Practical aspects of portfolio selection and optimisation on the capital market

Abstract

This article highlights some observations concerning the deficiencies in the application of statistics on the capital market, with special reference to Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT). The main point is the sensitivity of statistical parameters (especially the standard deviation of the daily rates of return) to subjective/random factors. For securities with similar patterns and quasi-identical charts, statistical results in contradiction to the evidence of the market can be obtained. This article makes a pledge in favour of the necessity for increased attention in constructing an optimal/efficient portfolio.