Google search volume and its influence on liquidity and returns of German stocks

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Reference

Bank, M., Larch, M., & Peter, G. (2011). Google search volume and its influence on liquidity and returns of German stocks. Financial Market and Portfolio Management, 25, 239-264. (ABDC_2022: B; ABS_2021: 2; VHB_3: C)

Publication type

Article in Scientific Journal

Abstract

We show that the search volume on Google not only serves as an intuitive proxy for overall recognition in a firm, but also captures the attention of stock market investors. Our results suggest that an increase in search queries is associated with a rise in trading activity and stock liquidity. We attribute the improved liquidity to a reduction in asymmetric information costs and conclude that the search volume primarily measures the recognition of uninformed investors. Moreover we find evidence that an increase in search volume is associated with temporarily higher future returns, which reinforces our previous finding.

Persons

Organizational Units

  • Institute for Financial Services
  • Chair in Business Administration, Banking and Financial Management

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11408-011-0165-y