The Influence of Sample Size on the Dynamics of Beta Factors

The capital asset pricing model (CAPM) was introduced by William Sharpe, John Lintner, and Jan Mossin in the 1960s on the basis of Harry Markowitz's achievements in the field of portfolio theory. Since then, the CAPM has been one of the most widely used models for evaluating the price of portfolio assets. A major element of the CAPM is the beta factor. The beta factor measures how the expected return of a stock or a portfolio correlates with the return of the whole market.(...) Obviously, the fluctuation of a stock does affect beta factors. As the value of beta is decisive for the portfolio selection process, it is necessary to provide the CAPM with a beta that represents the best possible estimate of correlation with the market. On account of this, the calculation of beta factors is complex as betas will vary over time. In addition, sample size variation can cause change within the beta. (...) The aim of this seminar paper is to show the influence of the sample size on the beta factor. Furthermore, it shall attempt to define the determinants of an ideal sample size.