Managing Excess Volatility: Design and Effectiveness of Circuit Breakers
38 Pages Posted: 3 Feb 2017 Last revised: 6 Feb 2018
Date Written: February 2, 2017
Abstract
We investigate different designs of circuit breakers implemented on European trading venues and examine their effectiveness to manage excess volatility and to preserve liquidity. Specifically, we empirically analyze volatility and liquidity around volatility interruptions implemented on the German and Spanish stock market which differ regarding specific design parameters. We find that volatility interruptions in general significantly decrease volatility in the post interruption phase. Unfortunately, this decrease in volatility comes at the cost of decreased liquidity. Regarding design parameters, we find tighter price ranges and shorter durations to support volatility interruptions in achieving their goals.
Keywords: Circuit Breaker, Volatility Interruption, Volatility, Liquidity, Market Design
JEL Classification: G14, G15, G18, G28
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation