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Order flow, bid–ask spread and trading density in foreign exchange markets

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  • Chen, Shikuan
  • Chien, Chih-Chung
  • Chang, Ming-Jen

Abstract

This paper examines the implications of market microstructure for foreign exchange markets. We argue that the usual order flow model needs to be recast in broader terms to incorporate the transaction costs of liquidity and the limitation of price discovery through order flows that involve low trading density currencies. Using a daily data set, we find that order flows are inadequate when it comes to explaining the changes in the low trading density currencies. Alternatively, within the high trading density, both order flows and bid–ask spreads significantly affect the foreign exchange rate returns. Our findings suggest that the order flow model is better at incorporating these microstructure effects except for some currencies with a very high level of trading density.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Shikuan & Chien, Chih-Chung & Chang, Ming-Jen, 2012. "Order flow, bid–ask spread and trading density in foreign exchange markets," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 597-612.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:36:y:2012:i:2:p:597-612
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2011.09.006
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    Cited by:

    1. Chih‐Chung Chien & Shikuan Chen & Ming‐Jen Chang, 2023. "A span of continuous trades and liquidity dynamics in foreign exchange markets," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(1), pages 144-168, January.
    2. Henao-Londono, Juan C. & Guhr, Thomas, 2022. "Foreign exchange markets: Price response and spread impact," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 589(C).
    3. Juan Camilo Henao Londono & Thomas Guhr, 2021. "Foreign exchange markets: price response and spread impact," Papers 2104.09309, arXiv.org, revised Jul 2021.
    4. Katusiime, Lorna & Shamsuddin, Abul & Agbola, Frank W., 2015. "Macroeconomic and market microstructure modelling of Ugandan exchange rate," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 175-186.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bid–ask spread; Foreign exchange markets; Liquidity; Microstructure effects; Order flow; Trading density;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F31 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Exchange
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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