Continuous Auction Research Articles

Are pre-opening periods important? Evidence from Chinese market lunch breaks

The Chinese stock market design offers a unique opportunity to examine the impact of pre-open call auctions on price efficiency and price discovery. By comparison, we find that opening prices of morning sessions, as determined by call auctions, are more efficient and informative than prices of the afternoon session, as determined by a continuous auction mechanism. Using corporate announcements to compare the speed of price adjustments in response to overnight information versus lunch break information, we find that prices react much more rapidly to overnight announcements, consistent with pre-open call auctions facilitating price discovery to announcements. Results also suggest that corporate announcements enhance stock liquidity with the effect of overnight announcements on liquidity being stronger than the effects of lunch break announcements. Overall, our evidence highlights the utility of pre-open call auctions.

Continuous auction mechanism model for safety electric energy market transaction

With the rapid development of microgrid in the electric power industry, the microgrid electric energy transaction has begun to be marketized, and the research on the microgrid electric energy trusted transaction has important theoretical research value and social value. The existing blockchain-based microgrid electric energy trusted transaction models mostly focus on energy management and scheduling control between microgrids when conducting electric energy transactions, and do not fully consider the bidding problems in the market-based transaction of microgrid electric energy, resulting in trading strategies are difficult to adapt to new market changes. In response to this problem, this paper proposes a reliable transaction approach for microgrid electric energy based on a continuous two-way auction mechanism. The proposed strategy accounts for the volatility of electricity prices in the microgrid trading market and employs the continuous two-way auction mechanism to evaluate the microgrid electricity trading tactics. In the microgrid electric energy transaction, the self-adaptive learning theory is applied to adjust the quotations of both parties, so that both parties can make reasonable quotations according to the market environment. By simulating experimental data, the findings indicate that the continuous two-way auction mechanism transaction strategy enables both parties to modify their quotations based on market transaction information, thereby displaying a high degree of flexibility in microgrid electricity’s market-oriented trading.

정보거래자의 옵션 선택에 관한 연구

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine the option selection and optimal trading of informed traders in KOSPI 200 options market based on the PIN (probability of informed trading) model of Easley et al.(2002). Design/methodology/approach - This study uses TAQ (trade and quote) data provided by Korean Exchanges (KRX) which contains all the bids and trades recorded during the continuous auction trading hours for the KOSPI 200 options between May 2019 and September 2020. Findings - First, there was no difference in the PIN between call and put options in the 2019 data, but the PIN of put options was slightly higher in 2020. Second, regardless of the type of option, the PIN was higher for in-the-money (ITM) options, and the PIN of out-of-the-money (OTM) options was the same as or slightly higher than that of at-the-money (ATM) options. Third, we found that the PIN decreases as trading liquidity increases, and fourth, the PIN increased sharply as the expiration date approached, especially for OTM options, while ITM and ATM options showed relatively weak effects. Fifth, for foreign and institutional investors, the periodicity of orders was observed in milliseconds, especially for foreign investors, where the periodicity of orders was clear and frequent in OTM options. The results suggest that the purpose of option trading varies depending on the moneyness from the perspective of the informed trader.

Dealership versus continuous auction: Evidence from the JASDAQ market

The Japan Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (JASDAQ) market for emerging firms employed two trading methods during the 1998 to 2008 period: a quote-driven dealership system and an order-driven continuous auction system. Using the unique setting in which listed firms were able to choose their preferred trading method, we evaluate which of these trading methods is more desirable in improving liquidity and price efficiency. A difference-in-differences (DID) test with matched samples indicates that the dealership system provides better trading opportunities than the continuous auction system while the transaction costs are about the same. The dealership market is superior in price efficiency, but associated adverse selection costs are high. As a result, market makers have less incentive to provide liquidity because they cannot make enough profits when trading volume is low. These findings explain why the dealership market was phased out from the JASDAQ market after March 2008.

