Using data from 2010 to 2019, for the first time, the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and the Three-factor Model (TFM) are compared in different contexts of the Vietnamese economy (recession and recovery). This paper employs four tests including the t-test, determination coefficient R2, Chow-test and GRS-test to examine the performance of the two models. Results show the superiority of the TFM over the CAPM in both contexts of the economy, consistent with Fama and French’s studies. This promises that the TFM can be used to replace the CAPM in capturing the cost of equity. Another finding is that the two models tend to perform better in recession than recovery. This study contributes to the literature about asset-pricing models and their performances in different economic contexts. Moreover, the findings also offer insights into the use of the CAPM and TFM in developing countries in general and Vietnam, in particular.
