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Equity ownership and corporate transparency: International evidence

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  • Cheng, Louis T.W.
  • Wang, Jacqueline Wenjie

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of insider ownership on stock price synchronicity. Specifically, for countries with poor investor protection, the managerial entrenchment effect dominates. When ownership increases, synchronicity increases at an increasing rate. However, for countries with strong investor protections, managerial entrenchment effect only dominates the incentive alignment effect when controlling ownership increases initially. As controlling ownership continues to increase, the incentive alignment effect becomes stronger and the net effect is reversed, leading to a more transparent firm. Additional tests reveal that financial reporting framework and insider trading law enforcement are crucial external governance channels affecting stock price synchronicity.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Louis T.W. & Wang, Jacqueline Wenjie, 2021. "Equity ownership and corporate transparency: International evidence," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 143-165.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:76:y:2021:i:c:p:143-165
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2021.03.005
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Insider ownership; Stock price synchronicity; Information environment; Investor protection; Managerial entrenchment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G38 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • N20 - Economic History - - Financial Markets and Institutions - - - General, International, or Comparative

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