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Why not use SDF rather than beta models in performance measurement?

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  • Jonas Gusset
  • Heinz Zimmermann

Abstract

This paper analyzes performance measurement based on stochastic discount factors, compared to beta models traditionally used in computing funds’ (Jensen) alphas. From a theoretical point of view, standard alphas suffer from several limitations. Our paper addresses this issue from an empirical point of view using a sample of Swiss mutual funds from 2000 to 2011. Our results suggest that the key for a “fair” comparison between stochastic discount function (SDF) and beta models is the specification of the set of primitive assets used to calibrate the SDF function. Once this is established, the size of (absolute) performance differences considerably decreases between the two model families. However, there are sizeable performance deviations in the cross-section of funds if conditioning information is incorporated in the tests, up to some 20 basis points per month, or about 2.3 % per year. In almost all cases, the SDF-alphas are lower than the standard (Jensen) alphas. In absolute terms, the average SDF-based underperformance of the funds is way larger than the average total expense ratio (TER) of the funds, both in a conditional and unconditional setting. Copyright Swiss Society for Financial Market Research 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Jonas Gusset & Heinz Zimmermann, 2014. "Why not use SDF rather than beta models in performance measurement?," Financial Markets and Portfolio Management, Springer;Swiss Society for Financial Market Research, vol. 28(4), pages 307-336, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:fmktpm:v:28:y:2014:i:4:p:307-336
    DOI: 10.1007/s11408-014-0235-z
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Performance measurement; Conditioning information; Mutual funds; G12; G23;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors

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