Dynamic Attention Behavior Under Return Predictability
Management Science · 2020 · Volume 66 · Issue 7
Abstract
We investigate the dynamic problem of how much attention an investor should pay to news in order to learn about stock-return predictability and maximize expected lifetime utility. We show that the optimal amount of attention is U-shaped in the return predictor, increasing with both uncertainty and the magnitude of the predictive coefficient and decreasing with stock-return volatility. The optimal risky asset position exhibits a negative hedging demand that is hump shaped in the return predictor. Its magnitude is larger when uncertainty increases but smaller when stock-return volatility increases. We test and find empirical support for these theoretical predictions. This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Keywords
asset pricing, portfolio choice, investors’ attention, information acquisition, return predictability
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