THE EFFICIENCY OF SIN STOCKS: A MULTIFRACTAL ANALYSIS OF DRUG INDICES

Abstract

This study provides the first evidence of market efficiency of drug indices, especially cannabis and tobacco, which are known in finance as sin markets. The multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) is employed on the daily data of six cannabis and one tobacco indices in order to measure efficiency by quantifying the intensity of self-similarity. The findings confirm multifractality in all sample series. Interestingly, Dow Jones Tobacco (DJUSTB) Index shows the highest multifractality, demonstrating the lowest efficiency, whereas S&P/TSX Cannabis (SPTXCAN) Index is the most efficient of all the time series under analysis, with the lowest multifractality levels. Only the North American Marijuana (NAMMAR), Cannabis World Index Gross Total Return (CANWLDGR) and DJUSTB show persistent behavior. These findings could be of interest to policymakers and regulators to establish new reforms to improve the efficiency of these markets, as well as for actual and potential investors.