Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/102372 
Year of Publication: 
2012
Series/Report no.: 
Manchester Business School Working Paper No. 631
Publisher: 
The University of Manchester, Manchester Business School, Manchester
Abstract: 
Most papers in the portfolio choice literature have examined linear predictability frameworks based on the idea that simple but flexible Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models can be expanded to produce portfolio allocations that hedge against the bull and bear dynamics typical of financial markets through careful selection of predictor variables that capture business cycles and market sentiment. Yet, a distinct literature exists that shows that nonlinear econometric frameworks, such as Markov switching, are also natural tools to compute optimal portfolios arising from the existence of good and bad market states. This paper examines whether and how simple VARs can produce portfolio rules similar to those obtained under a simple Markov switching, by studying the effects of expanding both the order of the VAR and the number/selection of predictor variables included. In a typical stock-bond strategic asset allocation problem for U.K. data, we compute the out-of-sample certainty equivalent returns for a wide range of VARs and compare these measures of performance with those of nonlinear models. We conclude that most VARs cannot produce portfolio rules, hedging demands, or (net of transaction costs) out-of-sample performances that approximate those obtained from equally simple nonlinear frameworks.
Subjects: 
Predictability
Strategic Asset Allocation
Markov Switching
Vector Autoregressive Models
Out-of-Sample Performance
JEL: 
G11
C53
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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