Accuracy of Stock Analysts’ Recommendations in the Polish Banking Sector: A Market Cycle Perspective

Abstract

The paper aims at empirical evaluation of the impact of the market cycle on the performance of stock recommendations issued for the banks listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange over the period 2000–2016. The research methods involved analyses of correlation and regression. The accuracy of each recommendation was assessed over 180 days since the date of its issuance. The examined sample covered 2801 recommendations and 347 121 observations of stock prices for 14 listed banks. The results of the research indicate that market cycle exerts impact on both directions and accuracy of analysts’ recommendations. The recommendations issued in the examined period were generally counteracting the extreme market sentiments, serving for stabilisation of banks’ stock prices around the intrinsic values estimated by analysts. The accuracy of target prices increased in the periods of bull market, and decreased in the periods of downturns.