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The numeraire portfolio: a new perspective on financial theory

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  • I. Bajeux-Besnainou
  • R. Portait

Abstract

The numeraire portfolio, also called the optimal growth portfolio, allows simple derivations of the main results of financial theory. The prices of self financing portfolios, when the optimal growth portfolio is the numeraire, are martingales in the 'true' (historical) probability. Given the dynamics of the traded securities, the composition of the numeraire portfolio as well as its value are easily computable. Among its numerous properties, the numeraire portfolio is instantaneously mean variance efficient. This key feature allows a simple derivation of standard continuous time CAPM, CCAPM, APT and contingent claim pricing. Moreover, since the Radon-Nikodym derivatives of the usual martingale measures are very simple functions of the numeraire portfolio, the latter provides a convenient link between the standard Capital Market Theory a la Merton and the probabilistic approach a la Harrison-Kreps-Pliska.

Suggested Citation

  • I. Bajeux-Besnainou & R. Portait, 1997. "The numeraire portfolio: a new perspective on financial theory," The European Journal of Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 3(4), pages 291-309.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:eurjfi:v:3:y:1997:i:4:p:291-309
    DOI: 10.1080/135184797337381
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    References listed on IDEAS

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