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Money Illusion in the Stock Market: The Modigliani-Cohn Hypothesis

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  • Randolph B. Cohen
  • Christopher Polk
  • Tuomo Vuolteenaho

Abstract

Modigliani and Cohn hypothesize that the stock market suffers from money illusion, discounting real cash flows at nominal discount rates. While previous research has focused on the pricing of the aggregate stock market relative to Treasury bills, the money-illusion hypothesis also has implications for the pricing of risky stocks relative to safe stocks. Simultaneously examining the pricing of Treasury bills, safe stocks, and risky stocks allows us to distinguish money illusion from any change in the attitudes of investors toward risk. Our empirical results support the hypothesis that the stock market suffers from money illusion.

Suggested Citation

  • Randolph B. Cohen & Christopher Polk & Tuomo Vuolteenaho, 2005. "Money Illusion in the Stock Market: The Modigliani-Cohn Hypothesis," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 120(2), pages 639-668.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:qjecon:v:120:y:2005:i:2:p:639-668.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/qje/120.2.639
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    More about this item

    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
    • N22 - Economic History - - Financial Markets and Institutions - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-

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