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Asset Liquidity and Mutual Fund Management Fees: Evidence from Closed-End Mutual Funds

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  • Charles Cullinan
  • Xiaochuan Zheng

Abstract

In this study, we assess whether the liquidity of a closed-end mutual fund’s investments (measured based on the fund’s fair value disclosures) is related to the management fee charged by the fund’s investment advisor. We posit that there will be incremental effort on the part of the advisor to identify and analyze less liquid investments, and that fund investors would be willing to pay for these incremental costs to access less-liquid segments of the market. Consistent with this expectation, we find a significantly positive relationship between the percentage of level 3 assets (the least liquid securities) and management fees. However, we do not find a significant relationship between level 2 securities (which are more liquid than level 3, but less liquid than level 1) and management fees. Overall, our results suggest that investments in the least liquid securities result in higher management fees.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Cullinan & Xiaochuan Zheng, 2012. "Asset Liquidity and Mutual Fund Management Fees: Evidence from Closed-End Mutual Funds," Accounting and Finance Research, Sciedu Press, vol. 1(2), pages 139-139, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:jfr:afr111:v:1:y:2012:i:2:p:139
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. D. K. Malhotra & Robert W. McLeod, 1997. "An Empirical Analysis Of Mutual Fund Expenses," Journal of Financial Research, Southern Finance Association;Southwestern Finance Association, vol. 20(2), pages 175-190, June.
    2. Ippolito, Richard A, 1992. "Consumer Reaction to Measures of Poor Quality: Evidence from the Mutual Fund Industry," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 35(1), pages 45-70, April.
    3. Malhotra, D K & McLeod, Robert W, 1997. "An Empirical Analysis of Mutual Fund Expenses," Journal of Financial Research, Southern Finance Association;Southwestern Finance Association, vol. 20(2), pages 175-190, Summer.
    4. Jay Wang, Z. & Nanda, Vikram, 2011. "Payout policies and closed-end fund discounts: Signaling, agency costs, and the role of institutional investors," Journal of Financial Intermediation, Elsevier, vol. 20(4), pages 589-619, October.
    5. Malkiel, Burton G, 1977. "The Valuation of Closed-End Investment-Company Shares," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 32(3), pages 847-859, June.
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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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