Covariances versus Characteristics in General Equilibrium
We question a deep-ingrained doctrine in asset pricing: If an empirical characteristic-return relation is consistent with investor "rationality," the relation must be "explained" by a risk factor model. The investment approach changes the big picture of asset pricing. Factors formed on characteristics are not necessarily risk factors: Characteristics-based factor models are linear approximations of firm-level investment returns. That characteristics dominate covariances in horse races does not necessarily mean mispricing: Measurement errors in covariances are more likely to blame. Most important, the investment approach completes the consumption approach in general equilibrium, especially for cross-sectional asset pricing.
Year of publication: |
2011-07
|
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Authors: | Lin, Xiaoji ; Zhang, Lu |
Institutions: | Charles A. Dice Center for Research in Financial Economics, Fisher College of Business |
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