The friday the thirteenth effect in stock prices: international evidence using panel data

Abstract

This examination of the Friday the 13th effect, in 62 international stock indices for the period 2000 to 2008, characterises the degree that the effect is influenced by: (i) the GDP of the economy and (ii) the sign of the return on the prior day. These effects are assessed by the use of an EGLS panel regression model incorporating panel corrected standard errors. The turn of the month effect on Fridays is also examined. Three important results relating to the Friday the 13th effect are observed. First, the depressed Friday the 13th effect is present when the return on the prior day is negative. Second, when the return on the prior day is positive, the depressed Friday the 13th effect is absent. Third, the depressed Friday the 13th effect is independent of the GDP of the country when the returns on control Fridays are used as the yardstick.