Smith, P. and Wickens, M. (2002) Asset pricing with observable stochastic discount factors. Journal of Economic Surveys, 16 (3). pp. 397-446. ISSN 0950-0804
Abstract
The stochastic discount factor model provides a general framework for pricing assets. By specifying the discount factor suitably it encompasses most of the theories currently in use, including CAPM and consumption CAPM. The SDF model has been based on the use of single and multiple factors, and on latent and observed factors. In most situations, and especially for the term structure, single factor models are inappropriate, whilst latent variables require the somewhat arbitrary specification of generating processes and are difficult to interpret. In this paper we survey the principal different implementations of the SDF model for bonds, equity and FOREX and propose a new approach. This is based on the use of multiple factors that are observable and modelling the joint distribution of excess returns and the factors using a multi–variate GARCH–in–mean process. We argue that in general single equation and VAR models, although widely used in empirical finance, are inappropriate as they do not satisfy the no–arbitrage condition. Since risk premia arise from conditional covariation between the returns and the factors, both a multi–variate context and having conditional covariances in the conditional mean process, is essential. We explain how apparent exceptions, such as the CIR and Vasicek models, in fact meet this requirement — but at a price. We explain our new approach, discuss how it might be implemented and present some empirical evidence, mainly from our own researches. Partly, to enable comparisons to be made, the survey also includes evidence from recent empirical work using more traditional approaches.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Social Sciences (York) > Economics and Related Studies (York) |
Depositing User: | York RAE Import |
Date Deposited: | 24 Apr 2009 09:55 |
Last Modified: | 24 Apr 2009 09:55 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-6419.00173 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Blackwell Publishing Ltd |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/1467-6419.00173 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:6540 |