Limit Orders and the Bid-Ask Spread

38 Pages Posted: 3 Jun 2003

See all articles by Kee H. Chung

Kee H. Chung

State University of New York at Buffalo - School of Management

Bonnie F. Van Ness

University of Mississippi - Department of Finance

Robert A. Van Ness

University of Mississippi - Department of Finance

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Abstract

We examine the role of limit-order traders and specialists in the market-making process. We find that a large portion of posted bid-ask quotes originates from the limit-order book without direct participation by specialists, and that competition between traders and specialists has a significant impact on the bid-ask spread. Specialists' spreads are widest at the open, narrow until late morning, and then level off. The U-shaped intraday pattern of spreads largely reflects the intraday variation in spreads established by limit-order traders. Lastly, the intraday variation in limit-order spreads is significantly related to the intraday variation in limit-order placements and executions.

Keywords: Limit order, Bid-ask spread, Specialists

JEL Classification: G14

Suggested Citation

Chung, Kee H. and Van Ness, Bonnie F. and Van Ness, Robert A., Limit Orders and the Bid-Ask Spread. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=136725 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.136725

Kee H. Chung (Contact Author)

State University of New York at Buffalo - School of Management ( email )

Buffalo, NY 14260
United States
716-645-3262 (Phone)
716-645-3823 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://mgt.buffalo.edu/faculty/academic-departments/finance/faculty/kee-chung.html

Bonnie F. Van Ness

University of Mississippi - Department of Finance ( email )

Oxford, MS 38677
United States
662-915-6749 (Phone)
662-915-7968 (Fax)

Robert A. Van Ness

University of Mississippi - Department of Finance ( email )

Oxford, MS 38677
United States