This paper proposes a nonparametric efficiency measurement approach for the static portfolio selection problem in mean-variance-skewness space. A shortage function is defined that looks for possible increases in return and skewness and decreases in variance. Global optimality is guaranteed for the resulting optimal portfolios. We also establish a link to a proper indirect mean-variance-skewness utility function. For computational reasons, the optimal portfolios resulting from this dual approach are only locally optimal. This framework permits to differentiate between portfolio efficiency and allocative efficiency, and a convexity efficiency component related to the difference between the primal, nonconvex approach and the dual, convex approach. Furthermore, in principle, information can be retrieved about the revealed risk aversion and prudence of investors. An empirical section on a small sample of assets serves as an illustration.shortage function, efficient frontier, mean-variance-skewness portfolios, risk aversion, prudence

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In this note we analyze the composition of an optimal portfolio by considering the cumulative conditional expected outcome of two dependent assets. We develop a conditional stochastic dominance relation and show that for any concave von Neumann-Morgenstern utility function, the proportion of wealth invested in the dominant asset will be greater than 50%.stochastic dominance, conditional density function, optimal proportion, risk aversion, demand problem

This paper models capital flows in a rich-poor, two-country, two-asset, dual-risk economy with decreasing absolute risk aversion. The first risk is asset-specific. The second is political and dependent; i.e., related to particular asset outcomes. In this framework, the role of wealth in determining asset preferences is demonstrated, and the conditions for diversification are derived. The wealth effect and diversification conditions are applied to explain ongoing two-way capital flows in general as well as the apparent paradox of domestic capital flight with simultaneous inflows of foreign capital.

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