Risk models vs characteristic models from an investor’s perspective: Make use of the best of both worlds
ISSN: 1526-5943
Article publication date: 8 July 2019
Issue publication date: 8 July 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the implications of the risk versus characteristic debate from the perspective of a mean-variance investor.
Design/methodology/approach
Expected returns and the variance-covariance matrix are estimated based on various characteristic and risk models and evaluated for the purpose of mean-variance portfolios.
Findings
Return estimates from characteristic models are most informative to investors. Risk-factor models provide the most informative estimates of the risk. A mean-variance investor should rely on combinations of the two model types.
Originality/value
Although the risk vs characteristic debate is a binary academic debate, our findings from an investor's perspective suggest to make use of the best of both worlds.
Keywords
Citation
Fieberg, C., Varmaz, A. and Poddig, T. (2019), "Risk models vs characteristic models from an investor’s perspective: Make use of the best of both worlds", Journal of Risk Finance, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 201-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRF-10-2018-0163
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited