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Psychological barriers in European stock markets: Where are they?

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  • Dorfleitner, Gregor
  • Klein, Christian

Abstract

We examine four European stock indices and the prices of eight major German stocks for indications of psychological barriers. The frequency, (expected) returns, intraday volatility and trading volume of these assets are studied contingent on whether the prices lie within a certain range around round numbers. Our results indicate that psychological barriers do not exist on a consistent basis. It seems that some barriers have disappeared after these anomalies have been published. This discovery is consistent with current literature findings about disappearing stock market anomalies.

Suggested Citation

  • Dorfleitner, Gregor & Klein, Christian, 2009. "Psychological barriers in European stock markets: Where are they?," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 268-285.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:glofin:v:19:y:2009:i:3:p:268-285
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    Cited by:

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    2. César Carrera, 2015. "Tracking exchange rate management in Latin America," Review of Financial Economics, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(1), pages 35-41, April.
    3. Berk, Ales S. & Cummins, Mark & Dowling, Michael & Lucey, Brian M., 2017. "Psychological price barriers in frontier equities," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 1-14.
    4. Cummins, Mark & Dowling, Michael & Lucey, Brian M., 2015. "Behavioral influences in non-ferrous metals prices," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 9-22.
    5. Venuka Aggarwal & Khushdeep Dharni, 2020. "Deshelling the Shell Companies Using Benford’s Law: An Emerging Market Study," Vikalpa: The Journal for Decision Makers, , vol. 45(3), pages 160-169, September.
    6. Júlio Lobão & Natércia Fortuna & Franklin Silva, 2020. "Do psychological barriers exist in Latin American stock markets?," Revista de Analisis Economico – Economic Analysis Review, Universidad Alberto Hurtado/School of Economics and Business, vol. 35(2), pages 29-56, October.
    7. Kalaichelvan, Mohandass & Lim Kai Jie, Shawn, 2012. "A Critical Evaluation of the Significance of Round Numbers in European Equity Markets in Light of the Predictions from Benford’s Law," MPRA Paper 40960, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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