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Internet attention and information asymmetry: Evidence from Qihoo 360 search data on the Chinese stock market

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  • Gao, Yang
  • Wang, Yaojun
  • Wang, Chao
  • Liu, Chao

Abstract

Investor and media attention play a significant role in stock markets, and internet attention has been used as a proxy for investor and media attention to explore their influence on fluctuations in stock prices. This study relied on the Qihoo 360 search index to investigate the effects of investor and media attention in the Chinese stock market. We used three major information asymmetry measures to explore whether investor and media attention were relevant for stock market information asymmetry. Our empirical results reveal that investor attention accelerates information dissemination into stock prices and reduces information asymmetry significantly. However, after investor attention and other control variables are controlled for, the effect of media attention is trivial. The results confirm that internet attention facilitates forecasting market performance in the Chinese stock market.

Suggested Citation

  • Gao, Yang & Wang, Yaojun & Wang, Chao & Liu, Chao, 2018. "Internet attention and information asymmetry: Evidence from Qihoo 360 search data on the Chinese stock market," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 510(C), pages 802-811.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:510:y:2018:i:c:p:802-811
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2018.07.016
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    4. Li, Shasha & Yang, Biao, 2024. "Green Investing, Information Asymmetry, and Capital Structure," VfS Annual Conference 2024 (Berlin): Upcoming Labor Market Challenges 302416, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
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    6. Gao, Yang & Zhao, Kun & Wang, Chao & Liu, Chao, 2020. "The dynamic relationship between internet attention and stock market liquidity: A thermal optimal path method," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 550(C).
    7. Cui, Xin & Sensoy, Ahmet & Nguyen, Duc Khuong & Yao, Shouyu & Wu, Yiyao, 2022. "Positive information shocks, investor behavior and stock price crash risk," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 493-518.
    8. He, Feng & Yan, Yulin & Hao, Jing & Wu, Ji (George), 2022. "Retail investor attention and corporate green innovation: Evidence from China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    9. Zhou, Zhongsheng & Li, Zhuo & Du, Shanzhong & Cao, June, 2024. "Robot adoption and enterprise R&D manipulation: Evidence from China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
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