Exchange Inquiry Letters and Stock Price Informativeness: Evidence from China

Using the data of China A-share listed firms from 2015 to 2019, we examine the effect of exchange inquiry letter regulation on stock price informativeness. It is found that the stock prices of inquired firms contain more firm-level information after the receipt of inquiry letter. Further research demonstrates that attracting investors' attention to more firm-specific information is the potential channel through which inquiry letters improve stock price informativeness. This paper provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of exchange inquiry letter regulation, which has significant implications for listed firms improving information disclosure and for regulators playing a better role in emerging markets.