Liquidity and stock returns in pure order-driven markets: evidence from the Australian stock market

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between liquidity and stock returns in the pure order-driven stock market of Australia. The bid–ask spread, turnover rate, and amortized spread are used as proxies for liquidity. In addition to liquidity, other factors that have been found to influence stock returns, such as beta and size, are also considered. Seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) and the cross-sectionally correlated timewise autoregressive (CSCTA) model form the methodological basis for this research. A small liquidity premium is found in the Australian market, which persists for the entire year. There is also strong evidence of a negative size effect.