FIN-99-057


On the Formation and Structure of International Exchanges

September 14, 1999

Matthew J. Clayton, Bjorn N. Jorgensen and Kenneth A. Kavajecz

ABSTRACT
We investigate the formation and structure of 248 financial exchanges throughout the world. First, we empirically analyze the determinants of exchange formation as well as the impact of exchange formation on the domestic country's economy. Second, conditional on formation, we use a probit model to relate the choice of trading mechanism to the characteristics of the economic environment in which the exchange exists. We find that the main determinants of exchange formation in a country are the degree of economic freedom, the growth of the economy, the availability of technology, and the legal system. In addition, we find that the impact of exchange formation on the macro economy is limited to a reduction in the growth of the monetary aggregates with no significant impact on productivity. Lastly, our results show that the choice of trading mechanism depends on the country's economic development, the degree of competition, and the extent of economic freedom.

Clayton: (212) 998-0309 mclayton@stern.nyu.edu

Jorgensen: bjorgensen@hbs.edu

Kavajecz: kavajecz@wharton.upenn.edu

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