Discussion paper

DP11455 Expected skewness and momentum

Motivated by the time-series insights of Daniel and Moskowitz (2016), we investigate the link between expected skewness and momentum in the cross-section. The alpha of skewness-enhanced (-weakened) momentum is about twice (half) as large as the traditional
alpha. These findings are driven by the short leg. Portfolio sorts, Fama-MacBeth regressions, and the market reaction to earnings announcements suggest that expected skewness is an important determinant of momentum. Due to the simplicity of the approach, its economic magnitude, its existence among large stocks, and the success of risk management, the results are difficult to reconcile with the efficient market hypothesis.

£6.00
Citation

Weber, M (2016), ‘DP11455 Expected skewness and momentum‘, CEPR Discussion Paper No. 11455. CEPR Press, Paris & London. https://cepr.org/publications/dp11455