An examination of returns and bid-ask spreads on the ex-dividend day /
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1993.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | ProQuest, Abstract Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | The study of ex-dividend day behavior of stocks is of interest to both finance academics and practitioners because it may shed light on how investors view or value cash dividends. It is generally agreed that the key determinants of the observed ex-dividend day behavior are the nature of taxation on dividends and capital gains, and the effect of short term traders practicing dividend capture. This dissertation extends the previous literature on ex-dividend day behavior by measuring returns and bid-ask spreads throughout the ex-dividend day and exploring the determinants of bid-ask spreads at various times during the trading day. We find that average bid-ask spreads (ABAS) on the ex-dividend day differ from ABAS on normal days, for the whole sample and across all dividend yield quintiles. We find that this difference can be partially explained by (1) NYSE rule #118 for the whole sample, and (2) the reaction of specialists to larger trades on the ex-dividend day. When returns are examined, we find that the ex-dividend day return is occurring throughout the ex-day (versus overnight) and that this return is influenced by bid-ask spreads throughout the ex-dividend day. When the sample is split into dividend yield quintiles, we find significant returns for the four lowest quintiles and insignificant returns for the highest dividend yield quintile. We find that these returns are dependent on bid and ask quote changes at the cum and ex-close, and decreasing spreads throughout the ex-day, which is driven by ex-day selling. Finally, we examine the "market microstructure" hypothesis developed by Dubofsky (1992) and find that returns just below and equal to 1/8th increments are significantly greater than returns just above 1/8th increments. This implies that both limit order trading rules and bid-ask spreads play a role in determining returns on the ex-dividend day. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major subject: Finance." |
| Physical Description: | vii, 199 leaves ; 28 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |