Using the comprehensive trading data for the U.S. corporate insiders between 1993 and 2008, we document robust evidence that insiders as a whole achieve transaction prices superior to the volume-weighted average prices. This outperformance, expressed as a positive trading alpha, remains after we...

This paper investigates insider trading before scheduled versus unscheduled corporate announcements to explore how corporate insiders utilize their private information when the amount of liquidity trading is varying over time in a predictable way. Using a comprehensive insider trading database...

This paper documents the profitability of the sentiment strategies. Using the aggregate closed-end fund discount as a proxy for investor sentiment, we construct a simple sentiment strategy on the basis of the exposure of stock returns to the closed-end fund discount. The sentiment strategies buy...

This paper documents the motivation, the construction, and the profitability of an investment strategy based on investor attention in the options market. Using the option volume after a one-week dormant period as a proxy for investor attention, we show that heightened investor attention after...

This paper examines option trading prior to significant information events. Using a broad sample of merger announcements, I find that there is abnormal option trading prior to such announcements after controlling for merger characteristics. This abnormal option trading is mainly concentrated in...

Using a broad sample of merger announcements, I find unusual option volume right before these announcements. The abnormal option volume provides new information about the pre-merger stock price runup beyond what is incorporated in the stock market. I also find that there exists abnormal option...

Using a broad sample of merger announcements, I find unusual option volume right before these announcements, an abnormality which provides new information about the pre-merger stock price runup beyond what is incorporated in the stock market. I also find that there exists abnormal option pricing...

This paper examines the profitability of option-based merger arbitrage. A simple arbitrage strategy using stock options is designed to examine the merger arbitrage profitability from 1996 to 2008. This strategy takes long position on call options of target firms and put options of acquirer firms...

Both behavioral biases and informational advantages can drive insider trades. We first document that U.S. corporate insiders anchor on the 52-week low (high) for stock purchases (sales). We then find that insider trades made when the stock price is far away from its anchor levels are more...