A Mean-Variance Framework for Tests for Asset Pricing Models

This paper presents a mean-variance framework for likelihood ration tests of asset pricing models. A pricing model is tested by examining the position of one of more reference portfolios is sample mean-standard-deviation space. Included are tests of both single-beta and multiple-beta relations, with or without a riskless asset, using either a general or a specific alternative hypothesis. Tests with factors that are not portfolio returns are also included. The mean-variance framework is illustrated by testing the zero-beta CAPM, a two-beta pricing model, and the consumption-beta model.