Probability Weighting Meets Heavy Tails: An Econometric Framework for Behavioral Asset Pricing
Abstract
We develop an econometric framework integrating heavy-tailed Student's distributions with behavioral probability weighting while preserving infinite divisibility. Using 432{,}752 observations across 86 assets (2004--2024), we demonstrate Student's specifications outperform Gaussian models in 88.4\% of cases. Bounded probability-weighting transformations preserve mathematical properties required for dynamic pricing. Gaussian models underestimate 99\% Value-at-Risk by 19.7\% versus 3.2\% for our specification. Joint estimation procedures identify tail and behavioral parameters with established asymptotic properties. Results provide robust inference for asset-pricing applications where heavy tails and behavioral distortions coexist.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2511.16563,
title = {Probability Weighting Meets Heavy Tails: An Econometric Framework for Behavioral Asset Pricing},
author = {Akash Deep and Svetlozar T. Rachev and Frank J. Fabozzi},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2511.16563},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
12 pages, 3 figures