Short and Distort

Authors

Joshua MittsFollow

Start Page

287

Abstract

Pseudonymous attacks on public companies are followed by stock price declines and sharp reversals. These patterns are likely driven by manipulative stock options trading by pseudonymous authors. Among 1,720 pseudonymous attacks on mid- and large-cap firms from 2010 to 2017, I identify over $20.1 billion in mispricing. Reputation theory suggests these reversals persist because pseudonymity allows manipulators to switch identities without accountability.

Recommended Citation

Mitts, Joshua (2020) "Short and Distort," Journal of Legal Studies: Vol. 49: No. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/jls/vol49/iss2/3