Course Objective and Structure

The objective of this course is to discuss influential and innovative research in the field of empirical asset pricing and asset management. For each topic, we begin with more foundational papers and then move on to more recent research—which may include working papers—to understand the current direction of the literature.

In each session, we cover four papers: two classified as “Long (L)” and two as “Short (S)”, corresponding to longer and shorter presentations, respectively. “Long” presentations last 35 minutes, while “Short” presentations last 20 minutes. Each presentation is followed by 15 minutes of open discussion, with active participation expected from all participants.

To ensure that we all read the same version of the (working) papers, all papers are uploaded to Canvas.

Each student is expected to present two papers: one paper classified as “Long (L)” and one paper classified as “Short (S)”. Presenters are expected to carefully read and critically analyze their assigned papers and to prepare clear and well-structured presentation slides.

To get the most out of the course, all students are expected to familiarize themselves with the papers presented in each session, to participate actively in discussions, and to read at least the introduction and conclusion of all papers covered in a given session.

The course evaluation is based on two components (weights in brackets):

1. Two presentations (80%)

• “Long (L)” presentations last 35 minutes, while presentations of papers classified as “Short (S)” last 20 minutes.
– As a (loose) rule of thumb, “Long” and “Short” presentations should not contain more than 30 and 15 slides, respectively.

• Provide a detailed summary of the paper.
– Explain the main theoretical (methodological) and/or empirical contribution and contract it existing literature.
– Present the main findings in a comprehensive and coherent manner.

• Critically evaluate the paper and discuss potential limitations and how they could be addressed.

2. Overall participation (20%)
• Actively participate in the discussion of the papers.

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