A measurement error in beta that arises from changes in leverage during the beta estimation window contributes in explaining the size effect. Simulations of asset returns show that the magnitude of the bias in equity returns is proportional to the stock market-induced changes in leverage. We...

This paper documents that the size effect (Banz, 1981) and the contrarian effect (DeBondt and Thaler, 1985) can be explained by a measurement error in beta. This measurement error results from a change in financial leverage during the beta estimation window. Based on simulations of asset...

The Black-Litterman (BL) model aims to enhance asset allocation decisions by overcoming the weaknesses of standard mean-variance (MV) portfolio optimization. In this study we implement the BL model in a multi-asset portfolio context. Using an investment universe of global stock indices, bonds,...

The Black-Litterman model aims to enhance asset allocation decisions by overcoming the problems of mean-variance portfolio optimization. We propose a sample based version of the Black-Litterman model and implement it on a multi-asset portfolio consisting of global stocks, bonds, and commodity...

Multiple, often competing, characteristic factor models have been proposed to explain the cross-section of stock returns, but with limited economic interpretation of the factors. In this paper, we employ an optimal orthogonalization approach to examine the proportion of explained variation in...