A note on the predictability of excess bond returns and regime shifts

Xiaoneng Zhu

Finance Research Letters, 2011, vol. 8, issue 2, 101-109

Abstract: This paper shows that the predictability of excess bond returns could be due to the persistence of regime shifts in interest rate dynamics. This is achieved through the introduction of a regime-dependent heteroscedasticity into the discrete Vasicek model. It therefore provides a new perspective on understanding the predictability of excess returns and the violation of the expectations hypothesis. The model implies that more uncertain the current regime is, more predictable excess returns are. The empirical analysis suggests that regime shifts have forecasting power beyond the predictive power contained in time-varying risk premiums and irrational expectations.

Keywords: Excess; returns; Forward; rates; Predictability; Regime; shifts (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:finlet:v:8:y:2011:i:2:p:101-109

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