Mismarking Fraud in Mutual Funds
88 Pages Posted: 13 Jun 2019 Last revised: 23 Mar 2020
Date Written: March 20, 2020
Abstract
We study potential fraudulent mismarking of newly purchased odd lot and two classes of round lot positions in structured products. Such mismarking artificially inflates net asset values and overstates cumulative returns. Applied to mutual funds launched after January 2010, a simulation-tested mismarking fund filter identifies 12 Highly Questionable funds managing $75 billion. The performance of these funds matches closely the predicted pattern of mismarking: extremely high alpha and skewness, particularly immediately after launch. We show that structured-product mismarking can seriously inflate return-since-inception metrics. We also provide evidence consistent with return smoothing in at one quarter of the sample structured product funds. The inflated performance metrics benefit fund managers through significantly higher Morningstar ratings and asset growth, but cause material losses to later investor cohorts.
Keywords: mutual fund performance, structured products, odd lot, mismarking
JEL Classification: G21, G23, M41
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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