Stable Paretian Versus Student’s t Stock Market Hypothesis

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Journal / Book Title

Journal of Statistical Theory and Practice

Abstract

This article investigates the types of probability distributions that can best represent equity returns using a large sample of daily S&P500 index returns. The competing models, Stable Paretian and Pearson families, are compared using Bayesian methods. The evidence against Stable Paretian as a model of S&P500 index returns is overwhelming. The distribution that best fits the data is Pearson Type IV, and Student's t fits almost as well. One implication is that a Bayesian decision maker should strongly shift beliefs in favor of a Pearson distribution with finite means and variances as a model of daily changes in the S&P500 stock index.

DOI

10.1080/15598608.2012.756321

Published Citation

Alparslan, A., Tessitore, A., & Usmen, N. (2013). Stable Paretian Versus Student’st Stock Market Hypothesis. Journal of Statistical Theory and Practice, 7(1), 133-145.

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