Calmar Ratio

The Calmar Ratio is a tool often used by investors, especially when choosing between mutual funds or hedge funds.
What Is the Calmar Ratio
3 min
07-December-2024

The Calmar ratio measures investment efficiency on a risk-adjusted basis. A high ratio indicates low risk of significant losses, while a low ratio suggests higher risk. It's calculated by dividing the investment’s annual return (typically over three years) by its maximum drawdown, reflecting performance versus potential losses.

When analysing investment funds, one of the many metrics that investors use is the Calmar ratio. It is one of the few ratios that provide insights into the risk-adjusted returns of an investment relative to its maximum drawdown. In this article, we are going to explore this particular concept, delve into the Calmar ratio formula and look into its various advantages and disadvantages.

What is the Calmar ratio?

The Calmar ratio is a performance metric that helps investors gauge the risk-adjusted returns of an investment fund for a particular period, which is usually 36 months. One of the many key features of this ratio is that it establishes a relationship between the returns generated by a portfolio with the maximum drawdown.

Many investors widely believe that the Calmar ratio is a more effective way to measure risk-adjusted returns since it takes into account the maximum drawdown, which is more relatable compared to market volatility.

The performance of a fund can quickly be determined depending on what its Calmar ratio is. Here is an overview of the different ratios and what they mean.

  • Calmar ratio between 0 and 1
    This essentially means that its returns from the fund are less than its maximum drawdown.
  • Calmar ratio above 1
    If the ratio of a fund is more than 1, it indicates that the returns are higher than the drawdown, albeit slightly.
  • Calmar ratio above 3
    A ratio of more than 3 signifies that the returns are significantly higher than the drawdown.

Formula of Calmar ratio

Investors use the following Calmar ratio formula to calculate the metric for an investment fund.

Calmar Ratio = Average Annualised Rate of Return ÷ Maximum Drawdown

To calculate the maximum drawdown, investors use the following mathematical formula.

Maximum Drawdown = [(Peak Value - Trough Value) ÷ Peak Value] x 100

Note: Both the average annualised rate of return and the maximum drawdown are calculated for a 36-month period.

Examples of Calmar ratio

Let us discuss a few examples of computing the Calmar ratio so you can better understand this metric.

Example 1

Let’s say a mutual fund scheme has an average annualised rate of return of 12%. Now, suppose that the fund was launched with a value of Rs. 10,00,000, and over the past 3 years, its value peaked at Rs. 11,00,000 and then dropped to Rs. 10,12,000.

The maximum drawdown in this case will be 8% {(Rs. 11,00,000 — Rs. 10,12,000) ÷ Rs. 11,00,000}. The Calmar ratio for the fund over this period comes out to be 1.5 (12% ÷ 8%)

Example 2

You can also use the Calmar ratio to compare two funds. For instance, consider two mutual funds with the following parameters:

  • Fund A: Annualised returns of 12%, maximum drawdown of 8% and a Calmar ratio of 15
  • Fund B: Annualised returns of 18% and maximum drawdown of 20% and a Calmar ratio of 0.9

In the above case, although Fund B apparently has higher annualised returns, its Calmar ratio is lower, indicating that the fund is riskier. So, investors may prefer Fund A, which offers better risk-adjusted returns.

Components of the Calmar ratio

Now that you know what the Calmar ratio formula is and how to calculate it, let us understand the various components that are involved in the calculation of the metric. Here are the two components of the ratio.

  • Annualised rate of return
    The annualised rate of return is one of the most important components. It is the average annual return generated by an investment over a specified period. In the case of the Calmar ratio, the period in question is 36 months.
  • Maximum drawdown
    The maximum drawdown, on the other hand, refers to a peak-to-trough decline in the value of an investment during a specified period (36 months). It is the difference between the highest point in a peak and the lowest point of the immediate trough and indicates maximum loss.

Advantages of the Calmar ratio

The Calmar ratio has several advantages. Let us look at some of the key benefits that this metric offers.

  • Risk-adjusted returns
    The ratio helps investors calculate risk-adjusted returns, which is a more accurate way to measure the performance of a fund compared to just evaluating the returns alone.
  • Simplicity
    Understanding and calculating the Calmar ratio is very easy and straightforward.
  • Focuses on downside risk
    By considering the maximum drawdown, the ratio focuses on downside risk, which is a crucial evaluation factor for risk-averse investors.
  • Useful for fund evaluation

Evaluating investment funds based on the Calmar ratio is easy. The higher the ratio is, the better the fund is deemed to be since it essentially indicates that the investment’s returns are higher than its maximum loss.

Calmar ratio vs other measures of risk-adjusted performance

The Calmar ratio is not the only measure of risk-adjusted mutual fund performance. Various other ratios also help assess this aspect of a fund. Let us delve into these metrics and see how they compare against the Calmar ratio.

  • Sharpe ratio

The Sharpe ratio compares the excess returns from a fund against its risk or standard deviation. So, unlike the Calmar ratio, which considers the maximum drawdown, the Sharpe ratio factors in the overall volatility of the fund. This makes it suitable for comparing mutual funds with different levels of total risk. Also, read about the differences between the Sharpe ratio and the Sortino ratio.

