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Idiosyncratic Risk Matters!

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  • Amit Goyal
  • Pedro Santa‐Clara

Abstract

This paper takes a new look at the predictability of stock market returns with risk measures. We find a significant positive relation between average stock variance (largely idiosyncratic) and the return on the market. In contrast, the variance of the market has no forecasting power for the market return. These relations persist after we control for macroeconomic variables known to forecast the stock market. The evidence is consistent with models of time‐varying risk premia based on background risk and investor heterogeneity. Alternatively, our findings can be justified by the option value of equity in the capital structure of the firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Amit Goyal & Pedro Santa‐Clara, 2003. "Idiosyncratic Risk Matters!," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 58(3), pages 975-1007, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jfinan:v:58:y:2003:i:3:p:975-1007
    DOI: 10.1111/1540-6261.00555
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