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Attention‐Induced Trading and Returns: Evidence from Robinhood Users

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  • BRAD M. BARBER
  • XING HUANG
  • TERRANCE ODEAN
  • CHRISTOPHER SCHWARZ

Abstract

We study the influence of financial innovation by fintech brokerages on individual investors’ trading and stock prices. Using data from Robinhood, we find that Robinhood investors engage in more attention‐induced trading than other retail investors. For example, Robinhood outages disproportionately reduce trading in high‐attention stocks. While this evidence is consistent with Robinhood attracting relatively inexperienced investors, we show that it is also driven in part by the app's unique features. Consistent with models of attention‐induced trading, intense buying by Robinhood users forecasts negative returns. Average 20‐day abnormal returns are −4.7% for the top stocks purchased each day.

Suggested Citation

  • Brad M. Barber & Xing Huang & Terrance Odean & Christopher Schwarz, 2022. "Attention‐Induced Trading and Returns: Evidence from Robinhood Users," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 77(6), pages 3141-3190, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jfinan:v:77:y:2022:i:6:p:3141-3190
    DOI: 10.1111/jofi.13183
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    2. Yao Ge & Zheng Qiao & Zhe Shen & Zhiyu Zhang, 2023. "Production similarity and the cross‐section of stock returns: A machine learning approach," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 63(5), pages 4849-4882, December.
    3. Chen, Zhongdong & Craig, Karen Ann, 2023. "Active attention, retail investor base, and stock returns," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 39(C).
    4. Bazrafshan, Ebrahim, 2023. "The role of ESG ranking in retail and institutional investors' attention and trading behavior," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 58(PC).
    5. Martineau, Charles & Zoican, Marius, 2023. "Retail trading and analyst coverage," Journal of Financial Markets, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).

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