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Trading in style: Retail investors vs. institutions

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  • Wolff, Christian

Abstract

We examine the comparative trading performance of retail investors using an exhaustive sample of trades made by all investors in a stock market. Retail investors trade systematically at better prices than institutions, especially domestic institutions. We also find evidence of retail investors having a comparative advantage when trading stocks in their preferred trading style. These findings are consistent with retail investors rationally utilizing their trading flexibility and information made available to them. Based on a population of retail trades, our findings challenge the stereotype arising from earlier studies that retail investors are noise traders.

Suggested Citation

  • Wolff, Christian, 2017. "Trading in style: Retail investors vs. institutions," CEPR Discussion Papers 12462, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:12462
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    References listed on IDEAS

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