Keywords

loss aversion, volatility clustering, conditional skewness

Abstract

We develop a preference-based equilibriumasset pricing model that explains low frequency conditional volatility. Similar to Barberis, Huang, and Santos (2001), agents in our model care about wealth changes, experience loss aversion, and keep a mental scorecard that a¤ects their level of risk aversion. A new feature of our model is that when perturbed by unexpected returns, investors become temporarily more sensitive to news. Gradually, investors become accustomed to the new level of wealth, restoring prior levels of risk aversion and news sensitivity. The state-dependent sensitivity to news creates the type of volatility clustering found in low frequency stock returns. We …nd empirical support for our model’s predictions that relate the scorecard to conditional volatility and skewness.

Original Publication Citation

“Whence GARCH? A Preference-Based Explanation for Conditional Volatility (with Grant McQueen),” 2004, Review of Financial Studies, 17, 915-949.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2004

Publisher

Review of Financial Studies

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Finance

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Share

COinS