Information Ratio

The Information Ratio measures excess return (alpha) per unit of tracking error relative to a benchmark. Unlike the Sharpe Ratio, which uses total volatility, the Information Ratio isolates only the variability of the alpha component — the return attributable to active decisions rather than passive market exposure.

INFOR

 = 

ER[a] - ER[b]

STD[a]

A positive Information Ratio indicates the asset has outperformed its benchmark on a risk-adjusted basis. Values above 0.5 suggest consistent outperformance; values above 1.0 are uncommon and indicate strong active return generation. A negative Information Ratio means the active component has destroyed value — the asset would have performed better by passively tracking the benchmark.
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Information Ratio In A Nutshell

This begins the endeavor into the weeds of finding which investment is going to fit your current portfolio. Beyond benchmark performance, you want to keep in mind the expense ratio and other costs associated with the particular. Reading the information ratio is simple, the higher the number the better the product has done against the respective benchmark.

With the many different products out there, people are always asking how the particular fund is giving them an edge in the market. More specifically with ETF’s and mutual funds, many wonder how they are beating the benchmark and how often they are doing so. The information ratio seeks to give us an answer to this question by measuring how a portfolio fairs compared its respective benchmark.

Closer Look at Information Ratio

The number itself may not tell you the whole story so it is critical that you dig a little deeper. As an investor, you want to understand the risks and how the company is achieving outperformance. It could be from leveraging or other practices, so it is crucial that those align with your investing views.  

Using the information ratio a reasonable way to begin narrowing your search for potential investments. You may also find that the sharp ratio is another effective way to find the appropriate portfolio to invest in. Pick apart the portfolio understanding the reason for the holdings and what is involved with the selection process. Also look at the track record of the manager and see if they have a history of success. All of these factors are important to consider when looking for a particular fund.

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Macroaxis is not a registered investment advisor or broker/dealer. All investments, including stocks, funds, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies, are speculative and involve substantial risk of loss. We encourage our investors to invest carefully. Much of our information is derived directly from data published by companies or submitted to governmental agencies which we believe are reliable, but are without our independent verification. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the information is accurate or complete. We do not in any way warrant or guarantee the success of any action you take in reliance on our statements or recommendations. Also, note that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, and all investment decisions of an individual remain the responsibility of that individual. There is no guarantee that systems, indicators, or signals will result in profits or that they will not result in losses. All investors are advised to fully understand all risks associated with any investing they choose to do. Hypothetical or simulated performance is not indicative of future results. We make no representations or warranties that any investor will, or is likely to, achieve profits similar to those shown because hypothetical or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. For more information please visit our terms and conditions page.