Aggregate Jump and Volatility Risk in the Cross-Section of Stock Returns

Abstract

We examine the pricing of both aggregate jump and volatility risk in the cross-section of stock returns by constructing investable option trading strategies that load on one factor but are orthogonal to the other. Both aggregate jump and volatility risk help explain variation in expected returns. Consistent with theory, stocks with high sensitivities to jump and volatility risk have low expected returns. Both can be measured separately and are important economically, with a two-standard deviation increase in jump (volatility) factor loadings associated with a 3.5 to 5.1 (2.7 to 2.9) percent drop in expected annual stock returns.

Keywords: cross-sectional asset pricing, aggregate jump risk, aggregate volatility risk, option returns

JEL Classification: G10, G11, G12, E32