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Abstract:
This paper incorporates investor preferences for return distributions' higher moments into a Polynomial Goal Programming (PGP) optimisation model. This allows us to solve for multiple competing hedge fund allocation objectives within a mean -variance - skewness - kurtosis framework. Our empirical analysis underlines the existence of significant differences in the return behaviour of different hedge fund strategies. Irrespective of investor preferences, the PGP optimal portfolios contain hardly any allocation to long/short equity, distressed securities, and emerging markets funds. Equity market neutral and global macro funds on the other hand tend to receive very high allocations, primarily due to their low co-variance, high co-skewness and low co-kurtosis properties. More specifically, equity market neutral funds act as volatility and kurtosis reducers, while global macro funds act as portfolio skewness enhancers. In PGP optimal portfolios of stocks, bonds, and hedge funds, where equity exposure tends to be traded off for hedge fund exposure, we observe a similar preference for equity market neutral and global macro funds.

Hedge funds, asset allocation, diversification, skewness, kurtosis, optimisation

Abstract:
This study evaluates the efficiency of cross hedging with single stock futures (SSF) contracts. We propose a new technique for hedging exposure to an individual stock that does not have options or exchange-traded SSF contracts written on it. Our method selects as a hedging instrument a portfolio of SSF contracts which are selected based on how closely matched their underlying firm characteristics are with the characteristics of the individual stock we are attempting to hedge. We investigate whether using cross-sectional characteristics to construct our hedge can provide hedging efficiency gains over that of constructing the hedge based on return correlations alone. Overall, we find that the best hedging performance is achieved through a portfolio that is hedged with market index futures and a SSF matched by both historical return correlation and cross-sectional matching characteristics. We also find it preferable to retain the chosen SSF contracts for the whole out-of-sample period while re-estimating the optimal hedge ratio at each rolling window.

Single stock futures, hedging, Universal Stock Futures, OneChicago

Abstract:
This study evaluates the efficiency of cross hedging with single stock futures (SSF) contracts. We propose a new technique for hedging exposure to an individual stock that does not have options or exchange-traded SSF contracts written on it. Our method selects as a hedging instrument a portfolio of SSF contracts which are selected based on how closely matched their underlying firm characteristics are with the characteristics of the individual stock we are attempting to hedge. We investigate whether using cross-sectional characteristics to construct our hedge can provide hedging efficiency gains over that of constructing the hedge based on return correlations alone. Overall, we find that the best hedging performance is achieved through a portfolio that is hedged with market index futures and a SSF matched by both historical return correlation and cross-sectional matching characteristics. We also find it preferable to retain the chosen SSF contracts for the whole out-of-sample period while re-estimating the optimal hedge ratio at each rolling window.

Basis risk, single stock futures, hedging, universal stock futures

Abstract:
In November 2007, the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) came into full effect. MiFID is the most significant European Union legislation for investment intermediaries and financial markets ever introduced. In general terms, MiFID is designed to provide a common, harmonized set of rules for the provision of investment services in each of the EU member states. A key feature of this legislation is the concept of a passport by which firms (e.g. investment banks, broker dealers, stock exchanges and alternative trading systems) are regulated primarily by their home state but can operate in other EU host states. MiFID also removes the so-called concentration rule, allowing greater competition for order flow across trading venues. This paper shows how new requirements concerning best execution, client classification, systematic internalisers, pre- and post-trade transparency, and the ownership of market data have created enormous new business opportunities. This paper argues that MiFID has already succeeded in its goal of introducing greater competition, as already made clearly evident by the early success of new trading venues such as Instinet Chi-X and new market data providers such as Markit BOAT. Further exchange consolidation, more sophisticated smart order routing, and new entrants such as BATS Europe, Nasdaq OMX Europe, and Project Turquoise suggest that European financial markets are on the cusp of further major (and unpredictable) changes. In addition to exploring developments in Europe, the paper explores the impact of international exchange linkages, such as NYSE Euronext, and contrasts the principles-based approach of MiFID with the rules-based approach of the SEC's RegNMS.

