Richard Roll, in an article on using the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) to evaluate portfolio performance, indicated that it may not be possible to evaluate portfolio management ability if there is error in the benchmark used.

a. Describe the general procedure, with emphasis on the benchmark employed, that one follows in evaluating portfolio performance.

b. Explain what Roll meant by the benchmark error and identify the specific problem with this benchmark.

c. Draw a graph that shows how a portfolio that has been judged as superior relative to a “measured” security market line (SML) can be inferior relative to the “true” SML.

d. Assume that you are informed that a given portfolio manager has been evaluated as superior when compared to the DJIA, the S&P 500, and the NYSE Composite Index. Explain whether this consensus would make you feel more comfortable regarding the portfolio manager’s true ability.

e. While conceding the possible problem with benchmark errors as set forth by Roll, some contend that this does not mean that the CAPM is incorrect, but only that there is a measurement problem when implementing the theory. Others contend that because of benchmark errors the whole technique should be scrapped. Take and defend one of these positions.