Performance of Mutual Funds Before and after Closing to New Investors
Posted: 16 Jun 1998
Abstract
This study examines the decision to close mutual funds to new investors due to the growth of the funds' assets. The evidence indicates that funds perform better three years prior to closing to new investors than they do afterwards. Furthermore, the evidence indicates that the closed funds outperform the control portfolios of funds with similar investment objectives and asset size during the one- and three-year periods prior to closing. However, there is no significant difference in the performance of closed funds and their matched control portfolios during the one- and three-year periods after closing. Although the primary reason given for closing the funds is the desire to maintain performance in the face of growing assets, the strategy does not appear successful in accomplishing this objective.
JEL Classification: G12, G14
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation