Dec 11, 2008
Q&A
Q&A: Three-Factor Model and Recent Returns 
How well has the three-factor model explained the recent behavior of stock returns?

 

EFF/KRF: For diversified portfolios, quite well. For example, the model's market, size, and value-growth factor automatically pick up changes in the volatility of the three factors. Keep in mind, however, that the model is not designed to predict the return on the market (or on SMB and HML), so it cannot call market turns.

 
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ABOUT FAMA AND FRENCH
Eugene F. Fama
The Robert R. McCormick Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Kenneth R. French
The Roth Family Distinguished Professor of Finance at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College
This information is distributed for educational purposes and should not be considered investment advice or an offer of any security for sale. This article contains the opinions of the author but not necessarily Dimensional Fund Advisors and does not represent a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Dimensional Fund Advisors is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results and no representation is made that the stated results will be replicated.

Eugene Fama and Ken French are members of the Board of Directors of the general partner of, and provide consulting services to Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.