MiFID, RegNMS, European securities regulation, internalization, transparency

Abstract:
We develop a model of mutual fund manager investment decisions near the end of quarters. We show that when investors reward better performing funds with higher cash flows, near quarter-ends a mutual fund manager has an incentive to distort new investment toward stocks in which his fund holds a large existing position. The short-term price impact of these trades increase the fund's reported returns. Higher returns are rewarded by greater subsequent fund inflows which, in turn, allow for more investment distortion the next quarter. Because the price impact of trades is short-term, each subsequent quarter begins with a larger return deficit. Eventually, the deficit cannot be overcome. Thus, our model leads to the empirically observed short-run persistence and long-run reversal in fund performance. In doing so, our model provides a consistent explanation of many other seemingly contradictory empirical features of mutual fund performance.

turn-of-quarter effect, painting the tape, mutual fund performance, investment distortion

Abstract:
We develop a model of mutual fund manager investment decisions near the end of quarters. We show that when investors reward better performing funds with higher cash flows, near quarter-ends a mutual fund manager has an incentive to distort new investment toward stocks in which his fund holds a large existing position. The short-term price impact of these trades increase the fund's reported returns. Higher returns are rewarded by greater subsequent fund inflows which, in turn, allow for more investment distortion the next quarter. Because the price impact of trades is short-term, each subsequent quarter begins with a larger return deficit. Eventually, the deficit cannot be overcome. Thus, our model leads to the empirically observed short-run persistence and long-run reversal in fund performance. In doing so, our model provides a consistent explanation of many other seemingly contradictory empirical features of mutual fund performance.

turn-of-quarter effect, painting the tape, mutual fund performance, investment distortion

Abstract:
This paper provides guidance on how to use matched samples to test for differences in trade execution costs (e.g. quoted and effective spreads). Based on extensive simulation results, we conclude that the best practice is to match firms one - to - one based on market capitalization and share price, and to test for differences between the matched pairs using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. We demonstrate that pre-sorting by industry groups or discarding apparent poor matches may reduce test power. We show that, in general, tests based on one - to - one nearest neighbor matching have comparable power and less size distortion than alternatives that place more weight on distant firms. We find that matching without replacement can reduce size distortion when the control sample is relatively small. We highlight conditions under which matched sample estimation may be preferred to the corresponding event study.

Matched samples, market microstructure, bid-ask spreads

Abstract:
This paper provides guidance on how to use matched samples to test for differences in trade execution costs (e.g. quoted and effective spreads). Based on extensive simulation results, we conclude that the best practice is to match firms one-to-one based on market capitalization and share price, and to test for differences between the matched pairs using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. We demonstrate that pre-sorting by industry groups or discarding apparent poor matches may reduce test power. We show that, in general, tests based on one-to-one nearest neighbor matching have comparable power and less size distortion than alternatives that place more weight on distant firms. We find that matching without replacement can reduce size distortion when the control sample is relatively small. We highlight conditions under which matched sample estimation may be preferred to the corresponding event study.

Matched samples, market microstructure, bid-ask spreads

Abstract:
We explore strategic trade in short-lived securities by agents who possess long-term information. Trading short-lived securities is profitable only if enough of the private information becomes public prior to contract expiration; otherwise the security will worthlessly expire. We highlight how this results in trading behavior fundamentally different from that observed in standard models of informed trading in equity. Specifically, we show that informed agents are more reluctant to trade shorter-term securities too far in advance of when their information will necessarily be made public, and that existing positions in a shorter-term security make future purchases more attractive. Because informed agents prefer longer-term securities, this can make trading shorter-term contracts more attractive for liquidity traders. We characterize the conditions under which liquidity traders choose to incur extra costs to roll over short-term positions rather than trade in distant contracts, providing an explanation for why most longer-term derivative security markets have little liquidity and large bid-ask spreads.

