This paper empirically tests the determinants of derivatives use using a sample of French nonfinancial firms- a relatively under investigated area in the risk management literature. It shows that several factors related to maximizing the firm's value significantly affect the decision to use...

In this paper, we characterize subjective probability beliefs leading to a higher equilibrium market price of risk. We establish that Abel's result on the impact of doubt on the risk premium is not correct in general; see Abel [2002. An exploration of the effects of pessimism and doubt on asset...

The global minimum variance portfolio computed using the sample covariance matrix is known to be negatively affected by parameter uncertainty, an important component of model risk. Using a robust approach, we introduce a portfolio rule for investors who wish to invest in the global minimum...

This work shows how long-term investors can benefit from adding volatility as an asset class to their portfolio. Two types of "structural" exposure – long implied volatility and long volatility risk premium – are now simple to implement. Implied volatility exposure can be used to...

We consider a life-cycle model with bequest motives, and assume that the individual does not know his/hersurvival probability and has maxmin utility preferences; we show that it is optimal not to annuitize but to purchase pure life insurance policies instead.

This study develops three heuristics to measure financial optimism: financial expectation, a priori optimism, and a posteriori optimism. This paper finds that financial optimism has a significant positive effect on risk taking behaviour. Optimistic investors choose risky portfolios over...

The electricity industry is undergoing a substantial process of restructuring, with an emphasis on the introduction of competition in the generation sector. Traditional planning methods are not necessarily appropriate for this new environment. This paper extends a previously developed linear...

Nous présentons et testons diverses mesures courantes de l'inclinaison des investisseurs vis-à-vis des produits risqués : les spreads high yield et émergent, les volatilités implicites sur les marchés boursiers et des changes, la corrélation taux d'intérêt/bourse, et celle entre...