Intraday imbalance optimization: incentives and impact of strategic intraday bidding behavior

Intraday markets are crucial to balance supply and demand in the very short-term, up to delivery. They are often designed as continuous auctions with a pay-as-bid pricing mechanism. While several studies assess trading strategies to balance different types of portfolios, they normally do not consider the incentives of the imbalance prices for portfolio management. This paper analyzes a strategy of taking positions in the German intraday market based on expected imbalance prices and examines its impact on system stability. Using a logistic regression model, it is possible to accurately predict the direction of the overall system balance and to apply a profitable trading strategy. For a period from 01/07/2017 to 30/06/2019, the strategy outperforms a simple approach by EUR 47 000 per MW. However, this behavior would predominantly not have been system supportive due to biased imbalance price incentives. These are asymmetric price spreads and insufficiently low imbalance prices compared to intraday prices. An efficient intraday price constraint would partly solve the problem. The overall share of system supportive imbalance positions would raise by ten percentage points. In situations with high system wide imbalances, up to three-quarters of the positions would stabilize the system. These findings are important for regulation in Germany and other countries with a single imbalance pricing as they provide an indication for crucial points of the imbalance pricing rules to incite appropriate market behavior.

The impact of closing mechanism changes: evidence from the Shanghai stock market

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the impact of closing mechanism changes on market quality, investor trading behavior and market manipulation in the Shanghai stock market.Design/methodology/approachA dummy variable is constructed indicating whether the closing mechanism is call auction or continuous auction. Market quality is measured from aspects of liquidity, volatility and price continuity; investor trading behavior is scaled by order timing and order aggressiveness, and a price deviation indicator is the proxy of manipulation. Using panel regression, this study examines the impact of closing mechanism changes based on intraday transaction data from the Shanghai stock market.FindingsThe conclusions are as follows: First, market quality improves after the closing mechanism is reformed in terms of liquidity, volatility and price continuity. Second, order strategy changes significantly in the closing call market, and investors trade more aggressively in the continuous trading period before closing. Third, the closing call mechanism restrains the closing price manipulation and thus prompts an efficient closing price.Originality/valueThis paper examines the policy effects of closing mechanism changes from aspects of market quality, trading behavior and price manipulation, providing pieces of evidence for trading mechanism design and market supervision in emerging markets.

An Empirical Research on the Examination of the Relationship Between Financial Distress and Corporate Governance

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between financial distress and corporate governance practices. The scope of study, the study was conducted on listed and continuous auction method used companies on Borsa Istanbul 100 Index between the years 2009-2015. Research data were obtained from the corporate governance compliance reports, annual reports, and web pages. The obtained data was analyzed using logistic regression method. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that there is a relationship between the financial distress and the corporate governance practices. According to the findings, there are significant relationships between the financial distress and variables of the number of members on the board of directors of the company, institutional ownership, managerial ownership, CEO duality, and financial leverage.

Which firms benefit from market making?

From 1998 until 2008, all firms on the JASDAQ exchange could choose and switch between a market-maker method similar to NASDAQ and a continuous auction method similar to NYSE for trading their shares. We find that selecting a more suitable trading method increases firm value. When low-liquidity firms switched to market making, their liquidity improved, while high-liquidity firms switched to auction despite modest but significant decreases in liquidity. The results suggest that though market making is costly, it is valuable for firms as long as the liquidity benefits are sufficient to justify the implicit intermediation fee.

A theory of 'auction as a search' in speculative markets

The tatonnement process in high frequency order driven markets is modelled as a search by buyers for sellers and vice-versa. We propose a total order book model, comprising limit orders and latent orders, in the absence of a market maker. A zero intelligence approach of agents is employed using a diffusion-drift-reaction model, to explain the trading through continuous auctions (price and volume). The search (Levy or Brownian) for transaction price is the primary diffusion mechanism with other behavioural dynamics in the model inspired from foraging, chemotaxis and robotic search. Analytic and asymptotic analysis is provided for several scenarios and examples. Numerical simulation of the model extends our understanding of the relative performance between Brownian, superdiffusive and ballistic search in the model.

A Theory of 'Auction as a Search' in Speculative Markets

The tatonnement process in high frequency order driven markets is modeled as a search by buyers for sellers and vice-versa. We propose a total order book model, comprising limit orders and latent orders, in the absence of a market maker. A zero intelligence approach of agents is employed using a diffusion-drift-reaction model, to explain the trading through continuous auctions (price and volume). The search (levy or brownian) for transaction price is the primary diffusion mechanism with other behavioural dynamics in the model inspired from foraging, chemotaxis and robotic search. Analytic and asymptotic analysis is provided for several scenarios and examples. Numerical simulation of the model extends our understanding of the relative performance between brownian, superdiffusive and ballistic search in the model.

