Microstructure and Ambiguity

54 Pages Posted: 21 Jan 2010

See all articles by David Easley

David Easley

Cornell University - Department of Economics; Cornell University - Department of Information Science

Maureen O'Hara

Cornell University - Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management

Date Written: January 20, 2010

Abstract

A goal for stock exchanges is to increase participation by firms and investors. We show how specific features of the microstructure can reduce perceived ambiguity, and induce participation by both investors and issuers. We develop a model with sophisticated traders, who we view as expected utility maximizers with rational expectations, and unsophisticated traders, who we view as rational traders facing ambiguity about the payoffs to participating in the market. We show how designing markets to reduce ambiguity can benefit investors through greater liquidity, exchanges through greater volume, and issuing firms through a lower cost of capital.

Suggested Citation

Easley, David and O'Hara, Maureen, Microstructure and Ambiguity (January 20, 2010). Journal of Finance, Forthcoming, Johnson School Research Paper Series No. 01-2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1539520

David Easley (Contact Author)

Cornell University - Department of Economics ( email )

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Cornell University - Department of Information Science ( email )

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Maureen O'Hara

Cornell University - Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management ( email )

Ithaca, NY 14853
United States
607-255-3645 (Phone)
607-255-5993 (Fax)