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Spanning latent and observable factors

Author

Listed:
  • Andreou, E.
  • Gagliardini, P.
  • Ghysels, E.
  • Rubin, M.

Abstract

Factor analysis is a widely used tool to summarize high dimensional panel data via a small dimensional set of latent factors. Many applications in finance and macroeconomics, are often focused on observable factors with an economic interpretation. The objective of this paper is to provide a test to answer a question which naturally comes up in discussions regarding latent versus observable factors: do latent and observable factors span the same space? We derive asymptotic properties of a formal test and propose a bootstrap version with improved small sample properties. We find empirical evidence for a small number of factors common between a small number of traditional Fama–French risk factors – or returns on a few stocks (i.e. “magnificent” 5 or 7) – and large panels of US, North American and international portfolio returns.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreou, E. & Gagliardini, P. & Ghysels, E. & Rubin, M., 2025. "Spanning latent and observable factors," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:econom:v:248:y:2025:i:c:s0304407624000897
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconom.2024.105743
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Latent pervasive factors; Observable factors; Canonical correlations; Spanning; PCA;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis
    • C55 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Large Data Sets: Modeling and Analysis
    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles

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