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Alphabetic Bias, Investor Recognition, and Trading Behavior

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  • Heiko Jacobs
  • Alexander Hillert

Abstract

Extensive research has revealed that alphabetical name ordering tends to provide an advantage to those positioned in the beginning of an alphabetical listing. This article is the first to explore the implications of this alphabetic bias in financial markets. We find that US stocks that appear near the top of an alphabetical listing have about 5–15% higher trading activity and liquidity than stocks that appear toward the bottom. The magnitude of these results is negatively related to firm visibility and investor sophistication. International evidence and fund flows further indicate that ordering effects can affect trading activity and liquidity.

Suggested Citation

  • Heiko Jacobs & Alexander Hillert, 2016. "Alphabetic Bias, Investor Recognition, and Trading Behavior," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 20(2), pages 693-723.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:revfin:v:20:y:2016:i:2:p:693-723.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/rof/rfv060
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Li, Ang & Li, Ben, 2021. "Alphabetic norm and research output," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 50-60.
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    14. Cheng, Hua & Hu, Cui & Li, Ben G., 2020. "Lexicographic biases in international trade," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    15. Qiu, Jiayue & Wu, Hai & Zhang, Lijuan, 2021. "In name only: Information spillovers among Chinese firms with similar stock names during earnings announcements," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
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    17. Florian Röder & Andreas Walter, 2019. "What Drives Investment Flows Into Social Trading Portfolios?," Journal of Financial Research, Southern Finance Association;Southwestern Finance Association, vol. 42(2), pages 383-411, July.
    18. Wu, Haibo & Wu, Chongfeng, 2024. "Mobile device use and the ranking effect on trading behavior: Evidence from natural experiments," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    19. Eran Rubin & Amir Rubin, 2021. "On the economic effects of the text completion interface: empirical analysis of financial markets," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(3), pages 717-735, September.
    20. Xing, Xuejing & Anderson, Randy I. & Hu, Yan, 2016. "What׳s a name worth? The impact of a likeable stock ticker symbol on firm value," Journal of Financial Markets, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 63-80.
    21. Hu, Cui & Li, Ben G., 2021. "Chinese lexicography and stock trading," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 44-59.
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    24. Huang, Yin-Siang & Chuang, Hui-Ching & Hasan, Iftekhar & Lin, Chih-Yung, 2024. "Search symbols, trading performance, and investor participation," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 380-393.

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