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The value premium puzzle, behavior versus risk: New evidence from China

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  • Clark, Ephraim
  • Qiao, Zhuo

Abstract

This paper investigates the value premium puzzle in the Chinese stock market. After establishing that the value premium does exist in the Chinese stock market, it uses an innovative technique based on stochastic dominance theory to test the behavior based versus risk based explanations for the puzzle. We find no evidence of a systematic behavioral factor, such as over/under-reaction, that is driving this premium. This finding is robust with respect to negative and positive return regimes. We do, however, find strong evidence that the value premium reflects compensation for bearing more risk associated with financial inflexibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Clark, Ephraim & Qiao, Zhuo, 2020. "The value premium puzzle, behavior versus risk: New evidence from China," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 12-21.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:quaeco:v:76:y:2020:i:c:p:12-21
    DOI: 10.1016/j.qref.2019.04.007
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Value premium puzzle; Risk; Financial inflexibility; Stochastic dominance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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