How Capital Market Liberalization Influences Stock Price Crash Risk: The Intermediate Effect of Corporate Accounting Clarity

Abstract

The introduction of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs represents a pivotal juncture in the evolution of Chinas capital markets, signaling a significant move towards increased openness and integration. These initiatives have sparked considerable academic interest, underscoring their potential to transform the financial landscape. This research employs these programs as a quasi-natural experiment to investigate their profound impact on financial stability. Our analysis focuses on a comprehensive dataset encompassing A-share firms listed on both the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges over a thirteen-year period, from 2008 to 2021. Employing a robust difference-in-differences analytical approach, this study seeks to discern the effects of capital market liberalization on the incidence of stock price crashes. The empirical findings reveal a compelling association: greater openness in capital markets correlates significantly with a reduced risk of stock price crashes. This correlation is largely attributed to enhancements in corporate accounting transparency facilitated by these initiatives. Thus, these findings underscore the dual role of enhanced capital market openness in not only fostering stability in stock prices but also in mitigating market risks, safeguarding investor wealth, reducing systemic financial vulnerabilities, and fostering sustainable development across capital markets. This study contributes meaningfully to the existing literature on stock price crash risk by providing nuanced insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers and market participants alike, aiming to further bolster capital market openness and resilience.