The Term Structure of Returns: Facts and Theory

39 Pages Posted: 1 Jun 2015

See all articles by Ralph S. J. Koijen

Ralph S. J. Koijen

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business; Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Jules H. van Binsbergen

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: May 2015

Abstract

We summarize and extend the new literature on the term structure of equity. Short- term equity claims, or dividend strips, have on average significantly higher returns than the aggregate stock market. The returns on short-term dividend claims are risky as measured by volatility, but safe as measured by market beta. These facts are hard to reconcile with traditional macro-finance models and we provide an overview of new models that can reproduce some of these facts. We relate our evidence on dividend strips to facts about other asset classes such as nominal and corporate bonds, volatility, and housing. We conclude by discussing the broader economic implications by linking the term structure of returns to real economic decisions such as hiring and investment.

Keywords: corporate bonds, equity, fixed income, term structure, volatility

JEL Classification: G12, G15

Suggested Citation

Koijen, Ralph S. J. and van Binsbergen, Jules H., The Term Structure of Returns: Facts and Theory (May 2015). CEPR Discussion Paper No. DP10633, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2613030

Ralph S. J. Koijen (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business ( email )

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Chicago, IL 60637
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HOME PAGE: http://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/ralph.koijen/

Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) ( email )

London
United Kingdom

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) ( email )

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Jules H. Van Binsbergen

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School ( email )

3641 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6365
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

1050 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.nber.org/people/jules_vanbinsbergen

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