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Information processing costs and stock price informativeness: Evidence from the XBRL mandate

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  • Yuyun Huang
  • Yuan George Shan
  • Joey W Yang

Abstract

Using the eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) mandate as a pseudo-natural experiment, we provide empirical evidence that reduction in information processing costs (IPC) leads to more informative stock price through two channels, the firm-specific information incorporation, and increased disclosures. We also find that younger firms with relatively shorter public disclosure history benefit more than older firms, supporting the conjecture that XBRL accelerates the information incorporation process and expedites market’s learning about younger firms faster. Our results are robust to alternative measures of price informativeness, individual batch tests, placebo tests, and potential bias from financial industry. JEL Classification: G14, M41, M48

Suggested Citation

  • Yuyun Huang & Yuan George Shan & Joey W Yang, 2021. "Information processing costs and stock price informativeness: Evidence from the XBRL mandate," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 46(1), pages 110-131, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:46:y:2021:i:1:p:110-131
    DOI: 10.1177/0312896220907672
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • M48 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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