Mutual Fund Information Ratio Calculator

The Information Ratio (IR) for a mutual fund measures its risk-adjusted performance relative to a benchmark index. It is calculated by dividing the excess return (the difference between the fund’s return and the benchmark return) by the fund’s standard deviation (a measure of risk). A higher IR indicates better risk-adjusted performance.

The Information Ratio (IR) is a commonly used performance measurement metric for mutual funds and other investment portfolios. It measures the excess return of a portfolio (or mutual fund) relative to a benchmark index, per unit of risk taken. The higher the Information Ratio, the better the risk-adjusted performance of the portfolio or fund.

Here’s how you can create a table to display the Information Ratio for a mutual fund:

Metric	Formula
Portfolio Return	Total return of the mutual fund
Benchmark Return	Total return of the benchmark index
Excess Return	Portfolio Return – Benchmark Return
Portfolio Risk	Standard deviation of the portfolio returns
Information Ratio	Excess Return / Portfolio Risk

You would typically calculate these metrics for a specified time period, such as a year, three years, or five years, to assess the fund’s performance over that period.

Here’s a sample table using hypothetical values:

Time Period	Portfolio Return (%)	Benchmark Return (%)	Excess Return (%)	Portfolio Risk (%)	Information Ratio
1 Year	12.0	10.0	2.0	8.0	0.25
3 Years	30.0	25.0	5.0	12.0	0.42
5 Years	50.0	45.0	5.0	15.0	0.33

In this table, we have calculated the portfolio return, benchmark return, excess return, portfolio risk, and Information Ratio for three different time periods: 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years. The Information Ratio indicates the risk-adjusted performance of the mutual fund relative to its benchmark over each time period.

Please note that these values are for illustrative purposes and do not represent any specific mutual fund. You would need to use actual historical data for a particular mutual fund and its benchmark index to calculate the Information Ratio accurately.

