In this paper we investigate the properties of the standard two-pass methodology of testing beta pricing models with misspecified factors. In a setting where a factor is useless, defined as being independent of all the asset returns, we provide theoretical results and simulation evidence that...

We investigate why individual stocks become more volatile over the 1976–2000 period, during which quarterly accounting data are available at the firm level. On average, corporate earnings have deteriorated and their volatilities have increased over the sample period. This is more evident for...

It is well documented that the time-varying bond excess returns can be explained by predetermined variables such as information in the term structure and macro economic variables. Recent studies suggest that demand and supply of bonds influence bond excess returns. We extend the literature and...

Derivative warrants typically have higher prices than do otherwise identical options. Using data from the Hong Kong market during 2002–2007, we show that the price difference reflects the liquidity premium of derivative warrants over options. Newly issued derivative warrants are much more...

The decline of average stock return volatility in the 2001–2006 period provides an opportunity to test various theories on why the average return volatility increased in the pre-2000 period. This paper compares fundamentals-based theories with trading volume-based theories. While both...

In this paper, we investigate the methodological issue of determining the number of state variables required for options pricing. After showing the inadequacy of the principal component analysis approach, which is commonly used in the literature, we adopt a nonparametric regression technique...

This paper develops a test of the asymptotic arbitrage pricing theory (APT) via the maximum squared Sharpe ratio of the factors extracted from individual stocks using the Connor-Korajczyk method. The test treats the beta pricing relation as approximate without predetermining the systematic...

This paper investigates the responsiveness of the Chinese government's monetary policies in terms of the money supply and interest rates to economic conditions and the effectiveness of these policies in achieving the goals of stimulating economic growth and controlling inflation. We analyze the...