Return vs Correlation and Beta

Why does return can be derived from historical data while past correlation coefficients and betas are considered to be unreliable?

Betas and correlations of returns change over time.

Neither returns nor correlations can be predicted with their historical estimates. Adjustments have to be made because everything changes with time and is sensitive to interest rates, the state of economy, political climate among other thingsā€¦ In particular, there is the whole theory of factor models telling us how to estimate expected future returns from the past returns. The models are actively used on the asset management side. For more details, see

Grinold, R. C., & Kahn, R. N. (1999). Active Portfolio Management: A Quantitative Approach for Producing Superior Returns and Controlling Risk.