Traditional risk-adjusted performance measures, such as the Sharpe ratio, the Treynor index or Jensen's alpha, based on the mean-variance framework, are widely used to rank mutual funds. However, performance measures that consider risk by taking into account only losses, such as Value-at-Risk...

In this paper we study statistical properties of equal-weighted indices of hedge funds. We find that aside from diversification benefits, 1/N naïve equal-weighting possesses some additional attractive relative performance properties. We show that subject to certain assumptions, such an index...

We examine the trading behavior of institutional investors in the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) market from 1993 to 2007. We concentrate on the relation between cross-sectional institutional ETF ownership and returns, particularly on the relation between changes in ownership and future returns,...

This study is the first to combine returns based (RBS) and characteristics based (CBS) style analysis into a single style analysis model. We address the issue of whether RBS and CBS style analysis complementary. Out of sample tests confirmed two things; membership of style groups explain a...

In this study we consider two methods of returns based style analysis for classification of investment styles for a single asset class, US Diversified Equity Funds. We extend Sharpe's (1992) style Returns Based Style Analysis (RBSA) by forming style groups using cluster analysis and RBSA...

This paper studies the role of investors' optimism about future economic growth in their investment decisions. Based on simple intuition, we argue that investors base their future investment decisions not only on asset-specific information, but also on their expectations about future economic...

VaR_Delta-Normal fails in two counts: subadditivity and potentially producing losses larger than its portfolio value. This paper solves the second inconsistency developing formulas derived from a put option, named PVaR_Delta-Normal and Put_Expected_Shortfall, PSF_Delta-Normal; the latter also...

Risk parity is an asset allocation strategy designed so each asset class contributes equally to overall portfolio risk (as measured by volatility). While risk parity offers potential advantages, its success hinges on key assumptions and a favorable environment for bonds. Like the traditional...

Over the years, Institute research has shown active managers, even the best-performing ones, suffered periods of weak returns relative to benchmarks and their peers. But underperformance, up to three years, had relatively little impact on the best-performing funds' ability to deliver success...

Unlike traditional bonds, Floating-rate bonds (FRB) do not have a fixed rate coupon. Instead, their rate fluctuates or floats based on the market plus a spread. As a result, FRBs tend to be less vulnerable to interest-rate fluctuations. Many believe FRBs can help preserve principal, while...