Metrics Explainer

Understand how each metric measures performance, risk, and consistency.

What Return Dispersion measures

Return Dispersion is one of the metrics we use to evaluate aPMS scheme. It helps quantify a specific dimension of performance, risk, consistency, or implementation quality.

**Best for:**Understanding one important dimension of scheme behavior when used alongside other metrics.


Why it matters for PMS scheme evaluation

  • Adds context beyond headline returns by highlighting one key dimension of scheme behavior.
  • Improves comparability across schemes when used within the same strategy and benchmark context.
  • Becomes most useful when combined with other metrics (especially drawdowns and risk-adjusted measures).

How to interpret Return Dispersion

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Compare PMS schemes using this and other metrics

  • **Compare like-for-like:**use peer schemes with similar strategy and benchmark.
  • **Check multiple horizons:**avoid a single time window (for example 1Y vs 3Y vs 5Y).
  • **Use a cluster:**pair withMax DrawdownandVolatilityto understand trade-offs.

Common pitfalls

Read our methodologyfor calculation assumptions and limitations.

  • This metric can be misread if compared across different strategies, horizons, or calculation assumptions.
  • Short track records can make this metric unstable; prefer longer histories where possible.
  • Calculation choices can shift values—compare schemes using consistent assumptions.

Related metrics


FAQs

Return Dispersion is a metric used to evaluate PMS scheme behavior. In simple terms, it helps quantify: spread of returns; larger dispersion implies less predictability.

Not always. Higher values can come with trade-offs. Interpret Return Dispersion alongside drawdowns, volatility, and strategy context.

Compare within similar peer groups and across multiple horizons. Use Return Dispersion as part of a metric cluster, not a single-number decision.

What is Return Dispersion in a PMS scheme?

Return Dispersion is a metric used to evaluate PMS scheme behavior. In simple terms, it helps quantify: spread of returns; larger dispersion implies less predictability.

Is a higher Return Dispersion always better?

Not always. Higher values can come with trade-offs. Interpret Return Dispersion alongside drawdowns, volatility, and strategy context.

How should I use Return Dispersion to compare schemes?

Compare within similar peer groups and across multiple horizons. Use Return Dispersion as part of a metric cluster, not a single-number decision.


Next:How to compare PMS schemes·How to evaluate a PMS scheme·All metrics