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Good idiosyncratic volatility, bad idiosyncratic volatility, and the cross-section of stock returns

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  • Liu, Yunting
  • Zhu, Yandi

Abstract

We decompose the idiosyncratic volatility of stock returns into “good” and “bad” volatility components, which are associated with positive and negative returns, respectively. Using firm characteristics, we estimate a cross-sectional model for the expected idiosyncratic good minus bad volatility (EIGMB). The EIGMB outperforms expected idiosyncratic skewness (EISKEW) and standard time-series models in capturing conditional idiosyncratic return asymmetry. EIGMB is negatively and significantly associated with future stock returns, even after controlling for EIKSEW and exposure to systematic-skewness-related factors. Separating the role each specific characteristic plays in driving the predictive power of EIGMB for returns, we find that return on equity and momentum are two important elements of variation in EIGMB.

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  • Liu, Yunting & Zhu, Yandi, 2025. "Good idiosyncratic volatility, bad idiosyncratic volatility, and the cross-section of stock returns," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:170:y:2025:i:c:s0378426624002577
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2024.107343
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Idiosyncratic skewness; Good volatility; Bad volatility; Cross-sectional stock returns; Risk factors; Growth options;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G13 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Contingent Pricing; Futures Pricing
    • G17 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Financial Forecasting and Simulation
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies

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