Tests of Multifactor Pricing Models, Volatility Bounds and Portfolio Performance

Tests of Multifactor Pricing Models, Volatility Bounds and Portfolio Performance
Author: Wayne E. Ferson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 98
Release: 2009
Genre:
ISBN:

Three concepts: stochastic discount factors, multi-beta pricing and mean variance efficiency, are at the core of modern empirical asset pricing. This paper reviews these paradigms and the relations among them, concentrating on conditional asset pricing models where lagged variables serve as instruments for publicly available information. The different paradigms are associated with different empirical methods. We review the variance bounds of Hansen and Jagannathan (1991), concentrating on extensions for conditioning information. Hansen's (1982) Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) is briefly reviewed as an organizing principle. Then, cross-sectional regression approaches as developed by Fama and MacBeth (1973) are reviewed and used to interpret empirical factors, such as those advocated by Fama and French (1993, 1996). Finally, we review the multivariate regression approach, popularized in the finance literature by Gibbons (1982) and others. A regression approach, with a beta pricing formulation, and a GMM approach with a stochastic discount factor formulation, may be considered competing paradigms for empirical work in asset pricing. This discussion clarifies the relations between the various approaches. Finally, we bring the models and methods together, with a review of the recent conditional performance evaluation literature, concentrating on mutual funds and pension funds.

Empirical Asset Pricing

Empirical Asset Pricing
Author: Wayne Ferson
Publisher: MIT Press
Total Pages: 497
Release: 2019-03-12
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0262039370

An introduction to the theory and methods of empirical asset pricing, integrating classical foundations with recent developments. This book offers a comprehensive advanced introduction to asset pricing, the study of models for the prices and returns of various securities. The focus is empirical, emphasizing how the models relate to the data. The book offers a uniquely integrated treatment, combining classical foundations with more recent developments in the literature and relating some of the material to applications in investment management. It covers the theory of empirical asset pricing, the main empirical methods, and a range of applied topics. The book introduces the theory of empirical asset pricing through three main paradigms: mean variance analysis, stochastic discount factors, and beta pricing models. It describes empirical methods, beginning with the generalized method of moments (GMM) and viewing other methods as special cases of GMM; offers a comprehensive review of fund performance evaluation; and presents selected applied topics, including a substantial chapter on predictability in asset markets that covers predicting the level of returns, volatility and higher moments, and predicting cross-sectional differences in returns. Other chapters cover production-based asset pricing, long-run risk models, the Campbell-Shiller approximation, the debate on covariance versus characteristics, and the relation of volatility to the cross-section of stock returns. An extensive reference section captures the current state of the field. The book is intended for use by graduate students in finance and economics; it can also serve as a reference for professionals.

Handbook of Financial Econometrics

Handbook of Financial Econometrics
Author: Yacine Ait-Sahalia
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 809
Release: 2009-10-19
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0080929842

This collection of original articles—8 years in the making—shines a bright light on recent advances in financial econometrics. From a survey of mathematical and statistical tools for understanding nonlinear Markov processes to an exploration of the time-series evolution of the risk-return tradeoff for stock market investment, noted scholars Yacine Aït-Sahalia and Lars Peter Hansen benchmark the current state of knowledge while contributors build a framework for its growth. Whether in the presence of statistical uncertainty or the proven advantages and limitations of value at risk models, readers will discover that they can set few constraints on the value of this long-awaited volume. - Presents a broad survey of current research—from local characterizations of the Markov process dynamics to financial market trading activity - Contributors include Nobel Laureate Robert Engle and leading econometricians - Offers a clarity of method and explanation unavailable in other financial econometrics collections

Evaluating Factor Pricing Models Using High Frequency Panels

Evaluating Factor Pricing Models Using High Frequency Panels
Author: Yoosoon Chang
Publisher:
Total Pages: 53
Release: 2015
Genre:
ISBN:

This paper develops a new framework and statistical tools to analyze stock returns using high frequency data. We consider a continuous-time multi-factor model via a continuous-time multivariate regression model incorporating realistic empirical features, such as persistent stochastic volatilities with leverage effects. We find that conventional regression approach often leads to misleading and inconsistent test results. We overcome this by using samples collected at random intervals, which are set by the clock running inversely proportional to the market volatility. We find that the size factor has difficulty in explaining the size-based portfolios, while the book-to-market factor is a valid pricing factor.

Asymptotic Variances for Tests of Portfolio Efficiency and Factor Model Comparisons with Conditioning Information

Asymptotic Variances for Tests of Portfolio Efficiency and Factor Model Comparisons with Conditioning Information
Author: Wayne E. Ferson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 64
Release: 2019
Genre:
ISBN:

We provide asymptotic standard errors for tests of asset pricing models and factor model comparisons with dynamic trading using conditioning information in the form of lagged instruments. The tests are based on comparing squared Sharpe ratios or their normalized differences. We provide results for both traded and non-traded factor models, and we study the optimal choice of the zero beta rate. We evaluate the asymptotic standard errors with simulations and provide applications to asset pricing model tests and factor model comparisons. We find that the incremental performance improvement of the FF5 model over the FF3 and the FF3 over the CAPM is greater when dynamic trading is allowed, as is the effect of a momentum factor. Dynamically trading consumption and liquidity hedging portfolios contribute significantly to the performance of most of the models.

Financial Distress, Market Anomalies and Single and Multifactor Asset Pricing Models

Financial Distress, Market Anomalies and Single and Multifactor Asset Pricing Models
Author: Syed I. Hussain
Publisher:
Total Pages: 35
Release: 2008
Genre:
ISBN:

Data snooping and the nature of the distress premium are unresolved issues for the Fama and French three-factor model. These are addressed using UK data to create and test the model on portfolios based on market anomalies. We explore the apparent distress premium identified in prior research with particular reference to negative book equity-to-market equity (BE/ME) stocks. Although neglected in the prior research, we argue that these stocks offer new insights into the nature of the distress premium. We conclude that the distress premium is real and the three-factor model is an improvement on CAPM for all portfolios tested including the negative (BE/ME) portfolio. Unlike other distressed portfolios there is no compensation with high abnormal returns for this portfolio.

Additional Tests of Multi-Index Asset Pricing Models

Additional Tests of Multi-Index Asset Pricing Models
Author: Seza Danisoglu
Publisher:
Total Pages: 28
Release: 2016
Genre:
ISBN:

This study provides comprehensive evidence on the performance of asset pricing models in an emerging market setting. Tests are conducted on portfolios formed based on Fama-MacBeth betas, Fama-French size and book-to-market factors, Carhart's short- and long-term past returns and Pastor and Stambaugh's (2003) liquidity beta. This is one of the first studies to provide emerging market evidence on Pastor and Stambaugh's liquidity beta measuring a firm's sensitivity to changing levels of market-wide liquidity. Results of the study are supported by metrics such as confidence intervals around the R2 values and the Gibbons-Ross-Shanken (1989) test. Similar to previous findings, the market factor is positive and significant even when models are augmented by the size and book-to-market factors that are themselves consistently significant and positive. Contrary to evidence from developed markets, contrarian, not momentum, strategies are preferred among the investors, especially for larger firms. Larger firms also are perceived to be less vulnerable when market-wide liquidity decreases.