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Short-sales constraints and market quality: Evidence from the 2008 short-sales bans

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  • Frino, Alex
  • Lecce, Steven
  • Lepone, Andrew

Abstract

Using data from fourteen equity markets, this study empirically examines the impact of the 2008 short-selling bans on market quality. Evidence indicates that restrictions on short-selling lead to artificially inflated prices, indicated by positive abnormal returns. This is consistent with Miller's (1977) overvaluation theory, and suggests that the bans are effective in temporarily stabilizing prices in struggling financial stocks. Market quality is reduced during the restrictions, as evidenced by wider bid-ask spreads, increased price volatility and reduced trading activity. While these effects are strong, regulators may view the deterioration in market quality as a necessary by-product of the bans to maintain prices and protect investors.

Suggested Citation

  • Frino, Alex & Lecce, Steven & Lepone, Andrew, 2011. "Short-sales constraints and market quality: Evidence from the 2008 short-sales bans," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 20(4), pages 225-236, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:20:y:2011:i:4:p:225-236
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    2. Luu, Ellie & Xu, Fangming & Zheng, Liyi, 2023. "Short-selling activities in the time of COVID-19," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 55(4).
    3. McMillan, David G. & Philip, Dennis, 2012. "Short-sale constraints and efficiency of the spot–futures dynamics," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 129-136.
    4. Steven Lecce & Andrew Lepone & Michael D. McKenzie & Jin Boon Wong & Jin Y. Yang, 2018. "Short‐selling and credit default swap spreads—Where do informed traders trade?," Journal of Futures Markets, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 38(8), pages 925-942, August.
    5. Switzer, Lorne N., 2023. "Circumventing SEC Rule 201 short sale restrictions with options," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 55(PB).
    6. Yang, Jianlei, 2024. "Financial stability policy and downside risk in stock returns," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    7. Francis, Bill B. & Samuel, Gilna & Wu, Qiang, 2023. "The impact of short selling on dividend smoothing," Journal of Financial Stability, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    8. Bessler, Wolfgang & Vendrasco, Marco, 2021. "The 2020 European short-selling ban and the effects on market quality," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 42(C).
    9. Cormac O’ Keeffe & Liam A. Gallagher, 2017. "The winner-loser anomaly: recent evidence from Greece," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(47), pages 4718-4728, October.
    10. Bessler, Wolfgang & Vendrasco, Marco, 2022. "Short-selling restrictions and financial stability in Europe: Evidence from the Covid-19 crisis," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).

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