On Testing Time Series Momentum Using Predictive Regressions
39 Pages Posted: 7 Nov 2020
Date Written: September 8, 2020
Abstract
In studies of time series momentum (TSM), the Newey-West t-test has size distortion for linear predictive regression with excess returns because of non-stationarity, endogeneity due to correlated errors, and a lack of finite moments due to heavy tails. To solve these problems, we propose a new test that features log-returns, a model of the error correlations, and weighted least squares estimation. Simulations confirm the proper size and increased power of the new test. Empirically, we find weak support for TSM regardless of the predictor's time horizon and a different set of assets with TSM compared with using the Newey-West t-test.
Keywords: Time Series Momentum, Log-returns, Return Predictability, Predictive Regression
JEL Classification: G11; G23; C58
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation