A Fast Literature Search Engine based on top-quality journals, by Dr. Mingze Gao.

  • Topic classification is ongoing.
  • Please kindly let me know [mingze.gao@mq.edu.au] in case of any errors.

Betting Against Correlation Testing Theories of the Low Risk Effect

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Betting Against Correlation Testing Theories of the Low Risk Effect
Abstract
We test whether the low-risk effect is driven by leverage constraints and, thus, risk should be measured using beta versus behavioral effects and, thus, risk should be measured by idiosyncratic risk. Beta depends on volatility and correlation, with only volatility related to idiosyncratic risk. We introduce a new betting against correlation (BAC) factor that is particularly suited to differentiate between leverage constraints and behavioral explanations. BAC produces strong performance in the US and internationally, supporting leverage constraint theories. Similarly, we construct the new factor SMAX to isolate lottery demand, which also produces positive returns. Consistent with both leverage and lottery theories contributing to the low-risk effect, we find that BAC is related to margin debt while idiosyncratic risk factors are related to sentiment.
Publication
Journal of Financial Economics
Volume
135
Issue
S0304405X1930176X
Pages
629-652
Date
2020
Citation
Asness, C., Frazzini, A., Gormsen, N. J., & Pedersen, L. H. (2020). Betting Against Correlation Testing Theories of the Low Risk Effect. Journal of Financial Economics, 135, 629–652.
Link to this record