City Research Online

Diversification returns, rebalancing returns and volatility pumping

Hayley, S. (2015). Diversification returns, rebalancing returns and volatility pumping. .

Abstract

There is now a substantial literature on the effects of rebalancing on portfolio performance. It is widely argued in the theoretical literature that rebalanced strategies are inherently likely to generate greater terminal wealth than unrebalanced strategies, although empirical studies do not generally support this claim. We show that this claim is based on a misattribution between ‘rebalancing returns’ which are specific to the act of rebalancing, and ‘diversification returns’ which can be earned by both rebalanced and unrebalanced strategies. Confusion appears to have increased because in some situations these two distinct effects have the same magnitude. This issue has important implications for return attribution in diversified portfolios. Misleading claims about the benefits of rebalancing are likely to lead investors into strategies which involve insufficient diversification and excessive transactions costs.

Publication Type: Report
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HG Finance
Departments: Bayes Business School > Finance
[thumbnail of VOLATILITY PUMPING AND REBALANCING RETURNS 14-1-2015.pdf]
Preview
PDF - Submitted Version
Download (522kB) | Preview

Export

Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics

Actions (login required)

Admin Login Admin Login