MEAN–SEMIVARIANCE OPTIMAL PORTFOLIOS IN DISCRETE TIME USING A GAME-THEORETIC APPROACH

Kristoffer Lindensjö & Vilhelm Niklasson

International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Finance2025https://doi.org/10.1142/s0219024925500104article
AJG 2ABDC B
Weight
0.50

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel recursive scheme for optimal asset allocation based on a mean–semivariance reward functional and a game-theoretic approach in a discrete-time setting. Unlike established frameworks that can handle variance as a risk measure, this study shifts focus to semivariance, which cannot be handled by existing theory due to aspects of its definition, including the use of an indicator function. To address this problem and the corresponding challenges of time inconsistency in multi-period investment decisions, we propose an extended Bellman equation to find a Nash equilibrium. The main contribution of this paper is a computational framework and a numerical investigation of a semivariance-based allocation strategy, based on an extended Bellman equation. Our analysis is restricted to the two-asset case — one risky and one risk-free asset — as a proof of concept, leaving multi-asset extensions for future work. The results of the numerical study indicate that our proposed method shows potential in achieving favorable investment outcomes.

Open via your library →

Cite this paper

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1142/s0219024925500104

Or copy a formatted citation

@article{kristoffer2025,
  title        = {{MEAN–SEMIVARIANCE OPTIMAL PORTFOLIOS IN DISCRETE TIME USING A GAME-THEORETIC APPROACH}},
  author       = {Kristoffer Lindensjö & Vilhelm Niklasson},
  journal      = {International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Finance},
  year         = {2025},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1142/s0219024925500104},
}

Paste directly into BibTeX, Zotero, or your reference manager.

Flag this paper

MEAN–SEMIVARIANCE OPTIMAL PORTFOLIOS IN DISCRETE TIME USING A GAME-THEORETIC APPROACH

Flags are reviewed by the Arbiter methodology team within 5 business days.


Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.