Download This PaperFront-Running and Market Quality: An Evolutionary Perspective on High Frequency Trading
23 Pages Posted: 23 Mar 2017 Last revised: 12 Sep 2017
Date Written: March 7, 2017
Abstract
We study front-running by high frequency traders (HFTs) in a limit order model with continuous trading. The model describes an evolutionary equilibrium of low frequency traders (LFTs) who compete in portfolio management services by offering investment styles. The introduction of front-runners inflicts heavy losses on speculators, while leaving passive investors relatively unscathed. This encourages investment in the market portfolio and markedly reduces overall turnover. Speculative trading persists despite its lower profitability. By most measures, market quality is not affected to any significant extent by front-running HFTs.
Keywords: Front running; HFT; market quality
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Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH)
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Swiss Finance Institute
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Switzerland