Abstract
Trend-chasing and Contrarian are well-documented empirical trading patterns that the literature generally attributes to behavioral biases. In contrast, we argue that both are rational portfolio rebalancing strategies in a dynamic asset allocation framework. Analyzing the interactions between strategies implemented in stocks and bonds, we find that a key parameter is the investor's level of relative-risk-aversion versus the market price of risk. Our mapping of preferences to trades fits remarkably well recent empirical findings of time-series momentum and reversal. Specifically, speculators trade like Trend-chasers throughout the momentum phase closing positions once the trend reverses, while hedgers trade like Contrarians. These trades seem to explain time-series momentum.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1350003 |
Journal | Quarterly Journal of Finance |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Mar 2013 |
Keywords
- Contrarian
- Trend-chasing
- momentum
- rational
- reversal
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Finance
- Economics and Econometrics
- Strategy and Management