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An analytical investigation of estimators for expected asset returns from the perspective of optimal asset allocation

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  • Frahm, Gabriel

Abstract

In the present work I derive the risk functions of 5 standard estimators for expected asset returns which are frequently advocated in the literature, viz the sample mean vector, the James-Stein and Bayes-Stein estimator, the minimum-variance estimator, and the CAPM estimator. I resolve the question why it is meaningful to study the risk function in the context of optimal asset allocation. Further, I derive the quantities which determine the risks of the different expected return estimators and show which estimators are preferable with respect to optimal asset allocation. Finally, I discuss the question whether it pays to strive for the optimal portfolio by using time series information. It turns out that in many practical situations it is better to renounce parameter estimation altogether and pursue some trivial strategy such as the totally risk-free investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Frahm, Gabriel, 2010. "An analytical investigation of estimators for expected asset returns from the perspective of optimal asset allocation," Discussion Papers in Econometrics and Statistics 1/10, University of Cologne, Institute of Econometrics and Statistics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ucdpse:110
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Victor DeMiguel & Lorenzo Garlappi & Raman Uppal, 2009. "Optimal Versus Naive Diversification: How Inefficient is the 1-N Portfolio Strategy?," Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 22(5), pages 1915-1953, May.
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    5. Frahm, Gabriel & Memmel, Christoph, 2010. "Dominating estimators for minimum-variance portfolios," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 159(2), pages 289-302, December.
    6. Frahm, Gabriel, 2009. "Asymptotic distributions of robust shape matrices and scales," Journal of Multivariate Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 100(7), pages 1329-1337, August.
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    10. Ravi Jagannathan & Tongshu Ma, 2003. "Risk Reduction in Large Portfolios: Why Imposing the Wrong Constraints Helps," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 58(4), pages 1651-1684, August.
    11. Lorenzo Garlappi & Raman Uppal & Tan Wang, 2007. "Portfolio Selection with Parameter and Model Uncertainty: A Multi-Prior Approach," Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 20(1), pages 41-81, January.
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    14. repec:hal:journl:peer-00741629 is not listed on IDEAS
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    18. Jorion, Philippe, 1991. "Bayesian and CAPM estimators of the means: Implications for portfolio selection," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 15(3), pages 717-727, June.
    19. Bade, Alexander & Frahm, Gabriel & Jaekel, Uwe, 2008. "A general approach to Bayesian portfolio optimization," Discussion Papers in Econometrics and Statistics 1/08, University of Cologne, Institute of Econometrics and Statistics.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hao Liu & Winfried Pohlmeier, 2013. "Risk Preferences and Estimation Risk in Portfolio Choice," Working Paper series 47_13, Rimini Centre for Economic Analysis.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Asset allocation; Bayes-Stein estimator; CAPM estimator; James-Stein estimator; Minimum-variance estimator; Naive diversification; Out-ofsample performance; Risk function; Shrinkage estimation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions

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