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...

The dynamics of the equal-time cross-correlation matrix of multivariate financial time series is explored by examination of the eigenvalue spectrum over sliding time windows. Empirical results for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indices reveal that the dynamics of the small...

Crude oil is prone to large upward price shocks, creating challenges for personal and corporate budgeting. In this paper, we systematically assess a range of possible shock havens against large oil price shocks. Empirical tests uncover a rich set of assets which act both as hedges and shock...

The asset allocation decision often relies upon correlation estimates arising from short-run data. Short-run correlation estimates may, however, be distorted by frictions. In this paper, we introduce a long-run wavelet-based correlation estimator, distinguishing between long-run common behavior...