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The impact of search frictions in experimental asset markets: Over-the-counter versus double auction

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  • Ding, Shuze
  • Lu, Dong
  • Puzzello, Daniela

Abstract

This paper compares the performance of a centralized trading institution, Double Auction (DA), with a decentralized Over-the-Counter (OTC) trading institution in experimental asset markets. Variants of both are commonly used in field financial markets. While bids and asks are publicly displayed in the DA, they are only visible to the parties involved in a trade in the OTC market due to search frictions. We study the impact of these trading institutions on transaction prices, mispricing, trade volume, and bubble measures in controlled laboratory long-lived asset markets. We find that transaction prices, mispricing, trade volume and some bubble measures are significantly lower in OTC than in DA markets, due to reduced trading activities and stronger selling pressures brought about by search frictions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ding, Shuze & Lu, Dong & Puzzello, Daniela, 2025. "The impact of search frictions in experimental asset markets: Over-the-counter versus double auction," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:229:y:2025:i:c:s0167268124004438
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106829
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Asset market experiments; Over-the-Counter; Double auction; Asset bubbles;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • E40 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - General

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