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Anomalies in the China A-share market

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  • Jansen, Maarten
  • Swinkels, Laurens
  • Zhou, Weili

Abstract

This paper sheds light on the similarities and differences with respect to the presence of anomalies in the China A-share market and other markets. To this end, we examine the existence of 32 anomalies in the China A-share market over the period 2000–2019. We find that value, risk, and trading anomalies carry over to China A-shares. Evidence for anomalies in the size, quality, and past return categories is substantially weaker, with the exception of a strong residual momentum and reversal effect. We document that most anomalies cannot be explained by industry composition, and are present among large, mid, and small capitalization stocks. We are the first to examine the existence of residual reversal, return seasonalities, and connected firm momentum for the China A-share market. We find strong out-of-sample evidence for the former two, but not the latter. Specific characteristics of the China A-share market, such as short-sale restrictions, the prevalence of state-owned enterprises, and the effect of stock market reforms, are examined in more detail. These features do not seem to be important drivers of our empirical findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Jansen, Maarten & Swinkels, Laurens & Zhou, Weili, 2021. "Anomalies in the China A-share market," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:68:y:2021:i:c:s0927538x21001141
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pacfin.2021.101607
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    Cited by:

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    6. Hanauer, Matthias X. & Kalsbach, Tobias, 2023. "Machine learning and the cross-section of emerging market stock returns," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 55(C).
    7. Ke Zhang, 2023. "Construct sparse portfolio with mutual fund's favourite stocks in China A share market," Papers 2305.01642, arXiv.org.
    8. Andy C W Chui & Avanidhar Subrahmanyam & Sheridan Titman, 2022. "Momentum, Reversals, and Investor Clientele [Illiquidity and stock returns: Cross-section and time-series effects]," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 26(2), pages 217-255.
    9. Cakici, Nusret & Zaremba, Adam & Bianchi, Robert J. & Pham, Nga, 2021. "False discoveries in the anomaly research: New insights from the Stock Exchange of Melbourne (1927–1987)," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    10. Deev, Oleg & Lyócsa, Štefan & Výrost, Tomáš, 2022. "The looming crisis in the Chinese stock market? Left-tail exposure analysis of Chinese stocks to Evergrande," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Alpha; Anomalies; Asset management; China; Investing; Stock market;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G40 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - General

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