Information search volume as a predictor of information explanatory power

Abstract

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -This paper aims to examine whether information search frequency of accounting information is related to the explanatory power of accounting information for firm market value. It also examines whether information content and state of nature can have an impact on this relationship. Design/methodology/approach -The paper is an empirical study using Web search volume data collected from Google Trends and financial and market data collected from Compustat. Findings -This paper finds that investors use Web search engines as an alternative way to search for information they need, search frequency of accounting information is positively related to the explanatory power of accounting information for firm market value, the relationship is found differential between statements and categories within a statement depending on the information content and the relationship is found stronger during economic upturns. Research limitations/implications -This paper examines 59 accounting items that are cross-firm commonly reported and that have data availability in Compustat. The external validity might be an issue. Practical implications -This paper is of interest to standard setters, corporate management and academics who wish to understand and improve the value of accounting information in the capital market.