This paper examines how volatility positions can be optimally constructed by modeling the selection process as a linear discrete ill-posed problem with box constraints. We show how this framework allows for a priori investor expectations and risk parameters to be applied in the optimization...

We develop statistical methods to detect informed trading in options markets. We apply these methods to 31 companies from various sectors over 14 years analyzing approximately 9.6 million option prices. We find that option informed trading tends to cluster prior to certain events, takes place...

This appendix extends the empirical results in Chesney, Crameri, and Mancini (2011). Informed trading activities on put and call options are analyzed for 19 companies in the banking and insurance sectors from January 1996 to September 2009. Our empirical findings suggest that certain events such...

We propose a new approach that allows for incorporating qualitative views, such as ordering information, into estimates of future asset returns within the Black-Litterman model. We develop a mathematical framework and numerical computation methods for this setting. We find importance sampling to...

This paper examines the effectiveness of using futures contracts as hedging instruments of: (1) alternative models of volatility for estimating conditional variances and covariances; (2) alternative currencies; and (3) alternative maturities of futures contracts. For this purpose, daily data of...

The paper examines the performance of four multivariate volatility models, namely CCC, VARMA-GARCH, DCC and BEKK, for the crude oil spot and futures returns of two major benchmark international crude oil markets, Brent and WTI, to calculate optimal portfolio weights and optimal hedge ratios, and...

The Bayes-Stein model provides a framework for remedying parameter uncertainty in the Markowitz mean-variance portfolio optimization. The classical version, however, suffers from estimation errors of model components and fails to consistently outperform the naive 1/N asset allocation rule. We...

DeMiguel, Garlappi, and Uppal (2009) conducted a highly influential study where they demonstrated that none of the optimized portfolios consistently outperformed the naive diversification. This result triggered a heated debate within the academic community on whether portfolio optimization adds...

This paper presents the theoretical and applicative model elaborated by Harry Markowitz on the determination of the structure of the efficient securities portfolio. In this sense, in order to determine the structure of the efficient Markowitz portfolio (PE), a Lagrange function is built and...