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Common Short Selling and Excess Comovement: Evidence from a Sample of LSE Stocks

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  • Geraci, M. V.
  • Gnabo, J-Y.
  • Veredas, D.

Abstract

For the period 2013–2019, and a sample of 356 LSE stocks, we find that common short sold capital is positively and significantly associated with future four-factor residual return correlation, controlling for many pair characteristics, including similarities in size, book-to-market, and momentum. The relationship disappears for illiquid stock pairs, whereas it strengthens when short positions originate from informed agents, such as hedge funds, active investors, and short sellers with high past performance. This supports the hypothesis that the relationship is driven by information, rather than by price pressure. We show that these results can be used to obtain diversification benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Geraci, M. V. & Gnabo, J-Y. & Veredas, D., 2020. "Common Short Selling and Excess Comovement: Evidence from a Sample of LSE Stocks," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 2066, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:cam:camdae:2066
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Shen, Yiwen & Shi, Meiqi, 2024. "Intraday variation in cross-sectional stock comovement and impact of index-based strategies," Journal of Financial Markets, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    comovement; hedge funds; short selling;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • 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

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