We empirically assess a variety of portfolio construction strategies using MSCI country indices from 1998 to 2010. These strategies range from the classic mean-variance optimization strategy to simple allocation strategies, such as equally weighted and dividend-yield-weighted portfolios. We find...

Using a broad sample of earnings announcements, we find that option call and put implied volatilities become increasingly misaligned as the earnings announcement dates (EAD) get closer. The percentage deviation between call and put implied volatilities increases monotonically in the one-month...