DOES LEVERAGE PAY OFF? THE CASE OF EQUITY-LEVERAGED MUTUAL FUNDS

In this study we examine the risk-adjusted performance of a sample of U.S.-based enhanced index mutual funds that use leverage with the goal of generating return-multiples of its benchmark.  We study equity-leverage funds that follow four major market indices, that is the Dow Jones Industrial Avera...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Javier Rodriguez, Herminio Romero
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Tuwhera Open Access Publisher 2023-10-01
Series:Applied Finance Letters
Online Access:https://ojs.aut.ac.nz/applied-finance-letters/article/view/675
Description
Summary:In this study we examine the risk-adjusted performance of a sample of U.S.-based enhanced index mutual funds that use leverage with the goal of generating return-multiples of its benchmark.  We study equity-leverage funds that follow four major market indices, that is the Dow Jones Industrial Average (Dow), the NASDAQ-100, the Russell 2000 and the Standard and Poor's 500.  We consider two model specifications and different market conditions. The evidence shows that these funds fail to outperform. This is particularly true during Bull markets.
ISSN:2253-5799
2253-5802