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Does IFRS Mandatory Adoption Affect Information Asymmetry in the Stock Market?

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  • David Abad
  • M. Fuensanta Cutillas†Gomariz
  • Juan Pedro Sánchez†Ballesta
  • José Yagüe

Abstract

The purpose of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), adopted mandatorily by European listed firms in 2005, is to increase the transparency and the comparability of accounting information, which should have led to improvements in these firms’ information environments. This study uses market microstructure proxies for information asymmetry to examine the effects of IFRS adoption on the level of information asymmetry in the Spanish stock market. Therefore, we consider a setting with substantial differences between local standards – Spanish Accounting Standards (SAS) ‒ and IFRS and where the level of enforcement is low. By controlling for conventional determinants of information asymmetry and firms’ characteristics that influence their information environments, we find a reduction of information asymmetry after IFRS adoption. Our findings suggest that the mandatory switch from local accounting standards to IFRS conveys benefits to the market, even when the enforcement level is not strong.

Suggested Citation

  • David Abad & M. Fuensanta Cutillas†Gomariz & Juan Pedro Sánchez†Ballesta & José Yagüe, 2018. "Does IFRS Mandatory Adoption Affect Information Asymmetry in the Stock Market?," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 28(1), pages 61-78, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausact:v:28:y:2018:i:1:p:61-78
    DOI: 10.1111/auar.12165
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    5. Abdullah Jihad Rabaya & Norman Mohd Saleh, 2022. "The moderating effect of IR framework adoption on the relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure and a firm's competitive advantage," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 2037-2055, February.
    6. June Cao & Chris Patel, 2020. "The role of the national institutional environment in IFRS convergence: a new approach," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 60(4), pages 3367-3406, December.
    7. Shuibin Gu & Gigamon Joseph Prah, 2020. "The Effect of International Financial Reporting Standards on the Association between Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth: Evidence from Selected Countries in Africa," Journal of Accounting, Business and Finance Research, Scientific Publishing Institute, vol. 8(1), pages 21-29.
    8. Jenice Prather-Kinsey & Francesco De Luca & Ho-Tan-Phat Phan, 2022. "Improving the global comparability of IFRS-based financial reporting through global enforcement: a proposed organizational dynamic," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 19(3), pages 330-351, September.
    9. Benkraiem, Ramzi & Bensaad, Itidel & Lakhal, Faten, 2022. "How do International Financial Reporting Standards affect information asymmetry? The importance of the earnings quality channel," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 46(C).

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