We compare the beta model (a.k.a. covariance model) and the characteristics model in terms of their ability to reduce portfolio risk. When global-minimum-variance portfolios (GMVPs) are constructed out of the 500 largest US stocks for the 30-year period between 1981 and 2011, the...

Using returns of 4,916 stocks from 22 developed countries and 15 developing countries, this study examines the relative magnitude of conditional volatility and the international market systematic risk of stock prices in countries at different developmental stages and in various geographical...

Purpose: This paper examines the associative and causal relationship between changes in the implied volatility index (VIX) and stock market returns, with data from 15 countries representing both developed and emerging economies.1 We also examine the dynamic variation, if any in the nature of the...

This paper studies the behavior of emerging stock excess returns in an industry-by-industry context. We examine stock market performance for 23 countries and ten industries over 17 years from 1995 to 2012 – a period that includes major changes in capital market regulations, the removal of...

A recent development in financial markets is the creation of Shari'ah compliant stock universes. Shari'ah compliant stock universe is featured as socially responsible investments, less levered, and more reflective of the real sector. This study is conducted to understand and document the...

In 2008, the S&P 500 experienced a drawdown of about 50% from peak to trough. Many assets which are typically considered effective equity diversifiers also faced precipitous losses. In stark contrast, volatility levels as measured by VIX experienced significant increases and in 2008 repeatedly...