Abstract
We demonstrate that an institutional feature of numerous mutual funds—funds managing billions in assets—generates fund net asset values that reflect stale prices. Because investors can trade at these NAVs with limited transaction costs in many cases, obvious trading opportunities exist. These opportunities are especially prevalent in funds that buy Japanese or European equities. Simple, feasible strategies generate Sharpe ratios (excess return divided by standard deviation) that are many times greater than the Sharpe ratio of the underlying fund. We illustrate the potential of the strategy for three Vanguard Group mutual funds. A particular issue to keep in mind is that when the strategies are implemented, the gains from these strategies are matched by offsetting losses incurred by buy-and-hold investors in these funds.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
