Stock Price Manipulation: Prevalence and Determinants*

We empirically analyze the prevalence and economic underpinnings of closing price manipulation and its detection. We estimate that similar to 1% of closing prices are manipulated, of which only a small fraction is detected and prosecuted. We find that stocks with high levels of information asymmetry and mid to low levels of liquidity are most likely to be manipulated. A significant proportion of manipulation occurs on month/quarter-end days. Manipulation on these days is more likely in stocks with high levels of institutional ownership. Government regulatory budget has a strong effect on both manipulation and detection.