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Equity premium prediction and the state of the economy

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  • Tsiakas, Ilias
  • Li, Jiahan
  • Zhang, Haibin

Abstract

We detect cyclical variation in the predictive information of economic fundamentals, which can be used to substantially improve and simplify out-of-sample equity premium prediction. Economic fundamentals based on stock-specific information (notably the dividend yield) deliver better predictions in expansions. Economic fundamentals based on aggregate information (notably the short rate) deliver better predictions in recessions. Accordingly, a simple forecast combination of one predictor that generates cyclical forecasts and one predictor that generates countercyclical forecasts can deliver statistically significant and economically valuable equity premium predictions in both expansions and recessions. A prominent two-predictor forecast combination that performs well is the dividend yield and the short rate. Strategies designed for ex-ante timing of the business cycle can provide additional economic gains in equity premium prediction.

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  • Tsiakas, Ilias & Li, Jiahan & Zhang, Haibin, 2020. "Equity premium prediction and the state of the economy," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 75-95.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:empfin:v:58:y:2020:i:c:p:75-95
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jempfin.2020.05.004
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    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G17 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Financial Forecasting and Simulation

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