When assets exhibit asymmetric dependence or joint downside risk, diversificationcan fail and financial markets may be prone to systemic risk. We analyze thedependence structure of risk factors in the US economy, using both correlations anda parsimonious set of copulas. We find evidence of...

A central role for economic policy involves reducing the incidence of systemic downturns, when key economic variables experience joint extreme events. In this paper, we empirically analyze such dependence using two approaches, correlations and copulas. We document four findings. First, linear...

A central role for economic policy involves understanding and reducing the impact of unexpected,extreme events. In this paper, we develop a simple economic framework with latentregime switches. This framework explains why investors and policymakers can decide not tohedge against extreme events,...

The viability of international diversification involves balancing benefits and costs.This balance hinges on the degree of asset dependence. In light of theoretical researchlinking diversification and dependence, we examine international diversification usingtwo measures of dependence:...

International diversification has costs and benefits, depending on the degree of assetdependence. In light of theoretical research linking diversification and dependence, weexamine international diversification with two dependence measures: correlations andextreme dependence. We document several...