Covariances versus Characteristics in General Equilibrium

Xiaoji Lin and Lu Zhang ()

No 17285, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: We question a deep-ingrained doctrine in asset pricing: If an empirical characteristic-return relation is consistent with investor "rationality," the relation must be "explained" by a risk factor model. The investment approach changes the big picture of asset pricing. Factors formed on characteristics are not necessarily risk factors: Characteristics-based factor models are linear approximations of firm-level investment returns. The evidence that characteristics dominate covariances in horse races does not necessarily mean mispricing: Measurement errors in covariances are more likely to blame. Most important, the investment approach completes the consumption approach in general equilibrium, especially for cross-sectional asset pricing.

JEL-codes: D51 D53 D58 E22 E44 G12 G14 G31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011-08
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cba
Note: AP CF
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Working Paper: Covariances versus Characteristics in General Equilibrium (2011)
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