The win–loss ratio as an ability signal of mutual fund managers: a measure that is less influenced by luck

Abstract

To better identify skilled mutual fund managers, we develop a mutual fund performance predictor that is less influenced by luck. We posit that it is unlikely for a fund manager to consistently hold numerous above median performing stocks unless he has stock-picking ability. Using the number of above median performing stocks as a fund performance predictor (win–loss ratio), we find that a higher win–loss ratio in 1 year is associated with 2–4 % additional risk-adjusted return in the next. The ratio also has an economically and statistically significant predictive power after controlling for other fund performance predictors in the literature.