  We derive properties of the cdf of random variables defined as saddle-type
points of real valued continuous stochastic processes. This facilitates the
derivation of the first-order asymptotic properties of tests for stochastic
spanning given some stochastic dominance relation. We define the concept of
Markowitz stochastic dominance spanning, and develop an analytical
representation of the spanning property. We construct a non-parametric test for
spanning based on subsampling, and derive its asymptotic exactness and
consistency. The spanning methodology determines whether introducing new
securities or relaxing investment constraints improves the investment
opportunity set of investors driven by Markowitz stochastic dominance. In an
application to standard data sets of historical stock market returns, we reject
market portfolio Markowitz efficiency as well as two-fund separation. Hence, we
find evidence that equity management through base assets can outperform the
market, for investors with Markowitz type preferences.
