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Limits of arbitrage: the state of the theory

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  • Gromb, Denis
  • Vayanos, Dimitri

Abstract

We survey theoretical developments in the literature on the limits of arbitrage. This literature investigates how costs faced by arbitrageurs can prevent them from eliminating mispricings and providing liquidity to other investors. Research in this area is currently evolving into a broader agenda emphasizing the role of financial institutions and agency frictions for asset prices. This research has the potential to explain so-called "market anomalies" and inform welfare and policy debates about asset markets. We begin with examples of demand shocks that generate mispricings, arguing that they can stem from behavioral or from institutional considerations. We next survey, and nest within a simple model, the following costs faced by arbitrageurs: (i) risk, both fundamental and non-fundamental, (ii) short-selling costs, (iii) leverage and margin constraints, and (iv) constraints on equity capital. We finally discuss implications for welfare and policy, and suggest directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Gromb, Denis & Vayanos, Dimitri, 2010. "Limits of arbitrage: the state of the theory," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 119089, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:119089
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    Keywords

    limits of arbitrage; market anomalies; liquidity; financial constraints; financial institutions; survey;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G20 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - General

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