A returns based approach to performance measurement

This paper applies the performance measurement technique first developed by Sharpe (1992) to a selected pool of Canadian investment funds. Sharpe's technique differed from traditional performance measurement methods in two areas. The first being that Sharpe's method included distinct investing styles as asset classes, resulting in an expanded the asset class universe. The second being his method of method of measuring asset class exposures. With a constrained regression equation, Sharpe was able to measure the exposure of various investment funds in more efficient manner than more traditional methods. The purpose of this paper was to test the applicability of Sharpe's model to Canadian investment funds. The results of the experiments in this paper generally conform to initial expectations. The conclusion reached was that Sharpe's returns based approach has potential value in a more broadbased examination of Canadian investment fund industry.