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Short-selling, margin-trading, and stock liquidity: Evidence from the Chinese stock markets

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  • Ye, Qing
  • Zhou, Shengjie
  • Zhang, Jie

Abstract

This paper examines the impacts of two forms of leveraged trading—margin trading and short selling—on the trading liquidity of individual stocks in China. We find that trading liquidity for relevant stocks generally improves after restrictions on leveraged trading are removed. However, margin trading and short selling have opposite impacts on liquidity. During ordinary periods, margin trading benefits liquidity, whereas short selling damages liquidity; however, during market downturns, their roles are reversed. We also provide evidence suggesting that short sellers are informed traders in China and that short selling reduces stock liquidity because of the increased risk of adverse selection faced by uninformed traders.

Suggested Citation

  • Ye, Qing & Zhou, Shengjie & Zhang, Jie, 2020. "Short-selling, margin-trading, and stock liquidity: Evidence from the Chinese stock markets," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:71:y:2020:i:c:s1057521920301939
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2020.101549
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    Cited by:

    1. Su, Zhi & Lyu, Tongtong & Yin, Libo, 2022. "Are conditional illiquidity risks priced in China? A cross-sectional test," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    2. Zhou, Shengjie & Ye, Qing, 2023. "Margin trading and spillover effects: Evidence from the Chinese stock markets," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    3. Dasilas, Apostolos, 2022. "The impact of margin trading and short selling on the investment-to-price sensitivity. Evidence from China," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).

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