We investigate how information choices impact equity returns and risk. Building on an existing theoretical model of information and investment choice, we estimate a learning index that reflects the expected benefits of learning about an asset. High learning index stocks have lower future returns...

To understand the nature of hedge fund managers' skills, we study the implementation of risk arbitrage by hedge funds using their portfolio holdings and comparing them with those of other institutional arbitrageurs. We find that hedge funds significantly outperform a naive risk arbitrage...

We study the relation between hedge fund equity holdings and measures of informational efficiency of stock prices derived from intraday transactions, as well as daily data. Our findings support the role of hedge funds as arbitrageurs who reduce mispricing in the market. Hedge funds invest in...

This paper documents that small-cap mutual funds allocate on average 27% of their portfolio to mid- and large-cap stocks. We find that larger and older small-cap funds are more likely to hold mid- and large-cap stocks, consistent with funds straying from their objective over time. Funds that...

We reexamine hedge fund preferences for stock characteristics using aggregate quarterly hedge fund holdings and a large set of firm characteristics. We find that the expanded set of firm characteristics is important in explaining variation in quarterly hedge fund holdings. Consistent with prior...