Private information, Derivative securities, Rolling the hedge, Fixed transaction costs

Abstract:
It has been widely debated how much nonsynchronous trading drives asymmetric portfolio cross-autocorrelations: lagged returns on a portfolio of larger-capitalization stocks are far more heavily correlated with current returns on a portfolio of smaller-capitalization stocks than the converse. This paper proposes a new method to generate precise estimates of the extent to which nonsynchronous trading underlies these differences. By contrasting cross-autocorrelations using 24-hour portfolio returns based on trade prices before an arbitrary point in the trading day with those using returns based on prices after, our difference-in-differences approach isolates the impact of nonsynchronous trading on differences in portfolio cross-autocorrelations.

portfolio returns, autocorrelation, non-synchronous trading, market efficiency

Abstract:
We develop a model of mutual fund manager investment decisions near the end of quarters. We show that when investors reward better performing funds with higher cash flows, near quarter-ends a mutual fund manager has an incentive to distort new investment toward stocks in which his fund holds a large existing position. The short-term price impact of these trades increase the fund's reported returns. Higher returns are rewarded by greater subsequent fund inflows which, in turn, allow for more investment distortion the next quarter. Because the price impact of trades is short term, each subsequent quarter begins with a larger return deficit. Eventually, the deficit cannot be overcome. Thus, our model leads to the empirically observed short-run persistence and long-run reversal in fund performance. In doing so, our model provides a consistent explanation of many other seemingly contradictory empirical features of mutual fund performance.

Abstract:
In 2004, the European Council and Parliament adopted a new directive on markets in financial instruments (the MiFID). The implementation of the directive in EU member states is still ongoing. We provide a framework for understanding some of the main features of this new regulatory structure. We summarize the economics of fragmentation and internalisation - issues that have been at the forefront of discussion throughout the MiFID consultation, approval and implementation process. We also provide lessons from the US regulatory experience, with a special focus on US trade reporting rules. We highlight relevant features of the largest European equity markets, describe the main features of the MiFID and provide recommendations on its implementation.

securities regulation, fragmentation, internalization, Europe

Abstract:
We document systematic patterns in daily aggregate market returns around end-of-quarters consistent with strategic fund manager behavior and the growing presence of mutual funds in the market.

turn-of-quarter effect, painting the tape, mutual fund performance, investment distortion

Abstract:
This paper explores strategic trade in short-lived securities by agents who have private information that is potentially long-term, but do not know how long their information will remain private. Trading short-lived securities is profitable only if enough of the private information becomes public prior to contract expiration; otherwise the security will worthlessly expire. We highlight how this results in trading behavior fundamentally different from that observed in standard models of informed trading in equity. Specifically, we show that informed speculators are more reluctant to trade shorter-term securities too far in advance of when their information will necessarily be made public, and that existing positions in a shorter-term security make future purchases more attractive. Because informed speculators prefer longer-term securities, this can make trading shorter-term contracts more attractive for liquidity traders. We characterize the conditions under which liquidity traders choose to incur extra costs to roll over short-term positions rather than trade in distant contracts, providing an explanation for why most longer-term derivative security markets have little liquidity and large bid-ask spreads.

Private information, Derivative securities, Rolling the hedge, Fixed transaction costs

Abstract:
This study is largely motivated by the ongoing process to revise the Investment Services Directive (ISD). Perhaps the most important aspect of this process are the consequences of the repeal of Article 14(3) which allows national authorities to stipulate that retail investor orders be executed only on a regulated market (the so-called concentration rule).

In the absence of a concentration rule, trades may be executed away from the main market centre. Fragmentation occurs as orders are executed through preferencing arrangements and through in-house matching. This paper focuses on a specific type of preferencing - the internalisation of order flow.

This paper examines the extent to which order flow is internalised in European financial markets. In doing so, it formally defines internalisation and explores its relationship with issues such as market fragmentation and price discovery. It illustrates how internalisation practices differ across each of the major European financial centres and presents new empirical evidence of the possible effects of internalisation on price discovery.

Abstract:
This paper documents order submission strategies during the Toronto Stock Exchange preopening session. I find that the registered trader (RT) actively participates in the market opening, even though he cannot set the opening price directly, and has no apparent informational advantage. RT opening trades are profitable, moderate overnight price changes and appear to be motivated, in part, by inventory adjustment concerns. I examine interlisted stocks that simultaneously open for trading under two different mechanisms and show how the comparative levels of pre-trade market transparency of each exchange impacts RT profits and participation.

Registered trader, Market transparency, Interlisted securities, Price discovery