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Asset-pricing anomalies at the firm level

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  • Cederburg, Scott
  • O’Doherty, Michael S.

Abstract

We introduce a hierarchical Bayes approach to model conditional firm-level alphas as a function of firm characteristics. Our empirical framework is motivated by growing concerns in the literature regarding the reliability of inferences from portfolio-based methods. In our initial tests, we confirm the existence of several CAPM anomalies at the firm level. Prominent multifactor models deliver only a modest improvement, however, as they often resolve only those anomalies which are directly linked to their additional factors. Further results suggest that the economic importance of CAPM anomalies is overstated. We find that anomalies are primarily confined to small stocks, few characteristics are associated with CAPM alphas out of sample, and many firm characteristics do not contain unique information about abnormal returns.

Suggested Citation

  • Cederburg, Scott & O’Doherty, Michael S., 2015. "Asset-pricing anomalies at the firm level," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 186(1), pages 113-128.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:econom:v:186:y:2015:i:1:p:113-128
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconom.2014.06.004
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    Cited by:

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    3. Sebastien Valeyre, 2020. "Refined model of the covariance/correlation matrix between securities," Papers 2001.08911, arXiv.org.
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    7. Guillaume Coqueret, 2022. "Characteristics-driven returns in equilibrium," Papers 2203.07865, arXiv.org.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Hierarchical Bayes; Factor models; Asset-pricing anomalies;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading

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