A theory of 'auction as a search' in speculative markets

The tatonnement process in high frequency order driven markets is modeled as a search by buyers for sellers and vice-versa. We propose a total order book model, comprising limit orders and latent orders, in the absence of a market maker. A zero intelligence approach of agents is employed using a diffusion-drift-reaction model, to explain the trading through continuous auctions (price and volume). The search (levy or brownian) for transaction price is the primary diffusion mechanism with other behavioural dynamics in the model inspired from foraging, chemotaxis and robotic search. Analytic and asymptotic analysis is provided for several scenarios and examples. Numerical simulation of the model extends our understanding of the relative performance between brownian, superdiffusive and ballistic search in the model.

Auctions with different rates of patience: Evidence from the resale shoe market

Bids and asks are examined over time using auction data from a continuous auction of authentic deadstock sneakers. A theoretical analysis of a double auction over time shows that if buyers and sellers have different rates of patience, then a buyer (respectively, seller) who is patient will be more likely to set a lower initial bid (respectively, higher initial ask). This causes an increase in the unfulfilled bid–ask spread over time. These results are tested using data collected from the StockX website for two specific deadstock sneakers. Results show that the unfulfilled bid–ask spread is positively correlated with time.

Chinese IPO returns: effects of ten-minute call auction

ABSTRACTWe connect the IPO underpricing with secondary market trading mechanism by examining the data of Chinese A-share IPOs between 1993 and 2016. We find that ten-minute call auction procedure generates most of the IPO initial return. For the whole sample, the mean value of the ratios of call auction returns to initial returns is close to 1, and the call auction returns account for 95% of the variability in initial returns. Regression results further show that determinants of IPO underpricing in existing literature explain IPO call auction returns better than continuous auction returns.

KYLE–BACK’S MODEL WITH A RANDOM HORIZON

The continuous-time version of Kyle [(1985) Continuous auctions and insider trading, Econometrica 53 (6), 1315–1335.] developed by Back [(1992) Insider trading in continuous time, The Review of Financial Studies 5 (3), 387–409.] is studied here. In Back’s model, there is asymmetric information in the market in the sense that there is an insider having information on the real value of the asset. We extend this model by assuming that the fundamental value evolves with time and that it is announced at a future random time. First, we consider the case when the release time of information is predictable to the insider and then when it is not. The goal of the paper is to study the structure of equilibrium, which is described by the optimal insider strategy and the competitive market prices given by the market makers. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the optimal insider strategy under general dynamics for the asset demands. Moreover, we study the behavior of the price pressure and the market efficiency. In particular, we find that when the random time is not predictable, there can be equilibrium without market efficiency. Furthermore, for the two cases of release time and for classes of pricing rules, we provide a characterization of the equilibrium.

Insider trading in sequential auction markets with risk-aversion and time-discounting

We extend Kyle's [Kyle, A. S. 1985. “Continuous Auctions and Insider Trading.”Econometrica 53, 1315–1335] analysis of sequential auction markets to the case in which the insider is risk-averse and discounts her trading profits as her private information is long-lived. We see that time-discounting exacerbates the impact of risk-aversion on the optimal trading strategy of the insider. Ceteris paribus, a larger degree of risk-aversion or a smaller time-discount factor induces the informed agent to consume more rapidly her informational advantage increasing the liquidity and efficiency of the securities market.

Punctual versus continuous auction coordination for multi-robot and multi-task topological navigation

This paper addresses the interest of using punctual versus continuous coordination for mobile multi-robot systems where robots use auction sales to allocate tasks between them and to compute their policies in a distributed way. In continuous coordination, one task at a time is assigned and performed per robot. In punctual coordination, all the tasks are distributed in Rendezvous phases during the mission execution. However, tasks allocation problem grows exponentially with the number of tasks. The proposed approach consists in two aspects: (1) a control architecture based on topological representation of the environment which reduces the planning complexity and (2) a protocol based on sequential simultaneous auctions (SSA) to coordinate Robots' policies. The policies are individually computed using Markov Decision Processes oriented by several goal-task positions to reach. Experimental results on both real robots and simulation describe an evaluation of the proposed robot architecture coupled wih the SSA protocol. The efficiency of missions' execution is empirically evaluated regarding continuous planning.

