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Sector Classification through non-Gaussian Similarity

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Author Info
Maximilian Vermorken () (Centre Emile Bernheim, Solvay Business School, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels.)
Ariane Szafarz () (Centre Emile Bernheim, Solvay Business School, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels and DULBEA, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels.)
Hugues Pirotte () (Centre Emile Bernheim, Solvay Business School, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels)

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Abstract

Standard sector classification frameworks present drawbacks that might hinder portfolio manager. This paper introduces a new non-parametric approach to equity classification. Returns are decomposed into their fundamental drivers through Independent Component Analysis (ICA). Stocks are then classified according to the relative importance of identified fundamental drivers for their returns. A method is developed permitting the quantification of these dependencies, using a similarity index. Hierarchical clustering allows for grouping the stocks into new classes. The resulting classes are compared with those from the 2-digit GICS system for U.S. blue chip companies. It is shown that specific relations between stocks are not captured by the GICS framework. The method is applied on two different samples and tested for robustness.

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File URL: http://www.solvay.edu/EN/Research/Bernheim/documents/wp08032.pdf
File Format: application/pdf
File Function: First version, 2008
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Publisher Info
Paper provided by Université Libre de Bruxelles, Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, Centre Emile Bernheim (CEB) in its series Working Papers CEB with number 08-032.RS.

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Length: 48 pages
Date of creation: Oct 2008
Date of revision:
Handle: RePEc:sol:wpaper:08-032

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Related research
Keywords: equity sectors; industry classification; portfolio management;

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Find related papers by JEL classification:
G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
G19 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Other

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References listed on IDEAS
Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
  1. Roll, Richard, 1992. " Industrial Structure and the Comparative Behavior of International Stock Market Indices," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 47(1), pages 3-41, March. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  2. Thierry Vessereau, 2000. "Factor Analysis and Independent Component Analysis in Presence of High Idiosyncratic Risks," CIRANO Working Papers 2000s-46, CIRANO. [Downloadable!]
  3. Farrell, James L, Jr, 1974. "Analyzing Covariation of Returns to Determine Homogeneous Stock Groupings," Journal of Business, University of Chicago Press, vol. 47(2), pages 186-207, April. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  4. Michel Beine & Pierre-Yves Preumont & Ariane Szafarz, 2006. "Sector diversification during crises: A European perspective," Working Papers DULBEA 06-07.RS, Université libre de Bruxelles, Department of Applied Economics (DULBEA). [Downloadable!]
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  5. Brown, Stephen J. & Goetzmann, William N., 1997. "Mutual fund styles," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 43(3), pages 373-399, March. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  6. Andrew J. Patton, 2004. "On the Out-of-Sample Importance of Skewness and Asymmetric Dependence for Asset Allocation," Journal of Financial Econometrics, Oxford University Press, vol. 2(1), pages 130-168. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  7. Peiro, Amado, 1999. "Skewness in financial returns," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 23(6), pages 847-862, June. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  8. Marie Brière & Ariane Szafarz, 2007. "Crisis-Robust Bond Portfolios," Working Papers CEB 07-030.RS, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, Centre Emile Bernheim (CEB). [Downloadable!]
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  9. Fama, Eugene F. & French, Kenneth R., 1997. "Industry costs of equity," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 43(2), pages 153-193, February. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  10. Koedijk, Kees & Kole, Erik & Verbeek, Marno, 2006. "Selecting Copulas for Risk Management," CEPR Discussion Papers 5652, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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