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Spillover effects of short selling on corporate bond financing costs: Evidence from Chinese listed firms

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  • Jin, Xianzhe
  • Si, Haitao
  • Zhu, Dandan
  • Li, Yuyan

Abstract

This study examines the impact of short selling on corporate bond financing costs. Using a quasi-natural experiment and panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2022, we find that short selling significantly reduces corporate bond financing costs, primarily by mitigating information asymmetry. Further analysis reveals that this effect is particularly pronounced in regions with well-developed financial markets and strong legal environments. Our findings remain robust after controlling for potential confounders and addressing endogeneity through propensity score matched difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) analysis. This study provides a novel perspective on short selling in China, highlighting its cross-market spillover effects between equity and bond markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Jin, Xianzhe & Si, Haitao & Zhu, Dandan & Li, Yuyan, 2025. "Spillover effects of short selling on corporate bond financing costs: Evidence from Chinese listed firms," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ememar:v:66:y:2025:i:c:s1566014125000342
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ememar.2025.101285
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D49 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Other
    • 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
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies

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