Measuring downside risk - realised semivariance

Shephard N, Kinnebrock S, Barndorff-Neilsen OE

We propose a new measure of risk, based entirely on downward moves measured using high frequency data. Realised semivariances are shown to have important predictive qualities for future market volatility. The theory of these new measures is spelt out, drawing on some new results from probability theory.

Keywords:

market frictions

,

semimartingale

,

realised variance

,

quadratic variation

,

semivariance