Kokkonen, JoniTavares, José Pedro Moura2014-11-072014-11-072013-11-082013http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/15519In this study we perform a comparison between the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the FTSE 100 indexes concerning their estimated risk aversions. Risk neutral densities are calculated for both indexes using a polynomial-lognormal, a GB2 and a mixture of two lognormal distributions; we show that the best fit to observed data is obtained using the latter. For the method of best fit, and assuming a power utility function, the risk aversion of investors is calculated using a maximum likelihood method and a likelihood ratio. The FTSE 100 presents the highest value of risk aversion of the two indexes, as well as the lowest volatility. A negative correlation is found between risk aversion estimates and the volatility of the underlying index.engLognormal mixtureGeneralised betaHermite polynomialsRisk neutral densitiesRisk transformationsmaster thesis201092638