FAQs

1. What is mutual fund information ratio? The information ratio is a measure of a mutual fund manager’s ability to generate excess returns compared to a benchmark, adjusted for the level of risk taken. It assesses the manager’s skill in selecting investments. A higher information ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance.
2. What is the formula for the annualized information ratio? The formula for the annualized information ratio is: Annualized Information Ratio = (Portfolio Return – Benchmark Return) / Standard Deviation of Excess Returns
3. What is the difference between information ratio and Sortino ratio? The information ratio measures a fund manager’s ability to outperform a benchmark, while the Sortino ratio focuses on the risk-adjusted return relative to a target or minimum acceptable return. The key difference is the benchmark in the information ratio and the minimum acceptable return in the Sortino ratio.
4. How do you calculate the information ratio in Excel? To calculate the information ratio in Excel, you need to have the historical returns of the portfolio and the benchmark. Follow these steps: a. Calculate the excess returns by subtracting the benchmark returns from the portfolio returns. b. Calculate the standard deviation of the excess returns. c. Divide the excess return by the standard deviation to get the information ratio.
5. What is a good MF expense ratio? A good mutual fund expense ratio can vary, but generally, lower expense ratios are preferable. An expense ratio below 1% is considered reasonable for actively managed funds, while index funds often have expense ratios well below 0.5%.
6. How often does a mutual fund disclose the information on the total expense ratio? Mutual funds are required to disclose their total expense ratio (TER) in their prospectus, annual report, and semi-annual report. Investors can also find this information on the fund’s website or through financial news sources.
7. What is the EAR formula? The Effective Annual Rate (EAR) formula is: EAR = (1 + (Nominal Interest Rate / Number of Compounding Periods))^Number of Compounding Periods – 1. It calculates the annual interest rate when compounding occurs more frequently than annually.
8. Is the information ratio geometric or arithmetic? The information ratio is typically expressed as an arithmetic ratio.
9. What is a good information ratio? A good information ratio depends on the context and investor’s goals. Generally, a positive information ratio is desirable, indicating the fund manager is outperforming the benchmark. A ratio above 0.5 could be considered good, but it varies by investment strategy.
10. What are the disadvantages of the information ratio?
    • It may not account for all risk factors.
    • It can be sensitive to the choice of benchmark.
    • It doesn’t consider the absolute level of returns.
11. What is a good Sortino score? A good Sortino ratio typically indicates a higher return relative to the downside risk. A ratio above 1 is considered favorable, but the ideal threshold can vary based on the investor’s risk tolerance.
12. What is an example of an information ratio? An example of an information ratio might be 0.75, indicating that a mutual fund has outperformed its benchmark by 0.75 units of return per unit of risk taken.
13. What is the formula for Sortino ratios? The formula for the Sortino ratio is: Sortino Ratio = (Portfolio Return – Target Return) / Downside Deviation
14. How do you calculate ratios in a pivot table? To calculate ratios in a pivot table in Excel, you can create a new calculated field/column that computes the desired ratio using the existing data fields. The formula for the ratio should be defined in the calculated field.
15. What is an ideal MF portfolio? An ideal mutual fund portfolio depends on an investor’s goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Diversification across asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate) and geographic regions is often recommended for long-term growth and risk management.
16. Which mutual fund has the lowest expense ratio? The mutual fund with the lowest expense ratio can change over time. As of my last knowledge update in 2022, it’s challenging to provide a specific fund with the lowest expense ratio. Investors should check current fund offerings and compare expense ratios.
17. What is the difference between a mutual fund MER and a management fee? MER (Management Expense Ratio) includes all the fees associated with managing a mutual fund, including the management fee. The management fee is the portion of the MER that goes to the fund manager for managing the investments.
18. How much do fund managers charge? Fund manager fees can vary widely depending on the type of fund and the asset management company. They typically range from 0.5% to 2% of assets under management (AUM) annually.
19. Who directly pays the management fees of a mutual fund? Investors indirectly pay management fees, as they are deducted from the fund’s assets. These fees reduce the fund’s returns, and investors receive the net return after fees.
20. How often does money double in the stock market? The time it takes for money to double in the stock market depends on the average annual rate of return. As a rough estimate, using the Rule of 72, you can divide 72 by the annual return percentage to estimate the number of years it takes for money to double.
21. Is the SPY expense ratio too high? As of my last knowledge update in 2022, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) had a relatively low expense ratio compared to actively managed funds. However, what is considered “too high” can vary by investor preference. It’s essential to compare it with alternatives and your investment goals.
22. Are mutual fund expense ratios monthly or yearly? Mutual fund expense ratios are typically calculated and reported on an annual basis. They represent the annual expenses as a percentage of the fund’s average assets.
23. What is the formula for total expenses? The formula for total expenses in the context of mutual funds is: Total Expenses = Management Fee + Administrative Costs + 12b-1 Fees + Other Operating Expenses
24. How does the EAR work for dummies? The Effective Annual Rate (EAR) is a way to express the annual interest rate when compounding occurs more frequently than once a year. It accounts for compounding effects, giving you a more accurate picture of the actual annual cost or return on an investment.
25. How do you find your EAR on a calculator? To find the EAR on a calculator, use the EAR formula mentioned earlier and enter the values for the nominal interest rate and the number of compounding periods. Then, perform the calculations step by step to find the EAR.
26. What is the EAR calculator? An EAR calculator is a tool or software that automates the calculation of the Effective Annual Rate based on user inputs of the nominal interest rate and the number of compounding periods.
27. What is the best investment portfolio ratio? There is no one-size-fits-all “best” investment portfolio ratio. The ideal ratio depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Diversification across asset classes is a common strategy.
