Economists' Hubris: The Case of Asset Pricing

Journal of Financial Transformation, Vol. 27, pp. 9-13, December 2009

5 Pages Posted: 7 Sep 2009 Last revised: 5 Oct 2009

Date Written: September 7, 2009

Abstract

This is the second in a series of articles that examines the practical applications of economic thought. Its focus is on the most fundamental aspects of finance theory, namely asset pricing. We discuss the major pricing models developed during the past 5 decades and critically examine their practical applications. Sadly, the results are not very encouraging. As with other academic economic disciplines, the gap between what is taught about the markets and what actually takes place is quite large, a gap in no way mitigated by the behavioralist arm of the subject. The seminal works of Sharpe and Lintner have provided us with a sound foundation upon which to build realistic pricing models, but unfortunately the unwavering acceptance of these models has resulted in research that merely cements their acceptance, discouraging an examination of how those pricing models could be adapted to suit the practical world.

Keywords: Asset pricing, market efficiency, applied finance, behavioral finance, behavioral economics

JEL Classification: G12, G13, G14, D03

Suggested Citation

Shojai, Shahin and Feiger, George, Economists' Hubris: The Case of Asset Pricing (September 7, 2009). Journal of Financial Transformation, Vol. 27, pp. 9-13, December 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1469462

Shahin Shojai (Contact Author)

Capco Institute ( email )

Dubai
United Arab Emirates

George Feiger

Aston Business School ( email )

Aston Triangle
Birmingham, B47ET
United Kingdom
+44(0)121 204 3435 (Phone)

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