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How Did Financial-Crisis-Based Criticisms of Market Efficiency Get It So Wrong?

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  • Ariane Szafarz

Abstract

In the aftermath of the financial crisis, market efficiency is being heavily criticized. However, the volatility-based criticisms rely on false grounds as efficiency and speculative bubbles are compatible. Indeed, the efficient market model is about rationality and information, not about stability. This model admits multiple solutions, as do most rational expectations models. One solution is the so-called fundamental one while the others are referred to as rational bubbles. Still, many practitioners, and even some financial academics, keep denying that speculative bubbles are compatible with efficient markets. This paper argues that not only would the recognition of efficient market multiplicity thwart irrationality-based theories, but it would also allow for further empirical developments taking full advantage of the power of diversity. The multiple price dynamics compatible with market efficiency represent a valuable asset largely underestimated by the profession.

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  • Ariane Szafarz, 2009. "How Did Financial-Crisis-Based Criticisms of Market Efficiency Get It So Wrong?," Working Papers CEB 09-048.RS, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    • Handle: RePEc:sol:wpaper:09-048
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    Cited by:

    1. Xavier De Scheemaekere & Kim Oosterlinck & Ariane Szafarz, 2014. "Issues in Identifying Economic Crises: Insights from History," Working Papers CEB 14-014, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    2. Philip Mirowski, 2011. "The Spontaneous Methodology of Orthodoxy, and Other Economists’ Afflictions in the Great Recession," Chapters, in: John B. Davis & D. Wade Hands (ed.), The Elgar Companion to Recent Economic Methodology, chapter 20, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Campos Dias de Sousa, Ricardo Emanuel & Howden, David, 2015. "The Efficient Market Conjecture," MPRA Paper 79792, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Costa Cabral, Nazare, 2010. "Breve guia temático e bibliográfico sobre o estudo da actual crise financeira e económica
      [Short thematic guide to the study of current financial and economic crisis]      ," MPRA Paper 20743, University Library of Munich, Germany.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Efficient Markets; Multiple Solutions; Rational Expectations; Speculative Bubbles; Volatility.;

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology

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