Abstract

In the anomaly discussion, two explanatory approaches are diametrically opposed. On the one hand, market inefficiencies may result in the observed rate-ofreturn patterns. But it is also possible on the other hand that risk factors are the determinants of rate-of-return generation. However, the anomaly discussion neglects almost entirely the reliability allowing derogations of the CAPM to be identified. It follows therefrom that it cannot be precluded that rate-of-return anomalies represent just statistical artefacts. This contribution therefore systematises rate-of-return anomalies and introduces possible explanatory methods. It not only shows in a comprehensive manner index figure-related rate-of-return anomalies, but also correlations between the rate-of-return anomalies represented and possible explanatory approaches. In this context, the robustness of the anomalies to time-variable beta factors are tested and answers are attempted to whether selected index figures represent risk factors in a multi-factorial model or whether they represent anomaly factors.