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Private information in currency markets

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  • Michaelides, Alexander
  • Milidonis, Andreas
  • Nishiotis, George P.

Abstract

Using daily abnormal currency returns for the universe of countries with flexible exchange rates, we show local currency depreciations ahead of unscheduled, public sovereign debt downgrade announcements. Consistent with the private information hypothesis, the effect is stronger in lower institutional quality countries and holds after we control for concurrent public information and for publicly available rumors about the forthcoming downgrades. Our results persist when abnormal currency returns are adjusted for global carry and dollar risk factors, world equity and bond returns, as well as local stock market returns. Finally, the currency depreciations are permanent, providing evidence for a link between fundamentals and currency markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Michaelides, Alexander & Milidonis, Andreas & Nishiotis, George P., 2019. "Private information in currency markets," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(3), pages 643-665.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfinec:v:131:y:2019:i:3:p:643-665
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfineco.2018.08.012
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    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage

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