Bayes-Stein Estimation for Portfolio Analysis

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis
Year: 1986
Volume: 21
Issue: 3
Pages: 279-292

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

In portfolio analysis, uncertainty about parameter values leads to suboptimal portfolio choices. The resulting loss in the investor's utility is a function of the particular estimator chosen for expected returns. So, this is a problem of simultaneous estimation of normal means under a well-specified loss function. In this situation, as Stein has shown, the classical sample mean is inadmissible. This paper presents a simple empirical Bayes estimator that should outperform the sample mean in the context of a portfolio. Simulation analysis shows that these Bayes-Stein estimators provide significant gains in portfolio selection problems.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:cup:jfinqa:v:21:y:1986:i:03:p:279-292_01
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-25