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Short selling and the pricing of closed-end funds

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  • Alexander, Gordon J.
  • Peterson, Mark A.

Abstract

We analyze how short selling affects the pricing of U.S. closed-end funds over the 2010–2015 time period. Significant short selling is found in both premium and discount funds and increases as premiums rise. Funds with greater short selling experience significant declines in premiums over the next five days. Our analysis speaks to theories of closed-end fund pricing and is consistent with the neoclassical theory of closed-end fund pricing as described by Ross (2002), Berk and Stanton (2007), and Cherkes, Sagi, and Stanton (2009).

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander, Gordon J. & Peterson, Mark A., 2017. "Short selling and the pricing of closed-end funds," Journal of Financial Markets, Elsevier, vol. 33(C), pages 124-142.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finmar:v:33:y:2017:i:c:p:124-142
    DOI: 10.1016/j.finmar.2016.08.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jie He & Kam C. Chan, 2023. "Does short sales deregulation affect qualitative information disclosure?," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 63(S1), pages 1351-1380, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Closed-end funds; Short selling;

    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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