Why Do Traders Choose to Trade Anonymously?

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis
Year: 2011
Volume: 46
Issue: 4
Pages: 1025-1049

Authors (3)

Comerton-Forde, Carole (not in RePEc) Putniņš, Tālis J. (University of Technology Sydne...) Tang, Kar Mei (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper examines the use, determinants, and impact of anonymous orders in a market where disclosure of broker identity in the trading screen is voluntary. We find that most trading occurs nonanonymously, contrary to prior literature that suggests liquidity gravitates to anonymous markets. By strategically using anonymity when it is beneficial, traders reduce their execution costs. Traders select anonymity based on various factors including order source, order size and aggressiveness, time of day, liquidity, and expected execution costs. Finally, we report how anonymous orders affect market quality and discuss implications for market design.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:cup:jfinqa:v:46:y:2011:i:04:p:1025-1049_00
Journal Field
Finance
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29