Pseudo market-makers, market quality and the minimum tick size

This paper examines how a reduction in the minimum tick size affects the behaviour of pseudo market-makers and market quality. Consistent with prior findings, this study documents that bid-ask spreads and depth decline after a minimum tick size reduction; and the magnitude of tick size reduction influence the extent of the decrease. Empirical evidence from this research indicates that pseudo market-makers prefer lower-price stocks post-reduction, as the yield from quoting these spreads are higher. This is accompanied by a corresponding shift in trading activities, away from higher priced securities. Trading costs, measured using simulated market impact, decrease for large trades in the top price tier but increase otherwise.