Focusing on market phenomena, the author examines instances where security prices deviate from their 'fair value', highlighting the potential for traders to capitalize on these fluctuations. The book explores both the opportunities for profit and the inherent risks for those who may not recognize these temporary shifts in the market.
Short-selling is not currently permitted on the mainland Chinese stock exchanges, but is allowed in most other major stock markets. We review the theory and evidence on liquidity, price discovery and market efficiency associated with securities lending and short-selling. The evidence highlights a number of benefits and also risks associated with these practices. We describe the approaches taken by the Hong Kong and Taiwan stock exchanges to develop short-selling and build on this to generate ideas for the development of securities lending and short-selling in mainland China. We argue that a phased program of reform, well-implemented, can help build confidence in the mainland Chinese equity markets, by aiding price discovery and improving market liquidity. This work will be of interest to policy makers, regulators and investors in the Chinese equity markets.