This study examines the effect of corporate asset growth on stock
returns using data on nine equity markets in Asia. For the period from
1981 to 2007, we find a pervasive negative relation between asset
growth and subsequent stock returns. Such relation is weaker in
markets where firms' asset growth rates are more homogeneous and
persistent and in markets where firms rely more on bank financing for
growth. On the other hand, corporate governance, investor protection,
and legal origin do not influence the magnitude of the asset growth
effect in Asian markets.