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Robust portfolio optimization with a generalized expected utility model under ambiguity

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Abstract

This paper proposes a robust approach maximizing worst-case utility when both the distributions underlying the uncertain vector of returns are exactly unknown and the estimates of the structure of returns are unreliable. We introduce concave convex utility function measuring the utility of investors under model uncertainty and uncertainty structure describing the moments of returns and all possible distributions and show that the robust portfolio optimization problem corresponding to the uncertainty structure can be reformulated as a parametric quadratic programming problem, enabling to obtain explicit formula solutions, an efficient frontier and equilibrium price system.

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Correspondence to Xiaoxian Ma.

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We would like to thank Prof. Zengjing Chen from School of Mathematics and System Sciences, Shandong University for helpful suggestions, and to thank the anonymous referee for valuable comments.

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Ma, X., Zhao, Q. & Qu, J. Robust portfolio optimization with a generalized expected utility model under ambiguity. Ann Finance 4, 431–444 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10436-007-0082-2

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