Using the Shapley value of stocks as systematic risk

Purpose This study aims to propose the Shapley value that originates from the game theory to quantify the relative risk of a security in an optimal portfolio. Design/methodology/approach Systematic risk as expressed by the relative covariance of stock returns to market returns is an essential measure in pricing risky securities. Although very much in use, the concept has become marginalized in recent years because of the difficulties that arise estimating beta. The idea is that portfolios can be viewed as cooperative games played by assets aiming at minimizing risk. With the Shapley value, investors can calculate the exact contribution of each risky asset to the joint payoff. For a portfolio of three stocks, this study exemplifies the Shapley value when risk is minimized regardless of portfolio return. Findings This study computes the Shapley value of stocks and indices for optimal mean-variance portfolios by using daily returns for the years 2016–2019. This results in the risk attributes allocated to securities in optimal portfolios. The Shapley values are analyzed and compared to the standard beta estimates to determine the ranking of assets with respect to pertinent risk and return. Research limitations/implications An alternative approach to value risk and return in optimal portfolios is presented in this study. The logic and the mechanics of Shapley value theory in portfolio analysis have been explained, and its advantages relative to standard beta analysis are presented. Hence, financial analysts when adding or removing specific assets from present positions will have the true and exact impact of their actions by using the Shapley value instead of the beta. Practical implications When computing the Shapley value, portfolio risk is decomposed exactly among its assets because it considers all possible coalitions of portfolios. In that sense, financial analysts when adding or removing specific securities from present holdings will be able to predict the true and exact impact of their transactions by using the Shapley value instead of the beta. The main implication for investors is that risk is ultimately priced relative to their holdings. This prevents the subjective mispricing of securities, as standard beta is not used and might allow investors to gain from arbitrage conditions. Originality/value The logic and the methodology of Shapley value theory in portfolio analysis have been explained as an alternative to value risk and return in optimal portfolios by presenting its advantages relative to standard beta analysis. The conclusion is that the Shapley value theory contributes much more financial optimization than to standard systematic risk analysis because it enables looking at the contribution of each security to all possible coalitions of portfolios.