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...

We compare several representative sophisticated model averaging and variable selection techniques of forecasting stock returns. When estimated traditionally, our results confirm that the simple combination of individual predictors is superior. However, sophisticated models improve dramatically...

We characterize co-movements in investor attention by modeling multivariate internet search volume data. Using a variety of copula models that can capture both asymmetric and skewed dependence, we find empirical evidence of strong non-linear and asymmetric dependence in the attention investors...

In this article we discuss bookmaker margins embedded in odds for "1X2" bets in the European football betting markets operated by bookmakers. Bookmaker margins are adjustments applied to fair odds, for the purpose of ensuring profits and compensation for risks undertaken, and to cover overall...

Using a novel equity lending dataset, this paper is the first to show that expected returns strongly and negatively predict future equity lending fees. In comparing two expected return measures, I find that a rational expected return has stronger predictive power of future short selling activity...

We introduce a variation of Yu(2011)'s weighted bagging estimation method and show it substantially improves the predictability of the equity premium and other economic variables. This new machine learning method sharply improves equity premium predictability of many models with significant...

In this article, we link the realized accuracy of predictive panels to changes in distributions that occur between the training (in-sample) phase and the testing (out-of-sample) phase. We obtain polynomial upper bounds for the loss of accuracy between training and testing. We model covariate...

We present a novel approach to analyzing stock return predictability that accommodates (i) arbitrary predictor persistence, (ii) panels with common factors, (iii) multiple predictors, (iv) short- and long-horizon analysis, and relies on standard inference from least-squares estimation of a...

We survey the nascent literature on machine learning in the study of financial markets. We highlight the best examples of what this line of research has to offer and recommend promising directions for future research. This survey is designed for both financial economists interested in grasping...