The real effects of delisting: Evidence from a regression discontinuity design

► We demonstrate the use of fuzzy regression discontinuity design. ► Delisting from NASDAQ causes declines in firm employment, investment, and cash. ► We conclude that lower stock-specific liquidity leads to these declines. We study how the delisting of a firm’s stock, and the accompanying drop in liquidity, causally affects a firm’s real economic decisions. Although delisting is endogenous, we identify a causal effect by using regression discontinuity design (RDD). This technique suits the delisting problem because the probability of delisting rises discontinuously when observable variables pass known thresholds. We find that delisting results in a modest decline in investment and cash saving and an important and robust decline in employment.