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Journal of Financial Economics Vol. 121 No. 1 2016

Liquidity, resiliency and market quality around predictable trades: Theory and evidence

Hendrik Bessembinder1; Allen Carrion2,3; Laura Tuttle4; Kumar Venkataraman5

1 Arizona State University · 2 University of Utah · 3 Lehigh University · 4 United States Securities and Exchange Commission · 5 Southern Methodist University

Abstract

We extend the theory of strategic trading around a predictable liquidation by considering the role of market resiliency. Our model predicts that even a monopolist strategic trader improves market quality and increases liquidator proceeds if trades’ temporary price impacts are quickly reversed, and that competition among strategic traders strictly improves market quality. We provide related empirical evidence by studying prices, liquidity, and individual account trading activity around the large and predictable “roll” trades undertaken by a large exchange-traded fund (ETF). The evidence indicates narrower bid-ask spreads, greater order book depth, and improved resiliency on roll dates. We find that a larger number of individual trading accounts provide liquidity on roll dates, and do not find evidence of the systematic use of predatory strategies. On balance, the theory and evidence imply that traders supply liquidity to rather than exploit predictable trades in resilient markets.

DOI
10.1016/j.jfineco.2016.02.011
Volume
121
Issue
1
Pages
142-166
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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