The Term Structure of Returns: Facts and Theory

38 Pages Posted: 8 Jun 2015 Last revised: 5 Feb 2023

See all articles by Jules H. van Binsbergen

Jules H. van Binsbergen

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Ralph S. J. Koijen

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business; Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: June 2015

Abstract

We summarize and extend the new literature on the term structure of equity. Short-term equity claims, or dividend strips, have on average significantly higher returns than the aggregate stock market. The returns on short-term dividend claims are risky as measured by volatility, but safe as measured by market beta. These facts are hard to reconcile with traditional macro-finance models and we provide an overview of new models that can reproduce some of these facts. We relate our evidence on dividend strips to facts about other asset classes such as nominal and corporate bonds, volatility, and housing. We conclude by discussing the broader economic implications by linking the term structure of returns to real economic decisions such as hiring and investment.

Suggested Citation

van Binsbergen, Jules H. and Koijen, Ralph S. J., The Term Structure of Returns: Facts and Theory (June 2015). NBER Working Paper No. w21234, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2615640

Jules H. Van Binsbergen (Contact Author)

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School ( email )

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Ralph S. J. Koijen

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business ( email )

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Chicago, IL 60637
United States

HOME PAGE: http://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/ralph.koijen/

Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) ( email )

London
United Kingdom

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) ( email )

1050 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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