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The role of hedge funds in the asset pricing: evidence from China

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  • Jing Zhang
  • Wei Zhang
  • Youwei Li
  • Xu Feng

Abstract

We document that hedge funds nurture mispricing in the Chinese financial market. We examine the relationship between hedge fund holdings and the degree of mispricing, assuming that hedge funds’ stock holdings are mainly for arbitrage and not for hedging. We also examine this relationship with and without short-selling restrictions. Hedge funds intentionally hold overvalued stocks. Their trades, which generate an abnormal return of 1.78% per month, also impede the dissipation of stock mispricing. Furthermore, we find that trend-chasing may explain why hedge funds prefer to hold overvalued stocks. This research provides a new perspectives on the information content and potential investment value of hedge fund holdings in emerging markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing Zhang & Wei Zhang & Youwei Li & Xu Feng, 2022. "The role of hedge funds in the asset pricing: evidence from China," The European Journal of Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(2), pages 219-243, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:eurjfi:v:28:y:2022:i:2:p:219-243
    DOI: 10.1080/1351847X.2021.1929373
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    1. Lin, Junqin & Wang, Fan & Wei, Lijian, 2021. "Alumni social networks and hedge fund performance: Evidence from China," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors

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