Empirical Pricing Kernel and Option-Implied Risk Aversion in China 50 ETF

Abstract

ABSTRACT Based on an analysis of the China 50 ETF options and their underlying assets, we measure the empirical pricing kernel and implied risk aversion. By employing a Markov-switching GARCH model, the estimated results show a monotonically decreasing pricing kernel under a high-volatility regime and a U-shaped pricing kernel under a low-volatility regime. The implied risk aversion is inversely S-shaped under both high- and low-volatility regimes. However, the implied risk aversion under the low-volatility regime has a wide range. Investors’ risk aversion perspective helps explain patterns of pricing kernels and risk aversion estimates. Finally, we find that implied risk aversion is predictive of short-term (excess) market returns based on in-sample and out-of-sample tests.