This paper evaluates a nonparametric sign test for abnormal security price performance in event studies. The sign test statistic examined here does not require a symmetrical distribution of security excess returns for correct specification. Sign test performance is compared to a parametric t-test and a nonparametric rank test. Simulations with daily security return data show that the sign test is better specified under the null hypothesis and often more powerful under the alternative hypothesis than a t-test. The performance of the sign test is dominated by the performance of a rank test, however, indicating that the rank test is preferable to the sign test in obtaining nonparametric inferences concerning abnormal security price performance in event studies.
The Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis (JFQA) is published bimonthly in February, April, June, August, October, and December by the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington in cooperation with the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School. The JFQA publishes theoretical and empirical research in financial economics. Topics include corporate finance, investments, capital and security markets, and quantitative methods of particular relevance to financial researchers.
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The Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis
© 1992 University of Washington School of Business Administration
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