We describe two parametric classification tree methods, which allow formal selection of a member of a
class of generalised distributions. In the paper we consider generalised Beta distributions for non-negative
random variables and the generalised skew-Student distribution for random variables distributed on the
real line. We introduce a class of symmetric generalised multivariate Student distributions, members
of which may also be selected using the classification trees. We present two versions of the parametric
classification tree: specific to general and general to specific. We apply the classification methods to
daily returns on stocks from a selection of 15 major, mid-cap and emerging markets. The results show
that the majority of return distributions follow Student’s t, but that a non-negligible minority follow a
symmetric generalised Student distribution. We confirm a well-known stylised fact about skewness: it
tends not to be persistent. By contrast, kurtosis is persistent. Using the symmetric generalised multivariate
Student distribution, we present a risk management study based on efficient portfolios constructed
from UKFTSE250 stocks and specifically concerned with the computation of value at risk. The case study
demonstrates that the model selection procedures based on the classification trees lead to more accurate
computation of VaR than those based on the normal distribution or on non-parametric approaches. The
study also shows that the normal distribution may be used for VaR computations for larger portfolios
when the holding period is longer.