In this paper we address three main objections of behavioral finance to the theory of rational finance, considered as “anomalies” the theory of rational finance cannot explain: (i) Predictability of asset returns; (ii) The Equity Premium; (iii) The Volatility Puzzle. We offer resolutions of...

In the paper, we consider the application of the theory of probability metrics in several areas in the eld of nance. First, we argue that specially structured probability metrics can be used to quantify stochastic dominance relations. Second, the methods of the theory of probability metrics can...

In this article, the authors discuss the current state of affairs, critical issues, and practical considerations associated with factor research and factor investing from the perspectives of academics, practitioners, and investors. The amount of research on factors continues to grow at an...

Studies of household stock market participation report low participation rates. The explanations cited are that the fixed costs associated with participation and high risk aversion discourage households from buying stocks. However, the low participation rate findings are unchallenged. We argue...

Since the work by Stigler on the economics of information in the early 1960s, economists have paid closer attention to the role of search for information. However, search methods are not considered in the theory of portfolio choice. We present a model of investor search behavior in order to...

Despite portfolio construction based on expected utility theory and Markowitz mean-variance optimization having been the foundation of financial economic theory for more than 50 years, its practical application by financial advisors has been limited. Particularly troubling are the lack of a...

Various studies report that investing in “sin stocks”, that is firms which make money from human vice, such as alcohol, tobacco, gambling and weapons, has historically delivered significantly positive abnormal returns. This finding has inspired the hypothesis that sin stocks are being...

The investment industry was severely affected by the global financial crisis of 2007–2009, and changes will have to occur. In this monograph, investment industry players, observers, recruiters, and academics are asked to offer their opinions and ideas about what they think the most profound...