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The profitability effect: Insights from international equity markets

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  • Te‐Feng Chen
  • Lei Sun
  • K. C. John Wei
  • Feixue Xie

Abstract

Using data from 33 international markets over the period 1990–2017, we reveal that the profitability effect exists in many countries other than the USA, but the size of this effect is sensitive to the measure of profitability and portfolio sorts. The profitability effect is significant in pooled developed and global markets, though less so in emerging markets. The evidence lends support to incorporating a profitability factor in regional/global factor models. Cross‐region and cross‐country analyses show mixed evidence for a positive relationship between profitability effects and market developments, though the overall findings lean toward supporting the prediction of the investment model.

Suggested Citation

  • Te‐Feng Chen & Lei Sun & K. C. John Wei & Feixue Xie, 2018. "The profitability effect: Insights from international equity markets," European Financial Management, European Financial Management Association, vol. 24(4), pages 545-580, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:eufman:v:24:y:2018:i:4:p:545-580
    DOI: 10.1111/eufm.12189
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Massimo Guidolin & Andrea Ricci, 2018. "Arbitrage Risk and Investor Sentiment as Causes of Persistent Mispricing: the European Evidence," BAFFI CAREFIN Working Papers 1889, BAFFI CAREFIN, Centre for Applied Research on International Markets Banking Finance and Regulation, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy.
    2. Kostyantyn MALYSHENKO & Vadim MALYSHENKO & Elena Yu. PONOMAREVA & Marina ANASHKINA, 2019. "Analysis of the stock market anomalies in the context of changing the information paradigm," Eastern Journal of European Studies, Centre for European Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, vol. 10, pages 239-270, June.
    3. Yin, Libo & Yang, Zhichen, 2022. "The profitability effect: Insight from a dynamic perspective," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    4. Guo, Li & Li, Frank Weikai & John Wei, K.C., 2020. "Security analysts and capital market anomalies," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 137(1), pages 204-230.
    5. Du, Qingjie & Wang, Yang & Wei, K.C. John, 2020. "Does cash-based operating profitability explain the accruals anomaly in China?," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    6. Chuan ‘Chewie’ Ang, Tze & Lam, F.Y. Eric C. & Ma, Tai & Wang, Shujing & Wei, K.C. John, 2019. "What is the real relationship between cash holdings and stock returns?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 513-528.
    7. Yu, Hsin-Yi & Chen, Li-Wen & Chen, Chang-Yi, 2022. "The profitability effect: An evaluation of alternative explanations," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    8. Carbajal-De-Nova, Carolina & Venegas-Martínez, Francisco, 2019. "On the paradigm shift of asset pricing models, before and after the global financial crisis: a literature review," Panorama Económico, Escuela Superior de Economía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, vol. 15(29), pages 7-38, Primer se.
    9. Guidolin, Massimo & Ricci, Andrea, 2020. "Arbitrage risk and a sentiment as causes of persistent mispricing: The European evidence," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 1-11.

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