28. Is the appraisal ratio the same as the information ratio? No, the appraisal ratio is not the same as the information ratio. The appraisal ratio measures the ratio of a portfolio’s alpha (excess return) to its unsystematic risk, while the information ratio assesses a fund manager’s ability to outperform a benchmark.
29. Which ratio is used by investors? Investors often use various ratios, depending on their specific investment goals. Common ratios include the Sharpe ratio, Sortino ratio, and information ratio, among others, to evaluate risk and return.
30. What is the formula for the geometric ratio? The formula for the geometric ratio is not standard terminology in finance. It may refer to the geometric mean, which is calculated as the nth root of the product of n values.
31. What is the common ratio of 16, 8, 4, 2? The common ratio in the sequence 16, 8, 4, 2 is 0.5. Each term is half of the previous term.
32. Should I use arithmetic or geometric mean? Whether to use arithmetic or geometric mean depends on the context. The arithmetic mean is appropriate for averaging simple returns, while the geometric mean is used for averaging compounded returns or growth rates over multiple periods.
33. How do you analyze information ratios? To analyze information ratios, compare them across different investment managers or funds. A higher information ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance. Also, consider the time period and benchmark used in the calculation.
34. What is the main difference between Sharpe ratio and information ratio? The main difference is that the Sharpe ratio measures risk-adjusted return relative to total risk (volatility), while the information ratio assesses a manager’s ability to outperform a benchmark relative to benchmark-specific risk.
35. Is a low information ratio bad? A low information ratio may suggest that a fund manager is not adding significant value beyond what could be achieved by investing in the benchmark directly. However, whether it is “bad” depends on the investor’s expectations and risk tolerance.
36. What is something to watch out for when using financial ratios? When using financial ratios, it’s essential to consider the context, limitations, and the specific industry or sector. Ratios should be used as part of a broader analysis and not in isolation.
37. Why do analysts use financial ratios rather than the absolute numbers? Give an example. Analysts use financial ratios to standardize and compare financial information across companies of different sizes or industries. For example, instead of looking at a company’s net profit (which may vary widely), analysts might use the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio to compare its valuation to similar companies.
38. How do you overcome limitations in ratio analysis? To overcome limitations in ratio analysis, consider using multiple ratios, comparing with industry benchmarks, conducting trend analysis over time, and supplementing ratios with qualitative information.
39. Which is better Sortino or Sharpe? Neither the Sortino ratio nor the Sharpe ratio is inherently better; they serve different purposes. The Sharpe ratio measures overall risk-adjusted return, while the Sortino ratio focuses on downside risk. The choice depends on an investor’s specific objectives and risk tolerance.
40. What is the Morningstar information ratio? The Morningstar information ratio is a measure of a mutual fund’s risk-adjusted performance relative to its benchmark. It is calculated as the fund’s excess return (returns above the risk-free rate) divided by its tracking error (standard deviation of excess returns).
41. What is a good Sharpe ratio? A good Sharpe ratio depends on an investor’s risk tolerance and the asset class being considered. In general, a Sharpe ratio above 1 is considered acceptable, and ratios above 2 are often considered good. However, ideal values vary by investor and market conditions.
42. What is the Sortino ratio for dummies? The Sortino ratio measures the risk-adjusted return of an investment, focusing on the downside risk, or the risk of not achieving a target return. It assesses how well an investment performs relative to its downside volatility.
43. How do you interpret the Sortino ratio? A higher Sortino ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance, particularly in terms of minimizing downside risk. A positive Sortino ratio suggests the investment has produced returns above a specified minimum acceptable return with less downside volatility.
44. How do you annualize the Sortino ratio? To annualize the Sortino ratio, you can multiply it by the square root of the number of periods in a year (typically 12 for monthly data or 252 for daily data). This adjusts the ratio to an annualized basis.
45. How do I use Excel to calculate a ratio? To calculate a ratio in Excel, divide one value by another in a cell. For example, to calculate a debt-to-equity ratio, enter the formula “=B2/B3” in a cell, where B2 contains total debt and B3 contains total equity.
46. How do I calculate ratios in an Excel balance sheet? To calculate ratios using an Excel balance sheet, select the appropriate cells for the numerator and denominator of the ratio, and use the division operator (/) to calculate the ratio. For example, to calculate the current ratio, divide current assets by current liabilities.
47. How do you show ratios on a chart? To show ratios on a chart in Excel, you can create a chart based on the values of the ratio. For example, if you have calculated and listed your debt-to-equity ratios in one column and corresponding dates in another, you can create a line chart to visualize the changes in the ratio over time.
48. How do I know if my mutual fund portfolio is good or bad? Whether a mutual fund portfolio is good or bad depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Assess its performance relative to a suitable benchmark, consider fees, and review its historical returns and risk-adjusted metrics like the Sharpe or Sortino ratios.
49. What is the best portfolio allocation by age? The best portfolio allocation by age can vary, but a common rule of thumb is to allocate a higher percentage to equities when you are younger and have a longer investment horizon, gradually shifting toward more conservative assets like bonds as you approach retirement. Asset allocation should align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
50. What is a bad expense ratio for a mutual fund? A bad expense ratio for a mutual fund is one that is significantly higher than the industry average for similar funds. It can erode returns over time and make it challenging to achieve your investment goals.
51. Should you pick a fund with a low expense ratio? Generally, selecting a mutual fund with a low expense ratio is advisable, as it can lead to higher returns over the long term. However, other factors, such as the fund’s performance and alignment with your investment goals, should also be considered.