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Asymmetric Volatility of Basis and the Theory of Storage
The theory of storage states that the marginal convenience yield on inventory falls at a decreasing rate as inventory increases. Previous literature has tested this hypothesis using so-called “direct test” approach which employs a direct measurement of inventory levels, or the “ indirect test” approach which examines the relative variation of spot and futures prices and the relative variation of negative basis to positive basis as alternative proxies for inventory levels. The rationale behind “indirect test” is based on the hypothesis that futures prices are less variable than spot prices when inventory is low, and have similar variability when inventory is high. The authors propose a “ unified “ test of the theory of storage that incorporates aspects of both direct and indirect tests in an ARMAX-asymmetric GARCH model framework.