An estimation-free, robust CVaR portfolio allocation model

Carlos Jabbour (carlosxjgmail.com)
Javier F. Pena (jfpandrew.cmu.edu)
Juan C. Vera (jveracc.gatech.edu)
Luis F. Zuluaga (lzuluagaunb.ca)

Abstract: We propose a novel optimization model to obtain robust solutions for portfolio allocation problems. Unlike related models in the literature, no historical data or statistical estimation techniques are used to compute the parameters of the model. Instead, the parameters are directly obtained from current prices of options on the assets being considered. Furthermore, the model only requires the solution of a linear program. To find a robust portfolio, we minimize the portfolio's worst-case Conditional Value-at-Risk over all assets return distributions that replicate the current option prices. The model addresses the main practical limitations associated with classical portfolio allocation techniques; namely, the high sensitivity to model parameters, and the difficulty to obtain accurate parameters' estimates. These characteristics, together with its linear programming formulation, and the use of a coherent downside measure of risk, should be appealing to practitioners. We provide numerical experiments to illustrate the characteristics of the model.

Keywords: Conditional Value-at-Risk; Portfolio Allocation; Risk Management; Robust Optimization.

Category 1: Applications -- OR and Management Sciences (Finance and Economics )

Category 2: Robust Optimization

Category 3: Infinite Dimensional Optimization (Semi-infinite Programming )

Citation: Technical Report, Faculty of Business Administration, University of New Brunswick, 2007.

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Entry Submitted: 03/27/2007
Entry Accepted: 03/28/2007
Entry Last Modified: 03/28/2007

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