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Thou shalt not trade—An analysis of the violations of no-trade predictions in experimental asset markets

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  • Kleinlercher, Daniel
  • Stöckl, Thomas

Abstract

In several studies on asset markets in a laboratory environment, observed trading activity is inconsistent with theoretical no-trade predictions. In a series of treatments, we systematically analyze violations and violators of the no-trade prediction and find that there are fewer violations with the manipulations but the trading activity does not cease completely. Three observations further contribute to a better understanding of this residual trading activity. First, traders exploit all available profitable trading opportunities even when transactions offer only a small profit. Second, unprofitable trades are significantly more concentrated among a few subjects than profitable trades, implying that only a minority is responsible for the observed trading activity. Third, a better understanding of the market mechanism significantly affects traders’ ability to generate profitable trades. In sum, these results strengthen the confidence in the well-functioning of laboratory asset markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Kleinlercher, Daniel & Stöckl, Thomas, 2021. "Thou shalt not trade—An analysis of the violations of no-trade predictions in experimental asset markets," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 32(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:beexfi:v:32:y:2021:i:c:s2214635021001349
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbef.2021.100590
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Experimental finance; No-trade theorem; Asset market; Trading activity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C79 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Other
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G40 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - General
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets

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