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Synchronous social media and the stock market

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  • Pyun, Chaehyun

Abstract

I examine stock discussions from real-time (synchronous) group chats on Discord and compare them with forum-style (asynchronous) postings on Reddit’s WallStreetBets. Findings suggest that popular stocks on Discord include fewer ”meme” stocks and are more diverse and profitable. A Discord-based long-short strategy outperforms several comparable strategies. Discord-based popularity predicts future trading volume, volatility, and returns, and this effect is stronger for smaller stocks. By contrast, popularity on WallStreetBets or on both platforms correlates with lower returns. Results suggest that academicians and practitioners should consider social interaction settings when evaluating the impact of social media on investment decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Pyun, Chaehyun, 2024. "Synchronous social media and the stock market," Journal of Financial Markets, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finmar:v:70:y:2024:i:c:s1386418124000338
    DOI: 10.1016/j.finmar.2024.100915
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Synchronous discussions; Social media–savvy investors; Discord; WallStreetBets;
    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
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets

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