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Implications of High-Frequency Trading for Security Markets

Author

Listed:
  • Oliver Linton

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 9DD, United Kingdom)

  • Soheil Mahmoodzadeh

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 9DD, United Kingdom)

Abstract

High-frequency trading (HFT) has grown substantially in recent years due to fast-paced technological developments and their rapid uptake, particularly in equity markets. This review investigates how HFT could evolve and, by developing a robust understanding of its effects, identifies potential risks and opportunities that HFT could present in terms of financial stability and other market outcomes such as volatility, liquidity, price efficiency, and price discovery. Despite commonly held negative perceptions, the available evidence indicates that HFT and algorithmic trading may have several beneficial effects on markets. However, these types of trading may cause instabilities in financial markets in specific circumstances. Carefully chosen regulatory measures are needed to address concerns in the shorter term. However, further work is needed to inform policies in the longer term, particularly in view of likely uncertainties and lack of data. This work will be vital in supporting evidence-based regulation in this controversial and rapidly evolving field.

Suggested Citation

  • Oliver Linton & Soheil Mahmoodzadeh, 2018. "Implications of High-Frequency Trading for Security Markets," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 10(1), pages 237-259, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:anr:reveco:v:10:y:2018:p:237-259
    DOI: 10.1146/annurev-economics-063016-104407
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    2. Leone, Vitor & Kwabi, Frank, 2019. "High frequency trading, price discovery and market efficiency in the FTSE100," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 174-177.
    3. Bada, O. & Kneip, A. & Liebl, D. & Mensinger, T. & Gualtieri, J. & Sickles, R.C., 2022. "A wavelet method for panel models with jump discontinuities in the parameters," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 226(2), pages 399-422.
    4. Marszk, Adam & Lechman, Ewa, 2021. "Reshaping financial systems: The role of ICT in the diffusion of financial innovations – Recent evidence from European countries," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    5. Ramos, Henrique Pinto & Perlin, Marcelo Scherer, 2020. "Does algorithmic trading harm liquidity? Evidence from Brazil," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    6. Sánchez Serrano Antonio, 2020. "High-Frequency Trading and Systemic Risk: A Structured Review of Findings and Policies," Review of Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 71(3), pages 169-195, December.
    7. Garg, Karan, 2021. "Machines and Markets : Assessing the Impact of Algorithmic Trading on Financial Market Efficiency," Warwick-Monash Economics Student Papers 11, Warwick Monash Economics Student Papers.
    8. Ran, Ling, 2025. "Blockchain-Integrated AI Strategies for Cross-Border High-Frequency Trading: Optimizing Liquidity and Reducing Transaction Costs," OSF Preprints knz94_v1, Center for Open Science.
    9. Papavassiliou, Vassilios G. & Kinateder, Harald, 2021. "Information shares and market quality before and during the European sovereign debt crisis," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    10. Farzan Yahya & Muhammad Waqas & Muhammad Hussain & Abdul Haseeb Tahir, 2024. "The heterogeneous effect of technology and macroeconomic policies on financial market development," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 58(2), pages 1131-1146, April.
    11. Gianluca Piero Maria Virgilio, 2019. "High-frequency trading: a literature review," Financial Markets and Portfolio Management, Springer;Swiss Society for Financial Market Research, vol. 33(2), pages 183-208, June.

    More about this item

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    JEL classification:

    • G1 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets
    • G2 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services

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