Brokers and order flow leakage: Evidence from fire sales

AutorF. Franzoni, A. Barbon, M. Di Maggio, A. Landier
JournalThe Journal of Finance
Datum9. Aug. 2019
KategorieAcademic Publications
Volume74(6)
Seitenzahlen2707–2749

Using trade‐level data, we study whether brokers play a role in spreading order flow information in the stock market. We focus on large portfolio liquidations that result in temporary price drops, and identify the brokers who intermediate these trades. These brokers’ clients are more likely to predate on the liquidating funds than to provide liquidity. Predation leads to profits of about 25 basis points over 10 days and increases the liquidation costs of the distressed fund by 40%. This evidence suggests a role of information leakage in exacerbating fire sales.