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The book-to-market equity ratio as a proxy for risk: evidence from Australian markets

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  • Michael Dempsey

    (Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics, michael.dempsey@buseco.monash.edu.au)

Abstract

Crucial to the interpretation of the Fama and French three-factor model is the question of whether the book-to-market equity ratio should be assigned as a ‘risk-based,’ as opposed to a ‘mispricing’ explanation of share price formation. In the context of Australian stock markets, we examine the role of the book-to-market equity ratio in the formation of stock returns. Notwithstanding the distinctive characteristics of Australian markets, our findings are complementary with findings for U.S. stocks. We succeed in revealing a strong association between stock returns and the firm’s book-to-market equity ratio, and find strong evidence that the association derives from the book-to-market ratio’s absorption of the implications of market leverage as a risk factor. In addition, we determine evidence of mispricing as contributing to the formation of market leverage itself.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Dempsey, 2010. "The book-to-market equity ratio as a proxy for risk: evidence from Australian markets," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 35(1), pages 7-21, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:35:y:2010:i:1:p:7-21
    DOI: 10.1177/0312896209351451
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Brigette Forbes & Anup Basu, 2011. "Does Fundamental Indexation Lead to Better Risk Adjusted Returns? New Evidence from Australian Securities Exchange," School of Economics and Finance Discussion Papers and Working Papers Series 275, School of Economics and Finance, Queensland University of Technology.
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    7. Heaney, Richard & Koh, SzeKee & Lan, Yihui, 2016. "Australian firm characteristics and the cross-section variation in equity returns," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 104-115.
    8. Paul Docherty & Howard Chan & Steve Easton, 2013. "Australian evidence on the implementation of the size and value premia," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 53(2), pages 367-391, June.
    9. Diby François Kassi & Dilesha Nawadali Rathnayake & Pierre Axel Louembe & Ning Ding, 2019. "Market Risk and Financial Performance of Non-Financial Companies Listed on the Moroccan Stock Exchange," Risks, MDPI, vol. 7(1), pages 1-29, February.

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