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Synthetic leverage and fund risk-taking

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  • Fricke, Daniel

Abstract

This paper studies mutual fund risk-taking through synthetic leverage. For this purpose, I propose a novel measure of synthetic leverage that does not rely on confidential regulatory data. In my empirical analysis of German equity funds, I find that synthetic leverage strongly contributes to overall risk-taking. Importantly, a simple validation exercise based on regulatory data indicates that synthetically leveraged funds indeed display larger derivatives exposures. Overall, these results indicate that synthetic leverage should be closely monitored.

Suggested Citation

  • Fricke, Daniel, 2025. "Synthetic leverage and fund risk-taking," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jimfin:v:154:y:2025:i:c:s0261560625000439
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jimonfin.2025.103308
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    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy

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