  • Sortino ratio

The Sortino ratio compares the excess returns from a mutual fund with its negative standard deviation or negative volatility. This represents the downside risk of the fund. This is quite similar to how the Calmar ratio focuses on the maximum drawdown of a mutual fund.

  • Treynor ratio

The Treynor ratio also measures a fund’s risk-adjusted returns by comparing its excess returns with its beta — which is the fund’s volatility relative to the market or the benchmark. So, while the Calmar ratio only accounts for the fund’s internal drawdown, the Treynor ratio accounts for market-linked risk too.

  • Omega ratio

This ratio compares the weighted probability of gains with the weighted probability of losses from the fund. Since it considers various possible outcomes, the Omega ratio offers a more holistic and complete picture of the risk-return potential of a fund than the Calmar ratio and the other ratios listed above.

History of the Calmar ratio

Terry Young, a fund manager from California, developed and introduced the Calmar ratio in 1991. The ratio was intended to be an improved and updated measure to assess the risk-adjusted performance of a fund than other ratios that were used at the time, like the Sharpe ratio and the Sterling ratio.

Disadvantages of the Calmar ratio

As with any performance metric, the Calmar ratio also has its share of disadvantages. Here are some of the key drawbacks.

  • Relies on historical data

The insights provided by the ratio are based on historical data. With market-linked investments, historical performance cannot guarantee future returns.

  • Susceptible to volatility

Extreme events can cause significant spikes in volatility. This could disproportionately affect the maximum drawdown, resulting in a potentially skewed Calmar ratio.

  • Disregards standard deviation

The ratio does not take standard deviation into consideration, which many investors feel is a more useful component for fund evaluation.

Interpreting changes in the Calmar ratio

If you are tracking the Calmar ratio of a fund, you need to know how to interpret changes in the ratio. The following pointers can help you with this.

  • If there is a significant change in the Calmar ratio, it may indicate a change in the fund’s management decisions — which may be favourable (leading to a substantial increase in the ratio) or unfavourable (leading to a significant dip in the ratio).

  • A sudden and steep increase in the Calmar ratio may indicate that the fund is performing better. Before investing in such a fund, you may want to ensure that this performance can be sustained.

  • A sudden and large decline in the Calmar ratio may indicate that the fund is no longer performing well. You may need to switch to better fund options if the Calmar ratio remains consistently low.

Conclusion

The Calmar ratio is a useful metric that can help you evaluate mutual funds. However, it is essential to note that although it gives you insights into the risk-adjusted returns of a fund relative to its maximum drawdown. It is not advisable to rely on this ratio alone when making investment decisions. You must also evaluate funds across other risk-adjusted ratios such as the Sharpe ratio, Sortino ratio and Treynor ratio to get a comprehensive overview of the funds.

If you wish to compare mutual funds, the Bajaj Finserv Mutual Fund Platform can help. You can use the dedicated comparison tool to evaluate multiple funds across different key metrics. Additionally, you can use tools such as the SIP calculator and lumpsum calculator to help you determine the right mutual fund schemes to invest in.

Essential tools for all mutual fund investors

Mutual Fund Calculator

Step Up SIP Calculator

HDFC SIP Calculator

Axis Bank SIP Calculator

SBI SIP Calculator

Groww SIP Calculator

Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund SIP Calculator

ICICI SIP Calculator

LIC SIP Calculator

Nippon India SIP Calculator

Kotak Bank SIP Calculator

BOI SIP Calculator

Frequently asked questions

What is a good Calmar ratio?

A Calmar ratio of more than 3 is often considered to be good since it essentially indicates that the potential profits from the investment are far higher than the maximum drawdown.

How is the Calmar ratio calculated?

The ratio is calculated by dividing the average annual return rate of an investment by its maximum drawdown.

What is the difference between the Sharpe ratio and the Calmar ratio?

The Sharpe ratio measures the risk-adjusted performance of an investment relative to its total volatility. The Calmar ratio, meanwhile, measures the risk-adjusted performance of an investment relative to its maximum drawdown.

What is the Calmar ratio for hedge funds?

The ideal Calmar ratio for hedge funds must be 3 or more since it would indicate that the fund is generating significantly higher profits compared to its maximum drawdown.

Is a higher Calmar ratio better?

Yes. A higher Calmar ratio signifies that the investment is generating much higher returns relative to its maximum drawdown during a specific time frame.

How many months does the Calmar ratio take into account?

The Calmar ratio takes the average annual return rate and the maximum drawdown of an investment for a period of 36 months.

What is the formula for calculating maximum drawdown?

The maximum drawdown is calculated by subtracting the peak value (highest point) of the investment during a specified period and the trough value (lowest point) reached immediately after the peak. The resulting figure is then divided by the peak value and then multiplied by 100 to arrive at the drawdown percentage.

What is the 5% drawdown rule?

The 5% drawdown rule states that the maximum drawdown of an investment per day must not be higher than 5% of the starting value of that day.

Show More Show Less

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is an NBFC offering loans, deposits and third-party wealth management products.

The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute any financial advice. The content herein has been prepared by BFL on the basis of publicly available information, internal sources and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. However, BFL cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, assure its completeness, or warrant such information will not be changed. 

This information should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any investment decisions. Hence, User is advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting independent financial experts, if any, and the investor shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.