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Abstract
The Black-Litterman (BL) model aims to enhance asset allocation decisions by overcoming the weaknesses often experienced with standard mean-variance (MV) portfolio optimization. In this study we implement the BL model in a multi-asset portfolio context. Using an investment universe of global stock indices, bonds and commodities, we empirically test the out-of-sample portfolio performance of BL optimized portfolios and compare the results to mean-variance (MV), minimum-variance, and naïve diversified portfolios (1/N-rule) for the period from January 1993 to December 2011. We find that BL-optimized portfolios perform better than MV and naïve diversified portfolios in terms of out-of-sample Sharpe ratios even after controlling for different levels of risk aversion, realistic investment constraints and transaction costs. Interestingly, the BL approach is well suited to alleviating most of the shortcomings of MV optimization. The resulting portfolios are less risky, provide a higher level of diversification across asset classes, and exhibit less extreme asset allocations. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the outperformance of the BL model is due to the consideration of additional information on the reliability of return estimates and lower portfolio turnover.
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