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Testing the Gaussian copula hypothesis for financial assets dependences

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  • Y. Malevergne
  • D. Sornette

Abstract

Using one of the key properties of copulas that they remain invariant under an arbitrary monotonic change of variable, we investigate the null hypothesis that the dependence between financial assets can be modelled by the Gaussian copula. We find that most pairs of currencies and pairs of major stocks are compatible with the Gaussian copula hypothesis, while this hypothesis can be rejected for the dependence between pairs of commodities (metals). Notwithstanding the apparent qualification of the Gaussian copula hypothesis for most of the currencies and the stocks, a non-Gaussian copula, such as the Student copula, cannot be rejected if it has sufficiently many 'degrees of freedom'. As a consequence, it may be very dangerous to embrace blindly the Gaussian copula hypothesis, especially when the coefficient of correlation between the pairs of assets is too high, such that the tail dependence neglected by the Gaussian copula can became large, leading to the ignoring of extreme events which may occur in unison.

Suggested Citation

  • Y. Malevergne & D. Sornette, 2003. "Testing the Gaussian copula hypothesis for financial assets dependences," Quantitative Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 3(4), pages 231-250.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:quantf:v:3:y:2003:i:4:p:231-250
    DOI: 10.1088/1469-7688/3/4/301
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C15 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Statistical Simulation Methods: General
    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • G19 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Other

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