We examine the predictability of stock returns using implied volatility spreads (VS) from individual (non-index) options. Volatility spreads can occur under simple no-arbitrage conditions for American options when volatility is time-varying, suggesting that the VS-return predictability could be...

We show theoretically that optimism can lead a risk-averse CEO to choose the first-best investment level that maximizes shareholder value. Optimism below (above) the interior optimum leads the CEO to underinvest (overinvest). Hence, if boards of directors act in the interests of shareholders,...

In contrast to prior equity market results, we document that corporate bonds issued by low profitability firms outperform bonds issued by highly profitable firms. This performance difference is primarily driven by low profitability, low credit rating firms. This profitability premium is...

We examine the relationship between monetary-policy-induced changes in short interest rates and yields on long-maturity default-free bonds. The volatility of the long end of the term structure and its relationship with monetary policy are puzzling from the perspective of simple structural...

We analyze U.S. stock return predictability using a measure of credit standards (Standards) derived from the Federal Reserve Board's Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices. Standards is a strong predictor of stock returns at a business cycle frequency, especially in the...

We study the out-of-sample performance of portfolio trading strategies when an investor faces capital gain taxation and proportional transaction costs. Under no capital gain taxation and no transaction costs, we show that, consistent with DeMiguel, Garlappi, and Uppal (2009), a simple 1/N...

We study the consumption-portfolio problem of a capital gain taxed investor who has access to multiple risky stocks. Primary to our analysis is to understand how costly short selling influences portfolio choice with a shorting the box restriction. Our analysis uncovers two different strategies...