The Number of Portfolio Holdings and Performance of Actively Managed Mutual Funds

Mason Wanzenried, University at Albany, State University of New York

Abstract

This study tests for a quadratic relation between number of holdings and performance for open-end mutual funds. Based on previous literature and practical portfolio management constraints, a quadratic relation is hypothesized. If confirmed, this would suggest an optimal number of holdings. The results show the hypothesized quadratic relation for fixed income funds, but not for other asset classes. The findings hold for both large and small-scale funds.