4
$\begingroup$

I have a series of arithmetic returns and I need log returns. I do not have the underlying prices. How do I convert?

All the posts I have found explain why using one versus the other is appropriate but how do I get from one to the other without the underlying data?

Thanks

$\endgroup$
1
  • 4
    $\begingroup$ Arithmetic returns is $a_t = S_t/S_{t-1}-1$. Log-return is $r_t = \ln(S_t/S_{t-1})$. So $r_t = \ln(a_t+1)$ $\endgroup$
    – Quantuple
    Sep 6, 2019 at 16:18

1 Answer 1

10
$\begingroup$

Transmuting one to the other is pretty straightforward without the underlying sequence of prices.

To go from log to simple:

$R = exp(r) - 1$

To go from simple to log:

$r = log(R+1)$

$\endgroup$

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.