David O. Vang

This paper uses a Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) model to improve the out-of-sample performance of a naïve asset allocation model. Under certain conditions, the naïve model has out-performed other portfolio optimization models, but it also has been shown to increase the tail risk. The MADM model uses a set of attributes to rank the assets and is flexible with the attributes that can be used in the ranking process. The MADM model assigns weights to each attribute and uses these weights to rank assets in terms of their desirability for inclusion in a portfolio. Using the MADM model, assets are ranked based on the attributes, and unlike the naïve model, only the top 50 percent of assets are included in the portfolio at any point in time. This model is tested using both developed and emerging market stock indices. In the case of developed markets, the MADM model had 24.04 percent higher return and 53.66 percent less kurtosis than the naïve model. In the case of emerging markets, the MADM model return is 90.16 percent higher than the naïve model, but with almost similar kurtosis.