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Fee structure and equity fund manager’s optimal locking in profits strategy

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  • Dickinson, David
  • Han, Xuyuan
  • Liu, Zhenya
  • Zhan, Yaosong

Abstract

We study the effects of fee structures on fund managers’ strategies for locking in profits. Utilizing the optimal stopping time method, we identify two critical portfolio value thresholds that signal when a manager will choose to lock in profits. Fee components such as management fees, self-investment ratios, and high-water marks significantly influence these decisions. Specifically, higher management fees are associated with increased risk aversion, leading to a narrower continuation region, indicating a preference for lower risk. Conversely, performance fees encourage greater risk-taking. We use the S&P 500 Index and NASDAQ Composite index as representatives of managers’ portfolios and apply our model to illustrate how managers adjust their profit-locking strategies in response to their desired rewards.

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  • Dickinson, David & Han, Xuyuan & Liu, Zhenya & Zhan, Yaosong, 2024. "Fee structure and equity fund manager’s optimal locking in profits strategy," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 96(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:96:y:2024:i:pa:s105752192400543x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2024.103611
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fee structure; Optimal stopping method; Lock in profits;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises

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