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Global de-diversification and stock returns

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  • Cheng, Xiao
  • Huang, Ying Sophie
  • Wang, Tao

Abstract

Using international firm-level data, we show that when a multinational corporation reported zero total sales made by its foreign operations, it constitutes a salient signal of global de-diversification. A simple long-short strategy portfolio that buys stocks of multinational firms and sells stocks of ex-multinational firms that report zero foreign sales earns up to 85 basis points per month (over 10% per year). Further examination suggests that investors’ inattention and limits to arbitrage could explain this return predictability. This paper is among the first to document evidence of the impact of global de-diversification on stock returns.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Xiao & Huang, Ying Sophie & Wang, Tao, 2024. "Global de-diversification and stock returns," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:riibaf:v:69:y:2024:i:c:s0275531924000850
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2024.102292
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Multinational firms; Predictable returns; Global de-diversification; Limited attention; Limits to arbitrage;
    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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