Measuring performance of mutual funds
For further evaluating the performance of mutual funds, the risk-return relation models given by
Sharpe (1966), Treynor (1965) and Jensen (1968) have been applied
Jack Treynor (1965) conceived an index of portfolio performance measure called as reward to
volatility ratio, based on systematic risk. He assumes that the investor can eliminate unsystematic
risk by holding a diversified portfolio. Hence his performance measure denoted as T is the excess
return over the risk free rate per unit of systematic risk, in other words it indicates risk premium
per unit of systematic risk.
Treynor's index =
Where,
= Portfolio returns over a period j
= Risk-free return over a period f
β = Market-risk, beta coefficient p
If TP of the mutual fund scheme is greater than then the scheme has out performed the
market. The major limitation of the Treynor Index is that it can be applied to the schemes with
positive betas during the bull phase of the market. The results will mislead if applied during bear
phase of the market to the schemes with negative betas. The second limitation is it ignores the
reward for unsystematic or unique risk.
Sharpe's Ratio
Sharpe (1966) devised an index of portfolio performance measure, referred to as reward to
variability ratio denoted by S He assumes that small investor invests fully in the mutual fund and
does not hold any portfolio to eliminate unsystematic risk and hence demands a premium for the
total risk.
Sharpe ratio =
= Portfolio returns over a period j
= Risk-free return over a period