Arbitrage Asymmetry and the Idiosyncratic Volatility Puzzle

Robert Stambaugh, Jianfeng Yu and Yu Yuan ()

No 18560, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Short selling, as compared to purchasing, faces greater risks and other potential impediments. This arbitrage asymmetry explains the negative relation between idiosyncratic volatility (IVOL) and average return. The IVOL effect is negative among overpriced stocks but positive among underpriced stocks, with mispricing determined by combining 11 return anomalies. The negative effect is stronger, consistent with asymmetry in risks and other impediments inhibiting arbitrageurs in exploiting overpricing. Aggregating across all stocks therefore yields a negative relation, explaining the IVOL puzzle. Further supporting our explanation is a negative relation over time between the IVOL effect and investor sentiment, especially among overpriced stocks.

JEL-codes: G02 G12 G14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012-11
Note: AP
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

Published as Robert F. Stambaugh & Jianfeng Yu & Yu Yuan, 2015. "Arbitrage Asymmetry and the Idiosyncratic Volatility Puzzle," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 70(5), pages 1903-1948, October.

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Journal Article: Arbitrage Asymmetry and the Idiosyncratic Volatility Puzzle (2015)
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