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Equity Anomalies and Idiosyncratic Risk Around the World

Author

Listed:
  • Steve Fan

    (University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, USA)

  • Scott Opsal

    (University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, USA)

  • Linda Yu

    (University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, USA)

Abstract

In this study, we examine how idiosyncratic risk is correlated with a wide array of anomalies, including asset growth, book-to-market, investment-to-assets, momentum, net stock issues, size, and total accruals, in international equity markets. We use zero-cost trading strategy and multifactor models to show that these anomalies produce significant abnormal returns. The abnormal returns vary dramatically among different countries and between developed and emerging countries. We provide strong evidence to support the limits of arbitrage theory across countries by documenting a positive correlation between idiosyncratic risk and abnormal return. It suggests that the existence of these well-known anomalies is due to idiosyncratic risk. In addition, we find that idiosyncratic risk has less impact on abnormal return in developed countries than emerging countries. Our results support the mispricing explanation of the existence of various anomalies across global markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Steve Fan & Scott Opsal & Linda Yu, 2015. "Equity Anomalies and Idiosyncratic Risk Around the World," Multinational Finance Journal, Multinational Finance Journal, vol. 19(1), pages 33-75, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:mfj:journl:v:19:y:2015:i:1:p:33-75
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ang, Andrew & Hodrick, Robert J. & Xing, Yuhang & Zhang, Xiaoyan, 2009. "High idiosyncratic volatility and low returns: International and further U.S. evidence," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(1), pages 1-23, January.
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    6. Carhart, Mark M, 1997. "On Persistence in Mutual Fund Performance," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 52(1), pages 57-82, March.
    7. Ammann, Manuel & Odoni, Sandro & Oesch, David, 2012. "An alternative three-factor model for international markets: Evidence from the European Monetary Union," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 36(7), pages 1857-1864.
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    Cited by:

    1. Cakici, Nusret & Zaremba, Adam, 2023. "Recency bias and the cross-section of international stock returns," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    2. Adam Zaremba & Jacob Koby Shemer, 2018. "Price-Based Investment Strategies," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-3-319-91530-2, July.
    3. Lorne Switzer & Alan Picard, 2015. "Idiosyncratic Volatility, Momentum, Liquidity, and Expected Stock Returns in Developed and Emerging Markets," Multinational Finance Journal, Multinational Finance Journal, vol. 19(3), pages 169-221, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    anomalies; idiosyncratic risk; international equity markets; limits of arbitrage;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets

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