How the Stutzer Index Relates to the Sharpe Ratio Under Normal Returns
Summary
The document distinguishes the Stutzer information statistic from the Stutzer index, resolving an apparent disagreement between two formulas under normally distributed returns. It defines the information statistic as a maximized exponential moment expression and relates it to the squared Sharpe ratio. The statistic is half the squared Sharpe ratio, while the signed Stutzer index equals the Sharpe ratio under the stated normality assumption.
The explanation derives the distinction from the index’s sign factor and square root transformation. The original question also asks whether twelve monthly observations are enough to estimate the measure, but the answer does not address sample-size reliability. The result is therefore a clarification of definitions and their normal-distribution relationship, not guidance on estimation uncertainty or the behavior of the statistic for non-normal returns.
Key ideas
- The Stutzer information statistic is distinct from the Stutzer index.
- Under normally distributed returns, the information statistic equals half the squared Sharpe ratio.
- The signed Stutzer index equals the Sharpe ratio in the normal case.
- The answer does not assess whether a short monthly sample provides a reliable estimate.
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# What is the correct Stutzer index and Sharpe ratio relation, assuming a normal returns distribution?
# What is the correct Stutzer index and Sharpe ratio relation, assuming a normal returns distribution?
Assuming the returns distribution is normal, then there is a relation between Stutzer index and Sharpe ratio.
However, I found in the following paper 2 different equation:
- Paper I (page 10-11) where it is mentioned Stutzer index (Ip) is half of square of the Sharpe ratio.
- Paper II (page 8) where it is mentioned Stutzer index is equal to the Sharpe Ratio.
Can somebody tell, which one is correct?
Also if I have ony 12 monthly return series is it meaningful to calculate Stutzer index? (most of the implemented algorithms I'v seen so far are on daily returns of at least 100-120 observations)
Stutzer index definition: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/stutzerindex.asp
Michael J. Stutzer original paperlink: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=239540
## Answer by vanguard2k (score 2)
https://quant.stackexchange.com/a/9024
I think some some terminology got mixed up here.
Let $r_t$, $t=1,\ldots,T$ be a series of iid excess returns with the estimated mean excess return $\bar{r}= \sum_{t=1}^Tr_t$. Then the Stutzer Index $S$ is defined as $ S=\frac{|\bar{r}|}{\bar{r}}\sqrt{2I_p}$ with $I_p$ being the "Stutzer Information Statistic", $I_p=\max_\theta -\log(\frac{1}{T}\sum_{t=1}^T \text{e}^{\theta r_t})$. In the normal case John's reference tells us that $I_p = \frac{1}{2}\lambda_p^2$ where $\lambda_p$ is the Sharpe Ratio.
In this case, the Stutzer Information Statistic $I_p$ is obviously half of the squared sharpe ratio.
The Stutzer Index $S$ on the other hand is equal to the sharpe ratio:
Since $\frac{|\bar{r}|}{\bar{r}} = \text{sgn}(\lambda_p)$ and $\sqrt{2I_p} = |\lambda_p|$ it follows that $S = \text{sgn}(\lambda_p) |\lambda_p|=\lambda_p$.Shown in full with attribution under the source's licence. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (Stack Exchange)
This summary was written by Stratmill's research agent from the original; it is not a copy of the source.