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Efficient Estimation of Firm-Specific Betas and its Benefits for Asset Pricing Tests and Portfolio Choice

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  • Cosemans, M.
  • Frehen, R.G.P.
  • Schotman, P.C.
  • Bauer, R.M.M.J.

Abstract

We improve both the specification and estimation of firm-specific betas. Time variation in betas is modeled by combining a parametric specification based on economic theory with a non-parametric approach based on data-driven filters. We increase the precision of individual beta estimates by setting up a hierarchical Bayesian panel data model that imposes a common structure on parameters. We show that these accurate beta estimates lead to a large increase in the cross-sectional explanatory power of the conditional CAPM. Using the betas to forecast the covariance matrix of returns also results in a significant improvement in the out-of-sample performance of minimum variance portfolios.

Suggested Citation

  • Cosemans, M. & Frehen, R.G.P. & Schotman, P.C. & Bauer, R.M.M.J., 2009. "Efficient Estimation of Firm-Specific Betas and its Benefits for Asset Pricing Tests and Portfolio Choice," MPRA Paper 23557, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:23557
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    Cited by:

    1. Da, Zhi & Guo, Re-Jin & Jagannathan, Ravi, 2012. "CAPM for estimating the cost of equity capital: Interpreting the empirical evidence," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(1), pages 204-220.
    2. Yuan Liao & Xiye Yang, 2017. "Uniform Inference for Characteristic Effects of Large Continuous-Time Linear Models," Papers 1711.04392, arXiv.org, revised Dec 2018.
    3. Yuan Liao & Xiye Yang, 2017. "Uniform Inference for Conditional Factor Models with Instrumental and Idiosyncratic Betas," Departmental Working Papers 201711, Rutgers University, Department of Economics.
    4. Jacquier, Eric & Titman, Sheridan & YalçIn, Atakan, 2010. "Predicting systematic risk: Implications from growth options," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 17(5), pages 991-1005, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    asset pricing; portfolio choice; time-varying betas; Bayesian econometrics; panel data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General

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