The information ratio is a measure of the performance of an active manager relative to a benchmark. It is calculated by dividing the manager's active return by the tracking error. The active return is the difference between the manager's return and the benchmark return. The tracking error is a measure of the volatility of the manager's active return.
A high information ratio indicates that the manager is generating excess returns relative to the benchmark with relatively low risk. A low information ratio indicates that the manager is not generating excess returns relative to the benchmark or is taking on too much risk.
Hedge funds use the information ratio to assess the value added by active management by comparing the information ratios of different managers. They may also use the information ratio to track the performance of their own managers over time.
Here is an example of how a hedge fund might use the information ratio to assess the value added by active management:
A hedge fund might be considering investing in two different hedge fund managers. Manager A has an information ratio of 1.5, while Manager B has an information ratio of 0.5. The hedge fund would likely conclude that Manager A is adding more value than Manager B, as they are generating more excess returns relative to the benchmark with less risk.
It is important to note that the information ratio is not a perfect measure of performance. It does not take into account all of the factors that contribute to a manager's performance, such as the manager's investment style and the market environment. However, the information ratio can be a useful tool for hedge funds to assess the value added by active management.
Here are some of the benefits of using the information ratio to assess the value added by active management:
- It is a relatively simple and straightforward metric to calculate.
- It is a good measure of the manager's ability to generate excess returns relative to the benchmark.
- It can be used to compare the performance of different managers.
- It can be used to track the performance of a manager over time.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using the information ratio to assess the value added by active management:
- It does not take into account all of the factors that contribute to a manager's performance, such as the manager's investment style and the market environment.
- It can be difficult to compare the information ratios of different managers if they are using different benchmarks.
- The information ratio can be volatile, especially in the short term.
Overall, the information ratio is a useful tool for hedge funds to assess the value added by active management. However, it is important to use it in conjunction with other factors, such as the manager's investment style and the market environment.