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How do I find the "risk free rate of return" dealing with Sharpe Ratio in a rolling function in Excel/Google sheets


I am trying to figure out how to find the "risk free rate of return" that will update automatically with the Sharpe ratio of multiple stocks/portfolios on a daily basis in Excel or Google Sheets.

Sharpe ratio = (Mean portfolio return − Risk-free rate)/Standard deviation of portfolio return, or, S(x) = (rx - Rf) / StandDev(rx)

I am going to use the "Treasury Yield 10 Years" (TNX) while trying to find this rate. I haven't felt comfortable with anything that I have found yet. I had an add-in that will update the TNX automatically (and any other bond I would need). Any help would be appreciated.


Solution

  • Assuming you have values for S(x) (you mention you do), the mean (mu) and std dev (s), solving for the risk free rate (rf) yields the following equation:

    rf = mu - S(x)*s
    

    The greater the value of the Sharpe ratio, the more attractive the risk-adjusted rate of return, hence the larger the margin (S(x)*s) over the portfolio mean. The fact this varies in line with the standard deviation (s) is a simple matter of the 'risk vs. reward' principle/concept (negative Sharpe ratios simply imply the portfolio has underperformed the benchmark)...

    Depending on the data in hand - you may/should be able to approximate S(x), s, and mu from using standard excel equations TNX download info - if not, consider benchmark data by constructing a replicated portfolio (Asset Liability Modelling theory - see here.