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Short positions, size effect, and the liquidity hypothesis: implications for stock performance

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  • Said Elfakhani

Abstract

This study focuses on the relationship between short interest and subsequent stock returns. It also deals with the question of whether this relationship itself is attributable to firm size. In this context, this study investigates: (1) whether short sellers are correct in their predictions and whether these predictions can benefit other investors, (2) whether returns on short positions are related to firm size, and (3) whether the liquidity hypothesis or the differential information hypothesis can explain the relationship between firm size and short selling. The results support the notion that short sellers made correct predictions of price movements during the sampling period, 1986-1990. The results also show that following the monthly report of short interests, investors can still earn higher returns on shorted stocks, especially the small ones. Finally, the results maintain that short interest positions on less-liquid overpriced small stocks are more profitable than more-liquid overpriced large stocks, thus supporting the liquidity hypothesis. Overall these findings do not display seasonal differences, especially in January.

Suggested Citation

  • Said Elfakhani, 2000. "Short positions, size effect, and the liquidity hypothesis: implications for stock performance," Applied Financial Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(1), pages 105-116.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:apfiec:v:10:y:2000:i:1:p:105-116
    DOI: 10.1080/096031000331978
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Ben Chamberlain & Zhangxin (Frank) Liu & Lee A. Smales, 2023. "Short interest and the stock market relation with news sentiment from traditional and social media sources," Australian Economic Papers, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(2), pages 321-334, June.
    3. Dungey, Mardi & McKenzie, Michael D. & Yalama, Abdullah, 2013. "The cross market effects of short sale restrictions," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 53-71.
    4. Godfrey, Keith R.L., 2016. "Detecting the great short squeeze on Volkswagen," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 40(PB), pages 323-334.
    5. Asjeet Lamba & Mohamed Ariff, 2006. "Short selling restrictions and market completeness: the Malaysian experience," Applied Financial Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(5), pages 385-393.
    6. Azzopardi, Paul & Silvio John, Camilleri, 2003. "The Relevance of Short Sales to the Maltese Stock Market," MPRA Paper 84566, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    7. Mohammad Sharik Essa & Evangelos Giouvris, 2020. "Oil Price, Oil Price Implied Volatility (OVX) and Illiquidity Premiums in the US: (A)symmetry and the Impact of Macroeconomic Factors," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-40, April.

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