Between 1999 and 2007, WR Hambrecht has completed 19 IPOs in the U.S. usingan auction mechanism. We analyze investor behavior and mechanism performance inthese auctioned IPOs using detailed bidding data. The existence of some bids posted athigh prices suggests that some investors (mostly retail)...

In OTC bond markets many investors face high costs of trade, and these costs appear to berelated to the lack of price transparency. We study the consequences this has for efficient pricediscovery. Prices of municipal bonds react sluggishly to macroeconomic news. Yield spreads overtreasuries...