| Q3 | 3. We know that the geometric average (time-weighted return) on a risky investment is always lower than the corresponding arithmetic average. Can the internal rate of return (IRR; the dollar-weighted return) similarly be ranked relative to these other two averages? (LO 18-1) |
| The IRR (i.e., the dollar-weighted return) cannot be ranked relative to either the geometric average return (i.e., the time-weighted return) or the arithmetic average return. Under some conditions, the IRR is greater than each of the other two averages, and similarly, under other conditions, the IRR can also be less than each of the other averages. A number of scenarios can be developed to illustrate this conclusion. For example, consider a scenario where the rate of return each period consistently increases over several time periods. If the amount invested also increases each period, and then all of the proceeds are withdrawn at the end of several periods, the IRR is greater than either the geometric or the arithmetic average because more money is invested at the higher rates than at the lower rates. On the other hand, if withdrawals gradually reduce the amount invested as the rate of return increases, then the IRR is less than each of the other averages. (Similar scenarios are illustrated with numerical examples in the text, where the IRR is shown to be less than the geometric average, and in Concept Check 1, where the IRR is greater than the geometric average.)
a. Possibly. Alpha alone does not determine which portfolio has a larger Sharpe ratio. Sharpe measure is the primary factor, since it tells us the real return per unit of risk. We only invest if the Sharpe measure is higher. The standard deviation of an investment and its correlation with the benchmark are also important. Thus, positive alpha is not a sufficient condition for a managed portfolio to offer a higher Sharpe measure than the passive benchmark.
b. Yes. It is possible for a positive alpha to exist, but the Sharpe measure declines. Thus, we would experience inferior performance.
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