Sharpe Ratios and Alphas in Continuous Time

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis
Year: 2004
Volume: 39
Issue: 1
Pages: 103-114

Authors (2)

Nielsen, Lars Tyge Vassalou, Maria (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.009 = (α=2.02 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper proposes modified versions of the Sharpe ratio and Jensen's alpha, which are appropriate in a simple continuous-time model. Both are derived from optimal portfolio selection. The modified Sharpe ratio equals the ordinary Sharpe ratio plus half of the volatility of the fund. The modified alpha also differs from the ordinary alpha by a second-moment adjustment. The modified and the ordinary Sharpe ratios may rank funds differently. In particular, if two funds have the same ordinary Sharpe ratio, then the one with the higher volatility will rank higher according to the modified Sharpe ratio. This is justified by the underlying dynamic portfolio theory. Unlike their discrete-time versions, the continuous-time performance measures take into account that it is optimal for investors to change the fractions of their wealth held in the fund vs. the riskless asset over time.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:cup:jfinqa:v:39:y:2004:i:01:p:103-114_00
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-26