Betting Against Correlation: Testing Theories of the Low-risk Effect

Clifford S. Asness, Andrea Frazzini, Niels Joachim Gormsen*, Lasse Heje Pedersen

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

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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.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftJournal of Financial Economics
Vol/bind135
Udgave nummer3
Sider (fra-til)629-652
Antal sider24
ISSN0304-405X
DOI
StatusUdgivet - mar. 2020

Bibliografisk note

Available online, July 12 2019

Emneord

  • Asset pricing
  • Leverage constraints
  • Lottery demand
  • Margin
  • Sentiment

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