Performance Maximization of Actively Managed Funds

Abstract

Ratios that indicate the statistical significance of a fund’s alpha typically appraise its performance. A growing literature suggests that even in the absence of any ability to predict returns, holding options positions on the benchmark assets or trading frequently can significantly enhance performance ratios. This paper derives the performance maximizing strategy - a variant of buy-write - and the least upper bound on such performance enhancement, thereby showing that if common equity indexes are used as benchmarks, the potential performance enhancement from trading frequently is usually negligible. The enhancement from holding options can be substantial if the implied volatilities of the options are higher than the volatilities of the benchmark returns.

Keywords: alpha, hedge funds, mutual funds, options, portfolio management

JEL Classification: G11, G12, G13, G14