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This thesis presents the potential opportunities of global asset allocation and the possible enhancement of these opportunities from using a Markov Switching Model. The thesis extends upon previous conditional asset pricing studies in global asset allocation, such as those done by Ilamnen (1995), Harvey, Solnik and Zhou (1992) and Bilson (1993), where expected future returns are forecast based on conditional variables. The finding of these studies, and many others, are combined with the works on Markov Switching models and market segmentation theories to create a uniform structure for analysing regime switching properties in currencies, international equities and international bond markets. This thesis is segregated into 4 major sections. The chapters 1-4 develop a unified framework that is used in the analysis of markets. The chapters 5-7 are focused on currencies, international equities and international bonds. For each market a model is constructed that is based upon the structure proposed by Frankel and Froot (1988). In this model the market is segmented into two groups ?? value based investors and momentum based investors. To replicate this structure, a two regime Markov Switching model is used, where one regime is constructed as a value regime and the second is constructed as a momentum regime. These models are then compared to linear versions of the models, to see whether there is any additional benefit to the application of regime switching methods. In conjunction with testing the potential benefits of the Markov Regime Switching process, this study also investigates the very nature, or characteristics of regime switching in the international markets. This is undertaken though some alternate models and enhancements to see whether there is any predictability, or characterisations can be made of the switching process. To ensure a comprehensive analysis, several analytical methods have been used, including extensive econometric modelling, statistical analysis of forecasts and portfolio back testing. A number of conclusions can be drawn from the results. Firstly it appears that there is substantial evidence of regime switching in international markets, such as that shown in a Frankel-Froot framework. This in turn has major implication for the understanding of the way in which international markets function, and further the empirical evidence supports many of the anecdotal observations of market based participants. Secondly, there appears to be a strong level of economic relevance to the modelling. The models are shown to generate a theoretical economic profit, which shows that the international markets are only semi efficient. Further, forecasts generated from the Markov Switching models outperform the linear counterparts in economic significance in portfolio tests. However, for both equities and bonds, the general accuracy of the forecast tends to be inferior to the linear counterparts. Finally, the nature of regime switching is investigated in detail, particularly in reference to 3 potential drivers ?? greed, fear and success. The evidence shows that these can help explain the characteristics of regime switching, as in some cases potentially adding economic value. However, it seems that success is more important than a broader economic environment.

Thesis (M.Eng.(Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering))--Universiteit van Pretoria, 2005. / Includes summary. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 256-261).

Thesis (M. A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 58-59) Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1990. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 223-228). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 1999. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains v, 39 p. : ill. (some col.) Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 39).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1986. / Also available in print.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of California, Berkeley, 1962. / "UC-32 Mathematics and Computers" -t.p. "TID-4500 (17th Ed.)" -t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 50-51).