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Answer: The Fama-French three-factor model builds upon the CAPM by adding two additional factors: SMB (Small Minus Big) and HML (High Minus Low). SMB captures the historical outperformance of small-cap stocks relative to large-cap stocks, while HML captures the historical outperformance of value stocks (high book-to-market ratio) relative to growth stocks (low book-to-market ratio).
The correct answer is C. The Fama-French three-factor model extends the CAPM by adding two additional factors: - **SMB (Small Minus Big)**: Captures the size premium - the historical tendency of small-cap stocks to outperform large-cap stocks - **HML (High Minus Low)**: Captures the value premium - the historical tendency of value stocks (high book-to-market ratio) to outperform growth stocks (low book-to-market ratio) These factors help explain asset returns more comprehensively than the single-factor CAPM, particularly for portfolios with significant exposure to small-cap and value stocks. **Why other options are incorrect:** - **A & B**: Incorrect because the Fama-French model does not explicitly incorporate macroeconomic variables - **D**: Incorrect because the model does not include sector-specific factors; it focuses on size and value characteristics
Author: Tanishq Prabhu
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The CAPM explains asset returns based on a single factor: market risk (beta). The Fama-French three-factor model builds upon the CAPM by adding two additional factors: SMB (Small Minus Big) and HML (High Minus Low). SMB captures the historical outperformance of small-cap stocks relative to large-cap stocks, while HML captures the historical outperformance of value stocks (high book-to-market ratio) relative to growth stocks (low book-to-market ratio). By incorporating these factors, the Fama-French model aims to provide a more comprehensive explanation of asset returns, particularly for portfolios with significant exposure to small-cap and value stocks.
A
While macroeconomic variables can influence asset returns, the Fama-French model does not explicitly incorporate them. It focuses on firm-specific characteristics (size and book-to-market) as proxies for systematic risk factors.
B
The Fama-French model does not explicitly include macroeconomic variables; it focuses on firm size (SMB), book-to-market ratio (HML), and market risk (beta).
C
The Fama-French three-factor model builds upon the CAPM by adding two additional factors: SMB (Small Minus Big) and HML (High Minus Low). SMB captures the historical outperformance of small-cap stocks relative to large-cap stocks, while HML captures the historical outperformance of value stocks (high book-to-market ratio) relative to growth stocks (low book-to-market ratio).
D
The Fama-French model does not include sector-specific factors; its additional factors are related to size and value characteristics, not industry.