We examine machine learning and factor-based portfolio optimization. We find that factors based on autoencoder neural networks exhibit a weaker relationship with commonly used characteristic-sorted portfolios than popular dimensionality reduction techniques. Machine learning methods also lead to...

Forward-looking correlations are of interest in different financial applications, including factor-based asset pricing, forecasting stock-price movements or pricing index options. With a focus on non-FX markets, this paper defines necessary conditions for option implied correlation matrices to...

This paper proposes a dynamic multi-factor copula for use in high-dimensional time series applications. A novel feature of our model is that the assignment of individual variables to groups is estimated from the data, rather than being pre-assigned using SIC industry codes, market capitalization...

Basic asset pricing theory predicts high expected returns are a compensation for risk. However, high expected returns might also constitute anomalies due to frictions or behavioral biases. We propose two complementary simple-to-use tests to assess whether risk can explain differences in expected...

After seeing the effect of the global crisis on the financial and real sectors, the studieshave been more focused on building stress indices that show the accumulation of stresslevels in the countries` financial system due to the external and internal shocks. Thispaper aims at creating three...

This paper investigates estimation of sparsity-induced weak factor (sWF) models, with large cross-sectional and time-series dimensions (N and T, respectively). It assumes that the kth largest eigenvalue of data covariance matrix grows proportionally to N^ak with unknown exponents 0 ak = 1 for...

This paper proposes a new time-varying minimum variance portfolio (TV-MVP) in a large investment universe of assets. Our method extends the existing literature of minimum variance portfolio by allowing for time-varying factor loadings, which is the facilitator to capture the dynamics of asset...

We survey recent methodological contributions in asset pricing using factor models and machine learning. We organize these results based on their primary objectives: estimating expected returns, factors, risk exposures, risk premia, and the stochastic discount factor, as well as model comparison...

We investigate covariance matrix estimation in vast-dimensional spaces of 1,500 up to 2,000 stocks using fundamental factor models (FFMs). FFMs are the typical benchmark in the asset management industry and depart from the usual statistical factor models and the factor models with observed...

Large stream of literature studies interconnectedness among various assets that are relevant in current global markets. Transmission of shocks between cryptocurrencies and traditional asset classes is, however, not understood at all, but should not be ignored due to increasing influence of...