The value of liquidity: Evidence from the derivatives market

Abstract

This paper documents the systematic overpricing of warrants relative to options. Models are developed in order to explain the cross-sectional variation in the relative pricing of these securities. Results indicate that relative pricing differences (RELDIFF) are related to various proxies of liquidity including days-to-maturity, relative trading volume and the mandated presence of market makers in the options market. The identity of warrant-issuers is also found to be significant in explaining relative pricing, possibly reflecting disparate levels of credit risk or it may be a manifestation of the different characteristics relating to the underlying shares upon which the warrants are issued. ..