This paper estimates the implied stochastic process of the volatility of the Swiss market index (SMI) from the prices of options written on it. A GARCH(1,1) model is shown to be a good parameterization of the process. Then, using the GARCH option pricing model of Duan (1991), the implied...

We provide a test of the Monday effect in daily stock index returns. Unlike previous studies we define the Monday effect based on the stochastic dominance criterion. This is a stronger criterion than those based on comparing means used in previous work and has a well defined economic meaning. We...

A positive Lyapunov exponent is one pratical definition of chaos. We develop a formal test for chaos in a noisy system based on the sign of the Lyapunov exponent. The test utilizes nonparametric regression techniques including local quadratic regression and neural networks. When our procedures...

We develop new tests of the capital asset pricing model that take account of and are valid under the assumption that the distribution generating returns is elliptically symmetric; this assumption is neccessary and sufficient for the validity of the CAPM. Our test is based on semi-parametric...

We propose a procedure for estimating the critical values of the extended Kolmogorov- Smirnov tests of Stochastic Dominance of arbitrary order in the general K-prospect case. We allow for the observations to be serially dependent and, for the first time, we can accommodate general dependence...

We introduce a general and flexible framework for hedge fund performance evaluation and asset allocation: stochastic dominance (SD) theory. Our approach utilizes statistical tests for stochastic dominance to compare the returns of hedge funds. We form hedge fund portfolios by using SD criteria...

We investigate a class of estimators for Linear Regression models where the dependent variable is subject to bid-ask censoring.  Our estimation method is based on a definition of error that is zero when the predictor lies between the actual bid price and ask price, and linear outside this...

This paper develops a new estimation procedure for characteristic-based factor models of stock returns. It describes a factor model in which the factor betas are smooth nonlinear functions of observed security characteristics. It develops an estimation procedure that combines nonparametric...

We investigate a class of semiparametric ARCH models that includes as a special case the partially nonparametric (PNP) model introduced by Engle and Ng (1993) and which allows for both flexible dynamics and flexible function form with regard to the 'news impact' function. We show that the...

We introduce a new method for the estimation of discount functions, yield curves and forward curves from government issued coupon bonds. Our approach is nonparametric and does not assume a particular functional form for the discount function although we do show how to impose various restrictions...