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The q-factors and expected bond returns

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  • Franke, Benedikt
  • Müller, Sebastian
  • Müller, Sonja

Abstract

This study provides new insight into the recent debate on profitability and investment patterns in the cross-section of expected returns. Relying on implied risk premia of U.S. corporate bonds, we document a strong negative relation between exposure to the profitability factor and cost of debt. We do not observe a robust relation between exposure to the investment factor and cost of debt. Our findings are consistent with profitability being a risk factor, but suggest that high profitability implies lower (and not higher) risk. Because the market portfolio consists of all risky assets including corporate bonds, our findings challenge a risk-based explanation for the profitability and investment patterns in stock returns.

Suggested Citation

  • Franke, Benedikt & Müller, Sebastian & Müller, Sonja, 2017. "The q-factors and expected bond returns," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 19-35.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:83:y:2017:i:c:p:19-35
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2017.06.005
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    2. Kyosev, Georgi & Hanauer, Matthias X. & Huij, Joop & Lansdorp, Simon, 2020. "Does earnings growth drive the quality premium?," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Anomalies; Corporate bonds; Credit markets; Expected returns; Factors; Market efficiency;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading

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