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Is Momentum Due to Data-snooping?

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  • Johan Parmler
  • Andres Gonzalez

Abstract

This paper explores the profitability of momentum strategies, by investigating if a momentum strategy is superior to a benchmark model once the effects of data-snooping have been accounted for. Two data sets are considered. The first set of data consists of US stocks and the second one consists of Swedish stocks. For the US data strong evidence is found of a momentum effect and hence the hypothesis of weak market efficiency is rejected. Splitting the sample in two parts, it is found that the overall significance is driven by events in the earlier part of the sample. The results for the Swedish data indicate that momentum strategies based on individual stocks generate significant profits. A very weak or no momentum effect can be found when stocks are sorted into portfolios. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, results show that data-snooping bias can be very substantial. Neglecting the problem would lead to very different conclusions.

Suggested Citation

  • Johan Parmler & Andres Gonzalez, 2007. "Is Momentum Due to Data-snooping?," The European Journal of Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(4), pages 301-318.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:eurjfi:v:13:y:2007:i:4:p:301-318
    DOI: 10.1080/13518470600880127
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    Cited by:

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    2. Teplova, Tamara & Mikova, Evgeniya & Nazarov, Nikolai, 2017. "Stop losses momentum strategy: From profit maximization to risk control under White’s Bootstrap Reality Check," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 240-258.
    3. Badreddine, Sina & Galariotis, Emilios C. & Holmes, Phil, 2012. "The relevance of information and trading costs in explaining momentum profits: Evidence from optioned and non-optioned stocks," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 22(3), pages 589-608.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Momentum strategies; data-snooping; benchmark model; market efficiency;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading

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