Uncovered Equity Parity and rebalancing in international portfolios

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of International Money and Finance
Year: 2014
Volume: 47
Issue: C
Pages: 86-99

Authors (4)

Curcuru, Stephanie E. (not in RePEc) Thomas, Charles P. Warnock, Francis E. (University of Virginia) Wongswan, Jon (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.503 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Portfolio rebalancing is a key driver of the Uncovered Equity Parity (UEP) condition. According to UEP, when foreign equity holdings outperform domestic holdings, domestic investors are exposed to higher exchange rate exposure and hence repatriate some of the foreign equity to decrease their exchange rate risk. By doing so, foreign currency is sold, leading to foreign currency depreciation. We examine the relationship between U.S. investors' portfolio reallocations and returns and find some evidence consistent with UEP: Portfolio shifts are related to past returns in the underlying equity markets. But we argue that a motive other than reducing currency risk exposure is likely behind this rebalancing. In particular, U.S. investors rebalance away from equity markets that recently performed well and move into equity markets just prior to relatively strong performance, suggesting tactical reallocations to increase returns rather than reduce risk.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jimfin:v:47:y:2014:i:c:p:86-99
Journal Field
International
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-29