Smart betas, return models and the tangency portfolio weights

Abstract

In this paper, we analytically derive closed-form expressions for the tangency portfolio weights: the fully invested portfolio that maximizes the expected return over the risk-free rate, relative to the volatility of the portfolio return. We explicitly derive this portfolio from a range of underlying return models and show examples where it coincides with different well-known smart beta products. Specifically, we find the closed-form expression for the tangency portfolio weights for a return model with compound symmetric correlation matrix. We also deduce the tangency portfolio weights for the CAPM return model and illustrate in a case study that the estimated tangency portfolio weights may distinctly deviate from the market value weighted portfolio. Furthermore, we show that depending on the return model, the tangency portfolio weights may take a diverse set of shapes; from very diversified to highly concentrated portfolios.