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Is Idiosyncratic Risk Conditionally Priced?

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  • Rajnish Mehra
  • Sunil Wahal
  • Daruo Xie

Abstract

In Merton (1987), idiosyncratic risk is priced in equilibrium as a consequence of incomplete diversification. We modify his model to allow the degree of diversification to vary with average idiosyncratic volatility. This simple recognition results in a state-dependent idiosyncratic risk premium that is higher when average idiosyncratic volatility is low, and vice versa. The data appear to be consistent with a positive state-dependent premium for idiosyncratic risk both in the US and in other developed markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Rajnish Mehra & Sunil Wahal & Daruo Xie, 2016. "Is Idiosyncratic Risk Conditionally Priced?," NBER Working Papers 22016, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:22016
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    2. Benoît Carmichael & Gilles Boevi Koumou & Kevin Moran, 2021. "The RQE-CAPM : New insights about the pricing of idiosyncratic risk," CIRANO Working Papers 2021s-28, CIRANO.

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    More about this item

    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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