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Betas versus characteristics: A practical perspective

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  • Gregory Nazaire
  • Maria Pacurar
  • Oumar Sy

Abstract

We apply a new dummy‐variable method to examine which factor exposures (betas) and characteristics provide independent information for US stock returns in the context of the multifactor models of Hou, Xue, and Zhang and of Fama and French. We find that betas related to market, size, value, momentum, investment, and profitability factors are not priced. In contrast, firm characteristics related to size, value, investment, and profitability have significant and independent explanatory power, suggesting that they are important in determining expected returns. Finally, the cross‐sectional effect of momentum is subsumed when the return on equity is factored in.

Suggested Citation

  • Gregory Nazaire & Maria Pacurar & Oumar Sy, 2020. "Betas versus characteristics: A practical perspective," European Financial Management, European Financial Management Association, vol. 26(5), pages 1385-1413, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:eufman:v:26:y:2020:i:5:p:1385-1413
    DOI: 10.1111/eufm.12263
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    1. Sadok El Ghoul & Omrane Guedhami & Sattar A. Mansi & Oumar Sy, 2023. "Event studies in international finance research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(2), pages 344-364, March.
    2. Mbengue, Mohamed Lamine & Ndiaye, Bara & Sy, Oumar, 2023. "Which factors explain African stock returns?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    3. Nazaire, Gregory & Pacurar, Maria & Sy, Oumar, 2021. "Factor Investing and Risk Management: Is Smart-Beta Diversification Smart?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).

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