Essays on Portfolio Optimization and ESG Ratings under Risk Constraints and Incomplete Information


Book Description

In this thesis, we analyze various problems of dynamic portfolio optimization as well as green capital requirements under risk constraints and incomplete information. First, we examine the problem of optimal expected utility under the constraint of a utility-based shortfall risk measure in an incomplete market. The existence and uniqueness of an optimal solution to the problem are shown using a Lagrange multiplier and duality methods. Second, we consider the optimization problem under various levels of the investor’s information. By using martingale representation theorems, we demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of optimal solutions, which differ in their market dynamics. Third, we analyze the effects of green- and brownwashing on banks’ lending to firms, on the regulator’s deposit insurance subsidy, and on carbon emissions under different green capital requirement functions. Furthermore, we show that green capital requirements may compromise financial stability.







Practical Financial Optimization


Book Description

Practical Financial Optimization is a comprehensive guide to optimization techniques in financial decision making. This book illuminates the relationship between theory and practice, providing the readers with solid foundational knowledge. Focuses on classical static mean-variance analysis and portfolio immunization, scenario-based models, multi-period dynamic portfolio optimization, and the relationships between classes of models Analyizes real world applications and implications for financial engineers Includes a list of models and a section on notations that includes a glossary of symbols and abbreviations




Handbook of Portfolio Construction


Book Description

Portfolio construction is fundamental to the investment management process. In the 1950s, Harry Markowitz demonstrated the benefits of efficient diversification by formulating a mathematical program for generating the "efficient frontier" to summarize optimal trade-offs between expected return and risk. The Markowitz framework continues to be used as a basis for both practical portfolio construction and emerging research in financial economics. Such concepts as the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT), for example, provide the foundation for setting benchmarks, for predicting returns and risk, and for performance measurement. This volume showcases original essays by some of today’s most prominent academics and practitioners in the field on the contemporary application of Markowitz techniques. Covering a wide spectrum of topics, including portfolio selection, data mining tests, and multi-factor risk models, the book presents a comprehensive approach to portfolio construction tools, models, frameworks, and analyses, with both practical and theoretical implications.




Multi-Period Trading Via Convex Optimization


Book Description

This monograph collects in one place the basic definitions, a careful description of the model, and discussion of how convex optimization can be used in multi-period trading, all in a common notation and framework.




Powering the Digital Economy: Opportunities and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Finance


Book Description

This paper discusses the impact of the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the financial sector. It highlights the benefits these technologies bring in terms of financial deepening and efficiency, while raising concerns about its potential in widening the digital divide between advanced and developing economies. The paper advances the discussion on the impact of this technology by distilling and categorizing the unique risks that it could pose to the integrity and stability of the financial system, policy challenges, and potential regulatory approaches. The evolving nature of this technology and its application in finance means that the full extent of its strengths and weaknesses is yet to be fully understood. Given the risk of unexpected pitfalls, countries will need to strengthen prudential oversight.




Efficiency and Anomalies in Stock Markets


Book Description

The Efficient Market Hypothesis believes that it is impossible for an investor to outperform the market because all available information is already built into stock prices. However, some anomalies could persist in stock markets while some other anomalies could appear, disappear and re-appear again without any warning. A Special Issue on "Efficiency and Anomalies in Stock Markets" will be devoted to advancements in the theoretical development of market efficiency and anomaly in the Stock Market, as well as applications in Stock Market efficiency and anomalies.







Portfolio Diversification


Book Description

Portfolio Diversification provides an update on the practice of combining several risky investments in a portfolio with the goal of reducing the portfolio's overall risk. In this book, readers will find a comprehensive introduction and analysis of various dimensions of portfolio diversification (assets, maturities, industries, countries, etc.), along with time diversification strategies (long term vs. short term diversification) and diversification using other risk measures than variance. Several tools to quantify and implement optimal diversification are discussed and illustrated. - Focuses on portfolio diversification across all its dimensions - Includes recent empirical material that was created and developed specifically for this book - Provides several tools to quantify and implement optimal diversification




Financing Sustainability


Book Description

Sustainability thinking is rapidly gaining traction. It offers an inspiring vision for the future of the world and provides significant business and investment opportunities. Based on insights from over 300 empirical studies, this book explores the possibilities in the field of renewable energy finance, carbon trading, and sustainable investing. In addition, it describes innovative finance mechanisms – such as green bonds and peer-to-peer lending – that may further spur environmental and social sustainability. By taking an empirical, fact-based approach, this book aims to provide investors, business executives, and policymakers with a more thorough understanding of how sustainable finance can create value for business and society. Key words: Sustainable finance, renewable energy finance, cleantech, green investing, sustainable investments, responsible investments, carbon trading, carbon finance, ESG, impact investing.