This paper examines the trading pattern around the ex-dividend day in the Estonian stock market between 2000 and 2006. An analysis of the Estonian income tax law confirmed that despite its simplicity there exists differential treatment of capital gains and dividends as well as tax heterogeneity among investors. An empirical analysis of the trading data showed a statistically significant abnormal trading volume around the ex-dividend day. By putting these two aspects together and investigating short-term changes in ownership structure around the ex-dividend day it can be concluded that in the Estonian stock market investors use dynamic tax-induced trading strategies around the ex-dividend day. The occurrence of the learning effect and avoidance of transaction costs were also revealed by an analysis of these transactions.
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