Why SEBI wants to change stock closing price rules
Dec 12, 2024
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A proposed change by SEBI aims to transform how stock closing prices are determined in India. The discussion focuses on moving from the current VWAP method to a Closing Auction Session model, enhancing price transparency. It also highlights the potential introduction of a Continuous Auction System, drawing insights from past regulatory experiences in other markets. The challenges investors may face during this transition are explored, inviting listener thoughts and feedback.
SEBI's proposal to transition from VWAP to CAS aims to enhance the accuracy of closing prices for Indian stocks.
While CAS could improve price representation, its complexity and risks of market manipulation underscore significant implementation challenges.
Deep dives
Impact of SEBI's Proposal on Closing Prices
A new proposal by SEBI aims to change how closing prices for Indian stocks are determined, shifting from the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) to a Closing Auction Session (CAS). Currently, the VWAP considers price movements and trading volume in the last 30 minutes of trading, which can lead to inaccuracies, particularly affecting passive funds that rely on these closing prices. When significant trades occur at the end of the trading day, they can distort the closing price, resulting in tracking errors for funds that aim to replicate indices. By adopting CAS, where an auction mechanism determines closing prices based on actual buyer-seller agreement post-market close, these discrepancies could potentially be minimized, leading to a fairer and more representative closing price for stocks.
Challenges and Historical Context of CAS Implementation
While the CAS model offers a promising alternative, it is not without challenges; historical examples, such as its initial introduction in Hong Kong, highlight potential risks of market manipulation. A significant incident involving a large sell-off leading to a temporary price collapse demonstrates how CAS can be susceptible to similar vulnerabilities if not carefully designed and regulated. SEBI plans to implement CAS gradually, initially targeting stocks with substantial liquidity, but this approach may complicate investor understanding compared to the more straightforward VWAP system. Moreover, the technological requirements and increased time needed for the auction process could impose higher operational costs, raising questions about its feasibility and acceptance in India's evolving market.
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Transforming Stock Closing Prices: The Proposed Shift from VWAP to CAS