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Momentum profits in the Australian equity market: A matched firm approach

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  • Bettman, Jenni L.
  • Maher, Thomas R.B.
  • Sault, Stephen J.

Abstract

This paper examines momentum trading strategies within the Australian equity market over the period 1990 to 2007, inclusive. We analyse excess returns employing both Jegadeesh and Titman's (Jegadeesh, N., Titman, S., 1993. "Returns to buying winners and selling losers: implications for stock market efficiency". The Journal of Finance, 48:65-91) zero cost investment portfolio approach and a matched control firm approach. We also allow for short sale restrictions, liquidity constraints and transaction costs in the form of bid-ask spreads. Testing reveals that both the Jegadeesh and Titman (Jegadeesh, N., and Titman, S. (1993). "Returns to buying winners and selling losers: implications for stock market efficiency". The Journal of Finance, 48:65-91.) zero cost investment portfolio approach and the matched control firm approach yield excess profits. While the implementation of short sale restraints increases momentum profitability, the subsequent inclusion of bid-ask spreads results in a reduction in these gains. Further, we find that executing a momentum strategy in Australia results in statistically significant dollar profits.

Suggested Citation

  • Bettman, Jenni L. & Maher, Thomas R.B. & Sault, Stephen J., 2009. "Momentum profits in the Australian equity market: A matched firm approach," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 17(5), pages 565-579, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:17:y:2009:i:5:p:565-579
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    4. Yeng May Tan & Fan Fah Cheng, 2019. "Industry- and liquidity-based momentum in Australian equities," Financial Innovation, Springer;Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, vol. 5(1), pages 1-18, December.
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    6. Galariotis, Emilios C., 2010. "What should we know about momentum investing? The case of the Australian Security Exchange," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 18(4), pages 369-389, September.
    7. Zhong, Angel & Limkriangkrai, Manapon & Gray, Philip, 2014. "Anomalies, risk adjustment and seasonality: Australian evidence," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 207-218.
    8. Li, Bob & Stork, Thomas & Chai, Daniel & Ee, Mong Shan & Ang, Hong Nee, 2014. "Momentum effect in Australian equities: Revisit, armed with short-selling ban and risk factors," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 19-31.
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    11. Emilios C. C Galariotis, 2010. "What should investors know about the stability of momentum investing and its riskiness? The case of the Australian Security Exchange," Post-Print hal-00917587, HAL.
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    13. Jenni L. Bettman & Stephen J. Sault & Anna H. von Reibnitz, 2010. "The impact of liquidity and transaction costs on the 52-week high momentum strategy in Australia," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 35(3), pages 227-244, December.
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