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Option gamma and stock returns

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  • Soebhag, Amar

Abstract

Stocks with high net gamma exposure systematically underperform stocks with low net gamma exposure. This effect is distinct from other well-known return predictors, and survives many robustness checks. We show that stocks with low net gamma exposure negatively predict future realized volatility, and argue that investors command a risk premium to hold low net gamma exposure stocks, which are riskier. Lastly, we show that the volatility predictability stems from a non-informational channel, and not from private information.

Suggested Citation

  • Soebhag, Amar, 2023. "Option gamma and stock returns," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:empfin:v:74:y:2023:i:c:s0927539823001093
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jempfin.2023.101442
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cross-section of stock returns; Option demand; Gamma hedging; Return predictability;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading

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