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Insider opportunistic trading through fast sales: Evidence from China

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  • Du, Shiyan
  • Lin, Wenlian
  • Pan, Jingchen

Abstract

Using a sample of insider sales from firms listed on China's A-share market from 2010 to 2023, we provide robust evidence that insiders engage in fast sales when stocks have better pre-sale performance, compared to slow sales. Additionally, these fast sales predict lower abnormal returns in both the short and long term. Insider opportunistic trading through fast sales is more prominent in firms with high levels of information asymmetry and among insiders facing intense information competition. We find weak evidence that independent directors, institutional investors, and analyst coverage play a role in reducing such insider opportunistic trading. Finally, insider opportunistic trading through fast sales also predicts subsequent stock price crashes and extremely negative earnings news. Our findings help decipher the information content of insider sales in China's market.

Suggested Citation

  • Du, Shiyan & Lin, Wenlian & Pan, Jingchen, 2024. "Insider opportunistic trading through fast sales: Evidence from China," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:86:y:2024:i:c:s0927538x24001884
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pacfin.2024.102437
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General

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