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Trade credit and cross-country predictable firm returns

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  • Albuquerque, Rui
  • Ramadorai, Tarun
  • Watugala, Sumudu W.

Abstract

We investigate the role of trade credit links in generating cross-border return predictability between international firms. Using data from 43 countries from 1993 to 2009, we find that firms with high trade credit located in producer countries have stock returns that are strongly predictable based on the returns of their associated customer countries. This behavior is especially prevalent among firms with high levels of foreign sales. To better understand this effect we develop an asset pricing model in which firms in different countries are connected by trade credit links. The model offers further predictions about this phenomenon, including stronger predictability during periods of high credit constraints and low uninformed trading volume. We find supportive empirical evidence for these predictions.

Suggested Citation

  • Albuquerque, Rui & Ramadorai, Tarun & Watugala, Sumudu W., 2015. "Trade credit and cross-country predictable firm returns," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 115(3), pages 592-613.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinec:v:115:y:2015:i:3:p:592-613
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfineco.2014.10.007
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    5. Morrison, Alan & Vasios, Michalis & Wilson, Mungo & Zikes, Filip, 2017. "Identifying contagion in a banking network," Bank of England working papers 642, Bank of England.
    6. Nicoleta Barbuta-Misu & Fitim Deari, 2016. "Determinants of Trade Credit: A Preliminary Analysis on Construction Sector," Risk in Contemporary Economy, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, pages 306-314.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    International equity markets; Trade credit; Information asymmetry; Customer–supplier relations; Predictability;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets

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