Analysis of the clientele effect and the information content of short-term index option returns in Taiwan

Abstract

We compare and contrast the clientele effect, information content and the buy-and- hold returns of options with weekly and monthly expiration periods (Weeklys and Monthlys) traded on the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization-weighted Stock Index (TAIEX). No significant clientele effect is discernible in either market. Furthermore, Weeklys has the wider bid-ask spread and lower depth clearly implies greater information asymmetry than Monthlys. Unlike Weeklys, Monthlys are found to play a leading informational role in TAIEX returns. We further observe that both types of options have significantly negative returns.