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A unified duration-based explanation of the value, profitability, and investment anomalies

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  • Chen, Shan
  • Li, Tao

Abstract

Two duration factors that arise from the downward-sloping term structure of equity returns explain the value, profitability, and investment premiums. One factor captures the spread of returns between short and long durations, and the other measures the difference in risk premiums associated with duration transitions. These duration effects jointly subsume the explanatory power of the value, profitability, and investment in the cross-section of equity returns. Our study shows that these three and other related anomalies can be unified in a risk-based framework. These anomalies may arise from the dynamic relations between firms’ durations and their fundamentals.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Shan & Li, Tao, 2025. "A unified duration-based explanation of the value, profitability, and investment anomalies," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:empfin:v:84:y:2025:i:c:s0927539825000672
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jempfin.2025.101645
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    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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