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The complexity yield puzzle: A textual analysis of municipal bond disclosures

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  • Farrell, Michael
  • Murphy, Dermot
  • Painter, Marcus
  • Zhang, Guangli

Abstract

We study the effect of official statement textual complexity on municipal borrowing costs (yield) through the clientele channel. Theoretically, complexity reduces signal quality for unsophisticated investors, potentially increasing yield. We provide causal evidence of an economically significant complexity-yield premium that is especially large for issues with greater tax-induced exogenous demand from unsophisticated investors or less complementary information from rating agencies. We decompose complexity into multiple topics and find that "legal complexity" matters most for the complexityyield premium. Despite this premium, complexity has been trending upward across all credit categories. This trend is attributable to increased regulatory enforcement from the SEC.

Suggested Citation

  • Farrell, Michael & Murphy, Dermot & Painter, Marcus & Zhang, Guangli, 2023. "The complexity yield puzzle: A textual analysis of municipal bond disclosures," Working Papers 338, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:cbscwp:279822
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    municipal bonds; disclosure; complexity; textual analysis; clientele;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • H74 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Borrowing

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