Research articles for the 2020-05-16
An Extended McKean â€" Vlasov Dynamic Programming Approach to Robust Equilibrium Controls under Ambiguous Covariance Matrix
SSRN
This paper studies a general class of time-inconsistent stochastic control problems under ambiguous covariance matrix. The time-inconsistency is caused in various ways by a general objective functional and thus the associated control problem does not admit Bellman's principle of optimality. Moreover, we model the state by a McKean â€" Vlasov dynamics under a set of non-dominated probability measures induced by the ambiguous covariance matrix of the noises. We apply a game-theoretic concept of subgame perfect Nash equilibrium to develop a robust equilibrium control approach, which can yield robust time-consistent decisions. We characterize the robust equilibrium control and equilibrium value function by an extended optimality principle and then we further deduce a system of Bellman â€" Isaacs equations to determine the equilibrium solution on the Wasserstein space of probability measures. The proposed analytical framework is illustrated with its applications to robust continuous-time mean-variance portfolio selection problems with risk aversion coefficient being constant or state-dependent, under the ambiguity stemming from ambiguous volatilities of multiple assets or ambiguous correlation between two risky assets. The explicit equilibrium portfolio solutions are represented in terms of the probability law.
SSRN
This paper studies a general class of time-inconsistent stochastic control problems under ambiguous covariance matrix. The time-inconsistency is caused in various ways by a general objective functional and thus the associated control problem does not admit Bellman's principle of optimality. Moreover, we model the state by a McKean â€" Vlasov dynamics under a set of non-dominated probability measures induced by the ambiguous covariance matrix of the noises. We apply a game-theoretic concept of subgame perfect Nash equilibrium to develop a robust equilibrium control approach, which can yield robust time-consistent decisions. We characterize the robust equilibrium control and equilibrium value function by an extended optimality principle and then we further deduce a system of Bellman â€" Isaacs equations to determine the equilibrium solution on the Wasserstein space of probability measures. The proposed analytical framework is illustrated with its applications to robust continuous-time mean-variance portfolio selection problems with risk aversion coefficient being constant or state-dependent, under the ambiguity stemming from ambiguous volatilities of multiple assets or ambiguous correlation between two risky assets. The explicit equilibrium portfolio solutions are represented in terms of the probability law.
Boom, Bust, and Bitcoin: Bitcoin-Bubbles As Innovation Accelerators
SSRN
Bitcoin represents one of the most interesting technological breakthroughs and socio-economic experiments of the last decades. In this paper, we examine the role of speculative bubbles in the process of Bitcoin’s technological adoption by analyzing its social dynamics. We trace Bitcoin’s genesis and dissect the nature of its techno-economic innovation. In particular, we present an analysis of the techno-economic feedback loops that drive Bitcoin’s price and network effects. Based on our analysis of Bitcoin, we test and further refine the Social Bubble Hypothesis, which holds that bubbles constitute an essential component in the process of technological innovation. We argue that a hierarchy of repeating and exponentially increasing series of bubbles and hype cycles, which has occurred over the past decade since its inception, has bootstrapped Bitcoin into existence.
SSRN
Bitcoin represents one of the most interesting technological breakthroughs and socio-economic experiments of the last decades. In this paper, we examine the role of speculative bubbles in the process of Bitcoin’s technological adoption by analyzing its social dynamics. We trace Bitcoin’s genesis and dissect the nature of its techno-economic innovation. In particular, we present an analysis of the techno-economic feedback loops that drive Bitcoin’s price and network effects. Based on our analysis of Bitcoin, we test and further refine the Social Bubble Hypothesis, which holds that bubbles constitute an essential component in the process of technological innovation. We argue that a hierarchy of repeating and exponentially increasing series of bubbles and hype cycles, which has occurred over the past decade since its inception, has bootstrapped Bitcoin into existence.
Risk Spillovers and Interconnectedness between Systemically Important Institutions
SSRN
In this paper we gauge the degree of interconnectedness and quantify the linkages between global and other systemically important institutions, and the global financial system. We document that the two groups and the financial system become more interconnected during the global financial crisis when linkages across groups grow. In contrast, during tranquil times linkages within groups prevail. Global systemically important banks contribute most to system-wide distress, but are also most exposed. Other systemically important institutions bear more individual market risk. The two groups and the global financial system also co-vary for periods of up to 60 days. In sum, both groups perform in ways that defy any straightforward categorization.
SSRN
In this paper we gauge the degree of interconnectedness and quantify the linkages between global and other systemically important institutions, and the global financial system. We document that the two groups and the financial system become more interconnected during the global financial crisis when linkages across groups grow. In contrast, during tranquil times linkages within groups prevail. Global systemically important banks contribute most to system-wide distress, but are also most exposed. Other systemically important institutions bear more individual market risk. The two groups and the global financial system also co-vary for periods of up to 60 days. In sum, both groups perform in ways that defy any straightforward categorization.
Sowing the Seeds of Financial Imbalances: The Role of Macroeconomic Performance
SSRN
The seeds of financial imbalances are sown in times of buoyant economic growth. We study the link between macroeconomic performance and financial imbalances, focusing on the experience of the United States since the 1960s. We first follow a narrative approach to review historical episodes of significant financial imbalances and find that the onset of financial disturbances typically occurs when the economy is running hot. We then look for evidence of a statistical link between measures of macroeconomic conditions and financial imbalances. In our in-sample analysis, we find that strong economic growth is followed by a build-up of financial imbalances across all dimensions of the National Financial Conditions Index. In our out-of-sample analysis, we find that the link between strong economic performance and increases in nonfinancial leverage is particularly strong and robust. Using a structural VAR identified with narrative sign restrictions, we also demonstrate that business cycle shocks are important drivers of nonfinancial leverage.
SSRN
The seeds of financial imbalances are sown in times of buoyant economic growth. We study the link between macroeconomic performance and financial imbalances, focusing on the experience of the United States since the 1960s. We first follow a narrative approach to review historical episodes of significant financial imbalances and find that the onset of financial disturbances typically occurs when the economy is running hot. We then look for evidence of a statistical link between measures of macroeconomic conditions and financial imbalances. In our in-sample analysis, we find that strong economic growth is followed by a build-up of financial imbalances across all dimensions of the National Financial Conditions Index. In our out-of-sample analysis, we find that the link between strong economic performance and increases in nonfinancial leverage is particularly strong and robust. Using a structural VAR identified with narrative sign restrictions, we also demonstrate that business cycle shocks are important drivers of nonfinancial leverage.
