The Low-Volatility Anomaly: Market Evidence on Systematic Risk versus Mispricing

32 Pages Posted: 13 Jan 2011 Last revised: 16 Jul 2016

See all articles by Xi Li

Xi Li

University of Arkansas - Department of Finance

Rodney N Sullivan

University of Virginia, Darden Graduate School of Business

Luis García-Feijóo

Florida Atlantic University - Department of Finance

Date Written: March 11, 2013

Abstract

We explore whether the well publicized anomalous returns associated with low-volatility stocks can be attributed to market mispricing or to compensation for higher systematic risk. Our results, conducted over a 46 year study period (1966-2011), indicate that the high returns related to low-volatility portfolios cannot be viewed as compensation for systematic factor risk. Instead, the excess returns are more likely to be driven by market mispricing connected with volatility as a stock characteristic.

Keywords: low-volatility stocks, market, risk, mispricing

Suggested Citation

Li, Xi and Sullivan, Rodney N and Garcia-Feijoo, Luis, The Low-Volatility Anomaly: Market Evidence on Systematic Risk versus Mispricing (March 11, 2013). Financial Analysts Journal 72 (1), 36-47, January/February 2016, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1739227 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1739227

Xi Li

University of Arkansas - Department of Finance ( email )

Fayetteville, AR 72701
United States

Rodney N Sullivan (Contact Author)

University of Virginia, Darden Graduate School of Business ( email )

P.O. Box 6550
Charlottesville, VA 22906-6550
United States
434-243-0644 (Phone)

Luis Garcia-Feijoo

Florida Atlantic University - Department of Finance ( email )

777 Glades Rd
Boca Raton, FL 33431
United States
954-236-1239 (Phone)

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