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Semiparametric Conditional Factor Models in Asset Pricing

Qihui Chen, Nikolai Roussanov, Xiaoliang Wang

arXiv 14 Dec 2021 · Econometrics

arXiv:2112.07121 · PDF · DOI · OpenAlex · Extracted main text

Abstract

We introduce a simple and tractable methodology for estimating semiparametric conditional latent factor models. Our approach disentangles the roles of characteristics in capturing factor betas of asset returns from “alpha.” We construct factors by extracting principal components from Fama-MacBeth managed portfolios. Applying this methodology to the cross-section of U.S. individual stock returns, we find compelling evidence of substantial nonzero pricing errors, even though our factors demonstrate superior performance in standard asset pricing tests. Unexplained “arbitrage” portfolios earn high Sharpe ratios, which decline over time. Combining factors with these orthogonal portfolios produces out-of-sample Sharpe ratios exceeding 4.

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Most heavily cited references

The works this paper leans on most, across its whole bibliography — not restricted to papers in our corpus. Ranked by composite intensity, which combines how often a work is mentioned, how many sections mention it, and how much of that falls in the main text rather than the appendix.

ReferenceIntensityMentionsSectionsMain text
1Kelly, B. T., S. Pruitt, and Y. Su (2019) Characteristics are covariances: A unified model of risk and return0.97715493%
2Kozak, S., S. Nagel, and S. Santosh (2018) Interpreting factor models0.92844100%
3Fama, E. F. and K. R. French (2015) A five-factor asset pricing model0.9098375%
4Kim, S., R. A. Korajczyk, and A. Neuhierl (2020) Arbitrage portfolios0.8434375%
5Fama, E. F. and K. R. French (2020) Comparing cross-section and time-series factor models0.81142100%
6Fama, E. F. and K. R. French (1993) Common risk factors in the returns on stocks and bonds0.81142100%
7Hoberg, G. and I. Welch (2009) Optimized vs0.81142100%
8Kirby, C (2020) Firm characteristics, cross-sectional regression estimates, and asset pricing tests0.81142100%
9Fan, J., Y. Liao, and W. Wang (2016) a): Projected principal component analysis in factor models0.76911445%
10Freyberger, J., A. Neuhierl, and M. Weber (2020) Dissecting characteristics nonparametrically0.73732100%

Showing the top 10 of 77 scored citations.