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Abstract:
Hedge funds typically have non-normal return distributions marked by significant positive or negative skewness and high kurtosis. Mean-variance optimization models ignore these higher moments of the return distribution, and thus fail to convince investors who care about the unwanted skewness and kurtosis that hedge funds may work well in a portfolio. We use a new method which incorporates Monte Carlo simulation and optimization to solve for a variety of investment objectives and address the special issues of hedge fund allocation. We applied the new optimization model to examine the effects of semi-variance, conditional third and fourth moments on portfolio allocation with hedge funds. We show that conditional on the investor's objective, a substantial allocation to hedge funds is justified even with consideration for the highly unusual skewness and kurtosis.

Abstract:
Hedge funds typically have non-normal return distributions marked by significant positive or negative skewness and high kurtosis. Mean-variance optimization models ignore these higher moments of the return distribution. If a mean-variance optimization model suggests significant allocation to hedge funds, an investor concerned about unwanted skewness and kurtosis is rightfully skeptical. We apply a new stochastic programming model which incorporates Monte Carlo simulation and optimization to examine the effects on the optimal allocation to hedge funds given benchmark related investment objectives: expected shortfall, semi-variance as well as the third and fourth moments of the shortfall. Our results show that a substantial allocation - approximately 20% - to hedge funds is justified even after taken into consideration their unusual skewness and kurtosis. Moreover, results also show that our method produces a fund of funds with desired features. Specifically, our portfolios' return distributions skew to the right relative to those of the optimal mean-variance portfolios, resulting in higher Sortino ratios. Additionally, an out-of-sample backtest shows that our optimal benchmark-based portfolio achieves its goal - beating the selected benchmark.

Abstract:
This study uses reported exports and imports figures of China-Hong Kong and China-Thailand trade to examine the relations among trade, foreign direct investment flows, and tax-induced market impediments. The empirical results, largely consistent with theoretical models, support several conclusions. First, the spurious transfer of funds to and out of China, via under-reporting exports and over-reporting imports, closely follows the preferential tax incentives such as tax breaks to foreign investors. Second, exports under-reporting is negatively related to rebates for export. Third, imports over-reporting is negatively related to import tariffs. Finally, under-reporting of exports and over-reporting of imports appear to be most common in state-owned firms.

Trade flows, foreign direct investment, round-tripping, regulatory arbitrage

Abstract:
The globalization of financial markets has led to an integrated world market. Emerging economies such as China and India have opened up their markets to foreign investors. New instruments such as exchange-traded funds are being created, and current instruments are being expanded to include real asset investments such as natural resources and real estate investments.

To better understand the full range of investments available, this book identifies different asset classes and current hot topics such as new financial instruments, innovations, and strategies in a changing global environment. Asset class, which can be labeled as either traditional or alternative investments, is examined in three areas: (1) trends - description of the current topic/instrument/strategy in the chosen asset class; (2) opportunities - identification of what is new and/or where to invest or arbitrage, i.e., location; and (3) risks - determination of the risks (peculiar to the location) and how international investors can manage/reduce/eliminate them.

Global Investment, Traditional and Alternative Investments, Equity Investments, Fixed Income Investments, Portfolio Management, Derivatives, Risk Management

Abstract:
Financing alternatives for small and medium enterprises in China are discussed in the present study. In particular, we analyze the significant changes and developments in China s "second board" stock market. China's extensive network of regional assets and equity exchanges, which were set up to facilitate private equity transfer, and non-performing loan transactions seem to partially fill the void for small and medium enterprises, which cannot easily obtain approval for listing on the stock exchanges. Foreign investors can identify investment opportunities in non-listed domestic state-owned and private businesses through these regional assets and equity exchanges. At the same time, foreign stock markets are now attracting the young Chinese enterprises to list their stocks on their exchanges.

Abstract:
Using daily data of four currencies (Japanese yen, euro, British pound, and Australian dollar) in terms of the U.S. dollar, and these four currencies in terms of the euro from January 2004 to February 2008, we examine the lead-lag relationship between the credit default swap (CDS) market and the currency market. Results indicate significant Granger-causality effects flowing from changes in both the North American investment-grade (IG) and high-yield (HY) CDS indices to changes in the Japanese yen, euro, and Australian dollar exchange rates in terms of the U.S. dollar for the whole period and during the credit crisis of 2007-2008. However, for the four currencies in terms of the euro, significant Granger-causality of the credit risk, measured by iTraxx Europe, is found only for the Australian dollar. Our results indicate that changes in CDS index spreads signal important carry trade information for some currencies, but not others.

Credit default Swaps, foreign exchange rates, lead-lag relationship, carry trade

Abstract:
This study examines the market-wide relations between the U.S. stock market and the credit default swap (CDS) market for the period of 2001-2007. Results indicate that the lead-lag relationship between the U.S. stock market and the CDS market depends on the credit quality of the underlying reference entity. Specifically, this study finds significant mutual feedback of information between the stock market and the high-yield CDS market in terms of pricing and volatility, while the stock market leads the investment-grade CDS index in the pricing process. The CDS market seems to play a more significant role in volatility spillover than the stock market. That is, volatilities of both the investment-grade and high-yield CDS indices seem to lead the stock market volatility, while the latter has a feedback effect to that of the high-yield CDS market only. Overall, the implication is that market participants should seek information in both markets when they are about to engage in trading and/or hedging.

credit default swap (CDS) index, information efficiency, price discovery

Abstract:
We examined the performance of 115 global equity-based hedge funds with reference to their target geographical markets in the seven-year period 1994-2000. Several results are noteworthy. First, global hedge fund managers do not show positive market-timing ability but do demonstrate superior security-selection ability; the Jensen's alphas we found, before and after controlling for market timing, are sizable and positive. Second, incentive fees and leverage both have a significant positive impact on a hedge fund's risk-adjusted return (as demonstrated by Sharpe ratios and Jensen's alphas) but not on a fund's "selectivity index" (i.e., its performance after controlling for market-timing effects). Third, incentive fees can lower the hedge fund's up-market and down-market systematic risk. Fourth, the size of a hedge fund is consistently related to its return performance. Finally, contrary to the general perception, leverage does not significantly affect the systematic risk of hedge funds.

Alternative Investments: Hedge funds, Performance Measurement and evaluation: Performance measurement