Volume, volatility, liquidity and efficiency of the Singapore Stock Exchange before and after automation

Abstract The Singapore Stock Exchange automated fully in 1989. We discuss the reasons why automation could influence aspects of trading such as volume, volatility, liquidity, market efficiency and bid—ask spreads. Examination of 28 securities suggests that automation is associated with increases in volumes traded, return volatility and liquidity as defined by the ratio of volume to volatility. Improvements in market efficiency appear in reduced serial correlations of returns. Bid-ask spreads and their variability widen somewhat.