid volatility and uneven sectoral performance. Notably, traditional defensive positioning has failed to provide the expected cushion in the current phase. This is evident in the weak performance of the Low volatility factor, which has lagged despite market uncertainty.