Uncertain Life Expectancy, Optimal Portfolio Choice and the Cross-Section of Asset Returns

Abstract

I solve a portfolio optimization problem with stochastic death rates. An agent demands more of an asset that pays off high (low) in states of the world when he expects to live longer (shorter) than an asset with the opposite payoff. Consequently, in equilibrium, an asset with a positive correlation between its returns and changes in the life expectancy pays a lower expected return than an asset with a negative correlation. Empirical evidence supports the model. Out-of-sample evidence suggests that a trading strategy, which exploits the theoretical relationship, pays 3.25% annual unexplained returns according to the CAPM.