Robustness of equilibrium in the Kyle model of informed speculation

We analyze a static Kyle (Continuous auctions and insider trading. Princeton University, Princeton, 1983) model in which a risk-neutral informed trader can use arbitrary (linear or non-linear) deterministic strategies, and a finite number of market makers can use arbitrary pricing rules. We establish a strong sense in which the linear Kyle equilibrium is robust: the first variation in any agent’s expected payoff with respect to a small variation in his conjecture about the strategies of others vanishes at equilibrium. Thus, small errors in a market maker’s beliefs about the informed speculator’s trading strategy do not reduce his expected payoffs. Therefore, the original equilibrium strategies remain optimal and still constitute an equilibrium (neglecting the higher-order terms). We also establish that if a non-linear equilibrium exists, then it is not robust.

Low-Latency Trading and Price Discovery Without Trading: Evidence from The Tokyo Stock Exchange Pre-Opening Period

We study whether the presence of low-latency traders (including high-frequency traders (HFTs)) in the pre-opening period contributes to price discovery in the subsequent opening call auction and the continuous trading session. Our analysis evokes shades of the debate on the switch from the current continuous auction in many markets to a periodic auction, affecting the speed advantage of low-latency traders. We empirically investigate these questions using a unique dataset based on server IDs provided by the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), one of the largest stock markets in the world. Our data allow us to develop a more comprehensive classification of traders than in the prior literature, and to investigate the behavior of the different categories of traders, based on their capability for low-latency trading. We find that, perhaps due to the lack of immediate execution, about three quarters of the low-latency traders do not participate in the pre-opening period, but do participate in and dominate the continuous trading session. Furthermore, we find that the larger presence of low-latency traders in the trading of a stock in the pre-opening period as well as in the continuous session improves the price discovery process. Our results suggest that HFTs may not participate in trading in the periodic batch auction because of a lack of immediate execution, and that this large reduction in HFT participation may impede the quality of price discovery.

A quantitative model for intraday stock price changes based on order flows

This paper proposes a double Markov model of the double continuous auction for describing intra-day price changes. The model splits intra-day price changes as the repetition of one tick price moves and assumes order arrivals are independent Poisson random processes. The dynamic process of price formation is described by a birth-death process of the double M/M/1 server queue corresponding to the best bid/ask. The initial depths of the best bid and ask are defined as different constants depending on the last price change. Thus, the price changes in the model follow a first-order Markov process. As the initial depth of the best bid/ask is originally larger than that of the opposite side when the last price is down/up, the model may explain the negative autocorrelations of the price of the best bid/ask. The estimated parameters are based on the real tick-by-tick data of the Nikkei 225 futures listed in Osaka Stock Exchanges. The authors find the model accurately predicts the returns of Osaka Stock Exchange average.

Market-Wide Price Co-movement around Crashes in the Tokyo Stock Exchange

As described in this paper, we study market-wide price co-movements around crashes by analyzing a dataset of high-frequency stock returns of the constituent issues of Nikkei 225 Index listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange for the three years during 2007–2009. Results of day-to-day principal component analysis of the time series sampled at the 1 min time interval during the continuous auction of the daytime reveal the long range up to a couple of months significant auto-correlation of the maximum eigenvalue of the correlation matrix, which express the intensity of market-wide co-movement of stock prices. It also strongly correlates with the open-to-close intraday return and daily return of Nikkei 225 Index. We also study the market mode, which is the first principal component corresponding to the maximum eigenvalue, in the framework of Multi-fractal random walk model. The parameter of the model estimated in a sliding time window, which describes the covariance of the logarithm of the stochastic volatility, grows before almost all large intraday price declines of less than −5%. This phenomenon signifies the upwelling of the market-wide collective behavior before the crash, which might reflect a herding of market participants.