Efficient Semiparametric Estimation of the Fama-French Model and Extensions

Gregory Connor, Matthias Hagmann, Oliver Linton* (University of London)

Abstract:

This paper develops a new estimation procedure for characteristic-based factor models of stock returns. We treat the factor model as a weighted additive nonparametric regression model, with the factor returns serving as time-varying weights, and a set of univariate nonparametric functions relating security characteristic to the associated factor betas. We use a time-series and cross-sectional pooled weighted additive nonparametric regression methodology to simultaneously estimate the factor returns and characteristic-beta functions. Due to its greater efficiency our methodology allows for a larger number of factors than existing semiparametric methods. We apply the technique to the three-factor Fama-French model, Carhart's four-factor extension of it adding a momentum factor, and a five-factor extension adding an own-volatility factor.