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Conflicts of Interest in Sell-Side Research and the Moderating Role of Institutional Investors

Author

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  • Ljungqvist, Alexander
  • Marston, Felicia
  • Yan, Hong
  • Starks, Laura T
  • Wei, Kelsey D.

Abstract

Because sell-side analysts are dependent on institutional investors for performance ratings and trading commissions, we argue that analysts are less likely to succumb to investment banking or brokerage pressure in stocks highly visible to institutional investors. Examining a comprehensive sample of analyst recommendations over the 1994-2000 period, we find that analysts? recommendations relative to consensus are positively associated with investment banking relationships and brokerage pressure, but negatively associated with the presence of institutional investor owners. The presence of institutional investors is also associated with more accurate earnings forecasts and more timely re-ratings following severe share price falls.

Suggested Citation

  • Ljungqvist, Alexander & Marston, Felicia & Yan, Hong & Starks, Laura T & Wei, Kelsey D., 2005. "Conflicts of Interest in Sell-Side Research and the Moderating Role of Institutional Investors," CEPR Discussion Papers 5001, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:5001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Analyst recommendations; Analyst forecast accuracy; Investment banking; Conflicts of interest; Institutional investors; Banking relationships;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G20 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - General
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage

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