An analysis of intraday patterns in price clustering on the Tokyo Stock Exchange

Stock prices tend to cluster at round numbers, a phenomenon observed in many markets. Using tick-by-tick transaction data, this article studies price clustering on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, which is a computerized limit order market. As for the intraday pattern, the degree of price clustering is greatest at the market opening. Then, it decreases during the first half hour and reaches a stable level. It does not increase again near the market closing. There is no clear difference in clustering between call auctions and continuous auctions.