Treynor Ratio

Investment Vehicles High Relevance

A measure of risk-adjusted return calculated as (portfolio return - risk-free rate) / beta. Higher ratios indicate better risk-adjusted performance per unit of systematic risk. Only valid for well-diversified portfolios where beta is the relevant risk measure.

Example

A diversified mutual fund returns 14% with beta of 1.2, while the risk-free rate is 3%. The Treynor ratio is (14% - 3%) / 1.2 = 9.17. This means the fund generates 9.17% of excess return per unit of systematic risk.

Common Confusion

Students often confuse Treynor ratio with Sharpe ratio. Treynor uses beta (systematic risk only) in the denominator, while Sharpe uses standard deviation (total risk). Treynor is only appropriate for well-diversified portfolios where unsystematic risk has been eliminated.

How This Is Tested

  • Calculating the Treynor ratio given portfolio return, risk-free rate, and beta
  • Comparing diversified portfolios using Treynor ratios to identify superior risk-adjusted performance
  • Distinguishing when to use Treynor (beta/systematic risk) versus Sharpe (standard deviation/total risk)
  • Understanding that higher Treynor ratios indicate more efficient use of systematic risk
  • Recognizing that Treynor is appropriate for evaluating portfolio managers who manage diversified portfolios

Calculation Example

Scenario: Portfolio A has an annual return of 16%, a beta of 1.3, and the risk-free rate is 4%.
Formula: Treynor Ratio = (Portfolio Return - Risk-Free Rate) / Beta
Steps:
  1. Identify the portfolio return: 16%
  2. Identify the risk-free rate: 4%
  3. Identify the beta: 1.3
  4. Calculate excess return: 16% - 4% = 12%
  5. Divide excess return by beta: 12% / 1.3 = 9.23
Result: The Treynor ratio is 9.23, meaning the portfolio generates 9.23% of excess return per unit of systematic risk (beta).

Regulatory Limits

Description Limit Notes
Higher is better No specific threshold Like Sharpe ratio, higher Treynor ratios indicate superior risk-adjusted returns
Valid for diversified portfolios only Beta is relevant risk measure Treynor assumes unsystematic risk has been diversified away; inappropriate for concentrated portfolios

Example Exam Questions

Test your understanding with these practice questions. Select an answer to see the explanation.

Question 1

Katherine, a pension fund manager, is evaluating three well-diversified equity mutual funds for potential inclusion in her portfolio. Fund A has returned 15% with beta of 1.4, Fund B has returned 11% with beta of 0.9, and Fund C has returned 13% with beta of 1.1. The risk-free rate is 3%. Katherine wants to select the fund that provides the best risk-adjusted return per unit of systematic risk. Which fund should she choose?

Question 2

Which of the following correctly identifies the components used in calculating the Treynor ratio?

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Question 3

A diversified equity fund has an annual return of 18%, a beta of 1.5, and the current risk-free rate is 3%. What is the fund's Treynor ratio?

Question 4

All of the following statements about the Treynor ratio are accurate EXCEPT

Question 5

An investment adviser is comparing two diversified mutual funds. Fund X has a 14% return, beta of 1.2, and Treynor ratio of 8.33. Fund Y has a 10% return, beta of 0.8, and the risk-free rate is 4%. Which of the following statements are accurate?

1. Fund Y has a Treynor ratio of 7.50
2. Fund X provides better risk-adjusted returns per unit of systematic risk than Fund Y
3. Both funds would be inappropriate to evaluate using Treynor ratio if they held concentrated positions
4. Fund Y has lower systematic risk than Fund X

💡 Memory Aid

Think "Treynor = T-rex bites Beta" (uses systematic risk). "Sharpe = Sharp shooter spread" (uses standard deviation = total risk). Higher Treynor = better bang-for-beta-buck. Only use Treynor for well-diversified portfolios where beta matters most.

Related Concepts

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Where This Appears on the Exam

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