Realized Wishart-GARCH: A Score-driven Multi-Asset Volatility Model*

Abstract

We propose a novel multivariate GARCH model that incorporates realized measures for the covariance matrix of returns. The joint formulation of a multivariate dynamic model for outer-products of returns, realized variances, and realized covariances leads to a feasible approach for analysis and forecasting. The updating of the covariance matrix relies on the score function of the joint likelihood function based on Gaussian and Wishart densities. The dynamic model is parsimonious while the analysis relies on straightforward computations. In a Monte Carlo study, we show that parameters are estimated accurately for different small sample sizes. We illustrate the model with an empirical in-sample and out-of-sample analysis for a portfolio of 15 U.S. financial assets.