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Diseconomies of Scale in Active Management: Robust Evidence

Author

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  • Pástor, LuboÅ¡
  • Stambaugh, Robert F.
  • Taylor, Lucian
  • Zhu, Min

Abstract

We take a deeper look at the robustness of evidence presented by Pastor, Stambaugh, and Taylor (2015) and Zhu (2018), who find that an actively managed mutual fund's returns relate negatively to both fund size and the size of the active mutual fund industry. When we apply robust regression methods, we confirm both studies' inferences about scale diseconomies at the fund and industry levels. Moreover, data errors play no role, as both studies' results are insensitive to applying various error screens and using alternative return benchmarks. We reject constant returns to scale even after dropping 25% of the most extreme return observations. Finally, we caution that asymmetric removal of influential observations delivers biased conclusions about diseconomies of scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Pástor, LuboÅ¡ & Stambaugh, Robert F. & Taylor, Lucian & Zhu, Min, 2021. "Diseconomies of Scale in Active Management: Robust Evidence," CEPR Discussion Papers 16376, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:16376
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    Keywords

    Returns to scale; Diseconomies of scale; Active management; Robust regression;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors

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